Bear Spray..

[Sonny]

Ok here's the deal..

Wifey and I enjoy going for leisurely walks on some of the trails here in Hinton.

http://www.hinton.ca/index.aspx?nid=249

Nothing hardcore but just some fun walks to "perk" up the body.However some of these walks take place in places where we may/could encounter bears.I think I can still run faster than wifey so I'm not really worried.
She on the other hand is somewhat concerned so I'm thinking of getting a can of bear spray.

So here's the problem........

I know absolutly nothing about bear spray.Never had any before and I don't know what to look for.

Anyone have first hand knowledge of the do's and don't's of bear spray?

[bigbore444]

I probably got 6-8 cans of bear spray. They are pretty much the same. Safety devices so they don't go off acccidental. Can get holsters with them too if that matters. But I would say they are pretty much the same.

Never used one in a predictament yet.

[Sonny]

Never used one in a predictament yet.

And we hope you never have too...lol

Thanks for the info and yup I think I'm going to buy a can..

Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it..

[Tuc]

Sonny, you can buy the shoulder or belt holster. I tried both and prefer the belt. I found it was easier (for me) to get at if I had to draw. Check the expiry date and buy the spray with 1% capsaicin. That's the highest % you are allowed in Canada.

I've carried bear spray for years and when my old can expired I would take it into the bush with me and practice. The stuff is potent, make sure your target (or position yourself) down wind from you and don't get any on your hands and accidently rub your eye brow like I did. After washing my face in the creek at least a half a dozen times, I still couldn't see good out of one eye for most of the morning.

[Sonny]

Thanks for the info Tuc..

I picked up a can at Canadian Tire,it's .875% capsaicin so that's pretty close to the .1% you recommended.

But holy smokes they made me fill out a form with name,address and phone number before they would let me buy it,what's up with that??

[Tuc]

Sonny, probably all the idiots out there using it for everything its not intended for. I wouldn't doubt it will soon be a controlled substance and you'll need a permit to possess it.