Did anyone see the recent issue of Backpacker in which they tested a variety of bug repellents and found "oil of lemon eucalyptus" was almost as effective as 100% DEET? Anybody out there actually have any experience with this repellent - supposedly it smells nice and is less nasty-feeling on the hands. I imagine it also wouldn't destroy some synthetic materials. Too good to be true?

All I can say is that it worked, didn't smell bad and didn't eat my synthetic gear. I used it in Hawaii with a lot of mosquitos, but that isn't really a nasty bug environment. I'm definitely going to pick up some more, though...I'm not fond of DEET, especially on the kids.

sounds good to me - thanks for the insight!

Essential oils have the excellent advantage of being natural and relatively harmless. In my experience they can lose their potency once applied rather quickly. They are also a potential bear magnet(strong smell.)I have had mixed results with various essential oil bug repellants.

I can't really compare to DEET since I haven't used it in ages. I tend to use mechanical means(barriers.)