If you are someone who prefers to spend the vacation lying on the beach or enjoying city life to the fullest then you will probably not be in need of the product we are reviewing today. But if you like to camp and explore the wild then you will definitely understand the importance of a bear spray.
A bear spray is something you would hope to have with you but pray to never have to use. It is understandable because no matter how much you love the nature and all its wildness, you wouldn’t want to come face to face with a fuzzy curious creature that could turn on you in a second. If you do however encounter a sudden attack then you better be prepared and the best protection to have at that moment would be a bear spray.
Not long ago the only way to fight off or scare away a bear or any attacking animal would be to use a gun but researchers have found out that a good can of bear spray works faster and are more effective than guns during such encounters. Not everyone can use a gun and sometimes it isn’t easy to aim and fire while in panic.
Luckily your aim does not have to be perfect with a bear spray because the contents are not released in liquid form but meant to create a fog that causes an extreme burning sensation for the attacker.
Check out the best bear sprays you can get for your next trip into the wilds because you never know who pays you a surprise visit while you are out there enjoying the nature. So let’s not waste any more time and get right to business!
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Top 5 Bear Sprays Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-12-18 / Paid Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Bear Sprays Reviews
FRONTIERSMAN Bear Spray
If you are entering an area that you know is home to bears than you must have the most effective spray in the market. Frontiersman Bear Spray is manufactured by SABRE, a brand that both law enforcement companies and consumers trust.
Having the strongest formula of 2.0% MC you can get maximum protection and efficiency, keeping you and your company safe in bear territory.
Frontiersman has designed both the largest canister of spray which is the 9.2.oz can (with a range of 35 feet) as well as the 7.9.oz can (with a range of 30 feet).
With the smaller can (7.9. oz) you can spray up to 45 grams per second, creating a quick and thick fog around you for the best possible protection.
This field-tested and proven bear spray has a shelf life of 3 years and can be used on black, brown and polar bears.
- Trusted brand used by law enforcement
- Maximum strength of 2% MC
- Excellent range
- Large sized canister
- Effective against black, brown and polar bears
- Some users stated that the can would not spray. This could be due to faulty cans.
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SABRE Frontiersman 7.9 fl oz. Bear Spray, Maximum Strength... | Check on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-12-18 / Paid Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Overall: Frontiersman Bear Spray with Chest or Belt Holster
Our next can of bear spray is also by SABRE and it is the 9.2 oz large Frontiersman Bear Spray canister which comes along with a chest or belt holster.
Having the strength of 2.0 % MC and a range of 35 foot maximum, for the most effectiveness and best protection, this item is widely used and trusted by police officers and other consumers alike.
The holster helps you keep the can as close as possible and ensures easy access in case of a bear attack. Having the can in the bag will not give you enough time to react when you suddenly encounter a bear that will come charging at full speed, so most experts recommend using a holster for the quickest reach.
It also comes with glow in the dark safety so you can locate the can if you are out in the dark. This bear spray has been tested and proven to be effective on black, brown and polar bears.
- 2.0 oz % MC (maximum strength allowed by the EPA)
- 35-foot maximum range
- Comes with a holster
- Glow in the dark safety
- There have been a few complaints about the holster fraying after a few hiking sessions.
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SABRE Frontiersman 9.2 fl oz. Bear Spray, Maximum Strength... | Check on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-12-18 / Paid Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Spray Time: Counter Assault Bear Deterrent
Counter Assault has designed this 10.2 oz bear spray canister which is one of the largest cans in the market. It contains the strongest formula of 2.0 % MC and the spray has a range of 12 to 32 feet approx. The spray duration is 9.2 seconds within which you will be able to create a heavy fog that acts as a protective barrier.
It comes with a belt holster so you can always have the canister up close for quick access. The safety cap ensures that you do not accidentally spray the can while the glow in the dark safety allows you to locate the can in poor lighting or during night time.
- Maximum strength of 2.0 % MC
- Large can of 10.2 oz
- Includes a holster
- Glow in the dark safety
- The holster may be a little difficult to strap on
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Counter Assault Bear Spray - 2% Capsaicin Bear Deterrent... | Check on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-12-18 / Paid Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Runner-Up,Best Overall: UDAP Bear Spray
This bear spray also by UDAP is a 7.9 oz can with a 2% CRC formula. You can spray at a range of 30-foot maximum. It comes with a glow in the dark safety clip which has a chain attached.
The glow in the dark helps you locate the can when you are out during night time and the safety clip ensures that the can is not accidentally sprayed.
You will also get a free booklet which contains 32 pages of safety tips. If you are new to camping in areas that are home to bears then the booklet will come very handy. Keep in mind that these cans will not be allowed on the plane so you will need to make your purchase when you reach your destination.
- Maximum strength of 2% CRC
- 30 feet spray range
- Includes a free booklet of safety tips
- Glow in the dark feature with safety clip and chain
- The can must be kept away from heat or else it can explode
Best Budget Spray For All Bears: Guard Alaska
This ultra hot pepper spray works as a repellent for all species of bear. You can carry it around during your next trip to bear country to protect yourself from all kinds of bears and their sudden attacks. The can weight at 9 ounces and has a range of approx 15-20 feet.
It is registered by EPA and is environmentally safe, ensuring that while you are protecting yourself from an attack, you are not harming the environment in any way.
You will get a holster with Velcro closure and a belt loop to help you secure the canister to your waist for quick access. With a spray time of 9 seconds, you will get a lot of time to endorse enough discomfort on the bear and get away to safety.
- Very effective and strong
- Can be used on all species of bear
- Large sized can
- Good range of 15-20 feet
- EPA registered
- Includes holster with belt loop
- The can leaked for some customers
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Bear Guard Alaska Bear Pepper Spray 9 Ounce Can with Nylon... | Check on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-12-19 / Paid Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Range Portable Spray: Mace Brand Bear Pepper Spray
The Mace bear spray is an excellent bear repellent for those who wish to set their next hiking or camping trip to bear country. If you do encounter an attack then you will have better chances of tackling the fuzzy creatures with a decent bear spray than a gun.
The size of the can is 9 oz and is designed to spray at a range of 30 feet maximum. With a fogger type spray and spray duration of 5.4 seconds, you will be able to generate enough fog to successfully target the bear and drive it away.
Always carry the can with you when taking a stroll outside or keep it at arm’s reach when you are inside your tent.
- Big size can contains more concentrated formula for the most effect
- Fogger type spray ensures a thick barrier
- Better chances of driving a bar away than with a use of a gun
- The can empties quite fast
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Mace Triple Action 12' Police Strength Pepper Spray with... | Check on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-12-18 / Paid Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Udap 18HP Super Magnum Bear Spray
Who else understands the need of a really good bear spray than a bear attack survivor?
The Udap 18HP Super Magnum bear spray has been developed by someone who has survived something we all hope never to encounter.
- Large can of 13.4 ounces
- 35-foot range
- Creates a dense fog
- Includes holster
- Comes with a 32-page book with safety tips
- The trigger is designed as such where you will have to manually lift it to spray. This may need some getting used to before hitting the trails
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UDAP 18CP Super Magnum Bear Spray, Multi,13.4oz | Check on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-12-19 / Paid Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The canister is a whopping 13.4 ounces and has the stronger formula allowed by the EPA of 2% CRC. Along with a 35-foot range and highly concentrated solution, you will be able to create a dense fog that will cover a decent area within a few seconds.
Spray time is 7 seconds which is long enough to affect the attacking bear. The product comes with a holster as well as a 32-page book with safety tips that will help anyone traveling to the grizzly country.
Mace Brand Self Defense Police Strength Pepper Spray Gun
Aside from bear sprays, you can also check out this self-defense pepper spray gun that comes along with a strobe LED light that illuminates the target.
It is an excellent safety tool which can be used on any kind of attacker whether you are out in the wild or in a neighborhood with potential danger. You will get a range of approx 15 – 20 feet and can spray up to 7 times.
Once you aim and spray, a strong 10% OC pepper formula will be released in a powerful stream which will leave an unbearable burning sensation on the target.
You can practice with the water cartridge first so you can perfect your aim and technique and be ready to defend yourself in the fastest and most effective manner in case of an attack.
The gun is not very light so instead of carrying it in your pocket, you can get a holster for easier access and carrying.
- Highly concentrated formula
- Good spray range
- Comes with a strobe LED
- Includes a practice cartridge
- Non-lethal yet very effective on the attacker
- The spray comes out in a stream and the contents have to reach the face of the attacker. This calls for good aiming practice and a good grip control
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MACE Brand Pepper Spray Gun with Strobe LED (Matte Black)... | Check on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-12-16 / Paid Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
UDAP Bear Spray With Camo Hip Holster
This item consists of a bear spray and a hip holster to get you all geared up for your next camping trip. The super hot formula is strong enough to stop a possible attack as the spray fills the air with a deadly fog that causes a burning sensation for the attacker.
Although the formula is extremely powerful, it is not lethal for the animal or to the environment. It is EPA registered and proven to be very effective on bears and other wild animals.
The cap comes with a safety clip for quick release and a secured seal to prevent accidental discharge. The hip holster will camouflage with its camouflage design, giving it the perfect look for a trip out in the nature.
- Strong formula at 2% CRC
- Non-lethal and safe for the environment
- 30 feet spray range
- Equipped with a quick release safety cap
- The holster isn’t exactly the most durable
Mace Brand Bear Attack Survival Spray
A bear spray bundle that comes along with a holster is a good bargain when planning an outdoor activity in bear country. The spray itself is very strong and has the strongest formula allowed by the EPA.
The can is over 9 ounces which empties in 6 seconds. You may choose to spray in bursts or all at once depending on the situation. The spray can reach a distance of up to 35 feet, fogging up the surrounding area to temporarily cause a burning sensation to the attacking bear and allowing you to head for safety.
The formula is very strong but will not permanently harm the animal or the environment. Along with the canister which has a finger loop handle with safety clip, you will also get a holster that will fit around your waist and help keep the can at close range.
If you are planning a trip to the wild side soon then you can get this item to ensure maximum protection and peace of mind.
- Large sized can
- Strongest formula
- Will not permanently harm the bear
- Safe for the environment
- Includes a holster
- The can empties in 6 seconds so you must aim and spray from an accurate distance if you do not want to waste the contents
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Mace Brand Personal Security Products Guard Alaska Maximum... | Check on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-12-18 / Paid Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Guard Alaska Bear Repellent – Clamshell
The 9 oz canister is packed with the strongest formula to stop a bear or any wild animal from attacking you with repellence. It is a must-have when going camping or even when residing in an area where it is common for bears to pay visits.
With a massive spraying power and a range of 25 feet (although the can may state a higher range) you can protect yourself from a distance. The can has enough contents to create a really thick fog and drive the beast away without actually causing any long-term harm to the animal.
It is also environmentally safe but we recommend not keeping it out in extreme heat as the heat may cause the can to go off accidentally. Unfortunately, the can does not come with a holster.
- Large sized can
- Good spraying range
- Strong formula
- Environmentally safe
- No holster
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mace Personal Security Products Mace Brand Guard Alaska... | Check on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-12-19 / Paid Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Multipack: Guard Alaska Bear Spray Repellent (Pack of 4)
If camping and hiking is your thing and you keep finding yourself in the wild every now and then you can stock up on your bear sprays with this bundle from Guard Alaska. The pack contains four 9 oz. cans, each with a 1.34% MC formula and a spray range of 15-20 feet for the ultimate protection against possible bear attacks.
Guard Alaska is registered with the EPA and manufacturers bear sprays which are effective against all bear species so no matter what kind of bear you encounter, this bear spray will have you (or the bear) covered.
The spray does not contain any substances which can harm the environment and with a shelf life of 4 years, you can keep the cans stored away safely for multiple seasons. Along with the cans, you will also get 4 holsters.
If you are planning a trip with friends then the pack will provide enough protection for the whole group.
- Good strength of 1.34% MC
- Decent spray range (15-20 feet)
- Effective against all species of bears
- Long shelf life
- Comes in a pack with 4 cans and 4 holsters
- No negative reviews from consumers yet
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Guard Alaska 9 oz. Bear Spray and Pepper Defense Belt Clip... | Check on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-12-19 / Paid Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Counter Assault Bear Deterrent
When you are hiking or camping and you know that you are in the bear territory then it is a must that you carry with you a bear spray that is effective and comes with a good spray range.
The 8.1 oz bear deterrent by Counter Assault offers a range of 30 ft with a spray time of 7.2 seconds. You can also go for the larger can of 10.2 oz which has a range of 32 ft and spray duration of 9.2 seconds.
The glow in the dark safety tie will ensure that the contents are sealed safely inside because even a little loss of spray could be vital during an encounter with an attacking bear.
With a maximum strength of 2 % MC and a quick release of dense fog, you will be able to tackle a bear from a far distance. The can comes with a shelf life of 4 years so check the date before you pack it for your next trip.
- Contains the strongest formula of 2% MC
- Good spray range
- Glow in the dark safety tie
- Long shelf life
- We have not heard of any negative reviews yet
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Counter Assault Bear Deterrent | Check on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-12-19 / Paid Link / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How To Choose The Best Bear Sprays?
To stay safe on the trails you need to take some precautions and keeping a bear spray at close reach is something that could save your life. Here are some things you should know before you shop for bear sprays.
Strength
Bear sprays work like pepper sprays but only better. They are much stronger, for obvious reasons and just like pepper sprays, the active ingredient is Oleoresin capsicum (OC).
Hot peppers are hot because of major capsaicinoids (MC) and while pepper sprays used for self-defense usually have a strength of 0.18% to 1.33% MC, bear sprays contain anywhere around 1% to 2% MC. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows a maximum strength of 2% for safety reasons.
Range
If your canister of bear spray does not have a minimum range of approx 16 feet then the fact that you will have to wait for the bear to come much closer before you can actually start spraying may raise some goosebumps.
Users of bear sprays have stated that most cans will mention the range to be from 12-35 feet when in reality it is always somewhere between 15 to 20 feet.
Spray Duration
Some cans have duration of 4 seconds, while some can last for 5 or 6 seconds. What matters most is that the can is EPA-approved so you know that whatever is in the can and all its features have been tested to work efficiently.
Capacity
You will be well off with anything that comes with roughly nine ounces of content. The largest bear spray can in the market weigh less than a pound, so do not expect anything huge.
You will also find cans with smaller quantities which work best as back up for when you feel the main can isn’t enough to do the job ( if you can remain calm during that point that is).
Extras
A lot of companies are now adding features to make the cans more convenient. Some come with holsters so you will not have to carry the can in your hands at all times or place one in your bag which may take a long time for you to remove in case a bear decides to pounce on you (we really do not believe that it’s likely every time you are out in the nature).
Your canister can also come with a safety cap to prevent accidental discharge because you wouldn’t want to spray yourself or anyone around you by mistake. For nighttime travelers, the glow-in-the-dark features may come handy.
Number Of Cans
Always carry an extra can when traveling alone, or if with a group of people then each member should have a can for the best possible safety measures.
As we mentioned earlier, we hope you will never have to use a bear spray but if you do end up in a situation where you have no way out then it is better to have extra protection.
Expiry
It is possible that you will end up buying a bear spray which you will never use and it will eventually lose its range and strength.
Bear sprays do come with expiry dates and it will be wise not to use it after the time is over because there will be no guarantee of the level of effectiveness. Shelf life could be around 3 to 4 years depending on the brand.
Price
For an average sized can (nine ounces) you can expect to pay roughly around $35. Prices may vary according to the quantity and extra features like an included holster or if the product contains any glow-in-dark materials.
Some also come in packs so you will be looking to pay a bit more than you would for a single can.
Why Bear Spray?
What can be a greater benefit than having something which can practically save your life at times, right?
Well, that is the main reason why you should be carrying a bear spray every time you enter the bear country but here are a few more reasons why you must consider this item.
Environmentally Safe
No matter what the contents are, bear sprays are safe and will not harm the environment in any possible way.
Non-Lethal For The Attacker
You just want to drive the bear away, not cause it any long-term harm. Bears are amazing creatures and wonderful inhabitants of the wild so you can rest knowing that you will not be hurting the animal permanently. The effect of the spray will wear off by the time you and bear are far apart.
Works Better Than Guns At Times
Bear sprays have actually been proven to be more effective than guns on many occasions. It is also easier to use as it requires less accuracy.
Range
most high-quality bear sprays have a spray range of a minimum of 20 feet, which allows you to target your attacker from a good distance
Long Shelf Life
Although we hope you never have to use your can of bear spray. but you will be glad to know that most cans carry shelf lives of at least 2-3 years.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Does A Bear Spray Work?
Bear sprays are basically pepper sprays with a stronger formula. Most sprays contain 1-2 percent capsaicin/capsaicinoids, an ingredient that causes a burning sensation and severe swelling of a bear’s mucous membranes. It also causes shortness of breath and panic. When a bear encounters all these symptoms it flees, giving you time to leave the area.
Can Bear Sprays Be Used On Humans And Other Animals?
No. Although it will work on humans and other animals, it should only be used on bears. The formula has been developed by keeping bears in mind so the results on any other animal or humans can be unpredictable
Do I Have To Practice On How To Use The Spray?
It will be a good idea to learn how the spray works beforehand. There isn’t much aiming required because you will only have to put up a cloud barrier between you and the bear but you must know how to quickly remove the can from the holster and release the safety tab to fire. If you know how everything works before your trip then in case of a possible attack you will be able to act quickly.
Final Words
Pepper sprays are really great for personal protection and most of us like to carry a keychain canister of pepper spray when we step out of the house but those are okay to be used on human attackers or anything smaller than a bear.
If you plan on hiking or you are into a lot of backpacking trips to bear country then you will need a can (or two) of bear spray. Bear sprays are very effective and can be used by anyone in need of protection.
Get yourself the bigger cans for more coverage because if the canister empties before it can stop the bear from charging then things can get nasty.
Look at all things such as the size, strength and spray range when picking your canister of bear spray. Remember bear sprays are designed to stop an angry bear from attacking. It is non-lethal and safe for the environment and a complete life saver.
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