[pct-l] Bear spray

[Bob Bankhead]

FYI: Mace and Bear Spray are two entirely different items. 
Mace is for use on people; don't try stopping a charging bear with mace.
The active ingredient in bear spray is much stronger than it is in mace -
both the civilian and law enforcement self-defense varieties.
Bear spray also comes in much larger canisters, the spray time is longer,
and it has a greater range than does mace. The reasons should be obvious.


-----Original Message-----
From: Pct-L [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Alli
Sent: Saturday, February 20, 2016 12:13 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Bear spray

Just remember that "wild" means unpredictable. You can carry a very small
mace canister (they make them on key chains) for the potential unpredicted
events. I never needed bear spray and hold no irrational fear of bears but I
would not avoid a simple precaution to uphold the principle that "nothing
will ever happen". People will most likely never hurt you either, unless
they're crazy. But guess what-an injured or sick bear can be crazy. (Mace
works on people too btw!) You'll probably be fine without bear spray but
please, respect the fact that the wilderness is WILD; walking very quickly
along a very narrow stretch of it reduces your chances of encountering many
dangers (which is why ultra light is a viable strategy), but does not
eliminate them. I think if you disregard danger you run the risk of sounding
like one of the entitled crowd. (Nothing bad will ever happen to ME etc.)
Side note: I always carry an emergency blanket. I laugh at myself for it
when it's hot but am so thankful for it when I need it. It's amazing how
quickly fair weather situations can make you forget the times of need.
Sorry for the doom and gloom!
<3 Alpaca