Essentials for Your Outdoor Adventure
Embarking on a hiking adventure is an exhilarating experience that allows you to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, having the right gear in your hiking bag can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. Follow along as we unpack the essentials to pack in your hiking bag, helping you stay prepared for whatever the trail may throw at you. Nutrition High-Energy Snacks: Pack a mix of nuts, dried fruits, energy bars, and trail mix to keep your energy levels up. Water and Water Purification Tools: Ensure an adequate water supply and carry a water purification system in case you need to source water from natural streams. Navigation Tools Map and Compass: Even if you rely on GPS, having a map and compass as a backup is crucial in case of technology failures. Download Maps for Offline Use: Apps like Google Maps, Maps.Me and AllTrails allow users to download maps for offline use Shelter Lightweight Tent or Tarp: Be prepared for unexpected weather changes or emergencies by carrying a compact shelter. Footwear Sturdy, Comfortable Hiking Boots: Choose boots that provide ankle support and have a good grip for different terrains. Moisture-Wicking Socks: Prevent blisters by wearing socks designed to keep your feet dry. Always be prepared with Bear Spray Bear spray is the last line of defense to stop bears in their tracks, dispersing a pepper cloud up to 35ft, temporarily disabling a charging bear. Bear safety starts with bear spray. 2% total capsaicinoids 5s of continuous Spray Non-Toxic, Non-Lethal Glow-in-the-dark safety tab Works on Black, Grizzly, and Polar Bears Intuitive design is easy to use under pressure Contents 2% Total Capsaicinoids, 1.1% Concentration of Capsaicin, and 0.9% related capsaicinoids Technical Specs 230g canister contains 5 seconds of continuous spray Bear spray stops bears in their tracks by dispersing a pepper cloud up to 35ft 2% Total Capsaicinoids, 1.1% Concentration of Capsaicin, and 0.9% related capsaicinoids 230g canister contains 5 seconds of continuous spray Bear spray stops bears in their tracks by dispersing a pepper cloud up to 35ft Buy Now Clothing Moisture-Wicking Base Layers: Keep your body dry by wearing clothing that wicks away sweat. Insulating Layers: Depending on the weather, pack a fleece or down jacket to stay warm. Waterproof and Windproof Outer Layers: A good quality rain jacket and pants are essential for staying dry in unpredictable weather. Tools + Equipment Multi-Tool: A versatile tool that can be useful for various situations. Headlamp or Flashlight: Essential for navigating in the dark or finding your way around the campsite. Fire-Starting Tools: Waterproof matches or a lighter can be crucial for warmth and cooking. Duct Tape: Handy for quick repairs to gear and clothing. Sun Protection Sunscreen: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays, especially at higher altitudes. Sunglasses: Reduce glare and protect your eyes from the sun. First Aid Basic First Aid Supplies: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, blister treatment, and any personal medications. Packing the right items in your hiking bag can turn a challenging trek into a memorable adventure. Remember that the key is to strike a balance between being well-prepared and keeping your pack light. Regularly review and update your gear based on the season, location, and the specific demands of your hiking trip. With a well-packed bag, you can confidently hit the trail and immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors. Happy hiking!
Electric Fencing for Bear Conflict
Bear conflict, in large, is driven by food in Alberta. Margo Supplies Heavy Duty portable electric fence system is the tool of choice for homeowners, hobby farms, and industry professionals.
The Environmental Impacts of Bear Spray
Most bear sprays use a propellant that is being phased out in Canada and the USA, why? In the world of wildlife management and technology, we are constantly searching for new ways to make it easier for humans to co-exist with our natural surroundings. While many products cater to industry professionals, one of the most widely used animal management tools is bear spray. From outdoor enthusiasts to job sites, bear spray is often on hand for those who understand the dangers of bear encounters. But what happens when a life-saving tool like bear spray turns out to be bad for the environment? It can be difficult to balance the known benefits of a product like bear spray with the potential environmental impact that it has. Background Over the past decade, the USA and Canada have passed legislation that attempts to limit the use of known pollutants. One such pollutant is the propellant 134a, which is used in most available bear sprays. The governments of these countries have allowed the limited use of 134a in bear spray because up until recently, there was no known alternative. Over the past year, Counter Assault has discovered an alternative to 134a that significantly reduces the environmental impact of bear spray. The new propellant creates about 120 metric tonnes of CO2 which is about 9.5 times less than the widely used 134a propellant, which creates 1,144 tonnes of CO2. The Environmental Impacts of Bear Spray: A Comparison If we compare 10,000 cans of bear spray, which typically contain between 80g – 150g of propellant per can, this is how they stack up: Counter Assault Low-Emission Bear Spray GWP = 150 Counter Assault Bear Spray uses a new propellant that has a Greenhouse Gas Effect of 150x that of CO2. The most readily available bear sprays on the market still use 134a as a propellant, which has a significantly higher Greenhouse Gas Effect compared to the new alternative. At Margo Supplies, we are proud to carry Counter Assault Low Emission Bear Spray, a major innovation in bear deterrent technology. Current Bear Spray (134a propellant) GWP = 1,430 Bear Sprays that use the 134a propellant have a Greenhouse Gas Effect of 1,430x that of CO2.
What is in Bear Spray and How Does it Work?
If you work or visit areas where bears may be present, you might have been told to “be prepared with bear spray”, but what is actually in bear spray and how does it work? In short, bear spray is the last line of defense against bear attacks. While many bear encounters do not result in the use of bear spray, in close contact encounters, it has been proven to minimize harm and prevent fatalities. In a study conducted in Alaska, it was found that 98% of people who carried bear spray were uninjured in a close-range bear encounter. How does it work? Bear spray is an aerosol, similar to hair spray or bug spray. Aerosols are a combination of propellants and solvents under pressure that are contained within a can. Propellant The propellant is what allows for the solvent to be dispersed into the air. Most bear sprays use a propellant called R134a, popular for it’s non-flammable and non-toxic properties. Solvents The Solvent is the product that is being dispersed into the air. In the case of bear spray the solvent or “product” is called capsaicin. Capsaicin Capsaicin is the active component of chili peppers. It is commonly used in food products, pharmaceuticals and animal deterrents. It creates a burning sensation upon contact making it an irritant to mammals, including bear and humans. The propellant is what allows for the solvent to be dispersed into the air. Most bear sprays use a propellant called R134a, popular for it’s non-flammable and non-toxic properties. The Solvent is the product that is being dispersed into the air. In the case of bear spray the solvent or “product” is called capsaicin. Capsaicin is the active component of chili peppers. It is commonly used in food products, pharmaceuticals and animal deterrents. It creates a burning sensation upon contact making it an irritant to mammals, including bear and humans. Always be prepared with Bear Spray Bear spray is the last line of defense to stop bears in their tracks, dispersing a pepper cloud up to 35ft, temporarily disabling a charging bear. Bear safety starts with bear spray. 2% total capsaicinoids 5s of continuous Spray Non-Toxic, Non-Lethal Glow-in-the-dark safety tab Works on Black, Grizzly, and Polar Bears Intuitive design is easy to use under pressure Contents 2% Total Capsaicinoids, 1.1% Concentration of Capsaicin, and 0.9% related capsaicinoids Technical Specs 230g canister contains 5 seconds of continuous spray Bear spray stops bears in their tracks by dispersing a pepper cloud up to 35ft 2% Total Capsaicinoids, 1.1% Concentration of Capsaicin, and 0.9% related capsaicinoids 230g canister contains 5 seconds of continuous spray Bear spray stops bears in their tracks by dispersing a pepper cloud up to 35ft Buy Now
What is Bear Spray and How Can It Keep You and Your Family Safe
Bear awareness, deterrents and the best bear spray should be a routine part of your wilderness outing, especially early spring through fall.
Bear Safety: An Alberta Case Study
This month we’re lucky enough to feature the work of Dr. Andrea Morehouse who shares the conservation challenges and practical solutions found in Southwest Alberta
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Keep Your Cabin Safe with Electric Bear Fencing
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Preventing Human-Bear Conflicts With Computer Modeling Technology
Press Release– Margo Supplies is proud to announce our involvement in a new computer modeling study over the next year. We will work alongside Dr. Lael Parrott of UBC – Okanagan to research the best methods for reducing human-bear conflicts in Whistler, BC in Canada.
Protect Yourself and Wildlife with Portable Electric Bear Fencing
By taking a few simple steps, we can protect our camp and sleep easily after a long day in the wilderness.
