Running is one of the best ways to stay healthy, get in shape, and take your mind off your problems.
However, if you’re running alone, especially during nighttime or as the sun goes down, you might be concerned about your safety.
Good thing that there are tools like self-defense sprays that can help protect yourself when you’re outdoors.
Today, I will introduce to you the best pepper spray for runners or active people.
I’ll talk about their features and their pros and cons to help you find the right product for your needs.
Best Pepper Spray for Runners: A Review
1. SABRE RED Pepper Gel Spray for Runners
The Sabre Red Pepper Gel Spray is a police-grade OC spray for runners with a maximum strength formula.
Review
Sabre is the leading brand for self-dense sprays in the United States.
This company has been in the industry for over 45 years.
They make self-defense sprays for the police and U.S. Marshals, and individuals.
That said, you can be sure that you’re getting an extremely reliable product from this brand.
Compared to traditional pepper sprays, the Sabre Red Gel Pepper is a lot more potent due to its thicker consistency.
One of the caveats of pepper spray is there’s a chance that it gets blown to your face.
Thus, you want to hit the attacker with pepper spray and then get out of there immediately.
The Sabre Red Pepper Gel eliminates this risk. The gel formula sprays out of an aerosol container, but it is thicker, so it is less affected by the wind.
Also, when it hits your attacker, the Sabre Red Pepper Gel will stick to their skin and clothing, and it will be difficult for them to remove.
Moreover, Sabre sprays are tested in an exclusive in-house HPLC laboratory.
Only Sabre sprays eliminate the 30% failure rate experienced with other brands.
The Sabre Red Pepper Gel can spray up to 12 feet, which means you can deter your attacker at a safer distance.
The further away you are from your attacker, the better your chances of going away unharmed.
Another great feature of this pepper gel is the hand strap.
The adjustable hand strap holds the spray in the palm of your hand so you can easily access it when you need it.
You can also wrap it around your wrist, like a bracelet.
What’s more, it has a reflective logo that makes you more visible to drivers at night.
The Sabre Red Pepper Gel has 35 bursts, so you can use it against several attackers.
It can work as a self-dense spray for animals too.
You can even use it in an indoor setting.
Furthermore, Sabre has very good customer support.
When you purchase the Sabre Red Pepper Gel, you will be provided with training videos on how to use it safely and effectively.
The Sabre Red Pepper Gel comes in black and pink colors.
Lastly, it has a four-year shelf life which is pretty impressive considering that most pepper sprays in the market only have two to three years.
Pros:
- An adjustable hand strap promotes easy access
- Police-grade formulation
- Up to 35 bursts
- Extremely lightweight
Con:
- Has a shorter range compared to other gel pepper
2. Mace Sport Pepper Spray
Mace pepper spray is a must-have defense tool for anyone who loves sports and outdoor activities like running, hiking, or jogging.
It sprays in a power stream pattern for up to 12 feet, and its effects last for up to 45 minutes.
Review
Mace is another major brand for pepper sprays. They have been manufacturing self-defense sprays since the 1960s.
Given that, you know you’re also getting a reliable product when you choose Mace.
The Sport Pepper Spray measures 1.8 x 4.5 x 9 inches and weighs 18 grams, so it’s not a pain to carry.
It comes with an adjustable hand strap for quick access when in a hurry and easy carrying.
Plus, it has a built-in keychain so you can attach it to your keys, pocket, belt, backpack, or purse.
The real deal behind this spray is its very potent formulation.
It contains 10% oleoresin capsicum (OC) for maximum strength.
This formula can cause respiratory distress and coughing, along with an intense burning sensation on the skin and impaired vision for up to 45 minutes.
Mace also added a UV dye that leaves a long-lasting residue on the skin or clothes to support identification and investigation.
The Mace Sport PepperSpray features a stream pattern.
A stream type of pepper spray is very effective, even under windy situations.
It also sprays with a higher force and is less likely to blow back in your direction.
The canister features a flip-top safety cap that prevents accidents and misfires, so it’s very convenient and safe.
Dispersing the spray is easy. All you’ve to do is place your thumb under the pepper spray’s flip-top safety cap.
Next is to press down the spray’s red actuator button.
All of these features make the Mace Sport Pepper Spray ideal for sports activities, including running and hiking.
By the way, this spray delivers 15 shots and has a shelf life of 48 months.
Pros:
- Strong formulation
- The flip-top safety cap is easy to use
- Wrist strap
Con:
- Need to fully depress the thumb trigger to get a full range of spray
3. Mace Mini Keychain Pepper Spray
Another reliable spray from Mace, the mini keychain pepper spray, offers accurate and effective shots using a powerful formula.
Since it’s very compact and comes in a keychain form, this spray is so convenient to bring in your runs.
Review
This pepper spray measures 6.42 x 3.98 x 0.87 inches and weighs 0.25 ounces.
Thus, it’s pretty small and compact that you can attach it to your car keys or your belt.
You can even just put it in your pocket for easy access.
The Mace Mini Keychain Pepper Spray contains 10% OC pepper which is very strong and causes irritation in the respiratory system.
When you spray it on your attacker, the formula will cause a burning sensation to their eyes, skin, and nose that can last for up to 45 minutes.
That said, you have plenty of time to get away and get help.
The spray has a flip-top safety cap that prevents accidental discharge.
It’s also refillable, so it’s an eco-friendly option. Once your canister is emptied, you can contact Mace or go to their nearest store to get your bottle refilled at a smaller price.
Dispersing the Mace Mini Keychain Pepper Spray is easy.
Like the other Mace sprays, you just have to press the actuator button.
Still, it’s best to practice using your device so you can be more confident in using it in times of emergency.
By the way, you can use the Mace Mini Keychain Pepper Spray against animals too.
Another thing to love about the Mace Keychain Pepper Spray is its convenient finger-grip design that maximizes grasp and accuracy.
This helps you easily aim the spray at your attacker’s face even if you’re in a state of panic or nervousness.
Meanwhile, the built-in keychain gives you immediate access when you only have seconds to react.
Unfortunately, since it’s quite small, you only get five feet of range to hurt your attacker effectively.
Pros:
- Very handy, small, and discreet
- Strong formulation
- Easy to carry
- Refillable
Con:
- Small range
4. Mace Magnum Pepper Gel
The Magnum Pepper Gel is a police-grade formula that provides long-range protection up to 18 feet.
Since it is thicker, it sticks to the skin and makes it more difficult for the attacker to wipe it off.
Review
Gel pepper is a relatively new product in the personal defense industry.
Unlike liquid sprays, pepper gel cannot be blown back to your face.
This makes it a good choice for defending yourself outdoors and even indoors.
Like the previous Mace products, the Magnum contains 10% OC pepper, leading to varying symptoms when sprayed on someone.
These include difficulty breathing, temporary vision loss, and skin irritation, among others.
However, what makes it different is that it comes in gel form, which makes it suitable for indoor settings.
Mace’s gel stream technology dispenses a thick, glue-like substance that sticks to your attacker’s skin and causes unbearable pain in seconds.
Pepper gel offers other advantages, such as a longer range.
It can travel 20% farther than a spray, which means you can use it at a greater and safer distance.
Best of all, pepper gel won’t blowback in your face, especially if the wind is directed against you.
This makes the Mace Magnum Pepper Gel particularly appropriate for defending yourself when you’re outdoors or close to your attacker.
Furthermore, the Magnum gel formula contains UV dye that helps police officers or investigators identify the assailant.
Dispersing the gel is easy. Like the Mace pepper spray, this model has a flip-top safety cap that prevents accidental discharge.
To disperse the gel, simply put your thumb under the flip-top safety cap, aim it at the assailant, and press down on the actuator button.
The canister has a clip that makes it easy to attach to your belt, waistband, or pocket securely.
The Mace Magnum Pepper Gel comes in other variations. They are the Magnum 9 and the Night Defender.
They all have the same formulation, but they differ in the canister used.
The Magnum 9 has a pistol-grip handle, while the Magnum Night Defender comes with LED lamp that is very useful when you’re running early in the morning or late afternoon.
Pros:
- Can be used outdoors and indoors
- Longer range
- Effects take longer to wean off
Con:
- A bit big to carry on your front pocket
5. Guard Dog Security Quick Action Pepper Spray Keychain
Guard Dog Security is relatively new in the pepper spray industry, but they make some really good products.
The company was established in 2009 and has obtained a huge customer base since then.
Guard Dog Security makes several types of pepper spray.
They also offer a wide selection of stun guns, flashlights, and bulletproof sprays.
The Guard Dog Security Quick Action Pepper Spray Keychain is one of their best-sellers.
It features a strong 1.44 MC formulation and an impressive spray range of 16 feet.
Review
The Quick Action Pepper Spray is a lab-tested police-grade device to ensure effectiveness against attackers.
It also contains invisible dye, which aids in identity verification.
What makes it suitable for runners is that it is light and compact.
It’s a little smaller than a pocket note, so carrying it is a breeze.
What’s unique about the Guard Dog Security Quick Action Pepper Spray Keychain is it gives you several options to carry it.
For instance, it comes with a keychain ring that you can attach to your keys, bag, or lanyard.
It also has a clip so you can tuck it into your belt or waistband.
Lastly, since it’s small, you can just slide it into your front pocket for easier access.
Furthermore, the Quick Action Spray has a patented non-leak design and a safety lock that prevents misfires.
Lastly, Guard Dog Security offers an industry-exclusive Protected 4 Life Program where you can get a free replacement spray if you are forced to use your device in self-defense.
All you need is a copy of your police report, and your replacement is on its way.
However, take note that you have to register for this program first before taking advantage of the free replacement.
Pros:
- Light and compact
- Long-range
- Free replacement
Con:
- The belt can come loose
Which Among the Pepper Sprays Should You Choose?
Whether you’re running around the neighborhood or going off the trail, pepper spray is a helpful tool that gives you peace of mind.
I would say that the best pepper spray for runners is the SABRE RED Pepper Gel Spray for several reasons.
One has to do with the adjustable strap that makes carrying it super convenient.
Another advantage of this product is its police-grade formulation that you can use even in close-range and indoor settings.
Hopefully, you never get to use pepper sprays in your runs.
But if ever you do, you can be confident that it will work because you have a tried-and-tested pepper spray with you.
