Originally Posted By lightatrack
Also- how much do bears rely on their sight to begin with? A blind bear could probably rely on its other keen senses to find the hiker who ticked him off..


My understanding is that pepper spray gets a reaction from the mucus membranes, not the eyes specifically.

I agree with Phat & Fiddleback. It's not a replacement for good bear avoidance ettiquete, but is rather another tool for safety. Compared to nothing, the leap in protection worth the added weight. Compared to a gun, the weight savings is measured in POUNDS, especially worth it considering that spray's been shown to be at least as effective & more humane than shooting.

Do I think it should be a requirement to carry? That's up to the hiker.