Bear Spray

Bear spray is an effective self-defense tool, but can be dangerous if used improperly. Learn about the product we carry, how it works, and how to use it safely.

How does bear spray work?

Bear spray is potent because it contains capsaicinoids, the compounds that give peppers their heat. When the trigger is pressed, the spray dispenses in a fog, rather than a stream, to quickly interact with the mucous membranes of the animal’s face and lungs to slow or stop an attack.

Our Product

TrailQuipt is a proud partner of SABRE, the world’s leader in pepper spray products. We carry their Frontiersman 9.2 oz canister.

Industry-leading 35’ maximum spray distance

EPA maximum 2% capsaicinoids

Field-tested and proven

Bear Spray vs. Firearm

Smith et al. studied incidents involving the use of both bear spray and firearms against bears in Alaska. Take a look at a snapshot their results:

Bear Spray

Source: Smith et al. 2008

VS.

Firearm

Source: Smith et al. 2012

Bear spray is the safer option for both you and for the bears. Whether you choose to carry a firearm or not, always carry bear spray.

warning

This is not a situation that you want to find yourself in! Be sure to store bear spray according to the canister label.

DO NOT aim bear spray at yourself or others. Bear spray is for defensive purposes only.

DO NOT leave bear spray in a hot vehicle, or other extreme temperature environments as it can explode. Refer to the canister label for more information.

DO NOT remove the safety clip indoors. TrailQuipt encourages you to practice removing the safety clip outdoors while aiming the canister in a safe direction, but always replace the safety clip immediately and keep it in place until you need to use your bear spray in a potentially dangerous encounter.

Bear spray is not a substitute for proper bear avoidance practices and knowing how to properly handle a bear encounter. Check out our Bear Safety page for more information.

How to Use Bear Spray:

To Arm and Apply: This product is designed for one-handed operation. Place forefinger through hole in handle with thumb on safety clip curl. Pull safety clip straight back and off using thumb (Fig. 1).

To Arm and Apply: This product is designed for one-handed operation. Place forefinger through hole in handle with thumb on safety clip curl. Pull safety clip straight back and off using thumb (Fig. 1).

Depress actuator tab for burst of spray (Fig. 2). Aim at face and eyes of bear. Press trigger for 2 seconds in order to create a barrier of spray between you and the bear. Stop to evaluate the impact of wind and other factors and adjust your aim if needed before spraying again.

Depress actuator tab for burst of spray (Fig. 2).Aim at face and eyes of bear. Press trigger for 2 seconds in order to create a barrier of spray between you and the bear. Stop to evaluate the impact of wind and other factors and adjust your aim if needed before spraying again.

To Disarm: Replace safety clip by firmly pushing with thumb until audible “snap” is heard (Fig. 3). Check to see if safety clip is securely in place. No gap should be visible between the actuator handle and the safety clip.