The 10 Best Bear Repellent Of 2025, Tested By CampFireHQ

By, Katie Finn
Updated 09 Feb 2025 11:15

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: SABRE Frontiersman Bear Spray

SABRE Frontiersman 9.2 oz. Bear Spray, Maximum Strength is a powerful and effective bear deterrent that puts you in control of your safety. This bear spray is made with an advanced formula, meaning it offers up to 84% more fog than other brands. With a 35-foot range, SABRE Frontiersman is the only bear deterrent that keeps you safe from the bears within a 10-meter radius of you at all times. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Mace Brand Personal Security Products Guard Alaska Maximum

For all of life's adventures, this personal safety pocket guard by Mace Brand is a must! Designed to be used in the wild, it will be there for you. Made from all natural plant extracts that are EPA regulated and safe for the environment. These natural ingredients will make sure you're safe whenever you need it. Read Review

3. Best Safety: Udap Safety Orange Bear Spray Deterrent

The Udap Safety Orange Bear Spray Deterrent with Griz Guard Holster allows you to keep your life and family safe. This bear spray device is designed to deter bears from approaching, while the Griz Guard holster keeps this spray close and ready to use in any situation. Developed by a bear attack survivor, this bear deterrent device is made with durable materials with a safety orange color, specially designed for maximum visibility. Read Review

4. Best Compatible: Mace Personal Security Products

The OC Bear Safe Formula is a natural ingredient derived from hot peppers that is EPA regulated. Upon contact, the bear’s eyes, nose and lungs will engorge resulting in temporary sight loss, restriction of breathing, and burning sensation. This formula helps to deter potential predators from attacking you. Read Review

If you spend time outdoors in bear country, you’ll undoubtedly encounter bears sooner than you’d like. That’s why you need to have a plan of attack to keep the encounters from turning into interactions. And what better way than by repelling them with smells? Bear repellents come in all shapes and sizes.

However, most are made from animal fats or oils that have an unpleasant odor when they get wet. This is how they repel the bears – by making them uncomfortable around your scent so they don’t want to stay and investigate further. But even if they avoid smelling your particular repellent, others will still smell it and know not to come around either. To ensure that you never have another encounter with a bear again, here are some bear repellents that can help.

We think the best bear repellent of 2025 is SABRE Frontiersman Bear Spray. However, in order to provide the reader with a wider variety of alternatives, we recommend adding Mace Brand Personal Security Products Guard Alaska Maximum if you are interested in purchasing another appealing one.

Here are the buying guides that we specially made for you guys. Follow all the words below for successful shopping!

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 SABRE Frontiersman Bear Spray

Best Overall
SABRE Frontiersman Bear Spray

Product Highlights

Our Score:

9.8

Brand: SABRE

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PROTECTION AT A SAFE DISTANCE: Bear spray has a 35-foot (10 meter) range – up to 10 feet farther than other brands. Deploys 1.84 ounces of fog per 1-second burst (up to 84% more than competitors), creating a barrier of protection between you and a bear

QUIET ACCESS TO PROTECTION: Frontiersman Bear Spray Holsters are not made with Velcro, allowing for quick and silent access to your deterrent should you encounter a bear

GUARANTEED SABRE MAXIMUM STRENGTH FORUMLA IN EVERY CANISTER: According to an independent study conducted by the University of Utah, variability rates in the concentration of active ingredients in pepper sprays have a 30% failure rate. With an industry exclusive HPLC laboratory, only SABRE guarantees its maximum strength formulation in every canister.

EASY TO CARRY: A belt holster helps to keep your canister secure and immediately accessible. The bear spray is secured by strong elastic to prevent loss

RIGOROUSLY TESTED FOR CERTAINTY AND PEACE OF MIND: E.P.A. approved, our environmentally friendly bear spray is field-tested and proven effective against all types of bears by the Elmendorf Air Force Base and Brown Bear Resources

TOP Choice #2 Mace Brand Personal Security Products Guard Alaska Maximum

Best For The Price
Mace Brand Personal Security Products Guard Alaska Maximum

Product Highlights

Our Score:

9.6

Brand: Mace

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Spray Pattern: Power Fogger

Range: Up to 35 ft

Formula: EPA-registered / for Bear defense

Number of Sprays: Empties in 6 seconds

Easy To Use – This Mace Brand Bear Spray Features A Finger Loop Handle With Safety Clip Making It Easy To Carry. To Use, Pull Off The Orange Safety Wedge On The Top Of The Grip And Spay By Pressing Down On The Actuator Button On The Top Of The Hand Grip. Holster is not included.

Effects – The Oc Bear Safe Formula Is A Natural Ingredient Derived From Hot Peppers That Is Epa Regulated. Upon Contact, The Bear’S Eyes, Nose And Lungs Will Engorge Resulting In Temporary Sight Loss, Restriction Of Breathing, And Burning Sensation

Stay Protected Outdoors: Always Stay Protected While Experiencing The Great Outdoors. This Mace Brand Bear Spray Empties In 6 Seconds Making It An Essential Accessory For Hiking, Climbing, Camping, Biking And Other Outdoor Activities In Bear Country

Net Weight: 260g

Accurate Protection – Accurate & Effective, The Mace Brand Bear Spray Combines An Advanced Delivery System With A Powerful Formula To Protect You From Bears And Outdoor Threats. The Power Fogger Spray Pattern Provides Long-Range Protection Up To 20 Ft

TOP Choice #3 Udap Safety Orange Bear Spray Deterrent

Best Safety
Udap Safety Orange Bear Spray Deterrent

Product Highlights

Our Score:

9.4

Brand: Udap

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Hottest Bear Spray Allowed By Law

2 Pack Includes Exclusive Griz Guard Holsters

Developed By A Bear Attack Survivor

UDAP IS The Most Trusted Bear Spray Brand

Most Powerful Bear Spray Fog

Best Compatible
Mace Personal Security Products

Product Highlights

Our Score:

9.3

Brand: Mace

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STAY PROTECTED OUTDOORS: Always stay protected while experiencing the great outdoors. This Mace Brand Bear Spray empties in 9 seconds making it an essential accessory for hiking, climbing, camping, biking and other outdoor activities in bear country.

ACCURATE PROTECTION – Accurate & effective, the Mace Guard Alaska Bear Spray has an advanced delivery system with a powerful formula to protect you from bears and outdoor threats. The power fogger spray pattern provides long-range protection up to 20 ft.

MACE BRAND – "Mace" is Pepper Spray, but not all pepper spray is Mace Brand. We continue to innovate the industry with powerful formulas, fast-acting delivery systems, and new safety features that ensure the ultimate in protection and peace of mind.

EASY TO USE – This Mace Brand Bear Spray features a finger loop handle with safety clip making it easy to carry. To use, pull off the orange safety wedge on the top of the grip and spay by pressing down on the actuator button on the top of the hand grip.

EFFECTS – The OC Bear Safe Formula is a natural ingredient derived from hot peppers that is EPA regulated. Upon contact, the bear’s eyes, nose and lungs will engorge resulting in temporary sight loss, restriction of breathing, and burning sensation.

Our Score:

8.1

Brand: Pepper Defense

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TESTED & PROVEN - Guard Alaska was intensively tested for six years in the Alaska wild, and it is the only bear repellent that has been tested and proven effective against ALL bear species

MAXIMUM STRENGTH - 1.34% total capsaicinoid formula, 9 ounce (255 Grams) UltraMag shotgun size canister, EZ Access Firemaster Actuator

ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE - Does not contain flammable or ozone depleting substances - Guard Alaska is the only bear spray tested and proven effective against ALL bear species - Be safe, protect yourself with Guard Alaska

EFFECTIVE BEAR PROTECTION - Includes THREE (3) Guard Alaska 9 oz. bear spray canisters and THREE (3) Pepper Defense metal belt clip holsters

Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What Are the Main Ways for Picking best bear repellent, According to Our Experts?

Even during the shopping process, many things need to be considered. There are many different ways to access research material. Understand this. Our entire team is ready to lend you a hand, offer advice, and provide answers to your problems.

You should be able to access the best bear repellent more easily with the tremendous rise of information sources. For you, our research ensures precision and objectivity thanks to our experts that work hard to get it.

Please follow the bellow points before selecting the best bear repellent:

Shelf Life

Bear spray is something you want to never use so it's likely it'll sit on your shelf. Before you go out in the field with your bear spray, make sure it is still functional. This will affect the overall value.

Safety And Ease Of Use

Some canisters do not have the same spray or safety features. You may be exposed to danger if you don't have a safety lock. Always purchase a bear spray that has a safety lock.
You will also be amazed at how simple it is to spray, lock, and aim. If a bear approaches you, you don't want to accidentally spray yourself.
In the backcountry, safety should be your number one priority. Don't forget to take your first safety gear with you when stocking up.

Concentration

Capsaicin is listed in most bear sprays as a concentration between 1 to 2 percent. For maximum effectiveness, bear sprays should contain no more than 2 percent.

Range Of Spray

When shopping for bear spray, one of the most crucial aspects is its range. Some sprays can reach only 12 feet. This distance is not comfortable, but it can provide an acceptable range. To increase the chances of stopping a bear dead in its tracks, aim for a greater range.
Bear sprays should be between 30-40 feet away. The further you are, the better. It should be clear whether the spray is coming from a stream, a lake or both. A narrowly targeted stream will not work unless you can aim well. The perfect aim in these circumstances is difficult to find. Therefore, seek out distances that are reasonable and have a shotgun blast pattern.
The spray speed and distance can also impact the effectiveness of the spray. Sprays can reach speeds up to 70 miles per hour, but others spray at a slower speed. While a spray can travel at a faster speed, it is better to find a balance. This way you can aim your stream more precisely and don't run the risk of sending too many in the wrong direction.

Weight And Size

A spray you are able to keep close by is a must. Bear sprays come in large cans so be sure to have the right size pouch or holster. Another important factor to consider is weight. Although most dogs weigh under a pound and can be carried for longer distances, you should still consider this when packing your backpack.

Holster

Depending on what you do, how much bear spray you need will determine your ability to carry. It is important to consider how easily it can be found in case of emergency. It should not be in your bag.
Bear spray should be carried in some type of holster. This will allow you to reach for it easily when necessary. It can be attached to your belt, hip strap or shoulder strap. Spray can be accessed without removing your backpack.
The spray can be carried in a holster so you are able to grab it quickly and keep the spray out of your backpack.

FAQs

How Do You Carry Bear Spray On A Hike?

Bear spray should always be easily accessible. A lot of bear spray holders allow you to attach it to your backpack, or anywhere else on your body. To help you develop muscle memory, practice accessing it fast.

When Should Someone Use Bear Spray?

First, practice bear avoidance. Bear avoidance is key to avoiding bear attacks. A bear attack is not worth taking a picture of. Bear in mind that bears don't usually attack humans and unprovoked sprays can cause more problems than they were. If a bear acts aggressively towards your property, you should not use bear spray.

Is Bear Spray Required?

Bear spray is a must-have for anyone who plans to hike or camp in bear country. Bear spray is not allowed in every park. There are regulations that bear spray must follow. Bear spraying is not allowed in bear country. Check local regulations.

Does Bear Spray Work?

Bear spray is effective and can be used to deter bears. The Journal of Wildlife Management published a 20-year study that concluded bear spray was at least 90% effective in keeping bears from engaging in undesirable behaviors. Bear spray is more efficient and safer than guns to deter bear behavior, according to other sources.

How Do You Use Bear Spray?

We recommend that you follow the manufacturer's instructions as with all outdoor products. Although the instructions for using the bear spray will vary from one brand to another, there are general guidelines you can use.
Bear spray canisters should be held in your hands with both of your hands. You can hold the canister in one hand and use the other to trigger the spray. The nozzle should be pointed towards you, not away. Before spraying, the bear must be at least 30ft (10mi) from you. Bear spray is currently only allowed to be applied within 40 feet of the bear.
Due to the slight recoil of canisters, it is easier to spray downwards. Canisters should be emptied in a circular motion in the direction that the bear is facing. You will create a bigger cloud between the bear and you.

What’s The Difference Between Bear Mace Vs. Pepper Spray?

Bear mace is different from standard pepper spray in that it has different pressure, volume and spray range. Bear mace can spray up to 40ft and is more pressured. To accommodate this spray range, the spray volume in the canisters is larger than that of pepper spray. Pepper spray and bear mace both contain the active ingredient, oleoresin capicum (OC), at differing volumes. Both can lead to temporary blindness and nausea.

In general, it's difficult to say who creates the best bear repellent since each firm has unique qualities, features, and pricing points that set them apart from the competition. We only suggest products from the most outstanding manufacturers on our site, so you can rest assured about their quality.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require assistance with your problems. Wish you a happy shopping!

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About Katie Finn

Katie Finn is a freelance writer who loves to explore the world and go camping. She's also an editor for CampfireHQ, where she enjoys writing about wildlife and camping tips. She also has a passion for reading and learning new things, which she often incorporates into her writing.

Read Katie's full bio