Best Bear Sprays of 2023

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.

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.

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.