Preacher wrote on Aug 13^th, 2010 at 5:33pm:

Bear spray is something I should get, being mostly solo it's just prudent.

I've been traveling with bear spray for at least 20 years now.  I started when backpacking in griz country, but decided to carry it as well when in black bear territory.  It is on my fanny (survival) pack belt and stays with me all day.  At night, it joins me in the tent (the model I use has a fluorescent safety clip ... easy to spot in the dark).

I never leave home without it (if I'm going to be in bear country).  In fact, I've shipped it ahead (along with stoves and the like) when I'm flying to an outdoor destination ... mostly to an outfitter or place where I'll be staying ... I've even shipped it to a nearby REI on occasion when I was going to hit the ground running upon arrival.

But the good news is ... I've never had to use it (but I'd highly recommend you try to get the wind to your back before hosing away).

dd