How to Use Bear Spray: Carrying and Deploying (2023)

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Want to know how to use bear spray on your hiking adventures?

I never thought I would actually have to use bear spray while hiking. While it was something I knew I had to carry with me when hiking in Glacier National Park, I thought it was the type of thing that was being overhyped.

Then I ran into a male grizzly while hiking the Grinnell Glacier trail. Bear spray might have potentially saved Daniel’s and my lives, along with the two other hikers we met on the trail.

If you plan on hiking in bear country at all, I highly recommend carrying bear spray with you and knowing how to use it.

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How to use bear spray: FAQs

Here is some information on bear spray and how to use it, as well as some frequently-asked questions.

What is bear spray?

Bear spray is a specific type of pepper spray, also known as capsaicin spray, designed to deter aggressive or charging bears. It’s not meant to cause any long-term harm to the bears; instead, it’s all about safety—for both us and the bears!

The main ingredient in bear spray is capsaicin and related capsaicinoids. These are the very same compounds that give chili peppers their heat. When aerosolized in the form of bear spray, they affect the bear’s eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, causing a strong burning sensation and temporary loss of sight and reduced ability to breathe deeply.

This is enough to dissuade most bears from wanting to continue their charge or aggressive behavior, giving you time to retreat safely.

Bear spray is not a repellent, and you should not spray it on clothing or gear–the smell of the dried spray might actually attract bears.

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How effective is bear spray?

In a study done in Alaska, bear spray was effective 92% of the time on brown bears, 90% of the time with black bears, and 100% of the time against polar bears. It’s been shown to be much more effective than firearms in a bear encounter.

Factors that can influence the effectiveness of bear spray include the distance from the bear, the strength and direction of the wind, and the accuracy and timing of the spray. Bear spray should ideally be used within a range of 12 to 30 feet, and wind can either help carry the spray towards the bear or blow it back towards you, so be mindful of that.

It’s important to spray when the bear is a safe distance away but still close enough for the spray to reach it.

Bear spray should not be seen as an invincible shield, though. It’s a tool that can aid in your safety, but it’s also critical to take steps to avoid encounters in the first place. This includes being aware of your surroundings, making noise to avoid surprising bears, traveling in groups, and properly managing food and waste in bear country.

How far does bear spray go?

Depending on the brand, most bear sprays offer a stream of up to 30 feet. This gives you plenty of space to use the bear spray effectively if you meet up with an aggressive bear. However, keep in mind that if your bear spray reaches its expiration date, then it will still be potent, but it won’t spray as far.

How long does bear spray last?

When it comes to the shelf-life of bear spray, there are two primary considerations: the expiration date of the canister, and the duration of the spray itself when used.

Most bear spray canisters come with an expiration date printed on them. Typically, the shelf life of bear spray ranges from 3 to 5 years from the date of manufacture. It’s crucial to check this date regularly because over time, the propellant in the canister (which pushes the spray out) can leak, reducing its effectiveness.

Using expired bear spray might mean that it won’t spray as far, as powerfully, or as consistently as it needs to, to effectively deter a bear.

Once you’ve discharged the bear spray, the length of time the spray lasts depends on the particular brand and size of the canister. On average, a bear spray canister will last around 5-7 seconds of continuous spraying.

This may not sound like much time, but remember, bear spray should be used in short bursts to create a barrier cloud of capsaicinoids between you and the bear, rather than in one long continuous spray.

If you can buy bear spray before your hike, that is ideal. However, expired bear spray is better than not having it at all.

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How do I store bear spray?

Storing bear spray properly when not in use is vital for maintaining its effectiveness and your safety. Bear spray should be kept in a cool, dry place and not exposed to extreme temperatures. High temperatures, particularly over 120 degrees Fahrenheit (or 50 degrees Celsius), could cause the canister to rupture or even explode.

Likewise, very cold or freezing conditions could potentially compromise the performance of the spray. Aside from temperature, you should store bear spray out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental discharge. It should also be kept away from direct sunlight or any sources of heat, like stoves or heaters.

Finally, bear spray should be stored upright to prevent leakage.

Does bear spray work against black bears and grizzly bears?

Yes. Bear spray works against all types of bear species. While it is known as bear deterrent, it can also be used against other animals, as well, such as mountain lions.

In some cases, it has even been used as self defense against humans. This is why after you’ve used it, bear spray leaves a burning sensation just like pepper spray. However, it is much stronger than typical pepper spray and can cause damage to your eyes if not rinsed out immediately.

How to carry bear spray

Here are some tips to help you avoid any bear spray incidents when carrying it with you on your hikes.

• Use a holster: Use a bear spray specific holster to carry bear spray that you can attach to your belt, chest strap, or hip belt of your backpack. You want to keep bear spray readily accessible in case you run into a bear at a moment’s notice.
• Right side, right hand: If you’re right-handed, carry the spray on the right side of your body and vice versa. This makes for a faster draw time in case you encounter a bear.
• Avoid loose clothing: Make sure the spray isn’t attached to loose clothing or dangling off your body where it might swing around and become difficult to quickly grab.
• Quick release: Whatever holster or carrying case you use, it should allow you to draw the bear spray quickly. It’s all about speed and ease of access when you need it.
• Keep it close at night: If camping in bear country, have your bear spray close to you at night, such as next to you in your tent, so you can access it quickly even when you’re sleeping.
• Accessibility over comfort: It might feel a little uncomfortable or cumbersome carrying bear spray on your belt or chest strap at first, but remember, accessibility is key. A few practice draws can help you get comfortable with the placement.
• Check the safety clip: Before setting out, make sure the safety clip is properly secured to avoid any accidental discharge.

How to use bear spray: step by step

Here is a step-by-step description for deploying bear spray so you can avoid bear attacks while on the trail.

• Determine if you need to use the spray: Not every bear encounter requires the use of bear spray. If the bear hasn’t noticed you, quietly and carefully retreat. If the bear has noticed you but isn’t acting aggressively, again try to back away slowly without turning your back on the bear. Bear spray should be used if a bear is acting aggressively or charging at you.
• Remove the bear spray from its holster: Keep the bear spray accessible in a holster on your belt, chest, or backpack strap. With one quick motion, remove the canister from its holster.
• Remove the safety clip: There will be a safety clip or tab on the bear spray canister to prevent accidental discharge. Remove this. In the heat of the moment, this can be trickier than it sounds, so it’s a good idea to practice this motion before you head out into bear country.
• Hold the canister firmly with both hands: One hand should hold the bottom of the canister while the other hand holds the top. The top hand will be used to deploy the spray.
• Aim slightly down and adjust for wind: You’re aiming to create a cloud of spray between you and the bear, so aim slightly downward as the bear spray emerges. If there’s wind, adjust your aim so the spray isn’t blown back into your face.
• Deploy the spray in short bursts: Using short bursts will help conserve the spray, and also create a dense, fog-like barrier. The bursts should be 1-2 seconds long.
• Create a barrier: Spray in a side-to-side motion to create a wide barrier that the bear has to pass through to get to you.
• Continue to spray until the bear changes its behavior: A sprayed bear should react to the spray by stopping, changing direction, or running away. If it doesn’t, continue spraying.
• Leave the area: Once the bear has stopped its approach or left, move away as quickly and quietly as possible, while keeping an eye on the bear. Don’t run, as this could trigger a chase.
• Report the incident: Any use of bear spray should be reported to the National Park Service or local wildlife authorities. They may want to track the bear’s behavior or provide additional guidance for future hikers.

Here’s a video from Banff National Park showing how to use bear spray properly:

Recommended bear spray brand

You can pick up bear spray at sporting goods stores or gift shops in most places there are bears, but here are some of my recommendations.

Note: bear sprays cannot be taken on a plane.

Counter Assault

This is the brand I typically use–it’s also made right in my hometown. Counter Assault is a highly-effective bear spray. Each canister is 8.1 fluid oz and leak tested before being sent out to hikers.

BUY COUNTER ASSAULT BEAR SPRAY HERE

Conclusion: how to use bear spray

In conclusion, this guide covers the essential aspects of bear spray: what it is, its effectiveness, proper storage and carry methods, and most importantly, its correct deployment. Remember, the wilderness is a shared space, so ensuring safety and respect for all its inhabitants, including our bear neighbors, is super important.

Have any questions about using bear spray? Let me know in the comments!

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Want more information on gear? Check out these articles:

• How to Choose Hiking Boots
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