1. SABRE-Frontiersman-Bear-Spray-7.9-oz-Maximum-Strength-&-Larger-Protective-Barrier
2. Counter Assault Bear Deterrent
3. Frontiersman Bear Spray 9.2 ounces
4. Udap Super Magnum Bear Spray
5. Ruger Pepper Spray
If you’ve seen the movie “Brave”, you may understand how a randomly caught bear can suddenly stop outdoor recreational activities and make people run for cover. Bears don’t like humans, not at first glance. But if you have any of the best bear sprays on the market, you can enjoy your outdoor activities with peace of mind.
We may find them cuddly, cute and adorable, but they don’t think the same about us. They see us as prey ready to be devoured for their satisfaction. In this context, it is very important that you have some form of protection whenever you explore an area known to be bear habitat.
Weapons are fine but too extreme. We don’t want to kill them all. Bear sprays, on the other hand, are perfect. They are powerful enough to scare these animals without causing serious damage. Here are the top four best bear sprays on the market.
What Is a Bear Spray?
A bear spray is an aerosol made of the active compound capsaicin, which is the main active ingredient that deters bears when it is sprayed on them. When used on these mammals, it is easy for the fine particles of the pressurized container to get to their eyes, nose, and lungs, causing notable irritation and discomfort.
Just to give you an idea of what this compound is like, have you ever had very spicy food or got chili powder in your eyes? That is similar to what these animals feel when the spray is used on them. Their first instinct when they come in contact with this deterrent is to get as far away as possible from the danger (that is the spray).
How to Choose the Best Bear Spray
Brands
You need to keep an eye on the identity of the product you are considering. Ask questions like – has it been around for a long time? If yes, then they must be doing something right to maintain their customer base and stay in business. Some of the most highly recommended brands include Counter Assault Bear Deterrent, Frontiersman Bear Spray, Udap Super Magnum Bear Spray, and Ruger Pepper Spray.
Spray Duration
You do not want to run out after two seconds of hitting the nozzle because that is not enough to save you from a bear attack. It is critical to ensure that whatever brand you choose has a spray duration of about eight to ten seconds, and the more the better. This would enable you to spray a charging bear effectively 30 or more feet away.
CPC Concentration
According to experts, the strength of the spray should be nothing less than 0.857 to 2 percent. It may come at a higher cost, but it is best to go for brands that have higher concentration for guaranteed effectiveness.
Range
The farther you are from a raging bear, the lower the effectiveness of the repellant. A quality bear spray would work effectively within the range of 9 meters at least, or 30 feet away.
Safety
For your safety and that of everyone around you, make sure that the lid is properly secured to avoid accidental dispersion. Always face the nozzle away from your face to avoid permanent eye damage, and do not use it as an insect repellant or in any other way other than what it is meant for. Also, ensure that the temperature of the canister is within the range of -7 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Accessibility and Holsters
If you must use this product, then you must have a holster to hold it in while placed on your body. It should not be in your backpack or any other place that is not on you. This is to ensure that you can reach it quickly when the need arises.
Size
When it comes to the size of the canister, you need the biggest on the market, which is about 380 grams with a spray duration of eight seconds at the least. If for any reason you decide to get a canister of lesser capacity, be careful not to go for anything less than 225 grams with a spray duration of seven seconds.
Top 5 Best Bear Spray on the Market
This list is a review based on the following points:
- The potency of the spray on bears
- The volume of the spray
- Spray period
- Spray distance
The following features were also considered:
- Holster
- Trigger
- Safety cap
5. Ruger Pepper Spray
Features:
- Volume: 9 ounces
- Spray period: 9.2 seconds
- Spray distance: Over 20 feet
This brand decided to go with a gun-like canister for their product. So, if you prefer that idea, then this may be the perfect product for you. It is easier to handle and quite effective from as far as ten feet away.
Pros
Pros
- Works well on bears of various types
- Longer spray period compared to most
- Equally effective in humid environments
Cons
Cons
- Comes with no holster
This product does not spray like you a pressurized container. It blasts, one burst at a time, but it distributes enough CPC to cover a wide space, protecting the user from attacks. It delivers 5 bursts in all, after which it can be refilled with another unit. You can go with as many refill units as possible.
4. Udap Super Magnum Bear Spray
Features
- Potency: 2.0% strength
- Volume: 13.4 ounces
- Spray period: 7 seconds
Earlier on, we mentioned how it is critical to go for products that have higher CPC concentrations for greater efficiency. Well, the UDAP 18HP Super Magnum Bear Spray is one of those, with a 2% CPC concentration; it cannot get any higher than that. The making of this brand has a backstory to it. The developer experienced and survived a bear attack. Instead of letting that slide, he decided to develop what he thinks would be a suitable counter-attack measure against these animals.
Pros
Pros
- Distributes a more thick fog cloud compared to other sprays
- It comes with an extra booklet on bear safety
- Covers as much as 35 feet
- 2.0% capsaicinoid strength
Cons
Cons
- Shorter spray duration; runs out in 7 seconds
- Trigger design makes it challenging to use
It comes in a 13.4 oz canister containing a lot of product that can last 7 seconds, which is fair considering that it empties a lot faster than other brands. It is safe and effective when used from as far as 35 feet away, giving out a high-volume dense widespread fog blast.
3. Frontiersman Bear Spray 9.2 ounces
Features:
- Potency: 2.0% strength
- Volume: 9.2 ounces
- Spray duration: 5 seconds
This is another great product that can guarantee your safety from animal attacks in the forest. Get this, it is 50% stronger than the usual police pepper spray with 2% potency and a high-distribution nozzle for the heaviest fog in a matter of seconds.
Pros
Pros
- Covers a range of 30 to 35 feet
- Confirmed to be effective by both internal and external labs
- Comes with either a waist or chest holster
- The maximum recommended capsaicinoid strength of 2.0%
Cons
Cons
- Shortest spray duration; empties in 5 seconds
- Comes with no manufacturer warranty
Interestingly, despite having a high stopping power, it does not contain any ingredients that may be of any harm serious harm to the bear, the environment, or a person. According to experts, it is the only bear spray made with the HPLC technique. The volume of this pressurized container is about 9 oz., which, quite honestly, is not too much, but if used correctly, would surely work effectively enough to drive away attacks.
2. Counter Assault Bear Deterrent
Features:
- Potency: 2.0% strength
- Volume: 10.2 ounces
- Spray duration: 9.2 seconds
This product may cost a little more than the others on this list (or any other one for that matter), but it is one of the most highly-recommended bear deterrents on the market. Its content has a high CPC at 2%, which makes it quite effective even from over 30 feet away.
Pros
Pros
- It can cover an average of about 22 feet
- Sprays continuously for 9 seconds
- Holster available
- It has a safety cap to curtail the danger of unintentional release
- Great volume in one canister
Cons
Cons
- The holster does not have a wide range of adjustment
If and when you decide to purchase this product, you would need to choose one of two canisters of different volumes. There is the one of 8.1 oz. for a continuous spray duration of seven seconds as well as a 10.2 oz., which can last for eight seconds. The nozzle delivers a generous amount and is leak-proof.
1. SABRE Frontiersman Bear Spray 7.9 oz Maximum Strength & Larger Protective Barrier
Features:
- 2% CPC, EPA maximum strength
- Net content of 7.9 oz.
- Spray duration of 5 seconds
- Shipped in individual recyclable boxes
- Delivers 1.58 oz. of product per second
- Also available in other volumes
This is a safe bear deterrent that has been tested and approved by the EPS and Health Canada. “Safe” in this context refers to its ability to protect users from a bear attack from as far as 30 feet away and more. It is also safe for the environment, humans, and animals alike. The most it does is temporarily irritate the animal’s sense of sight and smell with no permanent injuries.
Pros
Pros
- Covers a safe distance of 30 feet
- EPA and Health Canada approved
- Safe for animals, humans, and the environment
- Nozzle burst over 50% more than other brands
- Effective deterrent on all species of bears
- Not inflammable
Cons
Cons
- Short spray duration
With each burst, it delivers a thick and generous fog of content at 1.58 oz. per second for a total of five seconds. The nozzle, although lavish, does not have any leaks and is easy to work with. It has different purchase options and volumes available. If you have no experience at all, you can go for the pack with a practice spray in it.
Using a Bear Spray Safely
It may seem easy to use for a fact, but is not always what it seems. It is crucial to go through the following tips to better understand how to use them.
1. Practice
If you have zero experience on how to use these sprays, experts suggest that you invest in brands that come with a practice canister containing inert ingredients. These ingredients are not active at all, so you will not harm yourself or anyone in the process.
With this, you can learn how to open and use the product. You can check online to find out if there are any tips on how to use these repellants safely and effectively.
2. Storage
Remember that the contents of these containers are pressurized, and this means the contents tend to expand when they come in contact with heat. To avoid this, ensure that you store them in a cool and dry place away from the reach of children. Do not leave it in a hot vehicle or carry it in an aircraft.
Specifically, the Transport Security Administration and other similar bodies suggest purchasing a bear spray at your destination and leaving it behind when you are done.
3. Carrying It
If you must go for a brand that does not come with a holster, then you have to buy one yourself. It is risky to carry the canister anywhere else aside from your body where it is easy to access. As you may have imagined (or experienced), a surprise encounter with these animals are usually very fast-paced, and taking your eye away from them for a second may allow them to charge fiercely towards you.
You can strap it on to the belt of your fanny pack if you do not have a proper holster.
4. Cut out the Locks
The product usually comes with a cable tie around the nozzle. It is crucial to cut it out even before you set out on your journey. After removing this cable, you would be left with a safety clip, which is practical and easy to remove even when the situation is urgent.
Be sure to cut away locks on the nozzles. Note that these locks are different from the clip (meant to prevent accidental discharge). The locks are to be removed, but keep the safety clips on.
5. Do not Get too Close
From a distance of 30 to 35 feet away, it is safe to blast the animal a couple of times aiming directly at the face. This should be enough to deter them most of the time, but if it does not, then you can spray it again, and longer this time.
Keep in mind that you have to get quite close to the bear, but not too close. Identifying what distance is safe is one of the things you should learn while practicing or attending a safety event designed for such purposes.
6. Keep your eyes on the bear
No matter what you do, do not turn your back on even the seemingly gentlest and cutest of bears. It is too risky to do so. Maintaining eye contact with them can drive them away or get them to stop in their track towards you sometimes. Looking away from them encourages them to charge towards you.
7. Use When Necessary
Try to use the spray only when necessary, that is when a bear is approaching you or when it gets aggressive. According to experts, every bear encounter is different. It is recommended to use the spray with regards to the bear’s behavior and position.
If the bear is ignoring you, it is best to back away slowly. Never run or the bear may start coming after you. If the animal is approaching you, you can employ tactics like waving your hands above your head, shouting, throwing sticks, jumping, etc. If the bear does not retreat despite these efforts, then you can use your spray on it as soon as it is within 30 to 35 feet.
Conclusion
Finally, keep in mind that these products can only work when used according to the manufacturers’ instructions. So, make sure that you read the instructions beforehand.
If you ever use the spray, be sure to get out of the location where you used it to somewhere as far away as possible. This is because, according to reliable documentaries, the animals may return to that location to attack.
Remember to keep the spray very handy and apply the safety tips mentioned above and more. We recommend you choose any of the products reviewed above. They have been tested and verified by experts and they also have a ton of great reviews from customers.