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southern guy
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southern guy
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PostSun Jul 16, 2017 4:11 pm 
We will be hiking in the Baker Mountain area and North Cascades next month, do you recommend we carry bear spray? Thanks Jim

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gb
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gb
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PostSun Jul 16, 2017 4:44 pm 
There is no evidence that bearspray is necessary in the Cascades/Olympics, perhaps far NE Washington.

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southern guy
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PostSun Jul 16, 2017 4:54 pm 
Thanks for your help Take care

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Malachai Constant
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Malachai Constant
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PostSun Jul 16, 2017 5:35 pm 
I do not carry spray except Canada and Rockies

"You do not laugh when you look at the mountains, or when you look at the sea." Lafcadio Hearn
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southern guy
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PostSun Jul 16, 2017 5:59 pm 
Thanks We always carry it in Glacier

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Wazzu_camper
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PostMon Jul 17, 2017 10:06 am 
I generally carry it at all times. I have never once even had to reach for it though. I've seen probably 30 black bears in the wild, and even plenty Grizz up in Alaska. I always just keep it in its holster strapped near my hip. I doubt I will ever need it, but will certainly be happy if that need ever does arise. If you don't already have it, then I wouldn't worry, but if you do, then why not? It isn't that heavy.

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wolffie
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PostMon Jul 17, 2017 10:36 am 
bear mace holster quick draw I'd carry it in the Canadian Rockies.

Some people have better things to do with their lives than walking the dog. Some don't.
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Randito
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Randito
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PostMon Jul 17, 2017 11:06 am 
Bear spray, it's not just for bears, also effective against the North American Wacko.

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trestle
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PostMon Jul 17, 2017 11:26 am 
Does it work on mountain goats? They can pose a much larger threat, particularly in the Olympics. Seabury Blair had an article about it a few years ago but I haven't heard anything definitive.

"Life favors the prepared." - Edna Mode
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Steve
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PostTue Jul 18, 2017 4:39 pm 
Of course it would work on goats. No animal will enjoy getting a blast of four million Scoville units. One thing I am curious about is the expiration date. Does anyone know what happens over time? I had a couple canisters of the 8 oz UDAP for my trips to Bowron and they still worked when they were a bit outside the expiry date. I guess I'll have to test them again to see what happens.

Despair is only for those who see the end beyond all doubt.
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Slugman
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PostThu Jul 20, 2017 11:43 am 
The pepper does not lose strength. The expiration date is to ensure the cannister has sufficient remaining pressure.

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Foist
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PostThu Jul 20, 2017 11:47 am 
Wazzu_camper wrote:
but if you do, then why not? It isn't that heavy.
That kind of logic results in a 45-pound back full of "not heavy" things. The Park Service only recommends it in grizzly country, which is not Washington (despite the occasional rumor of a possible sighting).

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Just_Some_Hiker
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PostThu Jul 20, 2017 4:26 pm 
I never carry it. Anytime I encounter a bear it just runs away in terror.

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Malachai Constant
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Malachai Constant
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PostThu Jul 20, 2017 4:58 pm 
Don't carry it around here bud do in Rockies.

"You do not laugh when you look at the mountains, or when you look at the sea." Lafcadio Hearn
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Bootpathguy
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PostThu Jul 20, 2017 5:25 pm 
Bears aka or nickname "Land Shark".The irrational fear is exactly the same. There has been more Bear Spray talk here lately than Bug Spray talk. I don't understand the irrational fear I wonder what the Bears are saying about us humans? Go and read the latest trip report "I said Hey Bear! It looked up and then went back to eating" https://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8024884 That about sums up all my bear encounters Benadryl before bear spray. I guarantee you'll need, and use that, before ever needing bear spray I saw a bear a few weeks ago. It never saw me. I crested a ridge and noticed it in the basin below me. The breeze was at my back. I started counting in my head, "one...two...three..." A few seconds later and right on cue, it caught my scent and galloped away over the next ridge. I can't imagine hiking ( or salt water swimming )with this paranoia distracting me from the things I should be enjoying.

Experience is what'cha get, when you get what'cha don't want
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