Stuff I Use: REPULS Defense Spray

Back when I was a junior high schooler in hard-hittin’ New Britain, someone in my crew handed out whuppin’ sticks. This whuppin’ stick was a baton about a foot-and-a-half long and about 3/4″ per side. It felt like it was constructed of hardened rubber. Flexible, but solid. I never hit anyone with it, but no doubt this could raise welts, bloody noses, and even knock someone silly. Of course, being the non-violent type, I never used it. But I still have it. I keep it under the driver’s seat in my Jeep.

The problem with a whuppin’ stick is that you’ve got to get in close to use it. I fish in some sketchy areas, and while I never feel like my life is in danger, some of these places compel me to be on full alert. Wherever you are, though, you never know when a random that-element person may show up. What do do if you truly feel threatened?

Well, pepper spray works, and it’s non lethal. But, as the REPULS literature states, “pepper spray has shortcomings. Because of how it spreads through the air, when pepper spray is used it can accidentally impact the person spraying it and bystanders in addition to the person posing the threat. This not only has made it impossible to use pepper spray in certain settings, but it has also made people hesitant to spray it when they feel threatened.”

The unique selling proposition of REPULS is that there is virtually no collateral damage to the user or bystanders. According to the company, “REPULS is a non-lethal self-defense spray that is just as effective at immobilizing an attacker by causing involuntary closure of the eyes. REPULS only impacts the individual it is sprayed on eliminating the risk of blowback or accidental impacts. It can even be sprayed in enclosed spaces like an RV without worrying about contamination and extensive cleanup.”

So, I’m now carrying in a non-lethal sense. I have the 1.6oz can, which I keep in the truck, and the jogger/hiker size, pictured here, which fits into my fishing pack. The jogger/hiker has a hand strap, which I don’t use. There’s a larger home/office size, and a keychain size as well.

The keychain and jogger/hiker models retail for $17.95, which is a small price to pay for a sense of security. The 1.6 oz is $21.50. The home/office can, which is 12.9oz, will set you back $64.65. You can find out more, or make a purchase, on the REPULS website.