If you are a frequent traveler and enjoy hiking and backpacking trips, you are already aware of the dangers of encountering a bear, especially during the night. It is absolutely essential to be prepared and invest in an effective bear spray before you make your way to the wild.
It is important to know the exact steps you need to follow to use bear spray in the correct way. Make sure you are well-prepared before you go hiking, and you can even purchase an extra can to practice once at home. We have highlighted three main steps that you need to follow.
The first thing that you will need to do is remove the safety wedge that comes with your can. It is there in the first place to prevent accidental leakage, so make sure that you purchase a can that comes with one. For removing it, you will need to detach the canister from the holster and place your fingers in the loop and your thumb on the trigger.
After removing the safety clip, you will need to aim the spray accurately. It is recommended that you aim the canister directly between you and the potential path of the bear you are targeting. A 30 degrees angle is usually ideal, as it ensures that the mist reaches the bear long before it comes near you. If the weather conditions are windy, you will have to be more careful to ensure that the spray does not get in your own eyes or nose. Make sure that you are holding the canister firmly using both hands.
Finally, the last step is to fire the can. The most effective way is to pull the trigger in 1 to 2-second bursts to release the fog and form a cloud around the bear so that its vision can be impaired. While doing so, slowly start moving backward, and only stop spraying when the bear has changed its direction. If the bear reaches too close, aim directly for the face, especially the eyes.
The first thing that you need to ensure is that your bear spray is within easy reach at all times of your trip. If you do encounter a bear, you will not have time to look for it and unpack it. Also, if you see a bear, do not run and stay calm. Act swiftly and carefully follow the instructions mentioned above. It is very likely that you may get some spray on you, especially if it is windy. In this case, do not panic and remember that the effect is only temporary. Always make sure that the safety wedge is secured when you are not using it. Avoid leaving it in the car, especially during summers as it may explode.
The Counter Assault bear spray is a premium option because it provides a 40 feet spray distance along with an 8-second continuous spray duration, which makes it extremely effective in repelling bears. The bottle comes with a large canister which is easy to operate and can release a significant amount of spray at a time. The 10.2 ounces bottle will last you a long time. A durable belt holster comes with the spray which allows you to attach it to your hip for quick access. The glow-in-the-dark safety wedge also ensures that you can locate it during nighttime. It is effective against all bears, and the formula used is the maximum strength allowed by the law. For these reasons, we chose this bear spray as our top pick.
This bear spray for hiking by Mace is probably one of the most accurate options in the market. It releases targeted mist that can provide a long-range protection of up to 20 feet. The powerful formula along with the advanced delivery system make it one of the best options. The formula is made from natural ingredients derived from substances like hot peppers, which directly impact the vision and breathing of the bears temporarily. The finger loop handle makes it easy to carry, and you operate it by simply pressing the actuator button after removing the safety wedge. The spray empties in 6 seconds, and the company is EPA-registered, so you do not have to worry about hurting the bears permanently. It is recommended to store this in a cool, dry place.
The Udap bear spray for hiking is a 2 pack option, which is both cost-effective and reliable. Each can comes in a bottle of 7.9 ounces, and the canister is easy to operate. The orange safety wedge is designed to help prevent unnecessary leakage, and two holsters are included so you can carry the cans conveniently. In case you remove the safety wedge by accident, you can attach it back. The fog released is dense, but it is not narrow so it may not provide a very precise attack. Nevertheless, the formula is very strong and effective against many different species of bears. The maximum spray distance is about 30 feet, so it is advised to wait until the bear is at least 30 feet away from you for maximum effectiveness.
The Guard Alaska bear spray for hiking is another great option because it is a tested and proven product. You can trust this brand because the company has tested the spray for 6 years in Alaska, and rendered it effective against all species of bears. It can release the spray continuously for 9 seconds, and you can also fire it in bursts. The capacity of this spray is about 15 to 20 feet, which is ideal for spraying at the bears from a safe distance. The canister is the size of a shotgun and is easy to use, and a safety wedge is included to prevent it from leaking. The formula does not contain any flammable or ozone-depleting substances, so it is completely safe for the environment.
Last but not least, this bear spray for hiking by Griz Guard comes in a 13.4 ounces bottle, which is larger than all the other sprays we have reviewed. It can spray at a maximum distance of 35 feet, which makes it extremely effective to repel bears from a safe distance. The packaging includes a hip holster, which means that you can attach it conveniently to your belt or backpack. A bear safety booklet is also included with instructions on using the spray correctly. The bottle releases a dense but narrow fog, which allows you to target the bear with precision. It is non-flammable, and the company is registered with the EPA. You can fire this is burts or use it all at once.
A: Bear sprays consist of strong ingredients, which can cause temporary blindness. However, it is not strong enough to lead to permanent damage. The symptoms will disappear in a few minutes.
A: It is recommended to leave the area after you spray a bear, but your movements should be slow and calculated. Never start running and do not make any sudden movements.
A: If there is an ample amount of spray left inside the can after your first use, you can reuse it. However, it may not be very sensible to take such a risk, and you should always carry a fresh can so you have a sufficient amount of spray in case of an unexpected bear encounter.
