When exploring the wilderness, particularly in areas frequented by mountain lions, safety is paramount. While bear spray is designed for bears, its potent ingredients can also be an effective deterrent against other large predators, including mountain lions. Choosing the right spray is crucial for your protection. This guide reviews some of the best options available, focusing on effectiveness, range, and ease of use.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 6 Best Bear Spray For Mountain Lions Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. UDAP Pepper Power 7.9oz Bear Spray with Hip Holster for Camping and Hiking Safety
The UDAP Pepper Power 7.9oz Bear Spray is designed for maximum effectiveness and ease of use. Developed by a grizzly bear attack survivor, it offers peace of mind when you’re out in the wild. Its unique fog deployment ensures a wide area of coverage, making it a reliable choice for deterring large predators. This spray is also incredibly durable and dependable for regular outdoor activities.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 7.9oz can size for substantial protection.
- ✓ Included hip holster for easy access.
- ✓ Wide-range fog deployment for maximum coverage.
- ✓ Made in the USA by experienced wilderness safety professionals.
Why We Recommend It
This bear spray is a top recommendation due to its robust formulation and user-friendly design. The generous 7.9oz capacity provides ample spray time, and the included holster ensures it’s always within reach when you need it most. Its broad fog pattern is effective for covering a wide area, offering crucial defense against a charging animal.
Best For
Hikers, campers, and anyone venturing into mountain lion or bear territory who wants a reliable, easy-to-access defense spray.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent deterrent with a powerful spray.
- Convenient hip holster included for quick access.
- Wide spray pattern increases effectiveness.
- Trusted brand with a strong safety focus.
Cons:
- Can be slightly bulky for some users.
- Requires careful handling and knowledge of deployment.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Great spray for traveling. Holster helps manage the spray on a belt. The safety clip is helpful.”
Customer Review: “I’ve recently moved and even though I changed my address in my Amazon account, the order went to my previous address. I truly appreciated the attitude of the Seller of this bear spray. They were committed to getting this product to the correct address and it arrived 🙂 The product looks like it’s hi”
2. UDAP BS2 7.90z. 225g Bear Spray
The UDAP BS2 7.90z. 225g Bear Spray is another excellent option from UDAP, known for its commitment to safety. This spray offers robust protection with a potent formula designed to deter aggressive wildlife. Its substantial 225g content ensures ample spray time, providing confidence during outdoor excursions. The design prioritizes reliability and effectiveness.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 7.9oz (225g) capacity for extensive use.
- ✓ Powerful deterrent effective against large animals.
- ✓ Reliable deployment mechanism for quick action.
- ✓ Compact design for portability.
Why We Recommend It
This model earns our Editor’s Choice for its potent formula and trusted brand reputation. It provides a strong sense of security for anyone venturing into areas with potential wildlife encounters. The 7.9oz size is a practical choice, offering a good balance between coverage and portability, making it a go-to for many outdoor enthusiasts.
Best For
Individuals seeking a powerful and reliable bear spray solution for diverse wilderness adventures.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Highly effective deterrent.
- Generous spray capacity.
- Dependable and easy to use in stressful situations.
- Compact enough for most backpacks.
Cons:
- Holster not always included.
- Requires practice to deploy correctly under pressure.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This spray has brought me comfort while walking my dog. He’s almost 100lbs but super friendly. There’s a lot of dogs that get loose in my area and I have to protect him.”
Customer Review: “This spray has brought me comfort while walking my dog. He’s almost 100lbs but super friendly. There’s a lot of dogs that get loose in my area and I have to protect him.Read more”
3. Coghlan’s Magnetic Bear Bell with Silencer – Hiking Safety Gear for Wildlife Alert -Silver
While not technically bear spray, the Coghlan’s Magnetic Bear Bell with Silencer serves as an important alert system in wildlife country. This compact bell rings to warn animals of your presence, helping to prevent surprise encounters. It features a magnetic silencer for quiet travel when not in use and attaches easily to clothing or gear. It’s a budget-friendly addition to any safety kit.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Alerts wildlife to your presence.
- ✓ Magnetic silencer for quiet transport.
- ✓ Easy attachment to clothing or gear.
- ✓ Lightweight and affordable.
Why We Recommend It
This bear bell is a fantastic budget-friendly option that complements other safety measures. Its primary function is to make noise, which is often enough to deter animals like mountain lions and bears from approaching too closely. The magnetic silencer is a thoughtful feature, preventing unnecessary noise on the trail.
Best For
Hikers, backpackers, and campers looking for an affordable, passive way to announce their presence to wildlife.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable.
- Simple and effective noise deterrent.
- Convenient to attach and use.
- Silencer feature is practical.
Cons:
- Not a direct defense tool like spray.
- Effectiveness can vary depending on wind and terrain.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This bell should work well while hiking. Seems well made & light weight. Magnetic & the little carrying bag is well made. Hopefully it keeps the bears away!”
Customer Review: “Worked perfectly as intended. This was recommended to me by a few Smoky Mountain National Park Rangers. My wife and I went on our honeymoon to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee during the height of Black Bear season. Were we crazy? Yes definitely, but that wasn’t stopping us. We bought the Bear Bell ”
4. Coghlan’s Magnetic Bear Bell with Silencer – Hiking Safety Gear for Wildlife Alert – Red
Similar to its silver counterpart, the Coghlan’s Magnetic Bear Bell with Silencer in red offers a vital auditory alert for wildlife encounters. This bell is designed to make noise as you move, signaling your presence to animals like mountain lions, thereby reducing the chance of a startling encounter. The magnetic silencer makes it convenient to carry without constant ringing, and it easily attaches to your backpack or clothing.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Audible alert to warn wildlife.
- ✓ Magnetic silencer for noise control.
- ✓ Durable construction and easy attachment.
- ✓ Bright red color for visibility.
Why We Recommend It
This red version of Coghlan’s bear bell is a practical and affordable choice for anyone spending time in mountain lion habitats. It’s an excellent supplementary safety item that can be attached to nearly anything, ensuring you can make your presence known without needing to carry a separate device. The silencer feature is a definite plus for ease of use.
Best For
Outdoor enthusiasts who want a simple, inexpensive way to alert wildlife to their approach.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Provides an audible warning.
- Magnetic silencer is convenient.
- Easy to attach to various gear.
- Affordable and lightweight.
Cons:
- Not a direct defense spray.
- Sound may not be heard in all conditions.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This bell should work well while hiking. Seems well made & light weight. Magnetic & the little carrying bag is well made. Hopefully it keeps the bears away!”
Customer Review: “Worked perfectly as intended. This was recommended to me by a few Smoky Mountain National Park Rangers. My wife and I went on our honeymoon to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee during the height of Black Bear season. Were we crazy? Yes definitely, but that wasn’t stopping us. We bought the Bear Bell ”
5. UDAP Pepper Power 7.9oz Bear Spray Twin Pack with Holster for Outdoor Safety
The UDAP Pepper Power 7.9oz Bear Spray Twin Pack offers enhanced preparedness with two cans of reliable protection. Designed by wilderness safety experts, this pack ensures you have a backup or can equip a companion. The powerful formula and wide fog deployment are highly effective deterrents. Each spray comes with a convenient holster for immediate access.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Twin pack provides extra security and value.
- ✓ Each 7.9oz can offers substantial protection.
- ✓ Includes holsters for easy carry.
- ✓ Designed for quick and effective deployment.
Why We Recommend It
This twin pack is an excellent choice for couples, families, or anyone who wants an extra layer of security. Having two cans ensures you’re well-prepared for longer trips or for sharing with a hiking partner. The UDAP brand is known for its powerful and reliable bear spray, making this a very sound investment for your safety.
Best For
Couples, pairs of hikers, or those who prefer having a backup spray for added peace of mind.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great value with two cans.
- Reliable and powerful formulation.
- Holsters make them easy to carry.
- Peace of mind with a backup spray.
Cons:
- Two cans can be heavier than one.
- Requires commitment from both users to carry and know how to use.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I walk my two dogs using an electric scooter and we cover over 120 miles per month. Run into lots of uncontrolled dogs. When they approach my dogs aggressively I’ll use it. Rarely have to use it directly on the dog(s) as the whoosh of the orange spray blasting out about fifteen feet usually sends th”
Customer Review: “We bought the Udap 2 Personal Defense Bear Sprays w/Holsters for our trip through the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone national parks. We did not have to use it (thankfully).The cannisters are light, ergonomical, and fit easily into the side pocket of our backpacks. The neoprene covers make protect the ”
6. Coghlan’s Magnetic Bear Bell with Silencer – Hiking Safety Gear for Wildlife Alert – Yellow
The Coghlan’s Magnetic Bear Bell with Silencer in yellow is a simple yet effective tool for alerting wildlife to your presence in their natural habitat. As you hike, the bell produces a sound that can deter curious or potentially aggressive animals, including mountain lions, from approaching too closely. Its magnetic silencer allows for quiet transport, and it’s easy to clip onto your backpack or belt loop.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Provides an audible warning to animals.
- ✓ Magnetic silencer for quiet times.
- ✓ Easy clip-on attachment.
- ✓ Bright yellow color adds visibility.
Why We Recommend It
This bear bell is a great addition to your safety gear, especially if you’re on a budget. While it’s not a replacement for bear spray, it serves as a proactive measure by making noise. The yellow color is a nice touch for visibility, and the ease of use makes it a practical item for any outdoor enthusiast who wants to minimize the risk of surprise wildlife encounters.
Best For
Anyone looking for an inexpensive and simple way to make noise and alert local wildlife to their presence while hiking.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable safety accessory.
- Helps prevent startling wildlife.
- Convenient with magnetic silencer.
- Easy to attach.
Cons:
- Cannot be used as a direct defense.
- Sound can be masked by other noises.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This bell should work well while hiking. Seems well made & light weight. Magnetic & the little carrying bag is well made. Hopefully it keeps the bears away!”
Customer Review: “Worked perfectly as intended. This was recommended to me by a few Smoky Mountain National Park Rangers. My wife and I went on our honeymoon to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee during the height of Black Bear season. Were we crazy? Yes definitely, but that wasn’t stopping us. We bought the Bear Bell ”
Complete Buying Guide for Bear Spray For Mountain Lions
Essential Factors We Consider
When selecting bear spray for mountain lion encounters, several factors are crucial. First, the concentration of capsaicinoids is key; higher percentages mean greater effectiveness. Second, the spray’s range is vital. You want a spray that can reach a considerable distance (e.g., 25-30 feet) so you can deter an animal before it gets too close. Third, the spray pattern matters. A wide fog or cone pattern is preferable to a stream, as it covers a larger area and is easier to aim accurately in a panic situation. Finally, the can size and the included holster are important for portability and quick access. A readily accessible spray is essential in a fast-moving encounter.
Budget Planning
Bear spray can range in price from around $20 to $50 or more, depending on the brand, size, and features like holsters. While the Coghlan’s Bear Bells are significantly cheaper and serve as an alert system, they are not a substitute for spray. For effective deterrent spray, budget between $30-$50 for a high-quality, reliable product from a reputable brand like UDAP. Consider twin packs for better value if you’re hiking with a partner or want a backup. Remember that safety is an investment, and a slightly higher price for a superior product is often worthwhile.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best bear spray for mountain lions involves balancing effectiveness, range, and usability. While bear spray is primarily designed for bears, its potent ingredients make it a viable deterrent for other large predators. Always research local regulations regarding bear spray possession and use. Proper knowledge of how to deploy your spray is as important as the spray itself. Practice with an inert canister if possible, and always keep your spray accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is bear spray effective against mountain lions?
A: Yes, bear spray containing oleoresin capsicum (OC) is generally effective against mountain lions. The active ingredients irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, causing a strong defensive reaction that can deter an attack.
Q: What is the optimal range for bear spray?
A: An effective bear spray should have a range of at least 25-30 feet. This allows you to create distance between yourself and a potentially aggressive animal before it gets dangerously close.
Q: How should I carry bear spray for mountain lions?
A: Carry your bear spray in a holster attached to your hip or chest strap. This ensures it’s readily accessible in an emergency, rather than buried in your backpack.
Q: How long does bear spray last?
A: Most bear sprays have an expiration date, typically around 3-4 years. It’s essential to check the expiration date regularly and replace the canister when necessary.
Q: Can I use bear spray indoors?
A: It is strongly advised not to use bear spray indoors. It is designed for outdoor use and can cause significant respiratory distress and irritation to humans in enclosed spaces.
When venturing into the wild, especially in mountain lion territory, having the right safety gear can make all the difference. Bear spray offers a powerful deterrent, and choosing a reputable brand like UDAP ensures you have a reliable tool on your side. Don’t forget that knowledge and preparedness go hand-in-hand. Stay safe, stay aware, and enjoy your outdoor adventures with confidence!