A local in Talkeetna told me my bear spray was too easy to grab

I was getting gas last month and had the canister clipped to my pack's side pocket. An older guy filling his truck said, 'If that's for bears, you want it in your hand, not hanging off your bag.' He explained that in a real rush, fumbling for it costs seconds you don't have. So I changed my whole setup. Now I keep it in a belt holster when I'm on trails. Has anyone else had a local tip that made you switch up your safety gear?

2 comments

2 Comments

pat_park3d ago

Had a ranger in Montana tell me something similar about my water filter. I was kneeling by a stream, pack off, digging for it. He said if you're tired and thirsty, you want that thing ready to go, not buried. Now I keep it clipped to the outside of my pack with the dirty water bag attached. Saves a ton of time and hassle at every stop. That small change made the whole process way smoother.

the_joel3d ago

That's such a simple but huge upgrade. Makes total sense to have it right there when you're beat from hiking. Can't tell you how many times I've fumbled with gear because I put something "away" too well. Smart move keeping the bag attached too, cuts out like two extra steps.