Does bear spray (CounterAssault)

Counter Assault does have an expiration date. I replace mine every few years. I'm looking at my can right now and I've written on it to replace it in Feb, 2011.

I think the date may have been printed or pasted on the bottom of the can when I first got it. I always use a felt pen to date the bottom of the can in case the orignal info wears off.

Daryl

from the Counter Assault web site – FAQs:
http://counterassault.com/html/bearquestions.html

"12. What is the shelf life of bear pepper spray?

Counter Assault products have a four-year recommended replacement date because ALL aerosols lose propellant over time. This four-year replacement date means that it will shoot to maximum distance the first four years, and will still spray a considerable distance after that date. For example, Counter Assault Bear Deterrent, when new, sprays 30 to 40 feet whereas many other bear deterrents only spray from 15 feet to 20 feet when freshly manufactured. Though the potency of the pepper does not diminish, all aerosol canister seals will weaken over time, allowing the propellant to escape."

You might e-mail Counter Assault and ask. Their customer service is friendly and usually available. I called them once, got one of the main guys, and we chatted for maybe a half hour. Very nice guy. I recall him saying that the shelf life in a cool, dark location is maybe your 3-4 years. Have you test-fired your can (less than 1 second, downwind!!!)? If that works, then probably you're good to go. I doubt that the actual pepper ingredients will go bad, not when they're sealed up like they are. As a matter of routine, I usually test fire all my older cans before I go to Glacier or Yellowstone. But if I'm going to Alaska, I'd certainly buy a couple of new cans up there.