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OutdoorGear
Real discussions from product enthusiasts
DEET in OFF! Can Damage Synthetic Materials
Users on r/camping and r/CampingGear have reported that DEET-based repellents, including OFF!, can melt or damage synthetic fabrics and plastics. One user described a 'tacky surface' left on car headlights requiring extensive polishing, highlighting the need for careful application away from sensitive gear.
7% DEET vs. Florida's Intense Mosquitoes and Noseeums
In humid Florida environments like the Everglades, users found that even multiple applications of 50% DEET struggled against dense mosquito swarms. However, OFF! bug spray was noted as being helpful in deterring smaller biting insects like noseeums during crepuscular hours.
General Consensus on DEET Concentration for Bug Spray
Discussions comparing brands like OFF! and Repel suggest a general consensus that DEET concentrations between 40-45% are typically sufficient for most outdoor needs. This raises questions about the adequacy of lower concentrations like 7% in challenging environments.
Tick Bite Still Occurred Despite 7% DEET Application
In a Spanish-language discussion on r/Mommit, a parent reported that a tick bite still occurred on a child's ankle after applying a 7% DEET kids' version of OFF!. This instance suggests limitations in achieving complete tick prevention solely through topical repellents.
Expert answers based on real user experience
Users on Reddit have raised concerns about DEET's interaction with synthetic materials. Specifically, OFF! FamilyCare's 7% DEET formulation can potentially damage plastics and certain synthetic fabrics commonly found in camping gear. Reports include instances where DEET left a 'tacky surface' on car headlights, necessitating extensive polishing to restore clarity. It is advisable to avoid direct application onto tent material, synthetic clothing linings, or plastic components of equipment to prevent degradation or discoloration. This effect is due to DEET's solvent properties, which can break down polymers in these materials.
r/CampingGear
In humid environments like Florida, OFF! FamilyCare with 7% DEET has been noted by users as helpful specifically for deterring noseeums, particularly during the low-light periods of dusk and dawn. While it offers some protection against these small biting midges, its efficacy against larger, denser mosquito swarms in such conditions might be limited compared to higher DEET concentrations. Users in Florida have reported even 50% DEET struggling against severe mosquito pressure, suggesting that 7% DEET provides a more moderate, but still useful, level of defense against specific biting insects.
OFF!
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Key features: EFFECTIVE INSECT REPELLENT: Provides long-lasting protection against mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects with 7% DEET, keeping you safe during outdoor activities., IDEAL FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: Perfect for camping, hiking, hunting, and outdoor sports, ensuring you enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about bugs., SAFE FOR CLOTHING & GENTLE ON SKIN: Can be applied to clothing, skin, and gear, offering versatile protection without damaging fabrics or leaving you feeling sticky., SUMMER SCENT: Enjoy a light, fresh summer scent while staying protected from pesky insects, making it a pleasant choice for outdoor adventures., CONVENIENT SIZE: The 175mL bottle is easy to carry in your backpack or gear bag. The perfect size for travel and outdoor excursions..
OFF!
OFF! Deep Woods Insect and Mosquito Repellent, Bug Spray with Deet, Ideal Camping, Hiking, and Hunting Essentials, Bug Repellent Safe for Clothing, 230g (Packaging May Vary)
-4%OFF!
OFF! FamilyCare Insect and Mosquito Repellent with Summer Scent, Bug Spray for Camping, Bug Repellent Safe for Clothing, 175 mL
r/CampingandHiking
While discussions on platforms like r/campingandhiking often point to DEET concentrations between 40% and 45% as generally sufficient for solid insect protection, OFF! FamilyCare utilizes a 7% DEET formulation. This lower percentage is designed for general use and is often found adequate for less severe insect pressure or shorter durations. For prolonged exposure in areas with high insect activity or specific disease vectors, users might find that the protection duration and effectiveness of a 7% DEET product are less than that offered by sprays with 30% to 100% DEET.
r/campingandhiking
Within Canada's regulatory framework, DEET concentrations for children's repellents are typically capped at 10%. Discussions suggest that few alternatives available within this 10% DEET limit have demonstrated significantly superior performance compared to OFF! FamilyCare. While some users have reported perceived lower effectiveness than expected, the product remains a readily available option for parents seeking insect protection for children under these specific limitations, where higher DEET concentrations are restricted.
r/CampingandHiking (Italian discussion)
While OFF! FamilyCare with 7% DEET is intended to deter ticks, it does not guarantee complete prevention of attachment. User experiences shared on platforms like r/Mommit indicate that even with application to areas like children's ankles, tick bites can still occur. DEET works by interfering with a tick's sensory receptors, making it harder for them to locate a host. However, the effectiveness can vary based on tick species, density, and environmental factors. For thorough tick protection, layering topical repellents with physical barriers like long clothing and performing thorough tick checks remains key.
r/Mommit
In exceptionally dense mosquito swarms, such as those encountered in environments like the Florida Everglades, user reports indicate that even higher DEET concentrations, like 50%, can be insufficient for prolonged protection. Consequently, a 7% DEET formulation in OFF! FamilyCare would likely offer a considerably shorter duration of effectiveness and reduced efficacy against such overwhelming insect pressure. While it provides a baseline deterrent, it is not designed to overcome extreme conditions where maximum protection is paramount and higher DEET percentages are typically recommended.
r/CampingandHiking
