Customer Reviews

Guard Alaska Bear Defense Spray

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My job often takes me into the mountains involving timber sales, where Bear spray is a must (also for camping/hiking in Bear country). I have never had to use my spray but I have had several "close encounters" in which noise was sufficient to get the (black) bears to move off. I hope I never have to use the spray defensively. I chose the Guard Alaska Bearspray after reading the product description that it is the only one registered with the EPA as effective for 'all species' of bears. We also have Grizzlies in our neck of the woods (although, I have never seen one in the wild).

Noise is the first great option in bear avoidance. Let them know you are approaching with bear bells and talking. I repeat, "Hey, Bear" every ten or fifteen seconds while moving through the forest. I also intentionally snap off dead branches from fallen snags in my path followed by a "Hey, bear". The 'snap' usually resounds loudly through the forest so the bear knows at a distance that something is in the area and the voice will tell it that it's not a forest critter. Having a canister of bear spray is a very good (and necessary) back-up option.

I bought this, but should have noted the distance stated. An effective distance of 15 - 20 feet is too short. Experts recommend at least 25 feet. At average bear speed, it would have you in its jaws before the spray took effect. I hope never to need it. Probably would not have bought it if I had seen the stated distance before purchase.

Thankfully we haven't had to use our bear spray yet, but my wife and I do a lot of hiking/backpacking and it is a real comfort having it along. Strange rustlings outside the tent aren't quite as menacing when you don't feel completely defenseless. Also, I never thought I'd need customer service for a can of bear spray, but I somehow detached the safety clip during a recent hike and wasn't able to find it. Without the safety clip, I figured I was much more likely to spray myself than any potential predators. I called the distributor to ask if I could purchase or find a replacement somewhere and they immediately sent me two spares free of charge. Great customer service and an EPA approved spray at a fair price.

But if I do, it BETTER work, or someone will be hearing from either me - or one of my surviving relatives!

I have sprayed this by mistake (had the safety off) and was surprised by its power blast. Like I said, I've never needed this for an emergency- hope I never do!

Living here out in the country we have a problem with dogs not being kept under controlled by there owners,mostly pit bulls.The dogs have been trained to chase wild hogs and are very aggressive.My wife while walking has been confronted by some of these dogs regular pepper spray just don't work so hopefully this product will work.Talking to the owners has been useless and so is calling animal control.If this product works it will be saving the lives of these dogs, as the next step will be a firearm.

I am pleased with the product because it gives me a level of protection when I am walking my dog in this coyote infested neighborhood.

Can't review on how well the chemicals work but since those are pretty standard in these things other then the % active ingredient I am just going to talk on the mechanics of actually spraying this.

It does not come with a holster but since we had a large backpack it fit nicely in a side mesh pouch that was easily reached. The safety stays on quite nicely and doesn't come off if it gets bumped as you take your backpack off. When you try and take the safety off with your thumb as it is meant to be taken off it is a breeze and allows you to spray quickly. The spray itself seems pretty standard.

Hopefully, I never have to use this product (Guard Alaska Bear Defense Spray), however it gives me assurance I'll be prepared just in case. The price was right, and it came timely for the horse camping trip in the Sierra National Forest, where there are a few black bears.

Other reviewers might joke about use on bears, but let's face it - must purchases of the jumbo size bear mace is for protection from members of our own species. And if that is your goal, this is what you want. Don't mess with those little purse-size binaca spray bottles, bear mace is what you need to keep in your car or home. Buy two cans, one for practice and one to keep. It can be a little tricky to see how the safety comes off, and how the trigger works.