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?

3 comments

3 Comments

pat_park3mo 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.

evan_stone1mo ago

I read something from a thru hiker once who said they treat their water filter like their wallet. You don't stuff your wallet way down in your pack, it's always in that one easy spot you can grab without thinking. That analogy really stuck with me. I started doing the same thing with mine, just strap it to the shoulder strap of my pack so I can reach it while I'm still standing. It's one of those little things that seems too simple to make a difference but honestly it does. You don't realize how much energy you waste bending over and digging around until you just don't have to do it anymore.

the_joel3mo 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.