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Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray - 230g

$29.99
$45.95^*

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(10)

Item # 623173

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Counter Assault Bear Deterrent spray is designed to drive away bears in the event of an attack.

Contains 2% Capsaicin and other Capsaicinoids, red pepper derivatives that affect the eyes and respiratory system, staving off attack
Spray reaches 12 to 30 ft. and empties in approximately 7 sec.
Counter Assault Bear Deterrent spray includes a safety cap to help prevent accidental discharge
Use with extreme caution—if not used properly, it can disable the user, rather than the bear

Please Note: This product is not able to be shipped to the state of Wisconsin.

Made in USA.

Item 623173

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This item contains hazardous or flammable materials and is restricted to surface shipping only. Online orders for shipment to Alaska must be picked up at the Anchorage REI store (follow options for Free Shipping to REI Store when ordering); shipment to any other Alaska address is not offered. Sorry, this product cannot be shipped to Hawaii, APO, FPO or international addresses.

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Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray - 230g Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray - 230g

3.7

(based on 10 reviews)

89%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Simple to use (7)
Good instructions / manual (5)
Packs small / compresses (4)
Clear instuctions (3)

Cons

One time use only (5)
Heavy / bulky (3)

Best Uses

Backcountry camping (9)
Camping (7)
Day trip (6)

- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid adventurer (7)
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Survivalist / minimalist (4)

Reviewed by 10 customers

Sort by

Displaying reviews 1-10

Aug

2009

(57 of 63 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

It works, but get the larger canister

By wayazo

from Everett, WA

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Clear Instructions
Easy To Pack
Effective
Simple To Use

Cons

One Time Use Only

Best Uses

Backcountry Camping
Campgrounds
Day Trips

Comments about Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray - 230g:

I'm a wildlife photographer and I can tell you from personal experience that this stuff works, but only when used properly. Get the larger canister. For a few bucks more you get a few seconds more of spray and that can mean all the difference. When deployed, the canister will put out a decent sized fog cloud that your target will either run into or have it blown into its face. In Grizzly country, carry it in your hand (best) or pocket on your chest or front of pants where you can get to it IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT carry it in your backpack. I do not recommend using a belt holster. Too difficult to draw in a hurry and more of an opportunity to drop it when you need it most. Practice popping off the trigger safety. Deploy at the distance recommended on the can (very important). If you deploy too early (this is hard to refrain from doing) the fog is less likely to deter the bear. This product will (obviously) not protect you if the wind is blowing towards you or you are in a crosswind situation. Make sure the wind is blowing towards the bear, into its face. Once you discharge the canister, even part way, do not reuse. Buy a new one. Also toss the canister after the expiration date. Talk loud, make noise, use a bell, and most likely you'll never use this product and toss it out after it expires.

Comment on this review

Aug

2008

(56 of 68 customers found this review helpful)

3.0

semi-effective; be careful.

By irocz

from Sequoia, CA

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Clear Instuctions
Easy To Pack
Simple To Use

Cons

One Time Use Only

Best Uses

Backcountry Camping
Campgrounds
Day Trips
River Trips
Road Trips

Comments about Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray - 230g:

We had to use this on a black bear in California. It was completely ineffective at 25 feet. Only at about eight feet did this act as a mild deterrent. We got the impression that the bear simply found it annoying, and that it would be totally useless in an assault situation. In the end, it saved our food cache and an expensive backpack from total decimation, but I would absolutely not rely on this stuff as a deterrent against attack. I give it a 3 for saving our food/gear, and I'll probably carry it in the future, but I would prefer a spicier version!

Comment on this review

Jul

2008

(33 of 41 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Can't fly with this stuff

By Tom and Emily

from Nashville, TN

See all my reviews

Pros

Clear Instuctions

Cons

Best Uses

Backcountry Camping
Campgrounds
Day Trips

Comments about Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray - 230g:

Don't forget that you can't pack this for an airplane ride, so if you're flying, then you should purchase it where you land. --or else, plan in advance and mail it to your destination address. We purchased ours at our destination, and then just donated it to the back country rangers for their training/use. --Just got back from a trip to Glacier Natn. Park. If you're going across the border, the EPA-approved bear sprays are allowed to cross. --we didn't have to use it, but this was the brand that all the rangers were carrying.

Comment on this review

Nov

2009

(23 of 26 customers found this review helpful)

3.0

Cheap Container

By haveyourmile

from Sacramento, CA

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Clear Instructions

Cons

Best Uses

Backcountry Camping
Campgrounds
Day Trips

Comments about Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray - 230g:

I had this with me (as I always do backpacking or hiking) and it fell from my hand about 3 1/2 feet to the ground, hit a few pebbles and starting pouring out the horrible noxious gas. It got me and my dog. I was fine...I spent the rest of the day washing my eyes out periodically, and my dog was okay after a few big coughs and some big sneezes. I can't believe this can punctured so easily, you would think because it is made to be used in the backcountry it would be a little more rugged. Guess not.

Comment on this review

Sep

2010

(21 of 22 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Better than a gun

By dograft

from Winter Park, Colorado

About Me Professional/Guide

See all my reviews

Pros

Clear Instructions
Effective
Simple To Use

Cons

Bulky
One Time Use Only

Best Uses

Backcountry Camping
Campgrounds
River Trips
Road Trips

Comments about Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray - 230g:

On my last fishing trip to Alaska I had a run in with a very mad grizzly sow and she was in a full run and my dad and I as we were fishing. It took the whole can but it stopped her in her tracks and went the other way. If it was not for the spary I dont think I would be writing this today. It really does work and will save your butt from what ever you spray at.

Comment on this review

Sep

2009

(17 of 18 customers found this review helpful)

3.0

Glad I had it!

By Pokefish808

from Honolulu, HI

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Easy To Pack
Effective wtiming
Simple To Use

Cons

Leak after initial use
One Time Use Only

Best Uses

Salmon Fishing

Comments about Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray - 230g:

During my Sept. Alaska fishing trip, an aggressive young bear threatened me to "drop my fish" to him. As he advanced towards me, I wifted a short spray in the air over him - at 15 feet. He recognized the smell and backed off. If he continued closer, it would have been in his face. Many bears who annoy fisherman as such get routinely sprayed.

Comment on this review

Jul

2008

(14 of 34 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

can't fly with it!

By james3

from Atlanta, Ga

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Cons

Bulky

Best Uses

Backcountry Camping
Campgrounds

Comments about Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray - 230g:

from what i've heard these bear sprays really do work; however, TSA doesn't allow them on airplanes so be warned, if you plan on flying to your destination then don't pack this, they won't allow it!!

Comment on this review

Sep

2007

(10 of 36 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Worth it for the mental peace

By Dannocycle

from St. Louis, Mo

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Clear Instuctions
Easy To Pack
Simple To Use

Cons

Best Uses

Backcountry Camping

Comments about Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray - 230g:

Didn't actually have to use this baby, but it puts your mind at ease just carrying it through. (when your neighboring 400 grizzlies in northern Montana, you'll appreciate having it.

Comment on this review

Jun

2010

(5 of 12 customers found this review helpful)

3.0

A necessary evil

By jag115

from Pittsburgh, PA

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Clear Instructions
Simple To Use

Cons

Bulky

Best Uses

Backcountry Camping
Campgrounds
Day Trips

Comments about Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray - 230g:

The safety clip is not very effective. When attached to the outside of the pack the movement breaks it free. Not something you want to happen and is very strong similar to CS spray. Never ended up using it even with several bear encounters in Glacier. If on sale then buy it otherwise not really needed if the group your with is making enough noise.

Comment on this review

Jul

2010

(4 of 15 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Makes for a safer experience

By bookramer

from Minneapolis

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Clear Instructions
Simple To Use

Cons

One Time Use Only

Best Uses

Backcountry Camping
Day Trips

Comments about Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray - 230g:

My dog and I were attacked in our neighborhood last summer by another dog, so I bought this and bring it on all our walks now. It makes me feel safer and isn't too big to carry while walking. We also carry it when camping on day hikes. I've never had to actually use it but I read a lot of reviews before purchasing and it seems like it has worked for others in the past. I'm glad I carry it and hope I will never have to use it.