This Camping Essential From Costco Can Protect You From Dangerous Wildlife

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Costco's budget camping essentials often drum up social media hype for their quality and affordable price points. And for campers headed into bear country, Costco's two-pack UDAP Pepper Power Bear Spray with Griz Guard Holster is an essential for your packing list. It features a hot, oil‑based capsaicin formula that's EPA‑registered, tested down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, and has a range of 30 to 35 feet. This spray was developed by grizzly bear attack survivor Mark Matheny, who turned his nearly fatal experience into a mission to improve bear safety gear. Each canister includes a quick‑release safety wedge and comes with a hip holster, making it easy to carry and access in an emergency.

When you're outdoors in bear country, bear spray is widely recognized as the most effective non‑lethal deterrent. In fact, a study published in The Journal of Wildlife Management found it effective in deterring bears at least 90% of the time. Costco also offers the two‑can packs online for just $49.99, a great deal compared to bear spray prices elsewhere (the same two-pack is $89.99 from the manufacturer). Stores may have them priced even lower, so it's worth checking your local Costco for the best deal.

Bear spray is especially recommended in parks with grizzly bears or aggressive black bears, such as Yellowstone, Glacier, Denali, Grand Teton, and Rocky Mountain National Parks, where camping and backcountry hiking are common and bear encounters are possible. Plus, experts say bear spray is effective against other dangerous animals, like mountain lions. Costco's UDAP two‑pack offers affordable, reliable protection with carry-ready accessories, making it ideal if you're headed into bear territory where spray is allowed.

None of us want to get close enough to a bear to actually need bear spray, so it should be your last line of defense. Some national parks even ban bear spray altogether — but smart outdoor practices help campers and hikers stay safe. Remember, many things can attract bears to your campsite, like citronella or the smell of food and waste, so informed camping techniques can keep unwanted visitors away.

UDAP also makes a bear canister for food storage spacious enough for several days worth of food. It's important to use bear-resistant food canisters for both human and bear safety — a common saying is "a fed bear is a dead bear." That's because once they get their paws on human food, they can turn aggressive and end up being killed. The "bear-muda" triangle technique — separating your tent, cooking, and food storage areas — can offer extra safety from dangerous wildlife. That goes for bathroom breaks, too — bury waste away from your campsite and nearby water sources.

In the worst case scenario that you encounter a bear or mountain lion, don't run — that can trigger a chase. Instead, stand your ground, raise your arms to appear larger, and make loud noises to scare it away. Consider carrying noisy items like air horns or bear bells while hiking for more protection. If you're planning a trip to wilderness or backcountry areas, and bear spray is allowed, Costco's UDAP two‑pack can give you peace of mind. But practice deploying the spray so it's second nature; in a real encounter, fumbling wastes critical seconds. Ultimately, the key to safety is combining self-defense with smart habits, awareness of your surroundings, and knowing what to do in a wildlife encounter.