Counter Assault

8.1oz Bear Deterrent Spray

Some experience with this product

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I have not needed to use this on bears. I know two people that have against charging grizzlies at close range. It did what they hoped, probably saved their lives. I put a cloud of Counter Assault out in front of a charging moose once and achieved the desired result- deterred the charge. Another time, some horses were chasing a hiking buddy and I put out a cloud of Counter Assault in front of them, and the leading horse stopped immediately both legs out stiff and straight in front. Later when walking back through the same area, the horses were standing on a nearby hill just watching us go by. I have discharged it on myself twice. Once right in the sensitive area between where my legs meet my hips if you know what I mean. Good thing there was some snow. It was not pleasant. I learned the lesson that the trigger guard is not foolproof by itself. Use that plus the holster for some redundancy in your safety mechanism. (This is in response to another review with a negative rating) I always have it attached where I can deploy it in an instant and have rehearsed the drill in my mind hundreds of times so I will have it right if needed. Even the old timers in Glacier Park are saying this is effective and not to rely on a gun instead.

Safety lock almost killed me twice

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

When about to leave home for backpacking, the safety lock opened when I put it in the backpack. TWICE. In different days. Wasn't it suppose to be a safety lock? Come on. If that had happen in the woods there's a chance of no survival. I am never ever buying from this brand again.

Bear Spray

Haven’t needed to use it, thankfully, but I appreciate the peace of mind it brings in the backcountry