Bear spray seems appropriate for the worst type of predator

Heeding what we considered sound advice, we never went into the Alaskan wilderness without carrying along a can of bear spray. It was as essential as waterproof hiking boots, a good GPS, rain gear, a water bottle, and a first aid kit. We were told in a very somber tone that if you forget the bear spray and encounter a bear, none of those other things is really that important.