Bear Mace

When hiking in bear country, it’s imperative you carry bear mace. This is especially important if you plan to hike overnight, as you have an even greater chance of meeting a bear.

While a bear sighting doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be attacked, you need some defense against aggression. Overall, taking steps to stay out of the bear’s way and to discourage the bear from coming any closer are good first steps. But if the bear decides to charge you, you’ll want to be armed with bear mace.

Bear mace can be pricey to purchase, but it’s insurance against death. The mace is designed to spray farther than your average pocket-sized self-defense mace. It releases a large cloud of pepper spray that will discourage the bear from coming any closer. It’s meant as a last resort.

You’ll need to buy new bear mace every few years, as the canisters expire and lose their efficacy. It’s also not possible to bring bear mace on a plane, even in checked luggage, so that’s something to remember if you do a lot of travel.

Most outdoor shops and retailers sell bear mace — it’s a worthwhile investment in your safety