Bear spray

[woods89]

Going to pick up some bear spray and just wondering if one brand is any better than the others.

As a side note, if you want some good laughs, read a bunch of bear spray reviews on Amazon........

 

[InIt2Live]

I have never had to use mine, so I don't know if one works better than the other. That said, I pretty much stick to buying UDAP. not for any reasons other than it was created by a bear attack victim, and is available (at about the same price point) everywhere up here.

 

[ndbwhunter]

Never used mine either, but went with the big counter assault can based on reviews. Supposed to have better effective range than the UDAP. Either one would be better than nothing.

 

[missjordan]

I also in the same boat as init2live, I've Bought a couple different brands of spray and have never used it either!

 

[airlocksniffer]

I've had UDAP, Bear Pause and currently Counter Assault. Never had to use them. With Counter Assault you can also get inert training cans. As with a sidearm, doesn't hurt to practice before heading into bear country.

 

[kingfisher]

I have always bought from counter assault out of Kalispell MT. Bought it because I like to support Montana Business. Get the biggest you can buy. They make and 8 oz and a 10 oz. The holster that comes with is is easy to use/get the spray out/and or point and shoot from the hip. Never used it, but did shoot an old can once with a .45 with the wind blowing fairly strong away from me. Gotta say my sinuses/eyes sensed it even at 20yards away. I believe they expire, but that particular can started a small leak that I could hear after being mistreated for a number of years by being left in a hot car, so treat them with some care. And also, you cant check them on your luggage if I remember correctly. Good luck.

 

[woods89]

Sounds like some brave soul needs to take a bunch of brands into bear country and keep food in his tent until he gets to use all of them!

I think our local bass pro has counter assault so I may just use some points there.

You may have noticed my location and wondered " why does a guy in southern MO need bear spray?" Well, we have a ever growing population here and after running into one packing out camp at night last fall, some of the people close to me have suggested I start carrying it. I also spend a fair bit of time in spring sitting next to trees trying to sound like a turkey. Not sure they really worry me a lot but I have started hanging my food away from the camp. I'm solo a lot and if I ever wind up needing it I'm sure I'll be very glad for it. And if it eases my families mind that counts for something too.

Thanks for the response! I tried searching it but don't think it's been discussed much.

 

[Old_Navy]

Counter Assault is listed by NPS.Gov

http://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/upload/Bear-safety-bulletin-2.pdf

got the 10 oz. can from the local REI $55.00
http://www.rei.com/c/bear-spray?r=category%3Acamping-and-hiking|health-and-safety|bear-safety|bear-spray&ir=category%3Abear-safety