In the event you’re in a rush, then the SABRE Frontiersman is your greatest guess.
Bear spray is a superb instrument for self-defense. It’s simple to make use of, and it may save your life if it’s worthwhile to defend your self towards an aggressive bear.
However when do you have to use it? How a lot do it’s worthwhile to carry with you? And how much bear spray do you have to purchase?
No want to worry any longer, as a result of we’ve you coated. Let’s get began…
Finest Bear Spray: Our Prime Suggestions
Nonetheless Confused? Examine the Finest Bear Sprays right here.
SABRE Frontiersman Bear Spray
Sprays Up To: 35 ft | Spray Period: 5 seconds | Quantity (oz): 9.2 | Weight (oz): 9.2
SABRE’s Frontiersman bear spray is among the highest-rated choices on the market with over 1,000 five-star critiques, and it’s not arduous to see why. To begin with, it’s a bit extra inexpensive than its rivals. Nonetheless, the value distinction isn’t the one cause why this bear spray is so widespread.
The explanation why SABRE customers love this product is that it’s stopping energy is “sufficient to make me sleep effectively at night time.” It’s that sturdy.
My mates usually ask me simply how highly effective this spray is. I merely inform them what the producer places on the label, which is 2.0% main capsaicinoids. If that quantity doesn’t imply something to you, you’re not alone. Many newbie campers don’t absolutely grasp its energy from a share alone.
That’s after I inform them that this bear spray is 50% stronger than SABRE’s most forceful police pepper spray. I don’t care for those who’re a beginner to the outside or a veteran of the wild, anybody can get behind that energy. If it’s adequate for the cops, it’s adequate for me.
Professionals:
- 2.0% formulation offers excessive stopping energy
- 35-foot vary hits any bear
- 52g burst in a single second
- Environmentally authorised by the EPA
- Comes with a belt holster
Cons:
- Some cans come depressurized, so remember to check the product beforehand.
Finest for: Hikers going into the wilderness who need essentially the most bang (actually) for his or her buck.
Guard Alaska Bear Spray
Sprays Up To: 20 ft | Spray Period: 9 seconds | Quantity (oz): 9 | Weight (oz): 9.17
Very like the Frontiersman, you’ll be completely happy to know that this bear spray additionally comes with a holster. I’m personally an enormous fan of the nylon and metallic building of Guard Alaska’s holster since it may take a beating with out displaying any indicators of damage.
In the event you’re going for pure energy, you could be higher off with the SABRE because the Alaska solely has a 1.34% focus. That’s a bit lighter than the two.0% you get with the Frontiersman. Additionally, its vary is decrease at 20 toes.
Those that don’t thoughts the decrease focus shouldn’t have any issues with this mannequin. That’s very true because it’s been endorsed by the Alaska Science & Expertise Basis. They are saying it really works towards all species, and I are inclined to agree!
It’s additionally EPA-approved, so that you don’t have to fret about leaving a adverse mark on the lands you discover. In spite of everything, my mates and I like to go away the areas we camp on simply as lovely as after we first arrived.
The very last thing in regards to the decrease spray focus is that it’d profit a few of you. In my expertise, a decrease focus could be useful for households. You don’t need little Timmy breaking into your bag and blasting himself with a brilliant highly effective spray.
Professionals:
- Endorsed by Alaskan scientists
- Comes with a belt holster
- Environmentally authorised by the EPA
- Extra makes use of as a consequence of slower spray price (might be a con in some conditions)
Cons:
- 1.34% formulation focus is decrease than rivals
- The 20-foot vary is shorter than others on this listing
Finest for: Campers who need extra sprays per can, and aren’t as involved about energy.
Counter Assault Bear Spray
Sprays Up To: 40 ft | Spray Period: 9.2 seconds | Quantity (oz): 10.2 | Weight (oz): 15
Let me begin by saying that SABRE’s 35-foot vary is already greater than sufficient for many conditions. Nonetheless, for those who’re on the lookout for the utmost vary and need to really feel like a bear spray sniper, there’s no beating the Counter Assault.
The primary draw of this spray is that it’s efficient on targets as much as 40 toes away. That further 5 toes could not make a distinction in most eventualities, however the added distance may save your life if a large bear is charging at you from afar. The vary additionally reduces the percentages of you lacking with a untimely panic spray.
This spray makes use of the identical 2.0% focus for its formulation, tying the Frontiersman. Whereas the vary and energy are positively as much as par, I’ve some points with its design.
As a father of two, I’m all the time cautious with harmful gadgets that appear to be toys. It would simply be me, however this spray’s deal with and colour scheme make it appear to be a toy fireplace extinguisher. These tenting with children could need to wrap it in electrical tape to keep away from any mistaken accidents.
Professionals:
- Market-leading 40-foot vary
- 2.0% formulation will knock down any bear
- Comes with a holster AND night time glow locator
- S.N.A.P. certification from EPA
Cons:
- Design isn’t very kid-safe
Finest for: Those that are traversing open areas, who need most vary within the occasion of a menace.
UDAP 
18HP Tremendous Magnum Bear Spray
Sprays Up To: 35 ft | Spray Period: 7 seconds | Quantity (oz): 13.4 | Weight (oz): 16
On paper, it will appear to be the Tremendous Magnum is a powerful competitor towards the SABRE Frontiersman. They’ve an equal vary and share the two.0% focus of their formulation. Regardless of this, there’s nonetheless an enormous disparity in reputation. Why?
One of many important causes for that is the truth that the Tremendous Magnum bear spray bought a little bit of a nasty rap after an Alaskan purchaser had one can explode in his automobile. To be honest to UDAP, it was a 65 ℉ day, so not precisely the “cool, dry place” that producers counsel.
For essentially the most half, it looks like the combustion incident was an remoted case. I nonetheless wouldn’t advocate leaving your bear spray within the automobile, although, which applies to all manufacturers. Not solely wouldn’t it threat an explosion, however it is best to all the time hold the spray on you in case a bear arrives.
Explosions apart, this spray was truly developed by a bear assault survivor. So, no less than you realize their founder has a bit little bit of pores and skin within the sport with regards to producing dependable merchandise.
Professionals:
- 2.0% formulation is the highest of this listing
- 35-foot vary, positively lengthy sufficient
- Developed by a bear assault survivor
- Glossy black holster included
- Glowing security clip
Cons:
- Could trigger anxiousness to ekrixiphobics (these with a concern of explosions)
Finest for: UDAP followers who’re on the lookout for a longer-range different to the Security Orange.
UDAP Bear Spray Security Orange
Sprays Up To: 30 ft | Spray Period: 4 seconds | Quantity (oz): 7.9 | Weight (oz): 8
Talking of the Security Orange, this spray is much extra prevalent amongst U.D.A.P. clients, with roughly 10x extra gross sales. Whereas its vary isn’t as spectacular (at solely 30 toes), this product’s flawless popularity is sufficient to sway most patrons.
It additionally retains up with different sprays because of its 2.0% concentrated formulation, so that you don’t have to fret about it falling quick when an actual menace arrives. In contrast to some cheaper holsters, UDAP’s is well-made and makes it tremendous simple to attract your spray in a break up second.
The product is available in just a few colour variations, however I favor the orange model for 2 causes: 1. It stays true to the product identify, and a couple of. It’s simpler to identify in low gentle. Those that favor an all-black loadout shall be completely happy to search out that colour scheme obtainable too.
Those that are new to the outside life-style will like this bear spray because it comes with a 32-page booklet on bear security suggestions. Seeing as this an precise survivor wrote this booklet, there’s little doubt that the data inside will allow you to out.
Professionals:
- Most respected and widespread UDAP spray
- 2.0% formulation is offensive sufficient for anybody
- Straightforward-draw holster
- Glowing security clip
- Comes with a useful booklet for these unfamiliar with bears
Cons:
- The 30-foot vary is shorter than rivals
Finest for: Campers who want a dependable, easy-to-spot spray that they will draw at a second’s discover.
Bear Sprays – In contrast
Bear Spray Choice 101
Now that I’ve proven you a number of the greatest sprays cash should purchase, you most likely have just a few extra questions. Worry not – as a result of the next information ought to cowl most of your issues and allow you to finalize your shopping for resolution.
Spray Period
One of many first stuff you’ll need to take a look at is the spray length or its discharge price.
Bear sprays sometimes discharge for between 4 to 9 seconds. That. Is. It.
So that you need to hold this in thoughts. If you need to use your bear spray, you’ll need to hold your spurts to 1 to 2 seconds.
Which means for those who select a 4 second spray, you might solely have 2 sprays of it till you might be completed.
Guard Alaska Bear Spray and Counter Assault Bear Spray each have over 9 seconds of spray length.
Weight
You’ll after all need to steadiness the spray length with the load of the spray relying on the remainder of the load you’ll be carrying in your day hike or your backpacking journey.
It is unnecessary to cary a twig that weighs a pound if you’re backpacking and wish each ounce.
The SABRE Frontiersman Bear Spray, Guard Alaska Bear Spray, and UDAP Bear Spray Security Orange are all light-weight choices to contemplate.
However, if you’re day climbing or tenting automobile tenting, then weight is probably not as a lot of a problem.
Spray Distance
Subsequent up, you’ll need to pay attention to the spray distance, or the canisters’ firing vary.
The bottom of which is the Guard Alaska Bear Spray, which sprays solely as much as 20 toes, whereas Counter Assault Bear Spray sprays as much as 40 toes.
In actuality although, your probabilities of hitting a bear at 40 toes are fairly slim.
Whereas the additional vary is sweet, the truth is that bear spray needs to be a final resort anyway and all the sprays needs to be efficient at deterring a bear in a dire scenario.
Method
The very first thing it’s worthwhile to take into consideration when selecting which spray is best for you is your major use case. In case your vacation spot is grizzly-infested, you then’ll desire a highly-concentrated formulation.
In the event you’re extra involved about stray canine than full-size bears, you’ll get away with extra diluted options. Your wants don’t require as a lot energy or vary.
Most incidents with rabid canine happen in an city setting, which suggests you gained’t actually get to make the most of the vary of a 30-foot or 40-foot spray absolutely.
Bears, nonetheless, may begin charging from an additional distance, which is if you’d desire a sniper-like product (assuming you could have adequate purpose to utilize it).
Ease of Use
Whereas energy and vary are all effectively and good, it gained’t make any distinction on the finish of the day for those who can’t even get your bear spray out if you want it most. This is the reason ease of use is such an essential factor to contemplate.
As a matter of truth, many mates of mine will borrow my bear spray holsters to allow them to check each out to see which one works greatest for them. The sight of grown males sporting six holsters without delay could also be amusing to you, however they’re proper to match their choices proactively.
Ideally, you’d desire a holster that permits you to simply pull your bear spray out. It needs to be tight sufficient that the product gained’t fall out by itself however unfastened sufficient that you just don’t need to yank it out. Keep away from holsters with an extreme variety of straps as effectively since these can get in the way in which.
Past the holster itself, you desire a bear spray with a high-contrast colour scheme like yellow or orange (UDAP Bear Spray Security Orange). Therefore, it’s simpler to identify in low-light conditions. Discovering one with a glowing security clip like a number of the merchandise we coated above would even be smart.
When to Use Bear Spray
Bear spray ought to all the time be a final resort choice.
But when there isn’t any different option to get out of the world unnoticed, then it could be mandatory to make use of your bear spray.
When it is best to use bear spray:
- The bear is inside 30-60 toes of you
- You might be being charged by a bear
- You might be being attacked by the bear
Remember that bear spray canisters solely include between 4 and 9 seconds of spray.
So be sure that to make use of your spray solely when completely mandatory and as a final resort.
Find out how to Use Bear Spray
Okay, so we’ve reached our final resort scenario. The bear is both too shut, charging you, or attacking you.
It’s time to make use of your bear spray. Right here’s how:
- Seize your canister out of the holster and face it in direction of the bear
- Maintain the can firmly with each palms
- Take away the security clip
- Intention barely downward in direction of the trail of the bear
- Spray for 1 to 2 seconds (keep in mind some cans solely have 4 seconds)
The easiest way to make use of bear spray is to purpose it on the eyes of the attacking animal. Nonetheless, if it’s not attacking, you then need the bear to stroll via the cloud of spray.
Hopefully between the sound of the can and the spray itself, the bear shall be deterred.
In the event you miss, you’ll nonetheless have time to again off earlier than being hit. And keep in mind: you don’t need to get sprayed with bear spray.
Once more, simply understand that you solely have between 4-9 seconds of complete bear spray discharge, so use sparingly.
Bear Spray Security Suggestions
- When encountering a bear, don’t run away whereas drawing your bear spray.
- When you would possibly assume operating will permit you to seize your weapon sooner, that’s sadly mistaken. Operating will worsen the bear, and it’s probably he’ll outrun you.
- As a substitute, stay calm after which guarantee there are not any obstructions between your hand and the bear spray.
- Slowly draw the can whereas avoiding sudden actions and minimizing noise.
- If the bear is charging, it is best to spray forward of it, so it runs proper via the cloud.
- Take observe; the wind will probably get some bear spray on you. However, keep away from panicking as I can assure that getting mauled shall be an entire lot extra painful. Look away if you spray or use your arm to cowl the blowback.
- By no means discharge the bear spray in camp or for any cause aside from spraying a bear.
- Lastly, all the time test the expiration date in your bear spray and by no means depart it in a scorching car.
For extra bear security suggestions, click on right here to learn to defend your self from bears.
Find out how to Keep away from Bear Assaults
Regardless that you might be equipping your self with bear spray in your hike or backpacking journey. Don’t worry an excessive amount of.
Preparation is essential right here, however in complete there have been solely 664 complete bear assaults worldwide between 2000 and 2015. And of these 664 assaults, solely 14% of the assaults led to a human loss of life.
So the truth is that bears don’t assault as a lot as you would possibly assume. Nonetheless, if you’re touring into bear nation, it’s best to be ready.
Right here’s how you can keep away from bear assaults:
- Concentrate on your environment – It’s fairly easy. Don’t unintentionally stroll as much as a bear. Keep attentive and also you’ll stop getting too near a bear to fret about an assault.
- Don’t hike at night time – That’s proper. You would possibly need to go on a fantastic night time hike, however in bear nation it’s not price an opportunity encounter.
- Clear up after your self – Don’t depart particles, trash, or meals on the path or close to your tent. Have a separate spot for cooking at your campsite, and DO NOT BRING FOOD INTO YOUR TENT.
- Safe your meals and trash – Meals, rubbish, and scented gadgets ought to all the time be positioned in bear proof canisters secured instantly upon arrival to the campsite.
- Journey in teams – The extra eyes you could have on the path, the extra probably you’ll have the ability to spot a bear.
- Make Noise – The louder and noisier your group is, the extra probably you might be to alert any bears to your presence. She’ll be sure that to keep away from you.
- Keep on designated paths – No have to “blaze your personal path” when you may follow a effectively worn path than wanter into a nasty scenario.
Clearly not all bear encounters could be prevented, however by being conscious on the path and following easy bear proof procedures, you wont have to fret about bear assaults in any respect.
Bear Spray FAQ:
Does bear spray work?
Sure, bear spray is 98% efficient at deterring a bear if used accurately. It’s job is to subdue and distract the bear, and the capsaicin which is an excellent stronger pepper spray will do its job and deter the bear from getting any nearer.
Not solely that, however bear spray is more practical than utilizing a gun. Weapons usually tend to trigger self-injury and/or worse.
What’s the distinction between pepper spray and bear spray?
The primary distinction is that bear spray has a a lot increased focus of the identical lively ingredient. Bear spray is designed to incapacitate an attacking bear, whereas pepper spray is supposed for use as a deterrent to people.
It’s additionally price noting that bear spray could be extra harmful than pepper spray if it will get in your eyes or mouth.
What’s bear spray made from?
Bear spray is constructed from as much as 2% capsaicin and associated capsaicinoids.
That is successfully like a supercharged pepper spray or mace. Capsaicin is an lively element of chili peppers.
Can bear spray hurt people?
The quick reply is, sure. For one, bear spray could be discharged at as much as 70 miles per hour, so any spray that strikes an individual could cause everlasting harm to your eyes.
Past that, bear spray can incapacitate an individual, similar to it may have an effect on a bear. Anticipate watery eyes, runny nostril, and your lungs shall be irritated inflicting a coughing match. It’s not enjoyable.
How lengthy will the bear spray final?
Bear spray sometimes lasts between 4 and 9 seconds as soon as discharged.
Which means it’s best to make use of in 1 to 2 second spurts.
Does expired bear spray work?
Bear spray should work after it has expired, however not as successfully as earlier than.
It gained’t have the ability to spray the identical distance as earlier than and total efficiency of the product shall be decreased.
Is bear spray authorized?
Bear spray is authorized in the US and Canada.
Can you utilize bear spray on different animals?
Sure, bear spray works simply as effectively on different animals. As long as the animal has eyes and lungs, it’ll be simply as efficient.
It may be used on mountain lions, canine, wolfs, coyotes, wild pigs, elk, moose, and so forth.
Our Verdict
In my skilled opinion, you merely can’t beat the worth that the SABRE Frontiersman offers. From its concentrated formulation to its long-range, the efficiency is on level. Add in its huge bursting energy (that permits you to discharge virtually two ounces per second), this one is a no brainer.
That being stated, I’m not the be all finish all within the bear spray business, so select whichever one makes you’re feeling most secure. There’s not an entire lot of worth variation for this specific product, which suggests quite a lot of it in the end comes right down to desire.
Glad tenting, and keep in mind you can by no means be too cautious!
