Field Testing Thermacell Products

Over the years being in outdoors activities, through our SGTREK community we are connecting a lot of outdoor brands to our community members. Bring in new products and gears at a discounted rates to our members. We not only test the product for reviews but also constantly work with the brand’s on how to make great products and make them work functionally which could benefit better during the hikes.

One such brand we are working over the month is THERMACELL SINGAPORE testing their products on our hikes and outdoor picnics. Even on our previous camping adventures some of our members been using their products while camping. They really love the products and the unique way of keeping the mosquitos away while enjoying your outdoor camping. Do check out the review below, this review is based on our personal experience and the products used in this field test are sponsored by THERMACELL SINGAPORE.

WHAT IS THERMACELL?

As quoted “Thermacell repellents liberates people who love the outdoors from the harmful effects of insects.” Thermacell is a mosquito repellent that provides effective, virtually odorless, protection from mosquitoes. Thermacell repellent devices repel mosquitoes by creating a 15ft x 15ft zone of area repellent. This repellent, allethrin, is a synthetic copy of a natural repellent found in chrysanthemum plants.

Thermacell repellent devices are powered by a butane cartridge. Butane provides the cordless, portable heat that activates the devices. The heat generated by the butane cartridge is directed to a metal grill. A small mat saturated with repellent is inserted on top of the metal grill. Heat disperses the repellent from the mat into the air, creating the zone of protection. All Thermacell Mosquito Repellers, Mosquito Repellent Lanterns, and Mosquito Repellent Torches work the same way, and all can use any Thermacell repellent mats and refill cartridges.

TYPES OF THERMACELL PRODUCTS:

Thermacell mosquito repellents comes in many different versions. Based on the various needs of one, you could purchase accordingly. On our field testing we tested both the THERMACELL MR-GJ & MR-300L Portable Mosquito Repellent and MR-CLC SCOUT LANTERN MOSQUITO REPELLENT.

PORTABLE REPELLERS:

Thermacell MR-GJ Portable Mosquito Repellent & Thermacell MR-300l Portable Mosquito Repellent are both portable and lightweight to carry on your hikes or outdoors. The Repellent repels mosquitoes by creating a 15-foot zone of protection for bug-free comfort repellents which is ideal on the hikes, especially when you are taking a break or stopping over for pictures.

I personally while on hikes avoid using Mosquito sprays and lotions on the body as it could get messy and during the hike as we perspire do not like the smell of the repellents. With Thermacell no spray, no lotion, and no mess, scent-free and DEET-free as stated on their products.

The product is easy to use. As the product does not have any open flame and smoke it’s easy to carry around the walks or outdoors. The product is powered by fuel cartridge which heats up the heating element and activates the repellent mats to deter the mosquitos and bugs. Usually it takes around 10-15mins for the process to activate. Butane cartridge last for 12hours and each Mat pad last four-hour which could easily be changed. Best advised to use the product on less windy day.

Products Includes: Thermacell Repeller, 3 Original Repeller mats, 1 butane cartridge. (*see the packing while making purchase)

Steps to use the device:

Place the mosquito repellent mat
Remove the bottom cover of the device and screw the cartridge. Make sure the cartridge is fully secured, replace the cover back.
Slide “ON/OFF” switch to ON position, butane gas will start to flow.
After few seconds press the START button 2-3times to ignite, check the heating element is turned on.
Leave it for 10-15mins to activate the whole repellent process.

For Safety when not in use:

Always ensure the “ON/OFF” switch to OFF position.
Remove the cartridge and put aside if not in use.

Thermacell MR-300L is a new model with more slimmer body compared to Thermacell MR-GJ. Both spec is almost similar except the ON/OFF button on MR-GJ is knob type and MR-300L is slide type which you need to slide left/right to ON/OFF the device.

Thermacell MR-300 New features includes: Quiet ignition, Re-engineered grill and switch, Improved ergonomics, and Accessory mounting system.

THERMACELL MR-CLC SCOUT LANTERN MOSQUITO REPELLENT

MR-CLC SCOUT LANTERN functions the same way as the portable version, except the product comes with the 220-lumen light to brighten up your camping outdoor adventure. MR-CLC SCOUT LANTERN light feature and repellent operate independently or together. You will need 4 AA-batteries to lighten up the device. LED lantern features 4 light settings Low, Medium, High and SOS. To “ON” the device after inserting the batteries push the button on the base and use the required setting, to turn off the device just hold it for 3seconds it will switch off the lights.

Products Includes: Thermacell Repeller, 3 Original Repeller mats, 1 butane cartridge. (Batteries not included) (*see the packing while making purchase)

Steps to use the device:

Place the mosquito repellent mat
Remove the bottom cover of the device and screw the cartridge. Make sure the cartridge is fully secured, replace the cover back.
To activate the repellent, raise the handle and rotate collar to right until the indicator line points to “ON” the gas will start to flow.
After few seconds rotate lantern collar further to the right until the indicator line points to “START” you should hear a clicking noise, check the heating element is turned on.
Leave it for 10-15mins to activate the whole repellent process.

For Safety when not in use:

Always ensure the “ON/OFF” switch to OFF position.
Remove the cartridge and put aside if not in use.
Remove to the batteries off the devices.

THERMACELL MOSQUITO REPELLENT REFILL PACK

MOSQUITO repellent each mat lasts up to 4 hours and each fuel cartridge lasts up to 12 hours.

THERMACELL R-1 MOSQUITO REPELLENT REFILL 12-HOUR

Package contains: 3 repellent mats and 1 fuel cartridge

THERMACELL R-4 MOSQUITO REPELLENT REFILL 48-HOUR

Package contains: 12 repellent mats and 4 fuel cartridges

Repellent Refill packs are easily available in outdoors stores and online platforms:

THERMACELL SINGAPORE: https://thermacell.com.sg/refills/

OUTSIDE: https://outsidestore.co/

OUTDOOR LIFE: https://www.outdoorlife.com.sg/brands/thermacell/

SELFFIX: https://selffix.com/

Lazada: https://www.lazada.sg/

Shopee: https://shopee.sg/

OVERALL THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PRODUCT

Based on the field testing we could only conclude the products do works when we used it on our hikes in Mozzy trails. It is more suitable in less wind or no wind condition, great for camping outdoors, picnics, BBQ party etc. Due to its lightweight, portable, no open flame, makes it more suitable to carry anywhere while on adventure. People who are allergic to spray on repellents could consider Thermacell.

Repellent is a synthetic copy of a substance found in chrysanthemum flowers [Allethrin, a copy of a naturally occurring insecticide] makes it odor free and NO DEET. Works with all Thermacell Repeller mats and refills and these refills can be easily found in outdoor stores makes it more cost effective.

This product is not suitable in windy conditions, advised to use in less wind or no wind condition. Do not use in enclosed area specially inside the tents or closed rooms.