Get the Thermacell Holster...yes it ok to lay it down..but if it falls to the ground..WHAT A BUMMER!!! so buy a holster and attach it to your climber..I keep mine in front of me,,Our skeeters are horrible.,,but the Thermacell does work..The holster carries an extra butane cartridge and some blue pads..It can be expensive..The blue pads burn up in about 3 hours and the butane runs out in about 8 hours..