Safe And Convenient Methods Of Carrying Bear Spray On Your Next Hike

Given that bears call more than two-thirds of the United States home, it is a good idea to carry bear spray and know how to use it whenever adventuring outdoors. In fact, it's wise to pack bear spray even if not spending time in bear country for protection against other dangerous animals. However, just having a canister doesn't ensure your safety. It has to be carried in a manner that is convenient to access when needed, but safely secured so as not to accidentally discharge.

Beyond being in a location that is easy to access quickly when you are under duress, such as when being charged by a bear, it is also important to have the spray securely tethered so that it is not dropped or lost along the trail. One can only imagine the feeling of reaching for a can of spray to deter an attacking bear only to discover it had fallen off your pack somewhere along the way. Furthermore, even though the canister needs to be secure and accessible, it also has to be comfortable and not hinder or impede your ability to move while walking, hiking, or climbing.

To facilitate this, REI strongly recommends always carrying bear spray in a holster, not in a pack or in a pocket. The reasoning here is that canisters can fall or be knocked out, accidentally discharge, or, if in a loose packet, make annoying noises as you hike. But, even when kept in a holster, there are a couple of options of where and how to carry bear spray safely and conveniently.

The two main options for placement of a holstered canister of bear spray are on the shoulder or hip. When choosing where to put a holster for bear spray, consider the movements you will be making, as well as what other equipment you will be wearing or carrying. Also consider which hand you will most likely use to grab the spray and make sure it can be attached within easy reach. It is advisable to try different areas and heights while practicing both moving with and grabbing the spray before making a final decision and hitting the trail.

Placement on the chest can be accomplished in a few different ways. The holster can be strapped to a backpack shoulder strap or cross strap. Some models of bear spray come packaged with shoulder straps, such as the SABRE Frontiersman Quick Draw Holster multipack. Placing the bear spray on the opposite shoulder from your dominant hand allows you to quickly grab it, with it already being at the appropriate height for discharge. On the downside, it can interfere with other items you are carrying and may obstruct your peripheral vision if not adjusted properly. If you do choose the shoulder option, make sure the nozzle is pointed away from your face in case it does accidentally discharge.

The most common placement is the hip. Whether it be the SABRE Frontiersman bear spray or products such as Counter Assault, most bear sprays offer packages with or without holsters. The vast majority of these holsters can be threaded onto belts of various widths. At that point, it is a matter of adjusting the holster to a comfortable, convenient spot on the hip opposite your dominant hand. The biggest consideration is finding a placement that doesn't interfere with your hiking stride or your pack.