It takes a while for the vapor to work, it does not put out enough so that you can stray far away (more than 5" ) from it to be protected. The slightest breeze renders it ineffective. It does use very little fuel. It keeps going out! No flame = no repellent. I was really hoping it would work.

There was a slight breeze in the air, and that repellent smoke just drifted off into the atmosphere. Mosquitoes were literally landing on the thermacell and seemed unfazed. We ended up getting g a nice smoky fire going and the mosquitoes finally settled down.
Later in the night the breeze died down and the thermacell seemed to do a much better job of keeping the mosquitoes away. I was able to use it while setting up my tent, and it was definitely working.
It's not a miracle product, however if you're headed somewhere with lots of mosquitoes, it can be a really nice supplement to keep the 'skeeters from sucking you dry!

I've tried everything (citronella candles, mosquito rub/spray on products, wrist bands, netting, and high frequency repellents)... Nothing worked until the amazing Thermacell repellent! Simple to use, the Thermacell unit allowed my backpacking friend and I to play cribbage, in the space between our tents, without a single mosquito in sight! Even better, there was no sound or irritating smelll from the unit; only a barely noticeable waft of smoke.

Well I bought some fuel and came home and did like another reviewer said, let it run for a few seconds to purge the line and you also have to screw it down tight. It worked fine. I know Thermacell will work on mosquitoes because I have several hand held ones.

I purchased several more when the prices dropped. I noticed several people said that they don't work. Hey it works for me, I am loving it.

First off. If you realize the shortcomings of a system that requires a somewhat still air area to be effective. You won't be let down. 2 weeks ago, I went camping at a lake and the mosquitos had got a late start. They were atrocious. Maxi deet and headnets were the norm. My wife had left the door to our tent open and when we went to turn in for the evening? Dozens of dehydrated mosquitos anxiously waiting our arrival. I started up the Thermacell and went back to the fire pit for about 15 minutes. When I returned to the tent? They had all evacuated the area. So does it Work? Heck yeah it works. Outside in a somewhat windy situation, I wouldn't expect it to be that effective. But sitting in my treestand or ground blind, I am confident I won't be table fare for the little vampires.

This unit uses exactly the same mats the standard Thermacell units use. I do wish it was a couple ounces lighter, but hey, at just 4oz it's worth it. In combination with Permethrin treated clothing and some concentrated Deet for backup, you should be bite free. I'm one happy camper!