I'm Heading to Alaska on the 22nd of Aug. I've heard the bugs are nasty. Does anyone have some info on bug repelent that works well. I know the DEET stuff works..but that stuff is nasty. Clogs the pores and turn me into a sweat ball. Are there any other options out there.
Thanks in advance.

There are lots of other options that all work sometimes. Avon's Skin So Soft works for some folks, as do daily vitamin B pills.

I have been there too many times to count and think the best bet is to leave NO skin exposed and to wear a bug net over your head.

Even when the repellents work, the bugs can drive you nuts by constantly hovering around your head. Last week on Kodiak Island the bugs were so thick we all inhaled some and got them in our eyes. They were even a nuisance 1/2 mile off shore.

I agree with you on the pleasures of DEET, and there are a number of more user friendly products on the market now-a-days. I've tried a few of them and still always end up going back to DEET when I'm up there. They just seem to grow more voracious skeeters in AK. I just got back and it only took about 3 days for the scent to finally wash away. Good luck, the runs are very strong up there this year.

That time of year, the skeeters won't be too bad, but the gnats may be pretty aweful. Cigars are the best medicine. Make sure you have a headnet, and light cotton work gloves work well for your hands. DEET doesn't work on the gnats.

All depends upon where you're heading as to how big of a problem they'll be.

I haven't put on spray or netting all season on the Kasilof ... bugs are rarely a problem for us on the water. BUT, if you are walking through some grassy / marshy areas in some locales ... they can be as bad as any tale you've ever heard.

SH is right on ... DEET is no good for the no-see-ums. Swisher Sweets!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Clothing is good advice. Put the 100% deet on your clothes around skin areas. Don't wear anything with holes in it as the white sox will get ya. Pray for a strong breeze.

Stay away from yellow, like a yellow T-shirt.
Yellow attracts the critters.