Whether we choose to consciously acknowledge it or not, as cyclists, and especially as women, we're vulnerable out there on remote dirt roads. We're thinking of ferocious dogs that won't give up; of momma bears who cross our paths with their cubs…
PepperBlaster is a great product to take along with you on the gravel bike. The key is that it isn't aerosolized. Rather, each unit contains two cylinders with powerful concentrations of near-pharmaceutical grade oleoresin capsicum (OC)- an effective irritant. Each cylinder is driven by a pyrotechnic charge and a piston, and the solution travels at 113mph. Unlike conventional pepper sprays, you won't get any blowback into your own face since it isn't an aerosolized mist- You don't need to worry whether you're downwind. And you get a substantially effective range of 13 feet. Instead of a "spray", it fires a compact stream of OC. The effect is immediate, it lasts for 45 minutes, and it allows you to extricate yourself from the situation with plenty of time to spare.
Kimber PepperBlaster II weighs 100g. Its dimensions are 4.3" x 2.7" x 0.9”, so it easy to fit in a jersey pocket along with a gel or your iPhone. And unlike sprays, it's reliable at any temperature, and won't rupture, burst, or depressurize.
