Smidge Midge Repellent Review
Anyone who's camped or walked in the Scottish Highlands in midge season doesn't need persuading that repellent is essential kit, not an optional extra. Smidge is the repellent that's built its whole reputation on exactly that problem — developed in Scotland specifically to deal with Highland midges — and it's become the default recommendation across a lot of UK outdoor forums and campsites for good reason.
What it is
Smidge is a DEET-free insect repellent built around 20% Saltidin (also sold under the name Picaridin or Icaridin), a WHO- and Public Health England-approved active ingredient that's proven to perform on a par with DEET without DEET's downsides — it doesn't leave a sticky residue, doesn't damage plastics, fabrics or the coatings on watches and sunglasses, and is generally kinder on skin over repeated daily use. Alongside the Saltidin, the formulation includes hexyl cinnamon, limonene and linalool. It's sold as both a pump spray and a cream, most commonly in 75ml bottles, and the brand states it's safe to use on adults, children over 30 months, and pregnant women.
Smidge is rated to give protection for up to 8 hours per application and is described as water- and sweat-resistant, which matters in practice — Highland conditions are rarely dry, and a repellent that needs reapplying every time you get a bit damp isn't much use on a multi-day trip.
Pros
- DEET-free — won't damage tent fabric, waterproofs, plastic camera housings, or sunglasses coatings the way DEET-based sprays can
- Developed specifically for Scottish midges, which are notoriously harder to repel than mosquitoes
- Long claimed protection window (up to 8 hours) reduces how often you need to reapply
- Doesn't leave the greasy, sticky finish associated with high-strength DEET products
- Suitable for a wider range of users, including children over 30 months and pregnant women
Cons
- Not effective against every insect equally — like all repellents, performance varies by species and conditions, and very heavy midge swarms can still get through with wind and behaviour a factor
- 75ml bottles don't last long on a serious midge-season trip — worth carrying a spare
- Sits at a premium price point compared to generic DEET sprays
- Spray version can be harder to apply evenly to the face; some prefer the cream for that reason
Who it's for
Smidge is close to essential for anyone camping, walking or wild camping in the Scottish Highlands and islands between late spring and early autumn, when midge season is at its worst — it's just as relevant for tent camping as for day walking, since midges are at their most aggressive around dusk and dawn near still air and water. It's also a sensible choice more generally around the UK for anyone who wants a DEET-free option that won't affect gear, even outside peak midge conditions.
Our verdict
Smidge does what it says on the tin — it's a genuinely effective, skin- and gear-friendly alternative to DEET that was built to solve one of Scotland's most persistent outdoor problems. If you're heading anywhere midge-prone, it's one of the few bits of kit we'd call non-negotiable.