The Best Bear Pepper Spray: Reviews In 2024 By Experts

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Best bear pepper spray
Best bear pepper spray

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: SABRE Frontiersman 9.2 oz. Bear Spray, Maximum Strength 2.0%

If you're going to be in the woods, you need to know how to protect yourself. SABRE Frontiersman Bear Spray is designed for fast, easy and discreet access. The compact design and soft-but-tough holster make this the ideal bear spray for hikers and campers on the go. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Udap Safety Orange Bear Spray Deterrent with Griz Guard Holster 2 Pack

Udap Bear Spray Deterrent is an easy-to-carry, compact and portable bear spray with a fog unit that covers a wide area. With a unique Griz Guard Holster, you can easily attach the bear spray to your belt or waistband for quick access. Udap Bear Spray is the most powerful bear deterrent available, with a single shot of this non-lethal spray being approximately equivalent in power to 50 cans of pepper spray. Read Review

3. Best Capacity: Personal Security Products Mace Brand Guard Alaska Maximum Strength

Keep yourself and your loved ones safe with the Alaska Maximum Strength Personal Security Products Mace Brand Guard. This bear spray features a finger loop handle with safety clip for easy carrying. To use, pull off the orange safety wedge on the top of the grip and spay by pressing down on the actuator button on the top of the hand grip. Read Review

4. Best Convenient: Mace Brand Personal Security Products Guard Alaska Maximum Strength

Enjoy trekking and camping in bear country with the new Mace Brand Bear Spray by Mace Brand. This Mace Brand Bear Spray features a finger loop handle with safety clip making it easy to carry. To use, pull off the orange safety wedge on the top of the grip and spray by pressing down on the actuator button on the top of the hand grip. Holster is not included. Read Review

Bear spray is an excellent tool to have in your hiking or camping kit. If you spend time in the great outdoors, you’ve probably come across a curious bear at some point. Bears are common in the wilderness, and their presence can be unnerving for new campers. A bear attack might look scary, but it’s not something that most bears look forward to. If a hiker comes across a bear unexpectedly, it’s best to have some kind of self-defense mechanism on hand.

No one wants to be mauled by a wild animal; it’s just as frightening for the animal too! Pepper spray is one of the most common options when it comes to outdoor self-defense because of its multiple uses. It can deter an attacker and help you escape safely if one does approach you. If you or someone you know loves camping and hiking, check out these 10 best bear pepper sprays today.

We have chosen many of the good items currently available, including SABRE Frontiersman 9.2 oz. Bear Spray, Maximum Strength 2.0% - our favorite one. We also provide you with Udap Safety Orange Bear Spray Deterrent with Griz Guard Holster 2 Pack model that you may consider if the top product is not your choice.

You will be surprised at the information we are about to share below! Let's explore the special features of products from famous brands including Sabre, Udap, Mace, Guard alaska, Counter assault, Pepper defense right here.

Our Top Picks

  • EASY TO CARRY: A belt holster helps to keep your canister secure and immediately accessible. The bear spray is secured by strong elastic to prevent loss
  • GUARANTEED SABRE MAXIMUM STRENGTH FORUMLA IN EVERY CANISTER: According to an independent study conducted by the University of Utah, variability rates in the concentration of active ingredients in pepper sprays have a 30% failure rate. With an industry exclusive HPLC laboratory, only SABRE guarantees its maximum strength formulation in every canister.
  • PROTECTION AT A SAFE DISTANCE: Bear spray has a 35-foot (10 meter) range – up to 10 feet farther than other brands. Deploys 1.84 ounces of fog per 1-second burst (up to 84% more than competitors), creating a barrier of protection between you and a bear
  • QUIET ACCESS TO PROTECTION: Frontiersman Bear Spray Holsters are not made with Velcro, allowing for quick and silent access to your deterrent should you encounter a bear
  • RIGOROUSLY TESTED FOR CERTAINTY AND PEACE OF MIND: E.P.A. approved, our environmentally friendly bear spray is field-tested and proven effective against all types of bears by the Elmendorf Air Force Base and Brown Bear Resources
  • 2 Pack Includes Exclusive Griz Guard Holsters
  • Developed By A Bear Attack Survivor
  • STAY PROTECTED OUTDOORS: Always stay protected while experiencing the great outdoors. This Mace Brand Bear Spray empties in 9 seconds making it an essential accessory for hiking, climbing, camping, biking and other outdoor activities in bear country.
  • MACE BRAND – "Mace" is Pepper Spray, but not all pepper spray is Mace Brand. We continue to innovate the industry with powerful formulas, fast-acting delivery systems, and new safety features that ensure the ultimate in protection and peace of mind.
  • Easy To Use – This Mace Brand Bear Spray Features A Finger Loop Handle With Safety Clip Making It Easy To Carry. To Use, Pull Off The Orange Safety Wedge On The Top Of The Grip And Spay By Pressing Down On The Actuator Button On The Top Of The Hand Grip. Holster is not included.
  • Range: Up to 35 ft
  • Keeps Your Bear Spray Accessible
  • Conveniently Allows Bear Spray To Be Clipped On
  • Keeps Your Bear Spray Accessible
  • Provides Silent, Easy Access To Your Bear Spray Trigger
  • MAXIMUM STOPPING POWER: Strongest formula allowed by law (EPA Requires range of 1.0-2.0% Major Capsaicinoids), Frontiersman bear spray, made with 2.0% Major Capsaicinoids, is backed by our industry exclusive in-house HPLC lab, guaranteeing maximum strength in each canister
  • QUICK & QUIET ACCESS TO PROTECTION: Velcro sound could aggravate a threatening bear and potentially cause aggressive behavior - Frontiersman holsters eliminate the unnecessary Velcro straps allowing for quick & silent access to your spray during an emergency
  • IMMEDIATELY ACCESSIBLE BEAR SPRAY: Easy to access when seconds count, our bear sprays are available with quick draw belt or chest holsters; Strong elastic keeps bear spray secure while out on the trails
  • SPRAYS UP TO 50% FURTHER: With a 30-foot (9-meter) spray range reaching up to 10-feet further than the competition, Frontiersman Bear Spray gives you more time to react to a bear charging up to 35 mph & provide safer protection with a greater protective barrier per burst (up to 58% more than competitors)
  • RIGOROUSLY TESTED TO MAXIMIZE YOUR SAFETY: E.P.A. and Health Canada approved, our environmentally friendly bear spray is field-tested and proven effective against all types of bears by the Elmendorf Air Force Base and Brown Bear Resources
  • TESTED & PROVEN - Guard Alaska was intensively tested for six years in the Alaska wild, and it is the only bear repellent registered as effective against ALL bear species
  • MAXIMUM STRENGTH - 1.34% total capsaicinoid formula, 9 ounce (255 Grams) UltraMag shotgun size canister, EZ Access Firemaster Actuator
8 Counter Assault Bear Spray with Holster, 10.2 oz
Our Score:
8.8
Counter Assault
  • Made-in Montana bear spray provides extra safety with glow in the dark safety wedge and tie string
  • Bear canister works to deter all bear species from attacking humans for safer camping and hiking
  • ***PLEASE READ*** THIS PRODUCT CANNOT BE SHIPPED TO: NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, MICHIGAN, SOUTH CAROLINA - Combo pack includes 9 oz. Guard Alaska Bear Spray, Bear Spray Belt Loop Tactical Holster, and Pepper Defense Maximum Strength 10% OC Pepper Spray
  • Fogger delivery system to quickly engulf bear's face for maximum effectiveness
  • Most trusted bear spray product Developed by a bear attack survivor.
  • Most Powerful Bear Spray Fog!

What to Look For in a best bear pepper spray?

Do you need to buy the best bear pepper spray in 2024 from e-commerce websites within the next few hours? Perhaps you've recently learned of something that can benefit individuals in your life but aren't sure where to turn or who to trust. So, we're here to help. Our article will show you how to acquire the best bear pepper spray for your needs swiftly so that it arrives on time and as planned. It's that easy!

We'll show you some pointers on how to avoid having to make another purchase. Purchasing things online should be a breeze after reading this article!

 

Range Of Spray

When shopping for bear spray, one of the most crucial aspects is its range. Some sprays can reach only 12 feet. This distance is not comfortable, but it can provide an acceptable range. To increase the chances of stopping a bear dead in its tracks, aim for a greater range.
Bear sprays should be between 30-40 feet away. The further you are, the better. It should be clear whether the spray is coming from a stream, a lake or both. A narrowly targeted stream will not work unless you can aim well. The perfect aim in these circumstances is difficult to find. Therefore, seek out distances that are reasonable and have a shotgun blast pattern.
The spray speed and distance can also impact the effectiveness of the spray. Sprays can reach speeds up to 70 miles per hour, but others spray at a slower speed. While a spray can travel at a faster speed, it is better to find a balance. This way you can aim your stream more precisely and don't run the risk of sending too many in the wrong direction.

Weight And Size

A spray you are able to keep close by is a must. Bear sprays come in large cans so be sure to have the right size pouch or holster. Another important factor to consider is weight. Although most dogs weigh under a pound and can be carried for longer distances, you should still consider this when packing your backpack.

Concentration

Capsaicin is listed in most bear sprays as a concentration between 1 to 2 percent. For maximum effectiveness, bear sprays should contain no more than 2 percent.

Holster

Depending on what you do, how much bear spray you need will determine your ability to carry. It is important to consider how easily it can be found in case of emergency. It should not be in your bag.
Bear spray should be carried in some type of holster. This will allow you to reach for it easily when necessary. It can be attached to your belt, hip strap or shoulder strap. Spray can be accessed without removing your backpack.
The spray can be carried in a holster so you are able to grab it quickly and keep the spray out of your backpack.

Safety And Ease Of Use

Some canisters do not have the same spray or safety features. You may be exposed to danger if you don't have a safety lock. Always purchase a bear spray that has a safety lock.
You will also be amazed at how simple it is to spray, lock, and aim. If a bear approaches you, you don't want to accidentally spray yourself.
In the backcountry, safety should be your number one priority. Don't forget to take your first safety gear with you when stocking up.

Shelf Life

Bear spray is something you want to never use so it's likely it'll sit on your shelf. Before you go out in the field with your bear spray, make sure it is still functional. This will affect the overall value.

 

FAQs

What’s The Difference Between Bear Mace Vs. Pepper Spray?

Bear mace is different from standard pepper spray in that it has different pressure, volume and spray range. Bear mace can spray up to 40ft and is more pressured. To accommodate this spray range, the spray volume in the canisters is larger than that of pepper spray. Pepper spray and bear mace both contain the active ingredient, oleoresin capicum (OC), at differing volumes. Both can lead to temporary blindness and nausea.

Does Bear Spray Work?

Bear spray is effective and can be used to deter bears. The Journal of Wildlife Management published a 20-year study that concluded bear spray was at least 90% effective in keeping bears from engaging in undesirable behaviors. Bear spray is more efficient and safer than guns to deter bear behavior, according to other sources.

How Do You Carry Bear Spray On A Hike?

Bear spray should always be easily accessible. A lot of bear spray holders allow you to attach it to your backpack, or anywhere else on your body. To help you develop muscle memory, practice accessing it fast.

When Should Someone Use Bear Spray?

First, practice bear avoidance. Bear avoidance is key to avoiding bear attacks. A bear attack is not worth taking a picture of. Bear in mind that bears don't usually attack humans and unprovoked sprays can cause more problems than they were. If a bear acts aggressively towards your property, you should not use bear spray.

How Do You Use Bear Spray?

We recommend that you follow the manufacturer's instructions as with all outdoor products. Although the instructions for using the bear spray will vary from one brand to another, there are general guidelines you can use.
Bear spray canisters should be held in your hands with both of your hands. You can hold the canister in one hand and use the other to trigger the spray. The nozzle should be pointed towards you, not away. Before spraying, the bear must be at least 30ft (10mi) from you. Bear spray is currently only allowed to be applied within 40 feet of the bear.
Due to the slight recoil of canisters, it is easier to spray downwards. Canisters should be emptied in a circular motion in the direction that the bear is facing. You will create a bigger cloud between the bear and you.

Is Bear Spray Required?

Bear spray is a must-have for anyone who plans to hike or camp in bear country. Bear spray is not allowed in every park. There are regulations that bear spray must follow. Bear spraying is not allowed in bear country. Check local regulations.

Conclusion

So, what's the easiest approach to get the best bear pepper spray you need quickly? You may use what we know about cognitive neuroscience concepts in your marketing approach. 

When choosing the ideal product, you must have a clear idea of what you want in terms of price, quality, and function. If you don’t like any model in this list, then the Counter Assault Bear Spray, 8.1 oz (Pack of 2) will be your new buddy.


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About Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson is a freelance writer who specializes in camping and wildlife topics for CampFireHQ. He has written for several outdoor magazines and websites, and he enjoys nothing more than spending a weekend in the woods with his family. Scott is an experienced camper and backpacker, and he has also spent considerable time studying the behavior of bears and other large mammals.

Read Scott's full bio