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I know we can't fly with bear spray, but I understand there's an Army/Navy store near Kalispell that has low-priced bear spray. Can't wait for the trip!!

I'm all for saving a few bucks but make damn sure that low-priced bear spray is the real thing, not just military grade pepper spray like the police use?

Maybe they could ship whatever you buy to a UPS store or somewhere you could pick up when you get there?
I have 2 different makes. One is made in Alaska and used by their DNR people. The other is made
in the lower 48.

I'd get 2 cans and the chest holster for each of you. Not the cheapest, but in the worst case scenario, cheap isn't going to be much comfort.

I say 2, becasue in the event you have no time to react and the bear is mauling the person carrying the spray, the other can step in.

I'd also consider getting their bear fence for nighttime use?
Not cheap, but bears are active at night and more than a few people have been attacked and mauled/killed in their tents at night.

This guy has intimate first hand knowledge on being mauled by a bear. I'd let his lesson and those of others be your guide to what you should carry.

ALL the forestry people carry bear spray and most carry magnum handguns/rifles or shotguns in grizzly country.
They know the area and the bears better than most, so that should tell you something. ;)

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