RM: I’m speaking with Jeff Sheffield from HYKR Industries. We’re here to talk about your brand new EVO chest holster for bear spray. Here in the Bow Valley, I think we understand the importance of bear spray and having a proper holster for it so we don’t need to get into that too much, but what sets your chest holster apart from most other bear spray holsters?

JS: We have spent the last three and a half years developing it. One of our most important features is that it’s 100% recyclable. It’s made of aircraft grade plastic, it’s heat resistant, impact and puncture resistant. It also consists of frictionless technology that allows you to access your bear spray without fumbling with snaps, straps, zippers, buckles, or buttons, while at the same time ensuring it won’t fall out. We offer a limited lifetime warranty, which I believe you won’t find on another bear spray holster product. It also fits to the most popular sizes of their spray cans, 225g and 265g cans.

RM: Where did you get the idea to come up with this particular kind of holster?

JS: Just over three and a half years ago my wife and I started HYKR Industries with the hopes of changing how we carry bear spray. On many occasions hiking I’ve had my wife say, hey, you dropped your bear spray. Little to my knowledge the flopping action of my holster eventually dislodged my bear spray from my possession. I figured I would just buy a new case and that’d solve the problem, but in reality the options were very limited. It also made me wonder what would play out if I happened to surprise a bear at a short distance and required my bear spray. Unable to access bear spray quickly and efficiently could be a life or death situation. We knew that there had to be a better solution. Much of our outdoor equipment like jackets, tents, and sleeping bags have improved in design and comfort. However, our bear spray holsters have sat idle for years. After dozens of prototypes, HYKR Industries developed a design that allowed bear spray to be placed in a secure and comfortable position, ready to draw when needed. I first started looking at my personal performance characteristics. I needed the holster to not flop around. I needed something that would be comfortable while wearing a larger backpack as backcountry camping was our go-to adventure hobby, and I needed something that was quick to access. Many prototypes resulted in the final design.

RM: What’s been the response so far to this product?

JS: There’s been a lot of positive feedback on it. I think we’ve really hit a lot of the problem factors of carrying bear spray in this design.

RM: Have you ever encountered a bear on the trail?

JS: There were a few times up at Peter Lougheed Provincial Park where we’ve run into cubs and we didn’t know where the mother was. You take what you’ve learned in your Bear Aware programs – back away slowly and keep your wits about you, and just hope it doesn’t become a life or death situation.

RM: The HYKR EVO bear spray holster – we’re doing a contest for one of these on our website. Where else can people purchase this?

JS: From our website. If you’re interested in special ordering a custom holster, we also do custom colors and designs.