If you’re in a rush, then the SABRE Frontiersman is your finest wager.
Bear spray is a good device for self-defense. It’s simple to make use of, and it may well save your life if it’s essential defend your self in opposition to an aggressive bear.
But when must you use it? How a lot do it’s essential carry with you? And what sort of bear spray must you purchase?
No want to stress any longer, as a result of now we have you lined.
Here are one of the best bear sprays in the marketplace right this moment:
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 evaluations, and it’s not laborious to see why. First of all, it’s a bit extra inexpensive than its rivals. Still, the value distinction isn’t the one purpose why this bear spray is so in style.
The purpose 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 buddies typically 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 share 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 for those who’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 one of the best bear spray in the marketplace.
Pros:
- 2.0% method offers excessive stopping energy
- 35-foot vary hits any bear
- 52g burst in a single second
- Environmentally accredited by the EPA
- Comes with a belt holster
Cons:
- Some cans come depressurized, so make sure to check the product beforehand.
Best 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 Duration: 9 seconds | Concentration: 1.34% capsaicinoids | Volume (oz): 9 | Weight (oz): 9.17
Much just like the Frontiersman, you’ll be blissful to know that this bear spray additionally comes with a holster. I’m personally an enormous fan of the nylon and steel development of Guard Alaska’s holster since it may well take a beating with out displaying any indicators of wear and tear.
If you’re going for pure energy, you could be 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 ft.
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 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. After all, my buddies and I like to go away the areas we camp on simply as lovely as after we first arrived.
The final thing in regards to the decrease spray focus is that it’d profit a few of you. In my expertise, a decrease focus could 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 accredited by the EPA
- More makes use of as a result of slower spray charge (could possibly 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, for those who’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 essential draw of this spray is that it’s efficient on targets as much as 40 ft away. That additional 5 ft might 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 undoubtedly 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 shade scheme make it appear like a toy fireplace extinguisher. Those tenting with youngsters might 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 will look like the Super Magnum is a robust competitor in opposition to the SABRE Frontiersman. They have an equal vary and share the two.0% focus of their formulation. Despite this, there’s nonetheless a large disparity in reputation. Why?
One of the principle causes for that is the truth that the Super Magnum bear spray acquired a little bit of a foul 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 you need 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 realize their founder has a little bit little bit of pores and skin within the sport on the subject of producing dependable merchandise.
Pros:
- 2.0% method is the highest of this checklist
- 35-foot vary, undoubtedly lengthy sufficient
- Developed by a bear assault survivor
- Sleek black holster included
- Glowing security clip
Cons:
- May trigger nervousness to ekrixiphobics (these with a concern 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. clients, with roughly 10x extra gross sales. While its vary isn’t as spectacular (at solely 30 ft), this product’s flawless fame is sufficient to sway most patrons.
It additionally retains up with different sprays because of 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 simple to attract your spray in a break up second.
The product is available in a number of shade variations, however I choose the orange model for 2 causes: 1. It stays true to the product identify, and a couple of. It’s simpler to identify in low mild. Those preferring an all-black loadout can be blissful to search out that shade scheme out there too.
Those who’re new to the outside 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 question that the data inside will provide help to out.
Pros:
- Most respected and in style 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’ll draw at a second’s discover.
Bear Sprays – Compared
Bear Spray Selection 101
Now that I’ve proven you among the finest sprays cash should purchase, you most likely have a number of extra questions. Fear not – as a result of the next information ought to cowl most of your issues and provide help to finalize your shopping for determination.
Spray Duration
One of the primary belongings you’ll need to take a look at is the spray period or its discharge charge.
Bear sprays usually discharge for between 4 to 9 seconds. That. Is. It.
So you need to hold this in thoughts. If it’s a must to use your bear spray, you’ll need to hold your spurts to 1 to 2 seconds.
This implies that for those who select a 4 second spray, you could solely have 2 sprays of it till you’re executed.
Guard Alaska Bear Spray and Counter Assault Bear Spray each have over 9 seconds of spray period.
Weight
You’ll after all need to steadiness the spray period with the burden of the spray relying on the remainder of the load you’ll be carrying on your day hike or your backpacking journey.
It is not sensible 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 automotive tenting, then weight might not be as a lot of a difficulty.
Spray Distance
Next up, you’ll need to concentrate on the spray distance, or the canisters’ firing vary.
The lowest of which is the Guard Alaska Bear Spray, which sprays solely a modest 20 ft, whereas Counter Assault Bear Spray sprays as much as 40 ft.
In actuality although, your probabilities of hitting a bear at 40 ft are fairly slim.
While the additional vary is good, the truth is that bear spray must be a final resort anyway and all the sprays must be efficient at deterring a bear in a dire scenario.
Formula & Capsaicin Concentration
The very first thing it’s essential take into consideration when selecting which spray is best for you is your main use case. If your vacation spot is grizzly-infested, then you definately’ll clearly need bear spray.
Both pepper spray and bear spray comprise the identical main ingredient of capsaicin (which is the lively 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 share. 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 will be getting HFC-134a as a propellant, and you may also 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 properly and good, it received’t make any distinction on the finish of the day for those who can’t even get your bear spray out whenever you want it most. This is why ease of use is such an vital factor to contemplate.
As a matter of truth, many buddies of mine will borrow my bear spray holsters to allow them to check each 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 check their choices proactively. Choose the choice that may work finest for you:
Ideally, you’d desire a holster that allows you to simply pull your bear spray out. It must be tight sufficient that the product received’t fall out by itself however unfastened sufficient that you just don’t must yank it out. Avoid holsters with an extreme variety of straps as properly since these can get in the best way.
Beyond the holster itself, you desire a bear spray with a high-contrast shade 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 among the merchandise we lined above would even be clever.
When to Use Bear Spray
Bear spray ought to all the time be a final resort possibility.
But if there isn’t a different solution to get out of the realm unnoticed, then it could be mandatory to make use of your bear spray.
When you need to use bear spray:
- The bear is inside 30-60 ft 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 be certain that to make use of your spray solely when completely mandatory 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 finest method to make use of bear spray is to goal it on the eyes of the attacking animal. However, if it’s not attacking, then you definately 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 can 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 the fact 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 suppose working will assist you to seize your weapon quicker, that’s sadly fallacious. Running will worsen the bear, and it’s seemingly 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, you need to spray forward of it, so it runs proper by means of the cloud.
- Take word; the wind will seemingly get some bear spray on you. But, keep away from panicking as I can assure that getting mauled can be a complete lot extra painful. Look away whenever you spray or use your arm to cowl the blowback.
- Never discharge the bear spray in camp or for any purpose apart from spraying a bear.
- Lastly, all the time examine the expiration date in your bear spray and by no means go away it in a scorching car.
For extra bear security ideas, 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 vital 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 suppose. 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 stop 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 excellent 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 might have on the path, the extra seemingly you’ll be capable to spot a bear.
- Make Noise – The louder and noisier your group is, the extra seemingly you’re to alert any bears to your presence. She’ll be certain that to keep away from you.
- Stay on designated paths – No must “blaze your own trail” when you may follow a properly worn path than wanter into a foul scenario.
Obviously not all bear encounters could be averted, 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 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. Guns usually tend to trigger self-injury and/or worse.
What is the distinction between pepper spray and bear spray?
The essential 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 could be extra harmful than pepper spray if it will get in your eyes or mouth.
What is bear spray product of?
Bear spray is made out 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 incorporates between 0.18% to 1.33% capsaicin/capsaicinoids).
Can bear spray hurt people?
The quick reply is, sure. For one, bear spray could be discharged at as much as 70 miles per hour, so any spray that strikes an individual may cause everlasting injury to your eyes.
Beyond that, bear spray can incapacitate an individual, identical to it may well have an effect on a bear.
Expect watery eyes, runny nostril, and your lungs can 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 charge of bear spray usually lasts between 4 and 9 seconds, relying on the bear spray.
This implies that it’s best to make use of in 1 to 2 second spurts.
However, the consequences of the chemical compounds 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 work after it has expired, however not as successfully as earlier than.
It received’t be capable to spray the identical distance as earlier than and general efficiency of the product can 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 properly 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 so forth.
Our Verdict
In my skilled opinion, you merely can’t beat the worth that the SABRE Frontiersman offers. From its concentrated method to its long-range, the efficiency is on level. Add in its large bursting energy (that allows you to discharge nearly two ounces per second), this one is a no brainer.
That being stated, I’m not the be all finish all within the bear spray trade, so select whichever one makes you are feeling most secure. There’s not a complete lot of worth variation for this specific product, which suggests plenty of it in the end comes right down to desire.
Happy tenting, and keep in mind which you can by no means be too cautious!