Smidge really does work. Last year we were waiting outside for a tour of Kinloch castle on the Isle of Rum. We were wearing Smidge and the grey mist was all around us but we were not bothered at all. Other people waiting were being bitten to pieces.
One of the odd things I’ve noticed about smidge, is that the midges still hang around and even land on you, but don’t bite (especially in bad areas). It’s odd at first because you tingle, expecting the bites, but they never come.
Best test for me was at glen nevis a couple of years ago. long sleeve/trousers, hood up and smidge on my face and hands.
Tried to pitch the tent in quite possibly the worst midge swarm I have ever seen. I had scores of midges hanging from my eyelids, where I couldn’t put smidge. Then, once in the tent, I had a huge red ring around the bottom of my back where my top had ridden up whilst pitching. Not a single bite on my hands or face though (well, other than my eyelids!).