Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray - 8.1 fl. oz.
Offering an optimal combination of spray time and distance, the Counter Assault Bear Deterrent pepper spray deploys a high-volume, atomized blast of concentrated spray to deter a bear attack.
- Developed in conjunction with the University of Montana, this innovative formula won't freeze; it contains 2% capsaicin and related capsaicinoids, the maximum allowed by law
- Recipient of the IGBC Stewardship Award for Research and Development of Bear Pepper Spray, this spray is produced by the survivor of a grizzly bear encounter
- Sprays to up 32 ft. and empties in approximately 7 sec., working on all bear species to deter attacks on humans
- Glow-in-the-dark safety wedge with tie string
- Every can is leak-tested during manufacturing
- 4-year shelf life; expiration date is printed on each canister
- Meets the requirements of the EPA Significant New Alternative Policy (SNAP) of the Clean Air Act relating to ozone-depleting substances
- Note: Cannot be carried on or checked on a commercial airplane
Made in USA.
View all Counter Assault Bear Spray| Best Use | Backpacking Hiking |
|---|---|
| Material(s) | 2% capsaicin and related capsaicinoids |
| Volume | 8.1 fluid ounces |
| Dimensions | 8.5 x 2.75 x 2 inches |
| Weight | 11 ounces |
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Prevented Bear Attack
Had this for about 4 years without needing it. Taken it on backpacking trips and long hikes. I would never carry it on shorter hikes until this summer where I had 3 bear encounters back-to-back. Went on a 3 Mile flat trail run and got chased by 2 bears. Activated the spray when they were about 20ft away and it immediately stopped them. I WILL NEVER HIKE WITHOUT IT AGAIN, not matter how short the trail.
This likely saved my and/or my toddler's lives
I was hiking a mountain in Alaska last week with another adult and two toddlers (both in backpacks) when a solo male black bear surprised us by coming out of the woods about 25 feet away - way too close. We followed proper bear etiquette, stood our ground, made noise, etc but he kept circling us and coming closer - clearly predatory behavior. We scared him off with a flare at first and moved quickly downhill but he came back and found us again about a quarter mile later, at which point this spray was our only remaining deterrent. This guy was clearly very intent on eating a toddler snack as I understand it’s very rare for a bear to come back after being chased off with a flare. But two 1-sec sprays when he was about 40 feet away worked well enough to create a barrier that he didn’t want to cross, and gave us enough time to get over a ridge and out of sight before moving more quickly to get some distance between us. A bargain at 10x the price.
Don't go hiking in bruin country without it!
Believe the data, not flimsy anecdotes. Your chances of serious injury during a bear attack are much lower if you use bear pepper spray instead of a firearm. I carry two, because if I have to activate one, I WILL USE the entire can. Then I have to walk out of "inhabited" country. This is an oil-base product, which is more effective than water-base deterrents -- better hang-time and better adhesion to the mucosa of the bear.
Used During a Bear Encounter
Was backpacking with a friend when a bear decided to visit our campsite. The bear was not aggressive, I think it was mostly looking for some easy food. Luckily all of our food was in our bear canister on the other side of the camp and was not found by the bear. We tried to scare it off by making a lot of noise but it was unfazed by the noise and by our presence. The bear started pawing at my empty backpack that was on the picnic table and I finally decided to use the spray since the bear was not leaving. I was a good distance away and gave a quick spurt of the spray towards the bear and it finally scurried off. I don't think I struck the bear with the spray due to how far away I was but a small amount may have carried in the wind towards it. I think the noise of the spray is what scared the bear away. Either way, it helped deter the bear from continuing to hang around our campsite and rummage through our stuff. They spray was easy to use. Ii traveled a good distance and it had a good spray radius. Glad I had it with me and hope I don't have to use it again.
Discharged with Safety On
This bear spray canister fully emptied on a lot of my gear and body. It is very painful and hard to clean. The safety was in place and it was well below the temperature rating. There is no apparent reason why it happened and I reached out to the manufacturer only to be treated poorly.
Never used it, but glad to have it
I've had bears come into my camp in daylight right behind my back. And found cougar prints within pouncing distance of where I'd hiked the night before. Maybe I had followed the tracks, or maybe it was keeping me company, I don't know. As cool as it would be to say I fought off a bear or cougar with just my bare hands, I'd much rather be able to say that I prevented something with a can of spray and gave them a non lethal reason not to get close to the next person. As rare as these encounters are, I try never to go into the wilderness without it.
Finally had to use it
I've carried around the same cannister for years and years and hoped never to need it. Stopped for gas on my way to a camping trip and a loose dog was attacking another dog and her owner. It took the full cannister to stop the dog, but I'm very glad I had it. Already purchased another.
Strong stuff
Years back, I experienced a small amount of a less-potent pepper spray carried by the wind, and it was not pleasant…like rubbing jalapeño peppers in the eyes. Based on the percentage of active ingredient, this is a very potent spray. MAKE SURE YOU ARE, OR AT LEAST TRY TO BE, UP-WIND IF USING THIS SPRAY! And if you are not practiced with it, by all means get and learn with the practice spray can. An attacking bear is not going to wait for you to prepare, and if you don’t hit it in the face right away it is more likely to get mad than turn away. I hope for myself and anyone getting this product that it’s never needed but safety first, especially if you’re in back-country/wilderness. This is an excellent product and necessary part of your equipment.
Keep the top of the product protected
On the first few times I carried this product was in a pants cargo pocket with the top exposed. The trigger safety clip came partially dislodged as I was walking through brush & the potential for accidental discharge was readily apparent. Lesson learned - if carrying this product on your body and walking through dense vegetation, be careful to protect the top of the product from sticks, rocks, etc that could dislodge the trigger safety piece.
Maybe an okay brand; Maybe not
Pin fell out in the field on first trip; deployed in the car on the drive home--very bad. Bought as a replacement for older device that lasted for at least a dozen hunting trips on my hip belt.