In case you’re in a rush, then the SABRE Frontiersman is your finest wager.
Bear spray is a superb device for self-defense. It’s straightforward to make use of, and it may possibly save your life if it’s worthwhile to defend your self in opposition to an aggressive bear.
However when must you use it? How a lot do it’s worthwhile to carry with you? And what sort of bear spray must you purchase?
No want to worry any longer, as a result of we have now you coated.
Listed here are the perfect bear sprays available on the market right this moment:
Greatest Bear Spray: Our Prime Suggestions
SABRE Frontiersman Bear Spray
Sprays Up To: 35 ft | Spray Length: 5 seconds | Focus: 2% capsaicinoids | 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 opinions, and it’s not laborious to see why. To begin with, it’s a bit extra reasonably priced than its opponents. Nonetheless, the value distinction isn’t the one purpose why this bear spray is so well-liked.
The explanation why SABRE customers love this product is that it’s stopping energy is “sufficient to make me sleep nicely at evening.” It’s that robust.
My pals 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 totally grasp its energy from a proportion alone.
That’s once I inform them that this bear spray is 50% stronger than SABRE’s most forceful police pepper spray. I don’t care when you’re a beginner to the outside or a veteran of the wild, anybody can get behind that energy. If it’s ok for the cops, it’s ok for me. It’s the perfect bear spray available on the market.
Execs:
- 2.0% formulation supplies excessive stopping energy
- 35-foot vary hits any bear
- 52g burst in a single second
- Environmentally permitted by the EPA
- Comes with a belt holster
Cons:
- Some cans come depressurized, so you should definitely take a look at the product beforehand.
Greatest 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 Length: 9 seconds | Focus: 1.34% capsaicinoids | Quantity (oz): 9 | Weight (oz): 9.17
Very similar to the Frontiersman, you’ll be joyful to know that this bear spray additionally comes with a holster. I’m personally a giant fan of the nylon and metallic building of Guard Alaska’s holster since it may possibly take a beating with out displaying any indicators of damage.
In case you’re going for pure energy, you is perhaps 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 should not 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 in opposition to all species, and I are likely to agree!
It’s additionally EPA-approved, so that you don’t have to fret about leaving a unfavourable mark on the lands you discover. In any case, my pals and I like to depart the areas we camp on simply as lovely as after we first arrived.
The very last thing concerning the decrease spray focus is that it’d profit a few of you. In my expertise, a decrease focus might be useful for households. You don’t need little Timmy breaking into your bag and blasting himself with a brilliant highly effective spray.
Execs:
- Endorsed by Alaskan scientists
- Comes with a belt holster
- Environmentally permitted by the EPA
- Extra makes use of attributable to slower spray charge (may very well be a con in some conditions)
Cons:
- 1.34% formulation focus is decrease than opponents
- The 20-foot vary is shorter than others on this record
Greatest 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 Length: 9.2 seconds | Focus: 2% capsaicin and associated capsaicinoids | 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, when you’re in search of the utmost vary and wish 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 might not make a distinction in most situations, 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 objects that appear like toys. It would simply be me, however this spray’s deal with and coloration scheme make it appear like a toy fireplace extinguisher. These tenting with children might wish to wrap it in electrical tape to keep away from any mistaken accidents.
Execs:
- Market-leading 40-foot vary
- 2.0% formulation will knock down any bear
- Comes with a holster AND evening glow locator
- S.N.A.P. certification from EPA
Cons:
- Design isn’t very kid-safe
Greatest 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 Length: 7 seconds | Focus: 2% capsaicin and associated capsaicinoids | Quantity (oz): 13.4 | Weight (oz): 16
On paper, it might look like the Tremendous Magnum is a powerful competitor in opposition to 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 recognition. Why?
One of many most important causes for that is the truth that the Tremendous Magnum bear spray obtained a little bit of a nasty rap after an Alaskan purchaser had one can explode in his automotive. 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 as if the combustion incident was an remoted case. I nonetheless wouldn’t suggest leaving your bear spray within the automotive, although, which applies to all manufacturers. Not solely wouldn’t it danger an explosion, however it’s 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, at the very least you already know their founder has just a little little bit of pores and skin within the recreation on the subject of producing dependable merchandise.
Execs:
- 2.0% formulation is the highest of this record
- 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 worry of explosions)
Greatest for: UDAP followers who’re in search of a longer-range various to the Security Orange.
UDAP Bear Spray Security Orange
Sprays Up To: 30 ft | Spray Length: 4 seconds | Focus: 2% capsaicin and associated capsaicinoids | Quantity (oz): 7.9 | Weight (oz): 8
Talking of the Security Orange, this spray is much extra prevalent amongst U.D.A.P. prospects, 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 straightforward to attract your spray in a cut up second.
The product is available in a number of coloration variations, however I choose the orange model for 2 causes: 1. It stays true to the product identify, and a pair of. It’s simpler to identify in low gentle. Those that choose an all-black loadout will likely be joyful to search out that coloration scheme accessible too.
Those that are new to the out of doors way of life will like this bear spray because it comes with a 32-page booklet on bear security ideas. Seeing as this an precise survivor wrote this booklet, there’s little doubt that the information inside will allow you to out.
Execs:
- Most respected and well-liked 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 opponents
Greatest for: Campers who want a dependable, easy-to-spot spray that they’ll draw at a second’s discover.
Bear Spray Choice 101
Now that I’ve proven you a few of the finest sprays cash should buy, you in all probability have a number of extra questions. Concern not – as a result of the next information ought to cowl most of your considerations and allow you to finalize your shopping for choice.
Spray Length
One of many first stuff you’ll wish to have a look at is the spray length or its discharge charge.
Bear sprays usually discharge for between 4 to 9 seconds. That. Is. It.
So that you wish to hold this in thoughts. If you must use your bear spray, you’ll wish to hold your spurts to 1 to 2 seconds.
Which means when you select a 4 second spray, it’s possible you’ll solely have 2 sprays of it till you’re completed.
Guard Alaska Bear Spray and Counter Assault Bear Spray each have over 9 seconds of spray length.
Weight
You’ll in fact wish to steadiness the spray length with the load of the spray relying on the remainder of the load you’ll be carrying to your day hike or your backpacking journey.
It is not sensible to cary a twig that weighs a pound in case you are backpacking and want each ounce.
The SABRE Frontiersman Bear Spray, Guard Alaska Bear Spray, and UDAP Bear Spray Security Orange are all light-weight choices to think about.
Alternatively, in case you are day climbing or tenting automotive 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 a modest 20 toes, whereas Counter Assault Bear Spray sprays as much as 40 toes.
In actuality, although, your possibilities of hitting a bear at 40 toes are fairly slim.
Whereas the additional vary is sweet, the fact is that bear spray ought to be a final resort anyway and all the sprays ought to be efficient at deterring a bear in a dire scenario.
Method & Capsaicin Focus
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, then you definitely’ll clearly need bear spray.
Each pepper spray and bear spray comprise the identical major ingredient of capsaicin (which is the lively chemical in chili peppers). Nonetheless, bear spray is a stronger formulation of pepper spray.
So what’s in it? Bear spray and pepper spray each comprise capsaicin and/or capsaicinoids:
Most bear spray doesn’t totally disclose the precise mixture of capsaicin to capsaicinoids, and as a substitute they disclose a proportion. However in keeping with the EPA, “civilian and legislation enforcement sprays comprise a spread from 0.18% to 1.33% of capsaicinoids whereas bear sprays vary from 1.0% to 2.0% of capsaicinoids.”
Guard Alaska Bear Spray is the one spray that we’ve positioned on our record that comprises lower than 2% capsaicinoids. The entire others comprise 2%:
Irrespective of which bear spray you select, you’re going to be getting HFC-134a as a propellant, and it’s also possible to relaxation assured that if the product is being marketed as bear spray, you’ll be shopping for the best focus.
Ease of Use
Whereas energy and vary are all nicely and good, it received’t make any distinction on the finish of the day when you can’t even get your bear spray out whenever you want it most. For this reason ease of use is such an vital factor to think about.
As a matter of truth, many pals of mine will borrow my bear spray holsters to allow them to take a look at every one out to see which one works finest for them. The sight of grown males carrying six holsters without delay could also be amusing to you, however they’re proper to match their choices proactively. Select the choice that may work finest for you.
Ideally, you’d need a holster that permits you to simply pull your bear spray out. It ought to be tight sufficient that the product received’t fall out by itself however unfastened sufficient that you just don’t must yank it out. Keep away from holsters with an extreme variety of straps as nicely since these can get in the way in which.
Past the holster itself, you need a bear spray with a high-contrast coloration 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 few of the merchandise we coated above would even be clever.
When to Use Bear Spray
Bear spray ought to all the time be a final resort choice.
But when there isn’t any different method to get out of the world unnoticed, then it might be crucial to make use of your bear spray.
When it’s best to use bear spray:
- The bear is inside 30-60 toes of you
- You’re being charged by a bear
- You’re being attacked by the bear
Remember the fact 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 crucial and as a final resort.
How one can 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 intention it on the eyes of the attacking animal. Nonetheless, if it’s not attacking, then you definitely need the bear to stroll via the cloud of spray.
Hopefully, between the sound of the can and the spray itself, the bear will likely be deterred.
In case you miss, you’ll nonetheless have time to again off earlier than being hit. And keep in mind: you don’t wish to get sprayed with bear spray.
Once more, simply remember the fact 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.
- Whilst you may suppose working will will let you seize your weapon sooner, that’s sadly mistaken. Operating will worsen the bear, and it’s probably he’ll outrun you.
- As an alternative, stay calm and guarantee there aren’t 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’s 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 will likely be a complete lot extra painful. Look away whenever you spray or use your arm to cowl the blowback.
- By no means discharge the bear spray in camp or for any purpose apart 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 ideas, click on right here to learn to shield your self from bears.
Additionally see: What To Do If A Bear Is Outdoors Your Tent?
How one can Keep away from Bear Assaults
Although you’re equipping your self with bear spray to 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 dying.
So the fact is that bears don’t assault as a lot as you may suppose. Nonetheless, in case you are touring into bear nation, it’s best to be ready.
Right here’s easy methods to keep away from bear assaults:
- Pay attention to your environment – It’s fairly easy. Don’t by chance 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 evening – That’s proper. You may wish to go on an excellent evening hike, however in bear nation it’s not value 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 objects 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 have got on the path, the extra probably you’ll be capable of spot a bear.
- Make Noise – The louder and noisier your group is, the extra probably you’re 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 persist with a well-worn path than wanter into a nasty scenario.
Clearly, not all bear encounters might be averted, however by being conscious on the path and following easy bear-proof procedures, you received’t have to fret about bear assaults in any respect.
Additionally See: Bear Requirements: The Final Information to Tenting in Bear Nation
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 through the use of elevated focus of capsaicin.
Bear spray is basically pepper spray on steroids and can do its job to discourage the bear from getting any nearer.
Not solely that does bear spray work, 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, capsaicin or associated capsaicinoids.
- Bear spray is formulated to incapacitate an attacking bear utilizing as much as 2% capsaicin/capsaicinoids
- Pepper spray is supposed for use as a deterrent to people, utilizing between 0.18% to 1.33% of capsaicin/capsaicinoids
It’s additionally value noting that bear spray might be extra harmful than pepper spray if it will get in your eyes or mouth.
What’s bear spray product of?
Bear spray is comprised of as much as 2% capsaicin and associated capsaicinoids. Capsaicin is an lively part of chili peppers.
Bear spray is successfully a supercharged pepper spray or mace (pepper spray usually comprises between 0.18% to 1.33% capsaicin/capsaicinoids).
Can bear spray hurt people?
The quick reply is, sure. For one, bear spray might 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, identical to it may possibly have an effect on a bear.
Count on watery eyes, runny nostril, and your lungs will likely be irritated inflicting a coughing match. It’s not enjoyable.
The EPA has the next warning about bear spray:
“DANGER: Could trigger irreversible eye harm if sprayed within the eyes at shut vary. Contact via touching or rubbing eyes might lead to substantial however non permanent eye harm. Strongly irritating to nostril and pores and skin. Don’t get in eyes, on pores and skin or on clothes. Wash completely with cleaning soap and water after dealing with. Take away contaminated clothes and wash clothes earlier than reuse.”
How lengthy will the bear spray final?
The discharge charge of bear spray usually lasts between 4 and 9 seconds, relying on the bear spray.
Which means it’s best to make use of in 1 to 2 second spurts.
Nonetheless, the results of the chemical substances in bear spray can final between 15 to 45 minutes, and that’s assuming the bear is struck with the lively ingredient, capsaicin.
Does expired bear spray work?
Bear spray should still work after it has expired, however not as successfully as earlier than.
It received’t be capable of spray the identical distance as earlier than and general efficiency of the product will likely be diminished.
Is bear spray authorized?
Bear spray is authorized in america and Canada.
Can you utilize bear spray on different animals?
Sure, bear spray works simply as nicely 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 many others.
Our Verdict
In my professional opinion, you merely can’t beat the worth that the SABRE Frontiersman supplies. From its concentrated formulation to its long-range, the efficiency is on level. Add in its huge bursting energy (that permits you to discharge nearly two ounces per second), this one is a no brainer.
That being mentioned, I’m not the be all finish all within the bear spray trade, so select whichever one makes you’re feeling most secure. There’s not a complete lot of worth variation for this explicit product, which suggests a number of it in the end comes all the way down to choice.
Glad tenting, and keep in mind which you can by no means be too cautious!
