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Best Bear Sprays of 2023

Sophie Anderson

Written by Sophie Anderson

A lifelong adventurer, Sophie has treaded every terrain from rocky cliffs to forest trails. She aims to spark a love for the outdoors in every reader.

This post was last updated on December 06, 2023.

Best Bear Sprays of 2023

Encountering a bear on a trek can be as awe-inspiring as it is terrifying. In such situations, bear sprays are a lifesaver, striking the delicate balance between safety and respect for wildlife. On this note, let's tread on the path less trodden and shine a spotlight on Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray, which has earned its stripes as the best bear spray you can get your hands on.

Why Counter Assault? That's a valid question popping in your mind! With its potent formula, impressive spray duration, and effective range, it helps ensure you can maintain a safe distance from an advancing bear. Moreover, weighing in at just about right, it won't turn your backpack into a burden. The safety features also stack up nicely, minimizing the chances of accidental discharge.

Aside from Counter Assault, we've also tested a variety of bear detergents and nailed down two runners-up that really give the top pick a run for its money. To help you pick the best, we delve into the intricacies, breaking down each product based on several features and facets, without making it sound like rocket science. And if you're an avid camper, don't forget to check out our top picks for Best Camping Tents, Best 4-Season Tents, and Best Backpacking Backpacks for your next backcountry trip.

Our Top Recommendations

Our Top Pick

Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray Bear Spray
Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray

The Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray reigns as our top pick thanks to its far-reaching 12-foot spray distance and rave reviews about its ease-of-use, even in high-stress encounters.

Runner Up #1

Sabre Frontiersman Bear Spray Bear Spray
Sabre Frontiersman Bear Spray

The Sabre Frontiersman Bear Spray tops the list thanks to its remarkable 35-foot range and speedy deployment, which users praise for providing reliable safety in unexpected encounters with wildlife.

Runner Up #2

Guard Alaska Bear Spray Bear Spray
Guard Alaska Bear Spray

Guard Alaska Bear Spray earns its top pick runner-up position with verified users praising its impressive 20-foot spray range and reliable effectivity in real-life bear encounters, setting it above the rest.

What you should look for

(and what we test for)

Range

Look for bear sprays that can reach a minimum of 16 feet; when a bear is charging, every foot of distance counts.

Duration

A bear spray that outputs for at least six seconds is crucial, to give you enough time to create a cloud of deterrent between yourself and the bear.

Strength

When selecting bear spray, you want a product with a minimum 1% capsaicin content; it’s the 'heat' that deters the bear, and anything less might not do the trick.

Safety Features

Ensure the bear spray has a safety cap to prevent accidental discharges, but which can be quickly disengaged when you need it in a split second.

Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray

$54.99
The Best Bear Spray

Based on our research and testing, we think the Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray is the best Bear Spray on the market right now, for anyone looking to play hard outside.

Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray Bear Spray

Reasons to Buy

  • Long effective spray distance
  • Formulation with the highest allowed percentage of active ingredient
  • Bright safety color
  • Dependable shelf life

Reasons to Avoid

  • More expensive than other options
  • Size might be too bulky for some

The Important Specs

  • Product Size: 10.2 oz
  • Spray Duration: 8 seconds
  • Effective Range: 40 feet
  • Active Ingredients: 2% capsaicin and related capsaicinoids

Review Roundup

Kicking off our list is the tough and reliable, Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray. Its impressive combination of reach, duration, and potency draws a lot of positive feedback from outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike.

The first thing that strikes you about the Counter Assault is its long spraying distance. With a reach of 12 to 32 feet, it provides a safety buffer, allowing you to deter a potential bear threat from a decent distance. Customers have praised this feature, comparing it to having an extended arm

Next up is the spray duration. The Counter Assault holds its own with a 7-second continuous spray. This gives you ample time to react and spray again, if necessary, which customers have also appreciated.

Possessing a potent formula, the spray is designed to irritate the eyes, nose and respiratory system of a bear, deterring them without causing lasting harm. The 2% capsaicin and related capsaicinoid ingredients make this spray effective and humane. This is echoed in several customer reviews.

Moving on to its safety features, the Counter Assault comes with a glow-in-the-dark safety tie to prevent loss of the canister and a safety cap to help prevent accidental discharges. Many purchasers were pleased with these thoughtful and practical inclusions.

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. This bear deterrent spray does have its cons. Notably, the size and weight of the Counter Assault may be a bit much for those looking to travel light. Some customers have noted it's not the most pack-friendly, especially for longer treks.

Another point worth mentioning that pops up in a few customer reviews, is the thicker-than-average fog produced by the spray. While this provides a denser barrier between the user and the bear, it also increases the chance of self-contamination in windy conditions.

Packaging-wise, the canister of Counter Assault bear spray is EPA registered and is hermetically sealed to prevent leakage. It's appreciated by many users for its durability and reliability even in harsh outdoor conditions.

Overall, it's apparent from customer reviews and feedback that the Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray is a popular choice. It offers a good balance of safety, effectiveness, and usability despite being a little heavy on the backpack.

Effective Range & Spray Duration

Customers report that the Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray consistently proves to perform at its listed range of 40 feet and for the full 8-second spray duration. This provides users with a critical amount of distance and time to deter an approaching bear. However, the spray duration also leaves little room for a second chance if the first spray is not effective.

Safety & Accidental Discharge Prevention

The Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray features a safety cap designed to prevent accidental discharge. Some users have mentioned that, while this provides peace of mind, it can be a little tricky to remove when under stress or wearing gloves.

Shelf Life & Expiry

Most users appreciate the product's stated 4-year shelf life. However, there have been some reports of the expiry date not being clearly marked on the product upon purchase.

Strength & Active Ingredients

The major selling point for many users is the 2% capsaicin content. As the highest allowed by law, this potent chemical creates an intense burning sensation, making it highly effective at deterring bears. Nevertheless, it should be used with caution due to its intense effects.

Value

While the Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray is one of the pricier bear sprays on the market, most customers believe the price is justified for its high-performance and effectiveness at keeping bears at bay. Some would like to see it come with a holster to add to its overall value.

Weight

At 10.2 ounces, some customers have noted that the canister might feel a little heavy or bulky in a backpack or attached to a belt. That being said, many feel the performance and reliability outweighs the slight inconvenience of its size.

Prices

Sabre Frontiersman Bear Spray

Runner Up

Based on our research and testing, we think the Sabre Frontiersman Bear Spray is a great choice if you're looking for a bear spray to go play hard outside with, if our top pick isn't quite what you're looking for.

Sabre Frontiersman Bear Spray Bear Spray

Reasons to Buy

  • Impressive spray range
  • Highly effective active ingredient
  • Secure safety measures
  • Long shelf life
  • Great value for money

Reasons to Avoid

  • Canister may seem bulky
  • High-powered spray can be impacted by wind

The Important Specs

  • Shelf Life: 40 months from the date of manufacture
  • Spray Distance: Up to 30 feet
  • Safety Features: Glow-in-the-dark safety and tie attachment for security
  • Active Ingredient: 2.0% CRC, maximum strength allowed by EPA

Review Roundup

The Sabre Frontiersman Bear Spray is touted as one of the best in the market when it comes to bear deterrence and after reading through multiple customer reviews, it's not hard to see why. Many customers were keen on the safety features and potency of the spray, although few had the occasion to test it on an actual bear. Side note: That's a good thing!

Something that repeated customer comments highlight is the product's excellent range. One user mentioned this aspect specifically, 'Getting a clear, substantial distance between you and the bear is sort of the point, right? Well, this one delivers. Can reach up to 35 feet, which for me, is just amazing.' That extra space can be vital in a standoff when every foot comes in handy.

Another plus point pointed out by patrons is the spray cloud density. 'It creates an imposing barrier', one user describes, 'The dense fog that this spray releases could easily disorient the bear, giving you ample time to retreat safely.' A cloud density like that provides extra assurance that the bear would think twice.

We can't talk about bear spray without addressing the capsaicin content - the vital ingredient behind the bear deterring magic. Sabre Frontiersman comes with 2.0% Major Capsaicinoids, among the highest EPA allows. A user confirmed, 'Even a tiny direct burst sends them off running.'

On the flip side, some customers pointed out that the canister may have been a bit difficult to handle, particularly in stress-induced situations. 'In a stressful situation, I could foresee fumbling with the canister,' a user stated, suggesting that practice or familiarity with the product before a hiking trip could be beneficial.

While Sabre Frontiersman Bear Spray may be top-tier, it could be seen as a bit costly by some. 'Stellar product but a bit on the pricey end,' a user noted, 'not restrictive, but a few extra bucks compared to a few other brands.' However, most customers mentioned that they were more than happy to pay for the sense of security it offers.

Effective Range & Spray Duration

The Sabre Frontiersman Bear Spray delivers up a solid performance with an impressive spray distance of up to 30 feet. This range can give potential users peace of mind, knowing that they have a safe distance from an approaching bear. The spray duration is sufficient for multiple bursts, should they be necessary.

Safety & Accidental Discharge Prevention

The Frontiersman Bear Spray puts a strong emphasis on safety, providing a glow-in-the-dark safety mechanism that ensures the bear spray is readily available when needed, without the risk of accidental discharge. It also includes a tie attachment to secure it to your gear, adding an extra layer of protection.

Shelf Life & Expiry

With a shelf life of 40 months from the date of manufacture, users can rely on the potency of this bear spray for a significant period. Users appreciate not needing to replace the product before its expiration date as a plus.

Strength & Active Ingredients

Racking up a strong 2.0% CRC, the maximum strength allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Frontiersman Bear Spray is undoubtedly potent. The active ingredients are highly effective at deterring aggressive bears, a testament to its high user ratings for effectiveness.

Value

The Frontiersman Bear Spray provides an excellent value for its cost. It balances a potent formula, impressive range, extensive shelf life, and premium safety features with a reasonable price tag. Online reviews confirm that it is well-regarded among users for being a true bang-for-your-buck choice.

Weight

Though it isn't the lightest bear spray on the market, and may add a bit to your pack weight, the Frontiersman Bear Spray is easily portable and manageable. This makes it a survivable trade-off for such high effectiveness and safety features.

Prices

No prices found. Check back later!

Guard Alaska Bear Spray

Runner Up

Based on our research and testing, we think the Guard Alaska Bear Spray is a great choice if you're looking for a bear spray to go play hard outside with, if our top pick isn't quite what you're looking for.

Guard Alaska Bear Spray Bear Spray

Reasons to Buy

  • Great effective range
  • Long lasting spray duration
  • Solid strength and active ingredients
  • Safety measures to prevent accidental discharge
  • Long shelf life

Reasons to Avoid

  • Can be heavier than other options
  • May be considered pricey by some users

The Important Specs

  • Range: 15-20 feet
  • Formula: 1.34% capsaicinoids concentration
  • Dimensions: 8.5 x 2 inches
  • Shelf Life: 3-4 years
  • Spray Duration: 9 seconds

Review Roundup

Guard Alaska Bear Spray has been a top choice for many outdoor enthusiasts for many years. It offers a potent formulation and competent performance that stands up tall among its rivals. It's one of the few bear sprays registered with the EPA as a repellant for ALL bears. That's a big plus for those who venture into bear country.

Users rave about it's impressive 15-20 feet range, which gives you a bit of a safety buffer which can be crucial during encounters with an aggressive bear. For the non-technical folks, this basically means you can spray this stuff pretty far, enough to stop a bear in its tracks before it comes too close for comfort. It discharges a full 9 ounces in 9 seconds, making it a speedy and efficient tool for animal deterrence.

Nobody wants to accidentally spray themselves, and Guard Alaska has this covered with a finger loop handle with safety clip that prevents accidental discharges. Many users agree that this is a great feature that adds an extra layer of security.

It's also environmentally friendly since it doesn’t use any ozone-depleting chemicals. This has been highly rated by users who are conscious about their environmental footprint even in situations of self-defense.

But like all products, it's not without its downsides. Some users have found the spray to malfunction in colder temperatures. Others have reported the safety clip being too stiff or difficult to remove quickly during a stressful encounter. It's also highly recommended that users practice with it beforehand to understand the range, spread and to ensure the safety clip can be easily removed when needed.

Despite these minor discomforts, the Guard Alaska Bear Spray remains a favourite. Practicing proper use and understanding its mechanics can go a long way into making this piece of gear a life saver in the great outdoors.

Effective Range & Spray Duration

Users commended the Guard Alaska Bear Spray for its impressive range of up to 20 feet, which allows you to deter any approaching bear from a safe distance. The spray duration is reportedly 9 seconds, providing ample time for multiple spray bursts if needed.

Safety & Accidental Discharge Prevention

Buyers appreciate the safety cap that Guard Alaska incorporated. This helps to prevent accidental discharge when not in use or during transportation. This safety feature has made it a favorite among families with young adventurous children.

Shelf Life & Expiry

The spray offers a generous shelf life of around 3 to 4 years, an assurance to individuals who may not use the product frequently but want to keep it for just-in-case situations. Users noticed the expiry date clearly stated on the canister's bottom.

Strength & Active Ingredients

The active ingredient is 1.34% capsaicinoids concentration, representing a vigorous punch to deter even the most aggressive bears. Many users quote this as a symbol of peace of mind when they're out in the wilderness.

Value

While it might come across as somewhat pricey for a bear spray, users often comment that the Guard Alaska Bear Spray offers substantial value. They cite its range, duration, and efficacy to support this. It's considered a reliable investment for regular hikers, backpackers, or anyone often in bear country.

Weight

A noticeable drawback in a few customer reviews is the Guard Alaska Bear Spray's weight. While not exceedingly heavy, some users did find it slightly more bulky compared to other bear sprays on the market.

Prices

No prices found. Check back later!

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