Van Life Safety Bear Gel Vs Bear Spray

[@mattberry4457]

the sabre is nasty stuff and works well. a couple of points to consider. the pepper and the carrier will separate when stored and the carrier will come out first and will not be very effective. shake it up real good before you carry it. the carrier needs to evaporate before the heat takes effect so short bursts work faster than painting the target orange. lastly, wash your hands five times with dawn before you go to the bathroom. you’ll only make that mistake once.

[@josephkingston9252]

I picked up a styrofoam lid off cooler that had bear pepper spray, I had to pee later and boy did it set on fire my privates.

[@joanneweislocher8540]

Wow! Thanks so much Bob. This was so educational!

[@Sandra.Sandy.Robinson]

Exceptional information, especially since you just debilitated yourself. I am sorry that you sprayed yourself but I'm sure that you just saved someone's life. Thank you for your dedication to helping the nomad community, and the working on being a nomad like me.

[@jtharp9265]

Amen , Amen , Amen

[@AWcinema]

Your opening sentence made me laugh I get so much enjoyment from your videos thank you so much keep the joy and laughter coming

[@buckjones6334]

Thank you Bob! I pray no one be ever has to use one, but the gel is my choice! Happy to see you fully recovered! You paid the price for our education! Thank you again!!

[@dondakota920]

I've camped around bear over 50 years. I always have bear spray and a gun but never needed to use either. First know your species, brown bear is a lot more dangerous, black bear are smaller and both fear you more than you should fear them. Black bear will be a threat if you leave food or food trash out, or protecting a cub. If you see a baby bear leave immediately. Don't photograph, don't waste a second, run. Pots and pans banging together will help. If a bear is aggressive I will shoot to kill, but never seen one I couldn't scare away because I don't do dumb things. If camping in a tent never eat or cook near the tent and any clothes with food stains gets secured in a vehicle or locker. They can smell food. Wild or feral canines can too. Thanks for sharing Bob

[@njanderson4342]

Thanks Bob! Fair to say you actually 'took one for the team' last time!

[@traveltimewithtim3512]

Thanks Bob! Me as someone who has never used bear spray this was a very informative video. I’d definitely want the spray gel as even at 20’ is super close.

[@mitchweber7868]

Ya that's what I'm saying I wouldn't want to wait for the bear to charge me to spray him I would rather be in the offensive position

[@barefootincactus]

Nothing like seeing a live demonstration to really understand a product. Gel for me too. Thanks!

[@sadanamkhalsa5643]

Happy Sunshine 💙💙💙💙

[@infogunvault6920]

Most videos about bear spray give no actual insight. This is far better than other videos because it gives real insight.

[@stephaniesimmons-ashorobi3314]

Thank you for this demonstration and educating me on exactly what to get.

[@robyngrogan7647]

Hey Bob, What I would do with the Pepper Gel is take about 4 feet of Paracord tie ends together. Take some duck tape, tape the paracord to the Pepper Gel to carry it that way. Make a Baldric to carry it.

[@colettemitchell3412]

Thank you for taking one for the team. Gel it is. I hope you have fully recovered.

[@nancycain4434]

Thats a very informative and interesting video. I'm sold on the gel spray. I watched the video where the spray blew back in your face.That was terrible .Glad you are doing better. Thanks Bob,safe travels.

[@mommadw2010]

Bob wasn't trying to laugh, but you suited up and was ready to protect yourself. I hope to not feel the feeling of discomfort, so in the case of an emergency, no one is going to be able to suit up so hopefully no wind, no bear, no dog, no danger. But, just in case lets be ready to protect ourselves.

[@Stewthetech]

I carry 2 of the small Sabre pepper gel on my belt at all times

[@CarrieMtn]

I looked into the “pistol” pepper guns you shared on the last video. It looks viable. Also, I was at the write in 2019. It was fun to recognize the hills behind you. Thanks for all you and your team do.

[@SouthpawPatty]

Thank you for this video. I've been sprayed with pepper spray, due to the wind and the police spraying someone else. I don't even know the guy being sprayed. I'm not one to hold a grudge but I'm still mad at that guy. It was a horrible experience. I decided that I would never carry pepper spray after that. I didn't even know that the gel existed. This is a game changer. I appreciate this information and I appreciate you for all that you do in helping and teaching people. You are amazing.

[@ricksgypsy2512]

Excellent video. Thanks for the useful information. You have a whole community that listens to your advice. You are appreciated.

[@toneybond547]

You the Man, Bob. Saved me from TESTING OR SUFFERING!

[@thizizliz]

Well that was interesting. Good info for sure. You're right - a human or canine assailant is more likely than a bear but no sense not preparing. Thank you Bob.

[@embr4065]

You can use bear spray on both for sure!

[@annieyahu676]

Great information and demonstration!!! I'm going to switch to pepper gel now. Thank you for Sharing ❤️

[@jimdrake873]

Wow, thanks! I have been thinking of carry some bear spray/gel ever since I walked up on some little coyote pups. I got out of there before mom and dad showed up but I might not be so lucky next time. Btw, they are eastern coyotes or coywolves, they're big here in NH. I think I might carry two of the small gels on my belt. Great review, and very helpfull, thanks. 😀👍

[@OverlandOne]

Thanks Bob. I am sold on the gel over the fogging spray 100%. Safe travels.

[@eqmuse]

Bob may have been near a coyotes' den, & especially if there were pups, they will protect. Escorting away from their home is common behavior, probably not rabies.

[@steadmanuhlich6734]

Plus he said he had his dog (Cody) with him. The Coyote would see the dog as a threat, and would make noises to discourage it from coming closer. Very natural response from Coyotes, and there is no reason to suspect rabies.

[@debbiejohnson5550]

That was always my fear. Spraying myself in the face because I was holding it backwards, as I've done with hairspray. Lol I'm glad you found the gel. I would be very confident in using it. Thank you.

[@CreekRanger]

The most effective defense against bears or any predator is situational awareness. Avoid getting in the threat by keeping alert to your surroundings. If you lack situational awareness you will probably even forget you have the spray and in times of high stress you lose fine motor control so you may not even be able to use the spray. It is best to be unarmed and aware than to have the false security that bear spray provides.

[@debbiep4647]

Bob Thank You for this video and info!!! I'm unfortunately not on the road yet. And I have pepper spray on my keychain which will be going in the garbage as soon as I receive my small Pepper Gel! Hope to see you one the trail one day.

[@jasonpotts6490]

Thanks, Bob! Very informative -- I never considered the possibility of wind having that effect and blinding you in the middle of an attack. What a nightmare that would be!

[@robin5382]

Never heard of gel but will get some for extra measure. Thank you Bob.

[@RLeeVanCamps]

Thanks so much for testing various types of equipment. Great information.

[@joanneweislocher8540]

Thank you Bob! This is great info to know even here in Missouri.

[@semuren]

The problem with the gel is that it takes longer to take effect.

[@wickedfrigginryan4645]

Right? Is the gel even strong enough to hurt a bear? Bears are really tough. IDK

[@jeanschultz8857]

Thank you for your sacrifice Bob.

[@juniper617]

That’s not cowardice. That’s learned cautiousness; it’s a good survival mechanism.

[@RobertTheNomad]

Thank you Bob! This video was very helpful. I ordered the knife, large gel home container and small belt device. I’m in the woods most times by myself and never wanted a firearm. Already have a whistle, air horn and small spray can but like the idea of a gel.

[@Scarletsky138]

You saved a life or two today!

[@GypsyJvan]

great info bob !!..u took one for the team !!..this is the kind of content, travelers need to know!!.. thank u so much !! ...Gypsy J van....

[@luckybeth777]

Thank you Bob! I just ordered some of the gel off Amazon. I live in a house. With food shortages getting worse, there may be a day people will break in to get food. I need some home defense!

[@rick467]

What food shortage? Where? 😂😂

[@mikefye4209]

Very interesting. Day before yesterday, I was thinking about refreshing my defensive pepper sprays and thought 'gel makes a hell of a lot of sense' and ordered some different canister sizes. Thanks so much for confirming my expectations.

[@pleinairbarnettoutdoors]

I feel bad for your self pepper spray experience, harsh learning experience. Thank you for sharing this followup having no idea about the gel solution; love it... Prevention is the best medicine. P.S. I'm interested in your brown wide brim hat, you have any info you can share on it? Brand, model, name?

[@catblue6393]

Yes, info on that nice broad rimmed hat would be appreciated.

[@davidbryson4692]

Very informative Bob as usual bear spray would be a good thing to have as a backup to your Ruger Redhawk 44 Magnum or you could go with the 460

[@johnwren3976]

A cloud of bear spray may be a sufficient barrier to turn a bear away. Gel sounds like it requires more accuracy to hit the bear where its effective. Do you think youll have the composure or time to do so? I'd be looking for a spray with the longest spray time.

[@darleneanglin3651]

Thank you for this comparison video !

[@purpletam5900]

Thanks, Bob!

[@GreatGrannyFreeBird]

this is such a helpful video. We would be interested in seeing you compare a few different brands of the gel, sometime. Again, so appreciate the background beauty and contrast of colors. Wow. So beautiful out there. thank you for sharing.

[@SteveV1960]

There are many black bears living near my home . I walk in the woods , look for them and see them frequently, They are more afraid of me than I am of them.

[@adreabrooks11]

Yeah, bear spray was definitely developed with brown bears in mind. They're a far greater threat. I also live in black bear country and have gone decades without needing the stuff. However, a few ill encounters in my neck of the woods have convinced me to carry bear spray. As human population increases, and we encroach on bearspace, they become more and more habituated. In the past decade, I've known three groups who had black bears try to intimidate them off their food bags in the backcountry, and encountered a bear myself who refused to take "no" for an answer. None of these resulted in attacks (because the humans backed off and let the bear have the food) - but now that bear knows that scaring people is a viable source of calories, and nothing trains a bear like food-reward. Sad to say, but we've created a problem, and since some people lack education on how to behave in bear country, bear spray is now part of my gear. I'd dreadfully regret spraying any animal that's just doing as it's wired to do - but training the bear that "frightened people = pain" keeps that bear from trying it in the future and, if a sow, hopefully passes the "avoid bipeds" lesson on to her offspring. The fellow in the video stated that "once was plenty for one lifetime," and I can only imagine a bear feels the same.

[@Bigmoosebelly]

Wow gel is the only way to go!!

[@berlinbooth902]

Thank you so very much I appreciate this information Thank you again

[@julianroccopesa3491]

Great video, Ty 💯✌️

[@robertstanley3253]

protecting yourself is NOT cowardice, thank you very much for this demo, take good care.

[@isabelmendi3973]

Great alive, thank you Bob, your awesome 😎

[@skipprice4376]

If the Bear saw you spray yourself, it would probably be laughing to hard to attract you. 😵😂👍

[@gthornton3]

Great info , we rv in a class A and hubby has bear spray. I’ll show him this video. Stay safe

[@vanlifeinthecity9798]

I use a bear gun. Basically 20 gage, 6 shot pistol, but shoots a very loud noise maker and capsaicin balls. I've used it once, it worked very well

[@barbcollins2905]

Thank you so much for this video. My concern is not bears, but dogs. I was bitten last year, so still trying to get over that mentally. I want something for protection on my bike rides. I have been chased by dogs more than once. And they weren't playful. I got a can of bear spray, but had the same concerns about wind. I think gel would be better. This is my last option before getting a CWP.

[@NaomiSims-id2vn]

My brother (ex policeman) has always recommended that people carry bear spray instead of pepper spray as self defense. He states pepper spray often "just makes some people more angry & aggressive". However, even the police are aware of the danger of incapacitating themselves with it, & it's also highly flammable, esp. in enclosed spaces. I like the idea of the gel...go for the eyes, nose, mouth! (Wasp spray is another alternative...very painful in the eyes, & it shoots a good 10-20 ft stream & doesn't come back at you.)

[@morethantheeyesees]

That coyote thought you were a polar bear ha ha

[@dwightjones3305]

I put a piece of duct tape on small canisters so that my finger feels it when aimed the right direction.

[@eugeneenslow8563]

ETrained dog, self-defense training, bear spray, freedom-seed launcher, and deception/illusion techniques you covered.

[@robinp9047]

That was so helpful! Gel definitely!

[@BananaAlert]

Good job..!

[@janetwheeler4210]

Thanks 🙏

[@RotaryTeamVincent]

Good to see. What about using wasp or insect spray?

[@kimberlychicago7608]

Really good video.

[@ingridbond3432]

TY BOB!

[@pedro1970maya]

The wind is unambiguously a big factor. After that, the gel requires aiming, and the fog really doesn't. Maybe it makes sense to carry both a fogger and a gel squirter, so you have the option for either depending on circumstance, as well as a backup?

[@reyesbiz101]

I didn't watch 1 second one of any of your videos and I subscribed just because of the name

[@Bartonsrving]

I worked corrections for 20 years and we had different kinds of pepper spray and the one that was the best for wind was stream. It shot out in a long powerful stream. You just have to be accurate didn't have large radius like cone.

[@Nealeastley]

I have heard that some dogs don't have tear glands so I'm not sure about the pepper spray it might just to make them mad but mace probably has more in it than just pepper spray. Anyway the gel definitely appears to be better.

[@BobtheTraveler-WD8NVN]

Great video !!!

[@stratos175escape7]

Going to Alaska in a few weeks so will be looking for Sabre bear gel!

[@Ton_Ginic]

thx for the test !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@izzy2roam898]

You sold me on gel instead of spray;)

[@r8edrv4fun65]

If the wind was blowing off you and towards the bear, would the bear smell you and run away or would it track the smell for a meal?

[@renaesaunts]

a whistle with the bouncing ball inside - for wildlife: cougars, bears etc : also the googly eyes glued to the back of a hat because cougars and other wildlife wont attack if they think they're being watched from behind lol

[@efxnoise]

Also, the bear spray uses a fogger so your chances of hitting something increases. The wind will blow it all over and you may get hit with some. Its annoying but its not like being pepper sprayed with the sabre.

[@kennylin4067]

Except bears, Can you shoot your bear gel at wild wolf, mountain lion, cougars or rattlesnakes? Is that effective ？

[@jeepliving1]

Any mammal will be effected. Not so for snakes. I think maybe wasp spray for snakes? Best to just back away.

[@scottbaker-ScottyB]

By the time you'll pull the pin the creature's got you.

[@nancyanne1124]

I haven’t laughed for awhile. you did make me laugh today

[@nancyanne1124]

It was a very informative video though I really enjoy all your videos and have respect for all you do for so many.

[@ronaldsahn9649]

So can you spray at the ground in front of the dog or whatever first to denture it and it walks into the spray or gel, then direct spray as it keeps on coming closer, I've walked up on a couple bears and big dogs and been able to stand my ground and yell and chase them off, but the worst was one time I was looking at a remote piece of land and I was circled buy 3 hybrid wolves that the owner just left out to hunt, I was ready to shoot with my revoler one when I seen the owner driving fast to me yelling don't shoot my dogs so anything can happen, I wouldn't want to pepper spray someone's dog in the face if I can denture it with a spray on the ground first.

[@adreabrooks11]

A few counter-points to consider: 1. Bear spray is propelled with a similar amount of force to a fire extinguisher of similar size. 2. Bears can move as fast as horses. 3. If you're in a position where a bear is charging you, either it's because you've surprised it in close quarters or, in very rare cases, because it is hunting you from a point of ambush. Either way, by the time you've seen the bear charging you and pulled out your canister, the bear is almost certainly within close quarters. Even is a strong headwind, the canister will propel the spray several feet. The chances of you hitting yourself might be high, but the chance of not also affecting the bear is slim. Even if you don't immediately hit the bear, most bear sprays are "foggers" (as you point out) - meaning that the air is then filled with face-melting unpleasantness. The chemical's primary deterrent vector is as an inhalant, not a topical irritant (i.e. up the nose, not on the skin or eyes), and a little goes a long way. Bears have a sense of smell far more sensitive than a bloodhound's, and they want no part of that. If they charge into it, they'll charge right back out. I've also accidentally "maced" myself with bear spray, and it's certainly no picnic - but I'd take that over a mauling in a heartbeat. 4. Self defence gel is intended for use against human assailants. That being the case, it's in a concentration intended for use against someone who might sue you. (Silly to think of in a home defence situation, but it happens.) Also, as you demonstrated, it comes out like a hose. This means that it's not going to get up the bear's nose and, if the bear closes its eyes at the wrong time, its effect on the eyes is drastically reduced or negated. Even if it does take effect, this is an animal known for digging into active beehives for honey. Human-grade mace simply is no (or little) deterrent. Finally, there's the matter of aim. Unless you're in a Clint Eastwood movie, you probably don't have the ability to draw and aim accurately in such a situation. I know I wouldn't. Adrenaline plays merry heck with one's fine motor function. By contrast, jittering all over the place with bear-spray just increases the dispersion/size of the cloud. For my part, I'd never use human deterrents as my go-to against a bear attack, any more than I'd choose a 9mm pistol in the same situation. Great for people; not for 800 pounds of motivated carnivore. On the other hand, you make a valid point that that gel would be great inside one's rig! Up here in Canada, handguns simply aren't an option - but, even Stateside, I'd rather give a ne'er-do-well a faceful of burning goop than a bullet wound. Legality and morality (both important factors) aside, it goes back to the adrenaline point. I'm more likely to have an effect with a wild spray of gel at close quarters than a bullet from a shaky gun, and the attacker (depending on what they're motivated by) might be too ramped up on their adrenaline to go down immediately to superficial bullets. On the other hand, with one's eyes out of use, the ability to do mischief is greatly reduced. I'd definitely rather clean pepper gel off my interior than blood or brains, and I think I'll look into picking some up for personal security!

[@AB-kg6rk]

Stun guns work great for dog protection, just the noise scares them off, ive used it a dozen times in Thailand against wild dogs.

[@ravendon]

Always wear safety equipment when testing bear spray. Also you are using bear spray incorrectly. You spray it on the ground between you and the bear and the bear has to pass through the fog. You don’t spray towards its head, as it will be moving and swaying as it runs at you and you will miss its head. So a gel would fail against a bear.

[@MichaelLochowitz]

Nice thing about bear spray is that it makes a cloud that the bear has to run though. Even if you are early with the spray, it will work.

[@davidg.johnson7208]

That "bear spray" is mostly for areas that have grisslies, right? A loud horn is usually effective in scarying away black bears.

[@trenchantsometimes5149]

@David G. Johnson Just some advice from someone who isn't an expert but lives where black bears are plentiful. Don't ever count on any loud noise scaring away a black bear if it is up to no good toward you. It may run off, but could lurk and return. ALL bears, no matter what kind, are UNPREDICTABLE That you can count on. All black bears are not timid teddy bears as some folks like to make them out to be. They can be aggressive and they will kill you or maul you severely enough that you die from the mauling. The word you used was "usually". In my life, "usually" is not associated with the bears around here. I never count on one thing for one minute when it comes to the bears. We learned the hard way how vicious and unpredictable black bears can be. It only takes one time for a tragedy. They generally don't seem to have the temperament of the brown bears but they are always unpredictable. Think of them as capable of killing you as any other kind of bear. Even those not yet fully grown are tremendously strong. I have gasped at what I've seen the younger ones do with ease. Do some internet research on black bear attacks. It's good sense to use what the experts recommend for bears and learn HOW to use it properly. Four things come to my mind. Stay safe.

[@justlucky13]

Thanks Bob I will stick with my Taurus Judge for personal protection not affected by wind or other atmospheric conditions practice practice practice muscle memory and the Taurus can be used over and over plus it holds value if quick cash is needed

[@bahumdinger8361]

and when you wound him, when he takes a break from eating you. You can turn the Taurus on yourself if you are lucky...

[@justlucky13]

@@bahumdinger8361 The likely hood of any bear cougar attacking is very low I've seen them many times I've been an avid hunter for decades and can draw and shoot to kill faster than gel or spray The Taurus shoots a 45/410. And either one will stop a bear in its tracks Do some research

[@justlucky13]

@@bahumdinger8361 ​ true I've never been to Alaska or seen Kodiak but the 410 is the first round the stopper and next four rounds are 45 colt I have carried bear spray when required but then I was also packing a Rugar 357 magnum I'm in our Oregon vacation house right now and we have had black bear on our deck and in the garbage can many times whole different animal than a Kodiak I agree What do you carry ???

[@justlucky13]

Funny as I type that cuz I see my Kodiak power station everyday

[@RCRitterFPV]

Should of started at 20'. Less chance of splash back... and full range full pressure... animal is moving towards you right... then the 6' empty can... gotta finish with the last Hope Can toss and "Go Fetch"

[@cynthiacantrell2037]

Safety goggles, Bob. We want you safe

[@carolvillanueva3728]

Thank you Bob sorry it got you.

[@lawdogdaddyusa1255]

I am a trained pepper spray instructor. I have 26 plus years as a leo. Pepper spray does not work on dogs. The reason you want a fog for bears is you don't have to take time to aim.

[@kele1264]

Tried to order the large size, but I can't get it shipped to my home in NJ, and it's not sold in brick and mortar stores here. I can get the small size, but it's not the same formula, and doesn't contain UV marking dye. Just out of curiosity, I tried friends' addresses in NY and FL. No luck. It would ship to NC, VT, OR and even PA. The lesson is, check to see if it will ship to your state. Also, be aware that the formulas are different in the different sizes.

[@brendacouch5298]

They tell you to wear bells. They will scare the bear away when they hear them. Usually they are more scared of you than you of them.

[@Marley-ii6ls]

Everyone should try a little practice shot to get a feel for the product. Distance it shoots, spray pattern, wind affect.

[@josephkingston9252]

Bear pepper spray the air condition unit from outside of a rental that renters quit paying rent due, and they will vacate the primeses quickly, gets rid of squatters also.

[@exploreoutthere6678]

My brother is a law officer. He says he always gets complience when using the gell.

[@glenmo1]

Bob want to test the mace pepper gun.. THE DIECAST METAL ONE... IT SHOOTS ABOUT A 20 FT STREAM..

[@MarcMallary]

You need a holster for the Sabre Home Defense.

[@rickeydenler2385]

These sound alright if your going to do the bears hair you need no less than a 44 magnum !!!

[@OverLandScapes]

Hi Bob, I spend a lot of time in the backcountry and wilderness and have often wondered about the difference between bear spray and personal defense pepper spray that you carry in your pocket or a purse. Quoting from an article in Time entitled “Going Hiking? This Is What You’ll Need to Protect Yourself Against Bear (Markham Heid, May 9, 2018): “But not any spray will do. The personal-defense pepper spray some people carry in their cars or purses will not work on a bear, Servheen says. You need bear spray-also known as bear deterrent-which is a product made specifically for bears. Bear spray contains different active ingredients (capsaicin and related capsaicinoids) than pepper spray.” Anyway, I think it would be a good idea to reach out to Counter Assault or one of the other bear spray companies as well as the personal self defense pepper spray companies and ask them this question.