Do you carry pepper spray?

[Shawn]

While hiking or backpacking, do you carry pepper spray at all?

Maybe just regular pepper spray or even bear spray.

Have you ever had to use it or almost use it? Against animal or human, that is.

 

[corvus]

In the past I did, but never had a need to use it. Got out of the habit.

 

[Shawn]

I carry bear spray in areas where bears are at (in population).

Aside from that, I carry a few knives.

I used to carry my concealed (licensed) firearm, but I realized I simply don't need it out there. I've never been put in a position where I felt unsafe enough to need a firearm while in nature. So, I stopped carrying it.