Hiking Backpack Zone

Posts Tagged ‘self defense’

Whether planning an overnight trip or an extended adventure in to the backcountry, planning for personal safety can ensure full enjoyment of the trip. While hiking and camping in the backcountry can be enjoyed by all ages, adults must take personal safety seriously - even outside the city limits. Being prepared for any challenge or threat is necessary to make sure all come home safely.

Experienced hikers and backcountry experts are quite familiar with the best equipment required to enjoy the trip. However, not many consider the need for personal self defense while in the wilderness. Unfortunately, crime is not limited to metropolitan areas and even though a cell phone might work while away from cities and roads, a 911 response might not be possible in the event of an emerging threat.

Checking equipment lists should therefore include making sure that each camper or hiker has a self defense tool. These tools include self defense sprays, a stun gun or taser or other non-lethal form of self defense. Animal repellants are particularly required for backcountry activity in some areas.

Also referred to as OC, a self defense spray or pepper spray is highly effective as it easily irritates eyes and results in temporary blindness to those on the receiving end of its application. These sprays are non-lethal and generally are organically based - comprised of concentrated cayenne pepper compounds. Usually contained in small canisters, these sprays can be easily carried on hikes and camp trips.

Taser International recently released the latest personal defense device for the general public, the Taser C2. The Taser C2 was specifically designed for the general public to truly feel safe in today’s troubled times. TASER products are giving people the power they need to take control and protect themselves. The TASER C2 utilizes the same technology used in TASER International’s law enforcement models to effectively stun an assailant up to fifteen feet away.

Safety should always be the primary consideration for backcountry travelers. There are many hazards to backpacking and hiking, so it is important not to overlook self defense needs - even in wilderness areas. The ability to remain calm under pressure is important. The availability of an effective self defense tool is essential if an unexpected threat develops.

In 1974, a mass grave was discovered in a Washington state forest. These were found to contain the remains of several missing women from Washington and neighboring states. The notorious Ted Bundy was later identified as the assailant. Bundy appeared harmless enough to his victims and none had effective means of defending themselves.

The reasons people enjoy hiking and backpacking are many and varied. The great exercise, a sense of adventure and a love of nature are just a few. Remember though, that criminal behavior can occur outside one’s city limits and being prepared to deal with an unexpected threat is essential to personal safety.

Author Joe Davidson is a veteran police Author. He operates StunTech Products to provide citizens with the ability and training to ensure their personal safety at home and on the job. Specializing in non-lethal self defense tools, StunTech brings peace of mind to home and workplace environments.

Unless properly cared for, a dog bite can be one of the most severe of animal bites. Thousands expire each year because of rabies transmitted by the bite of a rabid dog. It is unwise to neglect these types of bites, however, many fail to recognize the severity of such bites when they think that a good cleansing of the lesion is all that is needed to treat it or by simply taking an antibacterial drug. What they don’t seem to realize is that a bite like this can cause dangerous infections, disfigurement, impairment and even death.

You can escape from an attacking dog through several means. Keeping a safe distance between the canine and yourself is the best way. Another effective way is to avoid provoking the dog to attack you. If you encounter such a scenario, slowly retreat and move away from the animal. However, there may come a time when you will find yourself in this scenario, no matter how careful you are. This is where the dog pepper spray comes into action.

A dog pepper spray is an animal repellent used specifically against a threatening canine. It comes in an aerosol container which you can take along in your knapsack, handbag, or attach case. For further ease of use, you can even affix it to your belt or key chain. There are several advantages of using defense sprays. Once it is sprayed on the animal, the symptoms of dog pepper spray will be straightaway. The effects of the spray last long enough giving you enough time to get away from the animal to safety. The pepper spray will cause so much agony and discomfort that the dog will turn his attention from attacking you to recuperating from the burning sensation. If you a lover of animals, you don’t need to worry about these chemical substances because they do not cause lasting or critical injury to the animal. The effects of the spray are non-lethal and will disappear in about half an hour. One other reason why this type of animal repellent is used widely is because it is legal to use anywhere in America, providing it is used only for self defense. There may be restrictions in some cities or states, so always check your local law enforcement agency for any state’s ordinances covering the use of pepper sprays.

What is the difference between oc pepper spray used against human attackers and dog pepper spray? One difference is that the pepper resin in dog spray is not as potent as the resin found in the human version. More often than not, the pepper resin in found in dog repellent is less than half of that found in human spray. In times of an emergency, you may use a human pepper spray on an attacking canine, but dog pepper spray will not be very effective on a human attacker.

Even dog lovers may find themselves in a situation where they will need to defend themselves against an attacking canine. Animals can be very unpredictable, it is wise to never underestimate a dog’s capacity to cause you injury. Carrying dog pepper spray is one effectual and humane way to defend yourself and loved ones from an attacking dog.

Find out more about dog pepper spray and other animal repellentsincluding bear spray by visiting www.a1selfdefenseproducts.com.