If you’re in a rush, then the SABRE Frontiersman is your greatest wager.
Bear spray is a good software for self-defense. It’s straightforward to make use of, and it may possibly save your life if it is advisable to defend your self towards an aggressive bear.
But when must you use it? How a lot do it is advisable to carry with you? And what sort of bear spray must you purchase?
No want to worry any longer, as a result of we’ve you coated.
Here are the perfect bear sprays available on the market at this time:
Still Confused? Compare the Best Bear Sprays right here.
Best Bear Spray: Our Top Recommendations
SABRE Frontiersman Bear Spray
Sprays Up To: 35 ft | Spray Duration: 5 seconds | Concentration: 2% capsaicinoids | Volume (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. First of all, it’s a bit extra reasonably priced than its rivals. Still, the value distinction isn’t the one motive why this bear spray is so well-liked.
The motive why SABRE customers love this product is that it’s stopping energy is “enough to make me sleep well at night.” It’s that sturdy.
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 absolutely grasp its energy from a proportion 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 in case 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.
Pros:
- 2.0% method gives excessive stopping energy
- 35-foot vary hits any bear
- 52g burst in a single second
- Environmentally accepted by the EPA
- Comes with a belt holster
Cons:
- Some cans come depressurized, so make sure you check the product beforehand.
Best for: Hikers going into the wilderness who need probably the most bang (actually) for his or her buck.
Guard Alaska Bear Spray
Sprays Up To: 20 ft | Spray Duration: 9 seconds | Concentration: 1.34% capsaicinoids | Volume (oz): 9 | Weight (oz): 9.17
Much just like the Frontiersman, you’ll be completely satisfied to know that this bear spray additionally comes with a holster. I’m personally a giant fan of the nylon and steel building of Guard Alaska’s holster since it may possibly take a beating with out exhibiting any indicators of wear and tear.
If 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. Also, its vary is decrease at 20 toes.
Those who 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 & Technology Foundation. They say it really works towards 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. After all, my pals and I like to go away the areas we camp on simply as stunning 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 will be useful for households. You don’t need little Timmy breaking into your bag and blasting himself with an excellent highly effective spray.
Pros:
- Endorsed by Alaskan scientists
- Comes with a belt holster
- Environmentally accepted by the EPA
- More makes use of attributable to slower spray price (may very well be a con in some conditions)
Cons:
- 1.34% method focus is decrease than rivals
- The 20-foot vary is shorter than others on this checklist
Best 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 Duration: 9.2 seconds | Concentration: 2% capsaicin and associated capsaicinoids | Volume (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. Still, in case you’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 important draw of this spray is that it’s efficient on targets as much as 40 toes away. That additional 5 toes could not make a distinction in most eventualities, however the added distance could save your life if an enormous 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 method, tying the Frontiersman. While 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 possibly simply be me, however this spray’s deal with and colour scheme make it appear like a toy fireplace extinguisher. Those tenting with children could need to wrap it in electrical tape to keep away from any mistaken accidents.
Pros:
- Market-leading 40-foot vary
- 2.0% method 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
Best for: Those who’re traversing open areas, who need most vary within the occasion of a risk.
UDAP 
18HP Super Magnum Bear Spray
Sprays Up To: 35 ft | Spray Duration: 7 seconds | Concentration: 2% capsaicin and associated capsaicinoids | Volume (oz): 13.4 | Weight (oz): 16
On paper, it might seem to be the Super Magnum is a powerful competitor towards the SABRE Frontiersman. They have an equal vary and share the two.0% focus of their formulation. Despite this, there’s nonetheless an enormous disparity in recognition. Why?
One of the primary causes for that is the truth that the Super Magnum bear spray bought a little bit of a foul 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 probably the most half, it looks like the combustion incident was an remoted case. I nonetheless wouldn’t suggest leaving your bear spray within the automobile, although, which applies to all manufacturers. Not solely wouldn’t it threat 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, not less than you understand their founder has a bit little bit of pores and skin within the recreation in the case of producing dependable merchandise.
Pros:
- 2.0% method is the highest of this checklist
- 35-foot vary, positively lengthy sufficient
- Developed by a bear assault survivor
- Sleek black holster included
- Glowing security clip
Cons:
- May trigger nervousness to ekrixiphobics (these with a worry of explosions)
Best for: UDAP followers who’re on the lookout for a longer-range different to the Safety Orange.
UDAP Bear Spray Safety Orange
Sprays Up To: 30 ft | Spray Duration: 4 seconds | Concentration: 2% capsaicin and associated capsaicinoids | Volume (oz): 7.9 | Weight (oz): 8
Speaking of the Safety Orange, this spray is way extra prevalent amongst U.D.A.P. prospects, with roughly 10x extra gross sales. While its vary isn’t as spectacular (at solely 30 toes), this product’s flawless repute is sufficient to sway most consumers.
It additionally retains up with different sprays due to its 2.0% concentrated method, so that you don’t have to fret about it falling quick when an actual risk arrives. Unlike some cheaper holsters, UDAP’s is well-made and makes it tremendous straightforward to attract your spray in a break up second.
The product is available in a number of colour variations, however I want the orange model for 2 causes: 1. It stays true to the product title, and a couple of. It’s simpler to identify in low gentle. Those preferring an all-black loadout will probably be completely satisfied to search out that colour scheme accessible too.
Those who’re 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 suggestions. Seeing as this an precise survivor wrote this booklet, there’s little doubt that the information inside will enable you out.
Pros:
- Most respected and well-liked UDAP spray
- 2.0% method is offensive sufficient for anybody
- Easy-draw holster
- Glowing security clip
- Comes with a helpful booklet for these unfamiliar with bears
Cons:
- The 30-foot vary is shorter than rivals
Best for: Campers who want a dependable, easy-to-spot spray that they will draw at a second’s discover.
Bear Sprays – Compared
Bear Spray Selection 101
Now that I’ve proven you a number of the greatest sprays cash should buy, you most likely have a number of extra questions. Fear not – as a result of the next information ought to cowl most of your considerations and enable you finalize your shopping for determination.
Spray Duration
One of the primary stuff you’ll need to take a look at is the spray length or its discharge price.
Bear sprays usually discharge for between 4 to 9 seconds. That. Is. It.
So you need to hold this in thoughts. If it’s important to use your bear spray, you’ll need to hold your spurts to 1 to 2 seconds.
This signifies that in case you select a 4 second spray, you might solely have 2 sprays of it till you’re carried out.
Guard Alaska Bear Spray and Counter Assault Bear Spray each have over 9 seconds of spray length.
Weight
You’ll in fact need to steadiness the spray length with the load of the spray relying on the remainder of the load you’ll be carrying on your day hike or your backpacking journey.
It is mindless to cary a sprig that weighs a pound if you’re backpacking and want each ounce.
The SABRE Frontiersman Bear Spray, Guard Alaska Bear Spray, and UDAP Bear Spray Safety Orange are all light-weight choices to contemplate.
On the opposite hand, if you’re day mountain climbing or tenting automobile tenting, then weight is probably not as a lot of a problem.
Spray Distance
Next up, you’ll need to pay attention to the spray distance, or the canisters’ firing vary.
The lowest 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.
While 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.
Formula & Capsaicin Concentration
The very first thing it is advisable to take into consideration when selecting which spray is best for you is your main use case. If your vacation spot is grizzly-infested, you then’ll clearly need bear spray.
Both pepper spray and bear spray comprise the identical main ingredient of capsaicin (which is the energetic chemical in chili peppers). However, 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 absolutely disclose the precise mixture of capsaicin to capsaicinoids, and as an alternative they disclose a proportion. But according to the EPA, “civilian and law enforcement sprays contain a range from 0.18% to 1.33% of capsaicinoids while bear sprays range from 1.0% to 2.0% of capsaicinoids.”
Guard Alaska Bear Spray is the one spray that we’ve positioned on our checklist that incorporates lower than 2% capsaicinoids. All of the others comprise 2%:
No matter 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
While energy and vary are all nicely and good, it gained’t make any distinction on the finish of the day in case you can’t even get your bear spray out once you want it most. This is why ease of use is such an essential factor to contemplate.
As a matter of reality, many pals of mine will borrow my bear spray holsters to allow them to check every one out to see which one works greatest for them. The sight of grown males sporting six holsters directly could also be amusing to you, however they’re proper to match their choices proactively. Choose the choice that may work greatest for you:
Ideally, you’d need 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 free sufficient that you just don’t must yank it out. Avoid holsters with an extreme variety of straps as nicely since these can get in the best way.
Beyond the holster itself, you need a bear spray with a high-contrast colour scheme like yellow or orange (UDAP Bear Spray Safety Orange). Hence, it’s simpler to identify in low-light conditions. Finding one with a glowing security clip like a number 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 if there is no such thing as a different method to get out of the realm unnoticed, then it might be obligatory 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 are being charged by a bear
- You are being attacked by the bear
Keep in thoughts that bear spray canisters solely include between 4 and 9 seconds of spray.
So ensure to make use of your spray solely when completely obligatory and as a final resort.
How to Use Bear Spray
Ok, 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. Here’s how:
- Grab your canister out of the holster and face it in the direction of the bear
- Hold the can firmly with each arms
- Remove the protection clip
- Aim barely downward in the direction of the trail of the bear
- Spray for 1 to 2 seconds (keep in mind some cans solely have 4 seconds)
The greatest means to make use of bear spray is to goal it on the eyes of the attacking animal. However, if it’s not attacking, you then need the bear to stroll by means of the cloud of spray.
Hopefully between the sound of the can and the spray itself, the bear will probably be deterred.
If 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.
Again, simply remember that you solely have between 4-9 seconds of complete bear spray discharge, so use sparingly.
Bear Spray Safety Tips
- When encountering a bear, don’t run away whereas drawing your bear spray.
- While you would possibly assume operating will mean you can seize your weapon quicker, that’s sadly unsuitable. Running will irritate the bear, and it’s doubtless he’ll outrun you.
- Instead, stay calm after which 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 by means of the cloud.
- Take be aware; the wind will doubtless get some bear spray on you. But, keep away from panicking as I can assure that getting mauled will probably be a complete lot extra painful. Look away once you spray or use your arm to cowl the blowback.
- Never discharge the bear spray in camp or for any motive apart from spraying a bear.
- Lastly, all the time verify the expiration date in your bear spray and by no means go away it in a sizzling car.
For extra bear security suggestions, click on right here to discover ways to shield your self from bears.
How to Avoid Bear Attacks
Even although you’re equipping your self with bear spray on your hike or backpacking journey. Do not fear 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 demise.
So the truth is that bears don’t assault as a lot as you would possibly assume. Still, if you’re touring into bear nation, it’s best to be ready.
Here’s how you can keep away from bear assaults:
- Be conscious of your environment – It’s fairly easy. Don’t by accident stroll as much as a bear. Stay attentive and also you’ll forestall 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 an amazing night time hike, however in bear nation it’s not value an opportunity encounter.
- Clean up after your self – Don’t go away 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.
- Secure your meals and trash – Food, rubbish, and scented objects ought to all the time be positioned in bear proof canisters secured instantly upon arrival to the campsite.
- Travel in teams – The extra eyes you’ve gotten on the path, the extra doubtless you’ll be capable to spot a bear.
- Make Noise – The louder and noisier your group is, the extra doubtless you’re to alert any bears to your presence. She’ll ensure to keep away from you.
- Stay on designated paths – No must “blaze your own trail” when you possibly can persist with a nicely worn path than wanter into a foul scenario.
Obviously not all bear encounters will 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?
Yes, bear spray is 98% efficient at deterring a bear if used accurately. It’s job is to subdue and distract the bear by utilizing elevated focus of capsaicin.
Bear spray is actually 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 simpler than utilizing a gun. Guns usually tend to trigger self-injury and/or worse.
What is the distinction between pepper spray and bear spray?
The important distinction is that bear spray has a a lot increased focus of the identical energetic 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 will be extra harmful than pepper spray if it will get in your eyes or mouth.
What is bear spray manufactured from?
Bear spray is constructed from as much as 2% capsaicin and associated capsaicinoids. Capsaicin is an energetic element of chili peppers.
Bear spray is successfully a supercharged pepper spray or mace (pepper spray usually incorporates between 0.18% to 1.33% capsaicin/capsaicinoids).
Can bear spray hurt people?
The quick reply is, sure. For one, bear spray will be discharged at as much as 70 miles per hour, so any spray that strikes an individual may cause everlasting harm to your eyes.
Beyond that, bear spray can incapacitate an individual, similar to it may possibly have an effect on a bear.
Expect watery eyes, runny nostril, and your lungs will probably be irritated inflicting a coughing match. It’s not enjoyable.
The EPA has the next warning about bear spray:
“DANGER: May cause irreversible eye damage if sprayed in the eyes at close range. Contact through touching or rubbing eyes may result in substantial but temporary eye injury. Strongly irritating to nose and skin. Do not get in eyes, on skin or on clothing. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash clothing before reuse.”
How lengthy will the bear spray final?
The discharge price of bear spray usually lasts between 4 and 9 seconds, relying on the bear spray.
This signifies that it’s best to make use of in 1 to 2 second spurts.
However, the consequences of the chemical substances in bear spray can final between 15 to 45 minutes, and that’s assuming the bear is struck with the energetic ingredient, capsaicin.
Does expired bear spray work?
Bear spray should still work after it has expired, however not as successfully as earlier than.
It gained’t be capable to spray the identical distance as earlier than and total efficiency of the product will probably be lowered.
Is bear spray authorized?
Bear spray is authorized within the United States and Canada.
Can you utilize bear spray on different animals?
Yes, bear spray works simply as nicely on different animals. So lengthy because the animal has eyes and lungs, it’ll be simply as efficient.
It can be utilized on mountain lions, canines, wolfs, coyotes, wild pigs, elk, moose, and many others.
Our Verdict
In my skilled opinion, you merely can’t beat the worth that the SABRE Frontiersman gives. From its concentrated method 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 mentioned, 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 a complete lot of value variation for this specific product, which suggests a variety of it finally comes all the way down to desire.
Happy tenting, and keep in mind that you could by no means be too cautious!