Counter Assault  Bear Deterrent Spray - 8.1 fl. oz.

I carry this stuff for mountain lions but mostly in the event I would ever encounter a psycho's weirdo on the trail when backpacking alone. I don't worry about black bears. Welp, the safety clip came off when I leaned down and the button depressed, and it went off in the knee pocket of my pants. Some fumes got in my mouth and nose and it tastes exactly like cayenne pepper but more concentrated. The rest saturated my leg from the lower thigh down. Rest assured, my skin was burning all day, and for three days after every time my leg got wet or I sweated. I would NOT want to get sprayed in the face by this stuff. I give the experience a 3 or 4 and the product a solid 5.

This stuff has a great reputation for keeping bears and other large mammals away. I live in Montana, and I do a lot of trail running in areas where bears frequent, so bear spray is pretty important to me. The only draw-back of this is that it is exceedingly difficult to carry. They make a holster for it, but it's really for people who just walk. For running, the canister needs to be secure, accessible, and stable. If it bounces around or flies all over the place, it's a complete distraction and will likely be left at home. I would recommend that the manufacturer work on creating a way for back-country athletes to carry this spray.

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.

Just a note that spraying over a bear's head is not the way to use this. Angle the spray towards the ground aiming 20-30 ft away from yourself. Imagine it rebounding up into the bear's face. Spray first burst before she is in this range. You want her to meet this initial irritant before she is on you. Then do it again so she understands the message. If you spray over her head you stand a good chance of missing her entirely and wasting your defense.

I lived and guided in Alaska and Colorado for the past 15 years and I have had to use this product several times on a few bear encounters. I even carry it at work now daily because we encounter bears weekly! Its works, its easy to carry and easy to deploy at a safe range, and it wiill give you peace of mind if you are not armed!

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.

For those looking for a good deterrent, this is a great spray. For those who think you don't need it in bear territory; think again. First, as one hopes to never have negative bear encounter, it's best to be heard so as to avoid a surprise. When hiking, wear a bell. The bell will alert any animal, and bear alike, you are in the area. Honestly, when I back trail hike, I have more tension around Mountain Lions. They are cool, bad and gorgeous, but sneaky and stay in low lying brush. So, the bell is a good idea. It's important to know, there are minimum criteria for bear sprays; one is distance of use. The IGBC - Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee and US Park Service recommend a spray should be delivered at a minimum range of 25 feet; the zone to spray a bear is 25 - 35 feet. As the range on this canister is 12 - 30 feet, you hit the zone. You get a little more room to spare with the 10 oz canister and that is what I carry when in bear territory. Another recommendation is buy a canister to practice with. Yes, it's money you have to invest, but sprays have some power to them and require two-hand use. You should be familiar with it's use so when the need arises, you got it down. Always best to take off the yellow zip clip when hiking; wouldn't bode well if you're trying to cut that off while the bear is approaching. I also have a back-up, in case I have to use one, and still have some camping/hiking days left on the trip. Lastly, everyone in your party should have bear spray. Simply put, the one with the canister may not be the first in contact with the bear. Just food for thought. Hope this helps.

Writing a review for a can of bear spray is tricky. You don't really know how it works till you know how it works. And then I'll be thinking of things other than writing a review. I do like the fact that the container has a safety on the trigger, and that it's glow in the dark. And, the manufacturer's web site has plenty of guidance on how to use the product which is great. Would this work against other animals? I'm doing a lot of solo hiking in an area with mountain lions. I assume it would deter big cats as well.

I encountered a bear on the way to Springer Mtn from Amicolola; had the spray can in my hip belt, pulled it out and stopped. Thankfully I didn't have to use it, but was glad I had ready to pull. When I have to use it I can upgrade to a 5.

As member of Search and Rescue, we often are in the woods during peak active times for bears and cougars. Having this extra protection for the safety of my team is important. The great thing is, it is effective and the animal doesn't have to die.