Pepper spray is a non-lethal tool that stops a threatening person or animal long enough for you to get away or get help. It answers civil unrest and the long days of sheltering in place when police or emergency response may be slow.
Choose pepper spray you can reach fast, aim well, and trust to fire after months in a drawer or pocket. Stock one for each adult who will carry it.
- Spray pattern: A stream or gel reaches farther and blows back less in wind than a fog or cone.
- Range: Look for a reach of at least 10 feet so you can keep distance between you and a threat.
- Strength: Compare the major capsaicinoid percentage on the label, since it measures heat better than the OC percentage alone.
- Shelf life: Check the expiration date, store canisters at room temperature, and replace them every two to four years.
- Safety lock and carry: Pick a flip-top or twist lock that prevents accidental discharge, plus a clip or holster for a belt or bag.
- Practice and law: Add an inert training canister to practice your draw, and confirm size and carry rules where you live.
