Counter Assault
Bear spray is an interesting product. It is a small fire extinguisher filled with highly pressurized liquid. The bear spray that I now possess is called “Counter Assault Bear Deterrent”. It is basically 2.0% capcaicin and related capsaicinoids* and 98.0% other ingredients. The * states that these related capsaicinoids were derived from Oleoresin of Capsicum. What? That’s bullshit. My tax dollars are going to second-rate capsaicinoids.
I am going to bear safety training on Tuesday where I will be taught how to properly use similar canisters that are filled with pressurized water. Cheryl insisted that I get some real practice in with an “expired” canister. Apparently all park employees are required to get a new one each year, despite the fact that these things probably have a lifetime of at least 5-10 years. Interestingly enough, last year's Counter Assault only has 1.73% capcaicin and related capsaicinoids. Apparently the “maximum strength” version that I ended up with can deter bigger, meaner bears. I feel so much safer already.
So the stuff is basically disgustingly-powerful pepper spray. If it can take down a charging, 1 ton grizzly, then this shit would destroy a mugger. Or any other human being for that matter.
I tested the “expired” canister while hiking on Specimen Ridge with Dawn and Dan. We acted everything out. Dan turned and yelled, “Dave, there’s a bear charging!” I screamed, "holy crap!" and clumsily struggled to remove the veclro safety strap that was holding the Counter Assault to my belt. I got it out, fumbled with the little plastic safety cap over the trigger and depressed the lever. A powerful cloud of orange droplets shot out nearly 10-15 feet in front of me, expanding as it did. The kickback was really surprising. But I failed my first test. Definitely would have been eaten, probably before getting the thing out of the holdster.
I just looked at their website and this is on the homepage:
I am going to bear safety training on Tuesday where I will be taught how to properly use similar canisters that are filled with pressurized water. Cheryl insisted that I get some real practice in with an “expired” canister. Apparently all park employees are required to get a new one each year, despite the fact that these things probably have a lifetime of at least 5-10 years. Interestingly enough, last year's Counter Assault only has 1.73% capcaicin and related capsaicinoids. Apparently the “maximum strength” version that I ended up with can deter bigger, meaner bears. I feel so much safer already.
So the stuff is basically disgustingly-powerful pepper spray. If it can take down a charging, 1 ton grizzly, then this shit would destroy a mugger. Or any other human being for that matter.
I tested the “expired” canister while hiking on Specimen Ridge with Dawn and Dan. We acted everything out. Dan turned and yelled, “Dave, there’s a bear charging!” I screamed, "holy crap!" and clumsily struggled to remove the veclro safety strap that was holding the Counter Assault to my belt. I got it out, fumbled with the little plastic safety cap over the trigger and depressed the lever. A powerful cloud of orange droplets shot out nearly 10-15 feet in front of me, expanding as it did. The kickback was really surprising. But I failed my first test. Definitely would have been eaten, probably before getting the thing out of the holdster.
I just looked at their website and this is on the homepage:
posted by LankyPoobah at 10:28 PM
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