I've carried one in the Bear Tooths, Wind River, and Sawtooths...have never used it..it's now out of date, but will be replaced. I've scared black bears in the Bear Tooths just like the books say -- make yourself big, etc. They ran off, but were smallish...3-4 year olds.....heard a grizz and cubs (sounded almost like Indonesian wild hogs) later in the trip....packed up and walked three hours more....

I hope I never have to use bear spray....but my wife's peace of mind is important too...