Safety on the trails

[Vingiu]

Well, the lady and I are getting married in June of this year, and we're spending the first half of our honeymoon in Jasper, the second in Banff. I plan on spending a lot of time in the parks with her - whether on horseback, backpacking or in a canoe. She's a bit concerned about protection against wildlife, and so is the mother-in-law!
The way I understand it, firearms are a no-go in either of the two parks. So what exactly should I take with us? Naturally, a can of spray for each of us, a nice sharp knife, and then what? (an air horn, perhaps?) I'm interested in seeing what sort of tools are the most reliable in a defensive situation. I'll feel quite defenceless without my rifle...

Michael

[backpacker]

You could pick up some bear bangers and pen launcher. Along with bear spray you should be fine.

Oh, do everyone else that is out there hiking etc.. a favor and leave the bear bells in the store.lol.

[Grizzly Adams]

Bring the mother in Law. Send her down the trail ahead of you to make sure it's safe. less danger in the park than in the city, don't be too concerned. Chances are you'll never escape the crowd anyway.

Grizz

[honda450]

I would not put too much faith in bear bangers. Tried them twice, did not work. Sure they went off and everything but no effects on the bear. One paid his life for.

I got spray too, never used it yet.

If ya do use bear bangers make sure they are not crossed threaded, dang thats hard on the thumb, was numb for about a week. Got a piece of sharapnel in the neck too. hehe

Make sure ya can run faster than the other person too. hehehe

[roger]

Pepper spray , try to locate an expired one to practice with,range, effect handling, etc.
the wifes mountain hikingclub she belongs too does this with old ones.
Last thing you want to is read the directions with your mother in law... Errr,, bear charging in

[58thecat]

Hand grenades and make sure you are the faster runner in the group!

[omega50]

Originally Posted by roger

Pepper spray , try to locate an expired one to practice with,range, effect handling, etc.
the wifes mountain hikingclub she belongs too does this with old ones.
Last thing you want to is read the directions with your mother in law... Errr,, bear charging in

x2

When I taught Mrs. Omega how to use bear spray I used my expired ones and we used them on a fairly windy day in the winter.

It was amazing to look at the snow after and see the exact path and range that the spray traveled. Very eye opening!

[fishunter327]

Eyes ,ears,bear spray.It,s rare to encounter bears,i don,t think the bears in the parks see human,s as threats so they don't get to excited.But saying that treat them with total repect.Wifey and myself have done lots of big hikes in the parks and have had 0 problems and minimal contact.