Pepper Spray

Carrying pepper spray or pepper gel while running is a simple, effective way to stay safe on the move – especially during solo runs, early mornings, or unfamiliar or remote routes. These self-defense tools are designed to deter a threat from a distance, giving you time to escape. Like any safety device, they work best when you know how to use them.

Pepper spray is a common tool used by everyday people and law enforcement to deescalate a situation. Its primary ingredient, called Oleoresin Capsicum (OC), irritates the eyes and causes burning and pain sensations. Its inflammatory effects can cause the eyes to close, temporarily impairing someone’s vision. This temporary blindness allows officers to more easily restrain subjects and provides civilians an opportunity to escape when in danger. Pepper spray is a well-known and common self-defense tool because it’s compact, easy to use, and effective at deterring threats without causing permanent harm.

When you’re facing a potentially life-threatening situation, you need a reliable way to fight back. That means reaching for just any pepper spray just won’t do — you want to be prepared to defend yourself properly.