When planning outdoor adventures in Alaska, especially around bears, safety gear becomes a crucial part of your packing list. This bear spray rental from Alaska Outdoor Gear Rental offers a practical solution for visitors who want protection without the hassle—or expense—of purchasing their own. Whether you’re kayaking, hiking, or fishing near bear habitats, knowing you have reliable, top-brand bear spray at your fingertips can make a big difference.
What makes this rental particularly appealing is its value—it’s not only affordable at just $20 per person for a full-day rental, but it also includes comprehensive instruction and the option of a holster and bear bell. Our favorite features? The reputation of the Counter Assault brand, trusted by outdoor enthusiasts for years, and the flexibility for travelers who might not want to carry a bulky can permanently. The only consideration? It’s purely a rental, so if you’re planning repeated trips, buying might be more cost-effective. Still, for most visitors, this rental hits the sweet spot between safety and convenience.
This experience suits adventurers heading into bear country who want peace of mind without the overhead of purchase. It’s ideal for those who prefer guided, straightforward safety solutions with minimal fuss. If you’re cautious about wildlife encounters and want a reputable product, this is a smart, budget-friendly choice.
Key Points

- Affordable and practical: At $20, this rental offers great value compared to buying your own.
- Trusted brand: Counter Assault is a well-known, reputable maker of bear spray.
- Comprehensive instructions included: Verbal or video guidance ensures you know how to use the spray properly.
- Flexible gear options: You can choose a holster and bear bell for added safety.
- No testing or firing allowed: The rental provides demonstration but not live testing.
- Easy to rent in Anchorage, with a simple process and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
What You Can Expect from This Bear Spray Rental
This rental experience is designed to be simple, straightforward, and accessible. From the moment you arrive at Anchorage-based Alaska Outdoor Gear Rental, you’ll find a process focused on efficiency and clarity. The rental includes a 10 oz Counter Assault bear spray can, a holster option, and a bear bell—a combination intended to maximize your safety as you explore Alaska’s wilderness.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Anchorage.
Meeting Point and Timing
The rental begins at 8:00 am, with the activity ending back at the same meeting point. This timing is ideal for early starters, giving you a full day to incorporate the gear into your outdoor plans. Being centrally located in Anchorage means it’s easy to access, whether you’re staying downtown or nearby.
Instruction and Demonstration
Despite being a rental, the experience emphasizes proper handling and use. You’ll receive verbal instructions or a concise video, explaining how to carry, access, and deploy the bear spray safely. Notably, testing or firing the spray is not included, so you won’t be able to practice actual deployment on a target, but the demonstration should give you enough confidence to use it if needed.
Why the Brand Matters
The Counter Assault brand is a key selling point. As a top-rated and trusted name in bear safety, it reassures users that they’re equipped with reliable, effective protection. The 10 oz size strikes a good balance—large enough for multiple encounters, yet portable enough to carry comfortably during outdoor activities.
The Holster and Bear Bell
Choosing a holster allows you to carry the spray conveniently—on your belt, backpack strap, or gear loop—ensuring quick access in stressful moments. The bear bell adds an extra layer of safety by alerting bears to your presence, potentially avoiding surprise encounters altogether.
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The Experience in Action

Based on reviews, users appreciate the value and convenience of this rental. One visitor, Jason_S, remarked, “It was much easier and cheaper to rent a top name brand like Counter Assault 10 oz can, than go purchase a random smaller brand. It comes with a choice of holster.” This highlights a common concern—cost and quality—and shows that the rental ticks both boxes.
Another benefit is that renting avoids the hassle of flying with bear spray—which is generally prohibited in carry-on luggage—making it a smart solution for travelers heading into Denali, Anchorage, or other wilderness areas.
Practical Benefits for Travelers
The rental’s low price point encourages more travelers to carry bear spray, which can significantly increase safety during outdoor excursions. Plus, since most travelers are not planning to return to Anchorage regularly, renting is a cost-effective and stress-free choice compared to purchase.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
While the rental is a fantastic option for most, it does not include live testing of the spray, which some might prefer to gain practical experience. However, the provided demonstration video and verbal instructions are usually enough to ensure proper understanding. Also, this rental is for one day only, so if you’re planning multiple trips, purchasing your own might be more economical.
Why This Rental Offers Good Value

For just $20, you receive high-quality equipment, trusted brand, and clear instructions—all crucial for outdoor safety. Considering that a full can of bear spray can cost around $40-$50 to buy, renting saves money, especially if you’re only using it for a short period or specific trips. Plus, the included holster and bear bell add to the overall value, equipping you with practical gear that will stay with you during your outdoor pursuits.
Ease of Use and Peace of Mind
Knowing you’ve received proper instruction helps ease worries about proper deployment. Many users mention how the process felt simple and reassuring, which is vital when faced with wildlife encounters.
Who Should Consider This Rental?

This solution is perfect for travelers, hikers, kayakers, and anglers heading into Alaska’s wilderness with a desire for affordable, reliable safety gear. It’s especially ideal for those who want to avoid the expense and hassle of purchasing gear they might only use once or twice. If you’re trying to keep your gear lightweight and straightforward, this rental ticks all the boxes.
Final Thoughts

This bear spray rental from Alaska Outdoor Gear Rental offers excellent value, trusted brand quality, and user-friendly instructions—making it a sensible choice for outdoor lovers. Its affordability and inclusiveness make it especially appealing to visitors who want peace of mind without breaking the bank.
While it’s a rental—and therefore a temporary solution—the comprehensive demo and quality product ensure that you’ll be prepared should you encounter a bear. Whether you’re planning a day hike in Denali or a multi-day kayak trip, this rental helps you focus on enjoying your adventure, knowing you have reliable protection close at hand.
If you’re someone who values safety, convenience, and savings, this rental is worth considering. Just remember to reserve it at least 24 hours in advance to secure your gear, and you’ll be ready to explore Alaska’s wilderness with confidence.
FAQ

Can I test the bear spray before taking it into the wilderness?
No, testing or firing the bear spray isn’t included in the rental. However, you will receive verbal or video instructions to understand how to use it properly.
What is included in the rental?
The rental includes a 10 oz Counter Assault bear spray can, an option of a holster, and a bear bell. You will also get instructional guidance on how to handle the spray.
Can I rent this bear spray for more than one day?
The rental is designed for a one-day period. If you need the gear for multiple days, you might consider other options, but for most travelers, a single day’s rental is sufficient.
Is this rental suitable for someone unfamiliar with bear spray?
Yes, the rental includes instructional guidance, making it accessible even for those new to bear safety gear. The demonstration video and verbal instructions are designed to ensure you feel confident.
How do I reserve the bear spray rental?
You can book this rental online through Viator or directly with Alaska Outdoor Gear Rental. Make sure to reserve at least 24 hours in advance for availability.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation is free if made more than 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations within 24 hours of the rental are non-refundable.
To sum it up, if you’re headed into bear country in Alaska and want a simple, cost-effective way to stay safe, this bear spray rental offers peace of mind without the hassle of purchasing and transporting gear. It’s a practical, dependable choice for outdoor adventurers who value trustworthy brands and clear instructions—plus, it’s budget-friendly.
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