Pepper Spray

[Numo]

Anyone have a recommendation for a good brand to use for personal protection, and where you buy it? My daughter is going to be traveling in a somewhat remote area of a Caribbean country and would like to be able to have this with her.

[davester]

I don't think you can legally take pepper spray on a plane, even in checked baggage, and in some countries it is illegal. Do your homework on these issues first.

[rgG]

Self Defense Sprays - One 4 ounce (118ml) container of mace or pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. Self Defense Sprays containing more than 2% by mass of Tear Gas (CS or CN) are prohibited in Checked Baggage. For more information visit www.faa.gov., click on Passengers, then Preparing to Fly.

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/...ited-items

[Robert M]

Ammo,

I think Davester is correct. However, there are alternatives to pepper spray that are small enough to fit in a purse and are perfectly legal.

BTW, sounds like safety is an issue. I wonder if purse snatching is an issue as well. It's a serious problem in Italy. Serious enough that people buy purses and bags laced with metal to ensure the straps of the bag can't be torn or cut. Might be something for your daughter to consider buying for the trip.

Robert

[OWC Jamie]

Can you ship it to her ?

Some m/hotels will accept and hold packages in advance of arrival.


Absolutely check for restrictions of possession and in some places purchases have to be local and documented.



and pickpocketing and purse snatching is a problem in any large city anywhere in the world

[cbelt3]

Ammo-
FIRST: Good security precautions are definitely a must.

Pepper spray will annoy an attacker enough for the victim to get away and summon help in an urban area with good police support. Out in the boonies ? It's slightly better than throwing rocks or hitting them with a purse with a brick in it. Unless she's the second coming of Red Sonja, she'll need some more support.


Never travel alone.
Keep situational awareness.
Keep your escape routes mapped out at ALL times.
Maintain a 'go bag' in hand at all times.
Remember that your best defense is a fast set of feet... Run Away !!!!!

Those basic rules kept my butt alive in Pakistan for my year of living dangerously.

[ka jowct]

Robert M wrote:
BTW, sounds like safety is an issue. I wonder if purse snatching is an issue as well. It's a serious problem in Italy. Serious enough that people buy purses and bags laced with metal to ensure the straps of the bag can't be torn or cut. Might be something for your daughter to consider buying for the trip.

If purse snatching IS an issue, your daughter should not carry anything vital in her purse. She should get a small pack that can be securely fastened around her waist, and critical items should be kept there and/or in her pockets. This a rule I generally follow in NYC. Money, ID, keys and cell phone are kept in pockets, in my jacket and other clothing. If someone grabs my purse, which is a shoulder bag, I'll certainly be p!ssed off and inconvenienced, but I have back-up for what's in there. I could reconstruct my day planner if I had to (hope I never have to, though) and I have a spare inhaler. Unfortunately, I can't carry my iPad, Mini though it is, in a pocket or waist pack. But I don't take it out on the street or in the subway and I'm careful about using it on the bus. Your daughter should be careful about what devices she takes with her.

[Robert M]

Ka,

Good plan except for this: "small pack that can be securely fastened around her waist".

In Italy, they'll simply cut the strap.

Robert

[colonel panic]

Just use binaca.

[Numo]

Something tells me that advice from female forum members on this topic are going to be the most informed. Trouble is, most of us have forum names that are unisex! mile:

Still no brand names?