You can’t outrun a bear. When you go hiking in the wilderness, you are often on their territory so it is important to protect yourself with a good bear deterrent. These naturally curious, immensely strong animals can be dangerous, particularly if they have cubs or if you startle them. When a bear spots you, experts advise making noise and waving your arms while backing away to show that you aren’t a threat.
Being able to reach for a deterrent could save your life. These are usually either noisemakers or pepper-spray based. Air-horns and similar should be loud enough to scare bears away. Bear sprays often use the active ingredient of chilli peppers which, when deployed in a bear's face, will temporarily blind and disorient them. You can then move away to safety. Bear sprays usually have a use-by date on them as their potency weakens over time. So it’s good to check you have an in-date spray. Also, whichever bear deterrent you use, being able to find it and use it quickly is vital. You don’t want to be foraging in a backpack as bear charges towards you. The good thing about noise-making or bear spray deterrents is that they cause only temporary discomfort to the bear. Hopefully, they will learn to be wary of humans because the less contact they have, the better. Here are the bear deterrents we recommend.
SABRE Frontiersman Bear Spray
Strong and sprays long
This has the maximum stopping power allowed and is 50% stronger than Police pepper spray. You can spray it up to 30 feet and it creates a heavy fog to protect you from a charging bear. Environmentally friendly, it’s proven effective against all types of bears and incapacitates their vision and smell but causes no permanent injuries.
Coghlan's Bear Bell with Magnetic Silencer
Ring to let them know you’re coming
Letting bears (and other dangerous animals) know you’re there will often prevent any attack. This simple bear bell will alert them to your presence. You can attach it to clothing, boot, hat or pack with a hook and loop strap. A magnet silences the bell when not in use.
Counter Assault
Long and strong with holster
Effective up to 32 feet, this spray has the maximum strength allowed and works on all species of bears, including polar. The spray lasts for seven continuous seconds. The 2% capsaicin liquid temporarily disables the bear, meets the clean air act certification and has a four-year shelf life. Comes with a tactical belt holster.
SABRE Frontiersman Bear Horn
Loud blast and simple to use
This powerful horn will scare bears off at a distance. It can be heard up to half a mile away, warning bears and giving them a chance to leave. Easy to carry, it fits into the side compartments of bags or pockets for quick access. You get up to 60 quarter second blasts from each horn, activated by simply pressing the button.
Bottom line
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If you are hiking in areas where there are bears, a deterrent is essential. These magnificent animals can be dangerous and although attacks are rare, they can be catastrophic. With a good bear deterrent, you’re prepared for the worst-case scenario and both you and the bear should come away from any encounter startled and scared but with no long term damage. We recommend the SABRE Frontiersman Bear Spray for most people. It has the maximum strength formula allowed and sprays a good distance so you don’t have to wait for the bear to get up close.
The SABRE Frontiersman Bear Horn is a good alternative or back up method of scaring the bear off. It’s a loud warning to direct at any bear, who should hopefully run off once they hear it.
