Best Camping Bear Protection Products in 2022

Last update: December 5, 2022

Can bear spray blind a bear?

Do air horns scare off bears?

There is no definitive answer to this question as every bear reacts differently to stimuli. However, some people believe that air horns can scare off bears because the loud noise startles them. Additionally, bears have an acute sense of smell and the scent of the air horn may deter them.

Do campfires keep bears away?

Campfires may help keep bears away if used properly. Bears are attracted to the smell of food and garbage, so it is important to keep your campsite clean. If you must cook near your tent, do so only during the day and never leave food out overnight. Store all food and garbage in a bear-proof container or hang it from a tree at least 10 feet off the ground and 10 feet from the trunk.

Do dryer sheets keep bears away?

There is no scientific evidence that dryer sheets keep bears away. Some people believe that the scent of dryer sheets may be unpleasant to bears and that this might deter them from entering an area where dryer sheets are present. However, there is no guarantee that this will work, and it is not a recommended method of bear deterrence.


Nakabayashi Bear Bell Large with Carabiner Review:


bell of excellent quality. Nice tone, "loud enough," but not in an annoying way loud. I appreciate everyone who responded to my inquiry regarding the sound before I purchased this. This bell's weight and tone are a result of the cast brass. The sound of this bell surpasses all sheet metal-based designs for sleighbells.Regarding appearance, I was concerned after seeing the strap's black leather color in the Amazon photo. Brown was really what I wanted. Well, when this bell rang, I received a welcome surprise. Not black, but a dark brown hue, is the strap. And there is no doubt that nylon is a better material in the rain, snow, and mud than leather. A brown anodized gate is included on the carabiner as well.The bell is somewhat elliptical at 2 instead of round "The entire piece is 6 1/2" long, measuring from the bottom of the bell to the top of the carabiner. I am aware that this bell costs around three times as much as the sleighbell substitute, but I still advise comparing the two before making a purchase. You might be drawn in by this bell's quality.Mine is hanging from a rope I've got hooked to a 60 "I constructed a hickory hiking staff. I can swiftly cover the bell with my hand to silence it if I wish to. Another reviewer claimed that he just flips the bell into his hip pocket to mute it when wearing it on a belt loop. I'll experiment with both approaches to discover which is more practical for me.



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


1) In the Yellowstone/Teton region, I observe that most knowledgeable individuals carry this brand, with the 10.2 oz size being the most common (UDAP seems to be the second most carried).2) Neither as checked baggage nor as carry-on, you cannot bring this on an airplane.3) If you are traveling by air, you might consider having it shipped to your hotel or just purchasing it locally.4) The best solution if there is ever an issue is bear spray. Guns were proven to be just around 52% as effective deterrents in an Alaskan research project, but bear spray was found to be over 90% effective.5) They provide beneficial training programs at various National Parks (check their Park Newspaper). In a nutshell, they advise that if you are being charged, you should first lay down a cloud of pepper spray in a 25–30 yard range, using it similarly to how you would use a fire extinguisher. Secondly, if the attack keeps coming, aim for the face. Be prepared for the spray's blowback, which will cause your eyes to moisten and block your breathing while making you feel blind. So cover your face with your other hand.6) Many seasoned individuals advise against using bear bells. They think it makes a noise that draws inquisitive bears.7) Pepper spray never expires, but seal leaks might cause it to lose pressure. When the bottle is new, weigh it. Any significant weight loss indicates the presence of a leak. Even in the hotter summers in Montana, I have left my spray in my truck without incident, but I wouldn't want to leave it in the sun.8) In the backcountry, there have never been any bear attacks on groups of four or more adults.9) Pepper is a food, and it has been observed that a few days after being sprayed, it might draw animals.



Guard Alaska 9 oz. Bear Spray Repellent & Pepper Enforcement Belt Clip Holster Review:


What would you rank if you had never used it? A positive review is something that everyone desires right away. On the plus side, I will mention that the product was precisely as promised and delivered extremely swiftly. The holster and spray bottle both fit perfectly. I had to place this purchase since, on my most recent hike, my bear spray bottle dropped from the holster, and I believe a holster that fits snugly to be good. In addition, it is snug enough to prevent inadvertent removal but not so tight that it will be challenging to remove quickly if necessary. I haven't even given a small shot because I have faith that the new product will work. I did it with my most recent one because I had it for a while and wanted to make sure it still functioned. Since I haven't utilized the product, I don't feel qualified to give it five stars, but I did give it four because everything seems to be as described and having it on hand gives me piece of mind.



SABRE Frontiersman Bear Spray 9.2 oz (Holster Options & Multi-Pack Options) — Maximum Strength, Maximum Range & Greatest Protective Barrier Per Burst! — Effective Against All Types of Bears Review:


I already have a pack holster and an 8.2 oz container of Counter Assault Bear Spray. But in case I need to use the main defense weapon, I wanted a backup canister to put in my pack. Because it differs from the Counter Assault product, I particularly chose this Frontiersman Bear Spray.First, the similarities in their methods.1) The same canister size. It is significantly higher with this 9.2 ounce canister. Therefore, both brands will fit in my current Counter Assault holster.2.) The same legal limit amount of an active substance that deters bears from becoming irate.3. The same thumb-operated trigger with a forefinger loop and safety device that glows in the dark is used.4.) The same positive reputation for dealing with both grizzly bears and black bears.Because of these commonalities, there isn't much that needs to be relearned or changed in a panic situation. All of the major brands, including Counter Assault, UDAP, and Frontiersman, seem to have standardized important form and function components. The industry deserves a lot of praise for implementing some level of standardization in these safety goods. You can use them all if you learn how to utilize one. This could prevent a bear confrontation and save a life. or coming upon a moose.What are the distinctions then?.....1.) Rate. The flow rate of the Counter Assault bear spray was roughly doubled by the Frontiersman and UDAP brands. As a result, every second you keep the trigger down, there is a greater deterrent traveling down range.2.) Time. The Counter Assault gives you 7 seconds of spray time compared to only 5 seconds for the Frontiersman because to the increased flow rate but same product volume of 8.1 oz vs. 9.2 oz.3. Set off. The trigger design of UDAP and Frontiersman is similarly comparable. It is more difficult to do a little burst since they provide less controlled bursts. They release a lot of spray when you pull the trigger. Thus, test firing or using a shorter burst is more difficult. Contrarily, Counter Assault enables you to adjust the burst to the threat, but it will not cover as much ground as quickly as the Frontiersman or UDAP.4.) Range. In comparison to the Counter Assault 8.1 oz canister, the 9.2 oz canister from Frontiersman claims a range of 35 feet. That makes sense given the increased flow rate and the more erratic propellant that go along with it. Will 5 feet really matter? Perhaps, perhaps not.I'm not sure whether design strategy is better; they are just different. Since a flame thrower or grenade launcher are not a viable option in a bear confrontation, I'd be content to have either one. What I choose to do with these two marginally different bear deterrents is as follows. The Counter Assault will be my backup canister, which I'll store in my pack, and the Frontiersman will be carried in a shoulder holster fastened on a pack strap. I believe I will have the best chance of surprising the Frontiersman because of its greater flow and range. However, there's a good chance I'll use up the entire canister in that one encounter. When I'm down to one canister, the Counter Assault backup will give me a little more flexibility, allowing me to maybe survive two more encounters or many charging bears. Who knows if that is the best course of action. I won't know until it occurs, and I intend to never give an experience-based response to that question.



Sabre Frontiersman Bear Spray 7.9 oz (Holster Options & Multi-Pack Options) — Maximum Strength, Maximum Range & Greatest Protective Barrier Per Burst! — Effective Against All Types of Bears Review:


As a former NPS Yellowstone Ranger, I can attest to the quality of this device, which, when used correctly, increases your chances of surviving a bear attack. 1) NEVER store your bear spray in a pack or any other location where you cannot access it and use it within 6 seconds. Bear attacks typically happen extremely quickly and not directly in front of you. The bear might pounce from the side or, worse case scenario, the back. 2) Practice spraying it for a split second or two. It happens so quickly that you are astonished, akin to a car accident. Before using it, be aware of how to use it. The best strategy is to not depend on this to stop a bear problem. When you are attacked, you already have a problem. Pay attention to the wind and your surroundings on days like those, especially near streams, as this spray is less effective in windy and wet circumstances. Observe, listen, and stop. Clap your hands and yell as loudly as you can if you're feeling tense. Always hike in groups, and make sure that at least two of the participants are equipped with and knowledgeable about bear spray.Your life will alter if you are charged. I've been there numerous times. You run the danger of injury while working in the park as part of my job. Nothing could have made me change that, though. But in bear country, pay attention. This is important material.In the park, you are more likely to get involved in a car accident with tourists than with bears. But in the wilderness, be alert and vocal.



Udap Bear Spray Safety Orange with Color Griz Guard Holster Review:


After having a few "too near" incidents with free range pit bulls while walking her dog, I bought this for my mother. The previous time I sprayed "pepper," the dog kind of sneezed a couple times when I had my arm fully extended and 2 feet away from its face. I took advantage of that opportunity to lift her dog and throw him over a locked fence. I called for a ride home on my cell phone. Because that monstrous Cujo WAS STILL THERE, the driver had to pull right up on the sidewalk so we could pass her dog through the window. I will under no circumstances allow my mother to experience that (or worse). They shouldn't be able to go that near since anything could happen.Just two months after the purchase, my mother is walking her dog when TWO dogs charge at her, with a pit bull taking the lead. She continues by saying that she calmly waited until they were around 10 feet away before spraying them. She claims that they slid to a stop and fled while yelling. She claimed that they didn't even turn around.So yeah, I'm really happy with this purchase. Purchasing an inert canister so my mother could practice and get a feel for the kick and the range of the spray was one thing I did with her that seemed effective. When this occurrence occurred, she was ready, composed, and sure of herself (having practiced on a tree). Well done, mum!



Guard Alaska Bear Spray with Nylon Holster Review:


They're excellent! Both the pricing and the quality of the product are good. Yes, I have used it in the past. Black bears will scale our five-foot porch railing to access the door and windows since we live in bear territory. They will go after being sprayed by this and won't return. I merely squirt it through the panels.However, if you get a back spray, be careful. You'll start coughing and sneezing and won't be able to open your excessively watery, burning eyes, so be sure to swiftly close the door or window until it passes. If you're outside, get away from the back spray. Also, avoid getting it on your hands because this substance requires wear-off rather than simple washing. Definitely use it with caution, but don't be hesitant to utilize it. Until we acquire a new bear that needs to learn that he shouldn't be trying to break into people's homes, it's the only thing we've found that will send the bears fleeing, never to return.



Coghlan's Bear Bell with Magnetic Silencer Review:


Everything went exactly as planned. Several Smoky Mountain National Park Rangers suggested this to me. When black bear season was at its peak, my wife and I visited the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee for our honeymoon. Did we go crazy? Yes, without a doubt, but it didn't stop us. Although we acquired the Bear Bell in the hopes of luring bears, they tragically failed to materialize.All kidding aside, we did get up early to hit the trails before any of the tourists did, and we were well-equipped for any hazard. We were the only people on these routes at 6am, when bears are most active between twilight and daylight. Our equipment included bear spray, knives, whistles, compasses, first aid packs, water, food, and - most significantly of all - the Bear Bell.I quickly attached the bell to my bag, and with each step I took, it jingled loudly enough to warn any bears in the area. While we were visiting Abrams Falls and the Alum Cave, the noise was not at all uncomfortable, and I was at ease.When I no longer needed the bell, I simply slid the cover with the magnet inside, and until I removed the cover once more, there was no jingling.Overall, this is a fantastic product, and no bear should dare to bother you while you are in possession of your huge jingly bell.Please like my review if you found it useful.



POLICE MAGNUM OC Pepper Spray with UV Dye and Twist Top Review:


A can of tranquility:)I recently received and used these, and I'm extremely pleased with how small and absolutely compact they are, how secure they are (they have a locking mechanism on the top to avoid accidental firing), and how lightweight they are. The fact that it has a useful ring on top for securing it to a keychain or a purse makes me delighted as well.I just tried it outside, pointing away from everyone and everything by a brick wall, and it seems to be working well so far. Although the stream is a little wider than I had anticipated, you can still aim it, and the best part is that only the attacker would be harmed—not the one using it. In case it mistakenly sprayed anywhere near me or the stench was potent enough to make my eyes water, I put on my sunglasses for protection, but everything turned out alright.The only issue I have is that, should you miss the first shot, the 0.5 ounce size might not be sufficient to fire 2-3 times. I recently came across a fantastic video review, and I wish I had watched it before placing my order! and it illustrates the distinction between this brand and another that I'll also purchase. I'll retain these two for the time being, but you might want to have a 1-ounce pepper spray that can shoot in a stream for longer than a second on hand for any potentially risky situations other than evening dog walks.


Do motion lights scare bears?

There is no definitive answer to this question as bears' reactions to motion lights vary. Some bears are startled and scared off by the sudden light and movement, while others may be curious and investigate the light. In some cases, bears may even become aggressive if they feel threatened. It is always best to err on the side of caution and take steps to avoid attracting bears to your property in the first place.

Does bear spray work?

Does white vinegar deter bears?

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that white vinegar deters bears. However, some people believe that the strong smell of vinegar may be unpleasant for bears and discourage them from coming into areas where it is used.

How do you repel bears while camping?

If you are lucky enough to encounter a bear while camping, there are some things you can do to try to repel them. Bears are attracted to food, so make sure to keep all food items securely stored away. If you have a campfire, keep it burning as bears are afraid of fire. Try to make noise if you see a bear approaching, as they will usually avoid humans. Finally, do not run away from a bear as this will trigger their natural instinct to chase.

Is bear spray worth it?

Should you keep bear spray in your tent?

Yes, you should always keep bear spray in your tent when you are camping in areas where bears are known to live. By having the spray easily accessible, you can quickly deter a bear if one should happen to enter your campsite.