4 best bear defense sprays

Bear defense sprays, often referred to as bear spray or bear deterrent spray, are specialized aerosol products designed for personal defense against bear attacks, particularly in wilderness and outdoor settings. These sprays are formulated to deter and deter large and potentially aggressive bears, such as grizzly bears and black bears. Here is what you need to know about bear defense sprays:

  1. Active Ingredient: Bear sprays typically contain a high concentration of capsaicin, the active component found in chili peppers. The capsaicin is in the form of oleoresin capsicum (OC). This substance causes intense irritation and discomfort when it comes into contact with the eyes, nose, and skin of the bear.

  2. Effectiveness: Bear spray is highly effective in deterring bear attacks. When sprayed into the bear's face, it causes temporary blindness, coughing, and intense discomfort, which usually discourages the bear from further aggression.

  3. Range: Bear spray canisters have a significant spraying range, often exceeding 20 feet (6 meters). This allows the user to maintain a safe distance from the bear while effectively deterring it.

  4. Safety: Bear spray is designed to be non-lethal and specifically formulated to minimize harm to the bear. It's intended to provide a humane way to protect yourself from an aggressive bear without causing permanent injury.

  5. Training: It is crucial to receive proper training on how to use bear spray effectively. Users should understand the correct way to aim, spray, and handle the canister to ensure its effectiveness during a bear encounter.

  6. Environmental Considerations: Bear spray is designed to have a minimal impact on the environment. However, it is essential to follow Leave No Trace principles and avoid unnecessary spraying.

  7. Legal Considerations: The use of bear spray for self-defense is legal in most areas where bear encounters are common. However, it is essential to be aware of local regulations and guidelines regarding the use of bear spray.

  8. Storage: Bear spray should be stored in a readily accessible location, such as a holster or belt, when hiking or camping in bear country. It should be easily and quickly deployable in case of an encounter.

  9. Expiration Date: Bear spray has a shelf life, and it is essential to check the expiration date regularly. Expired bear spray may lose its effectiveness.

  10. Additional Uses: While primarily designed for bear defense, bear spray can also be used as a personal defense tool against other wildlife or potential human threats in outdoor settings.

Bear defense sprays are a crucial tool for individuals who venture into bear habitat, such as hikers, campers, and hunters. Properly using bear spray and being prepared for a potential bear encounter can significantly increase your safety in the wilderness. Always prioritize safety and awareness when exploring bear country.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best bear defense sprays on the market
  

Udap 2 Personal Defense Bear Sprays w/Holsters 12VHP

Udap

Based on 104 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Stop an angry, charging bear with this amazingly effective deterrent. UDAP Bear Spray has been proven effective in dozens of bear attacks. During a bow-hunt over a decade ago, Mark Matheny was attacked by a grizzly bear and suffered numerous bite lacerations in the head and neck. Mark's wounds would have been much worse, if not fatal, had it not been for a burst from a pepper spray that ended the attack. Mark's experience changed his life. Since then, he has dedicated himself to improving a product designed to safeguard people against maulings, and to help them coexist with wildlife. The result is this spray, which consists of a super-hot, oil-based formula that instantly affects eye, nose and lung tissue to stop a charge. This formula is non-lethal, EPA registered and tested to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. It also is equipped with a quick release safety cap. A hip holster is included. Spray canister is 7.9 ounces.

  • Most trusted bear spray product Developed by a bear attack survivor.
  • Hottest Bear Spray Formula at 2% CRC
  • Most Powerful Bear Spray Fog!
  • Includes hip holsters.
  • 30 foot spray range.

User questions & answers

Question: what does 12HP refer to? or 18 CP
Answer: The backpack with large size can fit a 17" laptop,the medium size can fit a 15" laptop.
Question: im a backpacker trying too purchase why can i not ship to my house, do i need a ffl or something
Answer: With the zipper open yes!
Question: Can you pack this in luggage on airline
Answer: This vintage canvas backpack is not water resistant.But it is still awesome backpack for laptop,hiking daypacks,or School Bag ^_^
Question: Would you recommend these for preventing pit bull attacks? I like that the distance range is greater than other sprays
Answer: This backpack have not a padded laptop sleeve,but this has the laptop compartment easily fits a 15.6" laptop.

SABRE Frontiersman Bear Spray 9.2 oz (Holster Options & Multi-Pack Options) — Maximum Strength, Maximum Range & Greatest Protective Barrier Per Burst! — Effective Against All Types of Bears

SABRE

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Whether you are an avid camper, hiker, or just someone who loves to explore the great outdoors, FRONTIERSMAN Bear Spray is a must-have for added peace of mind on your next adventure. The 9.2 oz spray combines maximum stopping power with a superior range of 35 feet, meaning you can deploy it from a safer distance to deter an aggressive bear. It travels up to 15 feet (4.6 m) farther than other bear sprays to put more distance between you and the attacking bear. FRONTIERSMAN Bear Spray is a quick-to-deploy bear defense spray made with the maximum strength allowed by the E.P.A. (2.0% major capsaicinoids - 50% stronger than SABRE's maximum strength police pepper spray). The 9.2 oz canister provides maximum protection by rapidly deploying the heaviest fog of up to 1.84 oz (52 grams) per 1-second burst (up to 84% more than other brands) and creating a massive barrier of protection between you and the charging bear to maximize your safety. FRONTIERSMAN Bear Spray is available with holster options for the quickest access when seconds matter. When an 800 lb. bear is charging up to 50 feet (15 m) per second, every moment counts. Holsters keep your canister secure and immediately accessible without any cumbersome straps or velcro closures that can disturb the bear or cost you precious seconds as you try to access your spray. Explore confidently knowing you have the best bear safety products on the market with you from FRONTIERSMAN. From the makers of the #1 selling maximum strength bear spray, FRONTIERSMAN bear safety products include FRONTIERSMAN Bear Sprays, Inert Practice Spray, Bear Bells, and more. FRONTIERSMAN is a product of SABRE. With over 45 years of experience manufacturing pepper spray, SABRE is the #1 trusted pepper spray brand by consumers and police officers worldwide. SABRE pepper sprays, pepper gels, and bear sprays are proudly manufactured in the U.S.A.

  • MAXIMUM STOPPING POWER: The only bear spray with an in-house HPLC lab to guarantee maximum strength (50% stronger than police strength pepper spray) and eliminate the 30% fail rate experienced by other brands (U. of UT); MADE IN THE U.S.A.
  • GREATEST PROTECTION AT SAFEST DISTANCE - 35 FEET: Traveling up to 15 feet (4.6 m) farther than other bear attack deterrents this 9.2 oz bear spray delivers more distance between you and an attacking bear as they charge up to 35 miles per hour!
  • GREATEST PROTECTIVE BARRIER PER BURST: Rapidly deploys the heaviest fog of 1.84 oz (52 grams) per 1-second burst (up to 84% more than other brands) to help maximize your safety by deploying a massive barrier of protection to help deter a charging bear
  • RIGOROUSLY TESTED FOR CERTAINTY AND PEACE OF MIND: E.P.A. and Health Canada approved, our environmentally friendly bear spray is field-tested and proven effective against all types of bears by the Elmendorf Air Force Base and Brown Bear Resources
  • SAFER FOR YOU, THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE BEAR: FRONTIERSMAN temporarily incapacitates a bear’s ability to see or smell while causing no permanent injuries; Safe to use while camping, it is non-flammable, and does not contain any ozone-depleting chemicals

User questions & answers

Question: Is this product TSA approved
Answer: The TSA website directs you to the FAA website which says this about animal as well as self-defense spray:Quantity limitations: One self defense spray, not exceeding 118 ml (4 fluid ounces), per passenger in checked baggage only.Self defense sprays containing more than 2% by mass of tear gas (CS or CN) are prohibited.The device and ingredients must meet the specifications of a self-defense spray as described in 49 CFR 171.8.The device must include a positive means to prevent accidental discharge (a recessed button can't be the only safety feature; there must be an addition device such as a cap that flips up).See the regulation: 49 CFR 175.10(a)(9)Important note: International aviation regulations (ICAO/IATA) prohibit self-defense sprays in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Question: How many times can you spray this? Is it a one time use only
Answer: As far as 'how many times can you spray it', that depends on how long you spray it. I tested the one I have by spraying it for about 2 seconds just to see how far the spray would go, and there is still plenty left in the container. I'd recommend you test it by quickly spraying it if you get it, just to make sure it's not defective. You don't want to find out it's defective if the time comes that you happen to need it. By the way, the spray went maybe 20 feet but in the event that a bear was approaching I'm confident the cloud of pepper spray it would turn the bear around. The strap on mine tore after wearing it on my belt over a 3 day period. I'll have to have it sown. But buying it from Amazon was $10 cheaper than getting it from Gander Mountain, and since it's the same brand name I suppose the strap could have torn no matter where I bought it. If you're backpacking in bear country than 'Bear Spray' is definitely something you have to have. And hopefully you'll never have to use it.
Question: How far does this actually spray ? One review says 10 feet - but the product description boasts 35 feet. We need it to ward off Coyotes ... thanks
Answer: I own the Sabre pepper gel in the larger can (4 oz) and it sprays 15 feet, less as it gets used. Works for smaller animals (we have a few aggressive coons, but I always spray above or next to them). I've encountered many coyotes and I've never had to spray, my strobe headlamp works. They trot off. Once I had to throw stones because he was too far for my spray. So I wanted something stronger for the occasional bear and mountain lion that has wondered into my Boulder, CO neighborhood but after using/testing sooo many of the Sabre pepper canisters I have come to hate the sprays - they ALWAYS have blow back. Gel does not. Who has time to wonder if the wind's at your back? As much as I like Sabre I'm going to look for bear GEL, if that exists. Also note, out of at least a dozen Sabre canisters over the years (all sizes) at least 30-40% arrived defective and Amazon won't allow returns. (Defective being too hard to compress the lever or squirting all over the place.) Always test it so you know it'll work when needed.
Question: Shelf life is only 3 years for sure? no exceptions? it's very possible i won't run into a bear in the first 3-4 years when hiking where i'm going
Answer: Seems like cheap life insurance to me. $30 for 3 years. $10/yr. Why risk your life for measley $30?? Just buy another and use the old one for practice so you’re familiar with the operation.

Product features

When only the Best will Do

For those venturing into Bear Country, make sure to stay safe and bring your Frontiersman Bear Spray From SABRE. Following EPA guidelines, Frontiersman contains the industry’s strongest formula (2.0% Major Capsaicinoids) tested via our exclusive in-house lab. The 9.2 ounce canister fires up to 35 feet (10.6 m) away, outperforming the competition by up to 20 feet (6.1 m), and the 7.9 ounce canister fires up to 30 feet (9 m) away, outperforming the competition by up to 15 feet (4.6 m), providing you with protection at a safer distance from wild bears. Since bears can cover up to 50 feet (15.2 m) per second, Frontiersman offers both a hip and chest holster option that provides easy access when seconds count.

Frontiersman was field tested and repeatedly proven effective at deterring charging bears by both the Elmendorf Air Force Base in Elmendorf, Alaska and Brown Bear Resources in Missoula, Montana. Frontiersman Bear Spray is effective against Black, Brown, and Polar Bears.

SABRE Frontiersman Bear Spray 7.9 oz (Holster Options & Multi-Pack Options) Maximum Strength & Larger Protective Barrier!

SABRE

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Whether you are an avid camper, hiker, or just someone who loves to explore the great outdoors, FRONTIERSMAN Bear Spray is a must-have for added peace of mind on your next adventure. The 7.9 oz spray combines maximum stopping power with a superior range of 30 feet, meaning you can deploy it from a safer distance to deter an aggressive bear. It travels up to 10 feet (3 m) farther than other bear sprays to put more distance between you and the attacking bear. FRONTIERSMAN Bear Spray is a quick-to-deploy bear defense spray made with the maximum strength allowed by the E.P.A. (2.0% major capsaicinoids - 50% stronger than SABRE's maximum strength police pepper spray). The 7.9 oz canister provides maximum protection by rapidly deploying a heavy fog of up to 1.58 oz (45 grams) per 1-second burst (up to 54% more than other brands) and creating a massive barrier of protection between you and the charging bear to maximize your safety. FRONTIERSMAN Bear Spray is available with holster options for the quickest access when seconds matter. When an 800 lb. bear is charging up to 50 feet (15 m) per second, every moment counts. Holsters keep your canister secure and immediately accessible without any cumbersome straps or velcro closures that can disturb the bear or cost you precious seconds as you try to access your spray. Explore confidently knowing you have the best bear safety products on the market with you from FRONTIERSMAN. From the makers of the #1 selling maximum strength bear spray, FRONTIERSMAN bear safety products include FRONTIERSMAN Bear Sprays, Inert Practice Spray, Bear Bells, and more. FRONTIERSMAN is a product of SABRE. With over 45 years of experience manufacturing pepper spray, SABRE is the #1 trusted pepper spray brand by consumers and police officers worldwide. SABRE pepper sprays, pepper gels, and bear sprays are proudly manufactured in the U.S.A.

  • MAXIMUM STOPPING POWER: The only bear spray with an in-house HPLC lab to guarantee maximum strength (50% stronger than Police Strength Pepper Spray) and eliminate the 30% fail rate experienced by other brands (U. of U.T.); MADE IN THE U.S.A.
  • GREATEST PROTECTION AT A SAFE DISTANCE - 30 FEET: Traveling up to 10 feet (3 m) farther than other bear attack deterrents this 7.9 oz bear spray delivers more distance between you and an attacking bear as they charge up to 35 miles per hour!
  • LARGER PROTECTIVE BARRIER PER BURST: Rapidly deploys a heavy fog of 1.58 oz (45 grams) per 1-second burst (up to 54% more than other brands) to help maximize your safety by deploying a massive barrier of protection between you and a charging bear
  • RIGOROUSLY TESTED FOR CERTAINTY AND PEACE OF MIND: E.P.A. and Health Canada approved, our environmentally friendly bear spray is field-tested and proven effective against all types of bears by the Elmendorf Air Force Base and Brown Bear Resources
  • SAFER FOR YOU, THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE BEAR: FRONTIERSMAN temporarily incapacitates a bear’s ability to see or smell while causing no permanent injuries; Safe to use while camping, it is non-flammable, and does not contain any ozone-depleting chemicals

User questions & answers

Question: What is the shelf life
Answer: I personally haven't tested this out, but manufacturers generally suggest that spray be swapped out at least every 3 years. This is the same time frame for pepper spray. Of course much of it depends on the conditions that the unit is stored. Extreme heat or cold will impact shelf life dramatically, whereas having the canister stored in a cool dry location could extend it beyond the manufacturer's expiration date.
Question: Would this size be OK for carrying on my backpack belt when bicycling? It's most for dogs (both canine and human
Answer: This is overkill for dogs. I carry two different types of canisters when walking at night. We have bear, mt lion, coyotes and an occasional dog. This is too powerful for dogs, coyotes or humans and causes such a huge billow of spray that blowback is a problem. The blowback is worth the risk to stop a bear or lion, but not for smaller animals or humans, nor is it necessary. My second canister is pepper gel. It has little blowback and it's very effective.
Question: Is this usable more than once
Answer: According to the manufacturers site the "High emission system releases the maximum product (1.84 oz per second) to provide optimal protection"So the 9.2 oz can will spray for 5 seconds.The 7.2 oz can should spray for 3.9 seconds.This of course assumes the 1.84 oz spray per second applies to both size cans.
Question: Can this be taken into Canada? Okay at border crossings
Answer: I concur with Ryan. Last year (2016) I crossed into Canada at Wildhorse. I told the officer that I had a shotgun and paperwork to process for transporting through Canada, and also that I had bear spray... as well as some alcohol. He tried to trick me up to see if I had mace, saying, "Oh, it's about this high?", indicating about a 4-5" high can. I assured him that it was MUCH bigger than that. Got the paperwork for the gun taken care of, expected to pay duty on the alcohol but wasn't charged, and I was let in to Canada with my bear spray. Same thing entering Alaska, Alaska back in to Canada, and Canada back in to the US... just told them all that I had it, and no problem.

Product features

When only the Best will Do

For those venturing into Bear Country, make sure to stay safe and bring your Frontiersman Bear Spray from SABRE. Following EPA guidelines, Frontiersman contains the industry’s strongest formula (2.0% Major Capsaicinoids) tested via our exclusive in-house lab. The 9.2 ounce canister _res up to 35 feet (10.6 m) away, outperforming the competition by up to 20 feet (6.1 m), and the 7.9 ounce canister _res up to 30 feet (9 m) away, outperforming the competition by up to 15 feet (4.6 m), providing you with protection at a safer distance from wild bears. Since bears can cover up to 50 feet (15.2 m) per second, Frontiersman offers both a hip and chest holster option that provides easy access when seconds count. Frontiersman was field tested and repeatedly proven effective at deterring charging bears by both the Elmendorf Air Force Base in Elmendorf, Alaska and Brown Bear Resources in Missoula, Montana. Frontiersman Bear Spray is effective against Black, Brown, and Polar Bears.

Easy Access

Our unique holsters allow immediate access to the firing mechanism, enabling one to fire the canister from the chest. The snug holster protects the canister without the use of any cumbersome straps allowing the user to withdraw the unit from the holster in one fluid motion. Immediate deployment is vital! One has very limited time to react when an 800-pound bear charges at 30 feet per second.

Maximum Stopping Power

Frontiersman contains the industry’s strongest,

EPA approved formula (2.0% Major Capsaicinoids).

With up to 1.84 ounces per burst, Frontiersman

spray products can empty in as little as 5 seconds,

providing superior protection by putting more

spray (up to 2x other brands) between you and

the bear.

Maximum Range

Frontiersman’s 9.2 oz canister fires up to 35 feet

(10.6 m), outperforming the competition by up to

20 feet (6.1 m), and the 7.9 ounce canister fires up

to 30 feet (9 m), outperforming the competition by

up to 15 feet (4.6 m). Since an 800 pound bear can

cover up to 50 feet (15.2 m) per second, you'll want

to carry your Frontiersman Bear Spray with you for

safety at the greatest distance.

Always Maximum Strength

Studies conducted by the U of Utah show that

pepper spray will fail 30% due to weak batches,

which can result in serious injury. Frontiersman

Bear Spray is the only brand which eliminates

these failures due to weak batches by operating

an exclusive in-house HPLC laboratory. Our

products are also supported by the prestigious

ISO 9001:2008 Certification as an added means

of producing the highest production quality.

DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY First Defense OC Stream MK-4 .2% Solution White Band Pepper Spray (3.0-Ounce)

DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY

Based on 127 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Defense Technology is the world’s most widely used pepper spray in law enforcement and corrections, First Defense has just gotten better.  In providing a complete line of aerosols, First Defense is able to offer an OC level of intensity ranging from .2% Major Capsaicinoids to 1.3% MC.  The variations in the MC% means that officers can now select the correct level of intensity of OC they need for their environment.  First Defense uses independent laboratory testing to ensure consistent quality of each product.   Formulation Weight: 3 oz.  Delivery System: Stream.

  • Formula: .2% was created from the classic First Defense formula. .2% represents the Major Capsaicinoid level which is discharged at the nozzle at time of use.
  • This formulation has been tested and is non-flammable and Electronic Discharge Weapon (EDW) safe. Propellant: Nitrogen, Range: 10-12 feet, Bursts: 10-12 Short.This item is not for sale in certain states

User questions & answers

Question: What are the can dimensions if I were to get a pouch for it to go in
Answer: I bought this bag and went on 1 backpacking trip with it. Im 5'7" male and i thought the bag was on the small side. I think for someone 5'2" it will be just right. I was going to give it to my wife she is 5'1" i think it will suite her better.
Question: Is this able to be shipped to Maryland
Answer: I'm 5'4 and it fits comfortably.
Question: What is the expiration . . . one might carry this for years before needing to use it
Answer: For the height of 5.5ft-6ft, the capacity 60L is OK, but below 5.5ft, I suggest capacity of 50L, thank you
Question: Will this item be delivered to my home in Upstate NY? want to make sure before i put my order in
Answer: Yes.

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