If you are paddling in Canada, then you will eventually run into a bear at sometime. normally, these encounters are peaceful. You leave the bear alone, and the bear leaves you alone. And that's it.
However, in the event that you get a bear that is interested in you, then you're going to need some Bear Pepper Spray. I would highly recommend trying one out before you take off on your expedition. That way you know how to remove the safety cap, much pressure you need to apply, and what the act of spraying feels like.
If I can describe the feeling, it has about the same recoil as a Champaign bottle, and the entire content of the canister will come out in about 2 seconds or less.
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