Old Bear Spray

[Bigrib]

Had one old can of bear spray , at least 15 years old maybe 20 . Tried it out and it worked fine . Looks like you want to hit something from no farther away than 8 ft with no wind . Closer is better .

Oh and don't walk throw the mist you just sprayed , lol that stuff floats for a while

[buckbrush]

I knew I was saving the old cans for something.
For the cost I replace mine when expired but I wouldn't hesitate to give one that's a couple years old to a hiking partner that isn't bringing one.

[Puma]

I was told the actual contents dont go bad, its a matter of the full propellent charge cannot be warranted to be there after the expiry date. Much like a fire extinguisher.

[Bigrib]

The price has at least doubled for Bear Spray now . Why hasn't my income double also lol

On the can I used it said it expired in early 2011 . Further reading of the label said it was effective to 18 ft , that seem excessive but maybe when new the propellant would be more powerful , rather than the 8 ft range I got , 8 years after the expiry date .

[rosh]

Ya if your actually using it for bear protection I’d not trust expired spray. Another tip if you practice spray and have the slightest bit of wind be thoughtful when taking a leak.

[35 whelen]

I put peanut butter on my expired ones and leave around my camp

[Big Grey Wolf]

Bear ate our can of bear spray we had in our outfitter tent, guess he nwanted more spice in food.

[ghostguy6]

Those old cans loose pressure over time and do not have the effective range or discharge time as a new can. Also when you first discharge a new can, it will never seal properly again so the propellant will slowly leak out even if you cant see or hear it. Some of the old cans were made from pressed steel so they will rust and or corrode away. I had a can of dog spray do this inside the cab of my truck. It is not fun to clean out. Even if the spray does not aerosolize the fumes will burn your eyes, nose, throat and any skin it touches.

[happy honker]

Great thread...reminds me I need to buy a new one this spring.

I save the old cans and use them on my chicken wings before they go in the smoker. Especially id my mother in law is coming over for dinner. Usually cuts her visits short and she talks a lot less.

[saskbooknut]

Expired cans of bear spray are good training aids. You ought to know limitations in how it works.
It is a little too exciting to be finding out with a bear a few feet away.

[Deer_Hunter]

I keep a few expired cans to give to friends who want to tag along on hiking or scouting trips.

Otherwise I take the kids in the woods and we practice using them

builds confidence for them and myself, however doing it in front a charging bear would be a different matter

[IronNoggin]

Having been directly involved with field studies regarding the effectiveness of bear spray, I now carry my own version:



Cheers,
Nog

[honda450]

I got a few expired cans of spray. No one would volunteer to see if they are still effective. Carried them for years and never had a need for them. That is good. Now what do I do with em?

[Big Bull]

Originally Posted by honda450

I got a few expired cans of spray. No one would volunteer to see if they are still effective. Carried them for years and never had a need for them. That is good. Now what do I do with em?

Your local landfill or transfer station should have a barrel for them. Our transfer station in Jasper sends them to someone around Lethbridge for disposal, but the safety must be on each can. It is considered as hazardous waste.

[Big Grey Wolf]

Honda 450, keep your cans of expired Bear spray and throw them at the grizz just before he eats you for lunch. My son now carries the same bear spray as Iron noggin!

[fordtruckin]

I got a couple expired cans laying around. I’ve been meaning to take them out and practice with them. Costco had a great sale on them 30$ for 2cans of UDAP here in montana. Probably should pick some up just for when friends visit.

[honda450]

Originally Posted by Big Grey Wolf

Honda 450, keep your cans of expired Bear spray and throw them at the grizz just before he eats you for lunch. My son now carries the same bear spray as Iron noggin!

I can't carry a gun......company rules. I fly fish in a lot of grizz country and don't carry a gun. Got a few in the trailer though. hehhe. Dang samsquanch.

[WesternAlien]

Old cans _can_ happen to be OK years after expiration. They also _can_ happen to be disasters waiting to happen... Tested one, well past the warranty... and it spilled all over my hand, with no spraying at all. Good I had training and plenty of water for proper cleanup! Pressure was there, just was not directing where it should be, the valve clogged and seals degraded. Suddenly ended up with dangerous object in hands - can't leave it in the forest, can't pack it back... Had to puncture the thing remotely to relieve pressure and then thoroughly wash it for safe disposal. Could be worse - had i happened in front of a bear, would have two problems instead of one!