Bear Spray Holster

Bear spray holster fits the Guard Alaska. Your bear protection won't do you much good if it's in the bottom of your pack and you have to sift for it. Carrying it on your belt so it's on your side will greatly improve the speed at which you can pull it out and spray it towards the bear.

If you've startled the bear and he is charging you, you only have a second or two to try and defend yourself. With the spray in the bear spray holster, it will be readily available to you so you can whip it out and stop the bear.

This nylon holster with hook and loop closure will also fit the popular Wildfire brand 9 oz spray. This holster has a belt loop so you can wear it on your side. This way, you'll have it at the ready in case of a bear attack.

Bear Spray Holster

It's just smart to carry bear spray while in their neighborhood. It's where they live and you are an intruder in their home. While they may not mind you being there, if they have cubs around or you are near a food source of theirs, you will be considered a threat and they will defend that with all they have.

If you can't back away or he or she starts to come toward you, then you know you're in trouble and need to protect yourself. You're not going to win a fight against something that size so you better have something on you that can. Just get used to having it on your side at all times when you're out and it will always be there in case you need to use it.  The bear spray holster gives you that option.

How to Use Bear Spray

If you are all too familiar with the call of the wild, chances are, you love being in the woods.

The fresh smell of the forest, the thrill of sleeping under the stars, getting back into nature, and relying on survival techniques to make it through...all of it amounts to one adventurous pastime.

If spending time outdoors is one of your favorite things to do, you've likely heard that you need to carry bear spray.

But why? What exactly does it do, and how does it work? And how would you even use it in case of a dangerous situation, anyway?

Not to worry. The subject can seem confusing, but we have the basics laid out for you in an easy-to-understand manner.

Below, we've put together a comprehensive guide detailing everything you need to know. We cover the proper use of bear spray, things you should know before using it, and more.

Why Use Bear Spray?

When camping, hiking, or otherwise spending time in the outdoors, you should be equipped and prepared.

Bears are aggressive and powerful animals. If you encounter one or find that one is charging at you, you are going to want to be able to defend yourself.

Bear spray is an excellent alternative to carrying around a lethal weapon for protection. It is non-lethal. It is designed to deter and stop their aggressive behavior.

It is sometimes referred to as bear pepper spray, though it is much more potent than typical pepper spray.

This unique spray can significantly reduce the chances of getting injured or even killed. It also helps to reduce the number killed by humans in self-defense.

What Does It Do To The Bear?

The spray causes the membranes of the eyes, nose, and lungs to swell. This temporarily impairs the ability to see, smell, and breathe. In fact, the result is a nearly total loss of sight and severely restricted breathing.

Bear spray comes out as a fine but forceful mist. It is composed of chemicals derived from Capsicum.

The most potent sprays usually have a 2% concentration of capsaicinoid. This is derived from red pepper, a potent irritant.

The result is effective but temporary. This spray will not permanently injure or kill. It merely gives the affected humans time to get away.

Remember, when you encroach upon a dangerous animal's territory, you are putting yourself at risk. There is no reason an animal should be killed unless a human's life is in imminent danger.

Even when it comes to the spray, you should not use this option until you have no other choice.

Steps for Proper Use of Bear Spray

Bear sprays are potent. You should have a full understanding of how they work and how to use them before carrying one on your person.

How It Works

As an example of the strength of these types of sprays, MACE Bear Spray contains 260 grams of powerful chemicals. The can empties in as quickly as 6 seconds and can blast up to 35 feet away.

In essence, this creates a mighty wall between you and the charging bear.

Thankfully, it does not require a perfect aim or a direct hit to be effective — no need to rely on being a good shot in the heat of a terrifying and adrenaline-charged moment.

All you have to do is put a healthy cloud of spray between you and the beast that's coming at you.

How to Use

If you have found yourself in a dangerous situation with a bruin nearby or even charging at you, here are the steps you should take. All of this should be done as quickly and effectively as possible.

First, remove the safety clip. Aim the can slightly downward and adjust for the wind conditions.

When the animal is around 30-60 feet away, pull the trigger, and begin spraying. Do not spray too soon, as you risk the cloud dispersing before he or she is within close distance of you.

Spray directly at the animal so that it cannot get to you without first passing through the cloud of spray. Aim toward its face and eyes, especially.

Continue spraying until the can empties, or they stop charging at you.

If it comes within 15 feet of you, spray directly into its face. This also applies if they are sniffing around inside your tent or around your campsite.

Flee from the area as quickly as possible.

Do not run, as this triggers the instinct to chase you. Just move quickly and calmly and get to a safe place.

Lastly, avoid coming into contact with the spray. It will have the same effect on you that it does on the bear, if not worse.

Helpful Tips

In addition to proper usage, here are some useful tips you should know as a proud owner of a can of bear spray.

Have It Handy

You should keep the spray can readily accessible. This could mean it's in a pocket you can reach easily or in a quick-draw holster. You could also keep it hooked to your belt.

The one place you do not want to keep it is away in your pack. Make sure you have quick and easy access to the can of spray in case you need to use it unexpectedly.

It Is Not Preventative

You should also be aware that this product does not work the same way that bug spray does. It is not preventative.

Spraying yourself or your equipment with bear repellent will do nothing to deter them. It only works when used at the moment, and does not make you "invisible" to them the way bug spray does to insects.

Practice Makes Perfect

Don't wait until the moment a bear is charging to figure out how to use the spray.

Find an empty or used-up can and practice with it. Try removing it quickly from wherever you plan to keep it. Also, try removing the safety tab with your thumb and firing.

Try using the empty spray in all types of conditions. You never know what sort of situation you'll find yourself in.

You should be able to use the spray can whether you have a headwind or the wind is at your back.

You should also try with a crosswind, so you fully understand how the spray will interact with all types of wind and weather conditions.

Proper Storage and Use

You should know some appropriate methods for caring for your bear spray.

Keep it away from extreme temperatures. The can may explode if it reaches 120 F. Therefore, it should not be stored inside your vehicle, in the hot sun, or near any heat sources.

In the same way, bear spray does not work as well at super-low temperatures. Below 40 F, the can may not spray as far or might not work at all. Keep the temperature of the canister as regulated as possible.

You also need to ensure that your canister has not expired. The product will not do much for you if it is past its expiration date.

Lastly, make sure the one you choose is stamped with a seal of approval by the Environmental Protection Agency. Personal defense products like a hand-held keychain pepper spray will not cut it.

It Is Not 100% Effective

Do not rely on a bear spray to be your one and only defense against them.

Though it is a beneficial tool, it should not be the only protective measure you take against a dangerous encounter. Staying safe while adventuring will ensure you have plenty of more adventures to come.

You should spend time learning ways to reduce your risk of encounters while spending time in areas that they roam. Knowing other wilderness techniques, too, can help keep you safe.

For example, leaving food around at your campsite is a surefire way to attract bears. All food should be locked up tight and put away so that they don't catch a whiff and come searching.

Take many preventative steps to avoid the risk of encounters or attacks. The canister should not be your first line of defense, but your last resort.

More Bear Safety Tips

There are more ways to stay safe on the trails. You should be armed with basic knowledge to avoid dangerous attacks altogether.

With some outdoor know-how, you may not even end up with a need to deploy your bear spray. Avoiding situations where you'd need to is the main goal here.

Avoid Bears - And Help Them Avoid You

When you're in bear country, your best strategy is to avoid them at all costs. If you see one from a distance, do not try to get close to it.

They are very dangerous and aggressive animals when provoked or frightened. Do not take your chances for an up-close glimpse at this wild beast.

To help prevent one from happening upon you, make lots of noise as you go. Stay in a group--never traverse in the back-country alone--and look for signs that a bear has been in the area.

If you come across scat (droppings), dig marks, visible paw prints, or even overturned logs, the chances are that one has been there. Vacate the area and look and listen for activity as you explore.

Bears: Territorial, But They Do Not Want Confrontation

Keep in mind: usually, bears avoid people. They are afraid of humans, as they find them unfamiliar and threatening. So do your best to make sure they don't come looking for you.

Most encounters occur because one has accidentally wandered too close to you. You should be especially cautious of mothers who have cubs to protect. Their instincts force them to stop at nothing to protect their young.

In addition, an animal with a fresh kill will be especially territorial.

How to React at First Sight of A Bear

So you've spotted a bear. As long as it's far away and has not noticed you, you are not in immediate danger. Do not spray anything just yet.

If you see one and it is not in close proximity, simply leave the area. Do not attract attention to yourself. Just go quickly and quietly and avoid contact.

If he or she has spotted you but is not charging or coming toward you, just back away calmly. Running and other sudden movements will inspire them to chase you.

Do not do anything that might make them want to attack or defend themselves.

Defending Yourself From A Bear: Spray or Gun?

An aggressive encounter with a bear is rare, but it does happen. Having repellent to defend yourself might even be more effective than a bullet from a gun.

With a gun, you have to shoot with the proper aim and hit the animal in a spot that will disable them, not just anger them further.

There's a lot more pressure and responsibility when you're defending yourself with a gun.

Where to Purchase Bear Spray

Now that you know the importance of using and carrying this life-saving spray, you need to know where to buy it.

In fact, you should be aware that some states even have hunting laws now that require you to possess a can of spray.

Purchase only from a reputable source. You can check out our wide selection of personal defense products, including animal repellents, and buy here.

Among the animal repellents we sell are bear sprays that will undoubtedly do the trick. They are EPA-approved and are some of the most robust products of their kind.

Don't head out into the woods with anything less than these top-of-the-line products.

If you have concerns or questions about any of our highly rated products or inquiries about company policies, please contact us today.