Counter Assault - EPA Certified, Maximum Strength & Distance Bear Repellent Spray - Hottest Formula Allowed by Law - Night Glow Locator & Tactical Belt Holster Included

I purchased it for use against bears and the occasional mountain lion. If you have plenty of warning that the animal is near you then it will work effectively. However, if it is an emergency where the animal is coming at you I'm betting you will be dinner. The reason is that the canister fits firmly and tightly into the case, it's not a one-handed quick pull. I've tried it connected to my backpack's belt (mine is not accessible when the pack is on) and it takes two hands to remove the canister, one to hold firmly to the bottom of the holster and one to pull the canister out. Took longer than I would be comfortable when dealing with a charging animal. I will probably make my own holster when I have time.

1) This is the brand I see most of the experienced people carry in the Yellowstone/Teton region, and most carry the 10.2 oz size (UDAP seems to be the second most carried).2) You can not take this on an airplane as either checked or carry-on.3) If you are flying you might think about shipping it to your hotel, or just buying it at your location.4) Bear spray is the most effective if you ever have a problem. A research project in Alaska tracked deterrents and found firearms only around 52% effective and bear spray over 90%.5) They offer training sessions at some National Parks, which are worthwhile (check their Park Newspaper). In a nutshell they advise if being charged to 1st lay down a cloud of pepper spray the same way you would use a fire extinguisher in the 25-30 yard range. 2nd if the attack continues then aim for the face. Expect blow back from the spray which will make you feel blind as your eyes water and obstruct your breathing. So use your off hand to shield your face.6) Many of the experienced people discourage the use of Bear Bells. The believe it creates a sound which attract curious bears.7) The pepper spray never goes bad, but leaks around the seal can make it lose pressure. Weigh your bottle when new. Any significant drop in weight means there is a leak. I do leave my spray in my truck and have not had a problem even in warm summer Montana weather, but I wouldn't want to leave it in direct sun.8) Groups of 4 or more adults in the back country have never had a bear attack.9) Pepper is a food, and once sprayed has been known to attract animals a few days later.

We have had a problem with a juvenile black bear getting into the trash. Don't want to call fish and game because they'll kill it, don't want to shoot it myself and get fined. The landlord is a softie for bears so I bought this for my girlfrend while I'm working. It got onto the tree by the back deck, so I used this and it took off running even though it didn't get completely blasted. The bear is maybe 250lbs and we've seen him a few times. I'll update if he ever comes back, but we're hoping he doesn't.A word of advice, take note of the wind direction before you use it because it disperses widely into a large orange/brown cloud and burns to all getout. I got a little bit on my arm and had to spend around 5 minutes washing it off. You might want to wear long clothing too. Also, make sure the bear isn't boxed in so you don't get attacked.It works, I gave it four stars because I would prefer it had a longer spray before dispersal so you don't have to be as close to the animal.

Worked great on an unusually aggressive 100+ish pound mountain lion in the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. I'll never take run or hike without this stuff in my hand. Glad I had it. OK range for it's intended use. When I think about ever having to use this stuff on a charging grizzly bear my stomach gets that sinking feeling. Good thing I don't have to worry about those big fellas in CO or NM.

My old stabndby as the first line of defense against those bears deep in the woods of MT/ID. Used this brand twice on blackbear(2) in WA andthey went running (and bawling).

Bought this on reviews. Turns out this brand is the brand sold and rented at yellowstone and glacier national parks. Didn't get to use it thank god, but if park rangers swear by it, then this is the brand to get. I did see bears, but didn't have a use for it, they were further off.

Accidentally sprayed a little while reinserting the clip and it almost killed me. : ) I pity the bear who forces me to have to use this. As I like to say, it's good for aggressors of both the 2 and 4 legged variety.

Never have used it. But it carries well. It never busted on me and its been dropped a time or two. I just have to hope that it works. It has been carried over 1000 miles so I guess it is durable.