Last Updated on 04/2026 by Mom Goes Camping
Because I live in Serbia, I don’t always have a lot of options for backpacking gear (most brands won’t ship here!). So, while I was able to find bear spray, I wasn’t able to find a holster for it. A holster is incredibly important for carrying bear spray. If you can’t access the spray immediately, then you might as well not be carrying it!
So, I decided to make my own bear spray holster out of paracord. I figured that a paracord “bottle wrap” would also work for holding a bear canister.
First, I tried using “vertical rib hitching” to make the holster. It looked pretty and held the canister securely. The problem was that the wrap would lose its shape each time I took the bear spray canister out. It was a pain to get the bear spray back into the holder. I actually remove my bear spray frequently (I encounter feral dogs a lot), so this wasn’t a good option.
I considered the “chain sinnet” wrap, but it uses a lot of paracord. The holster would end up heavy and bulky.
Next, I tried the “cow hitch” wrap. It worked perfectly and met all of these requirements:
- Quick and easy to get canister out
- Lightweight (lighter than a storebought holster!)
- Wrap holds its shape (even without the bear spray in it)
- Can carry on hip or backpack strap
For bear spray, you will need:
- 1 short piece (at least 6 inches) of paracord to go around the neck of the bear spray
- 1 sliding “spring cord lock” (I just took one off of a cheap drawstring bag I wasn’t using)
- Approximately 20 feet of 2mm paracord. You’ll use more/less depending on how big you make the hitches
Notes:
- I used a Celtic button knot for the drawstring
- I put a tiny dot of super glue on the first and last hitch to ensure it wouldn’t ever unravel.
- To attach to my belt, I simply slid two carabiners into the wrap (it wobbled a bit with just one carabiner)
- You could also just put a small piece of Velcro webbing through the wrap to attach it to your pack/belt.
Below are the video instructions.
Why a Holster is Non-Negotiable
Bear spray only works if you can access it in 2-3 seconds. If it’s clipped to your pack or buried in a side pocket, it’s useless in an emergency. A holster worn on your body — on your hip belt or chest strap — is essential every time you’re in bear country. This DIY paracord holster solves the problem when commercial options aren’t available or won’t ship to your location
What You’ll Need
- Approximately 20 feet of 2mm paracord
- A small dab of super glue
- Scissors or a lighter to seal the ends
- Your bear spray canister (measure before you start — sizes vary by brand)
The cow hitch wrap works best for this project. It holds the canister securely, keeps its shape when you remove and replace the canister, and stays lightweight. Vertical rib hitching looks nicer but loses its shape with repeated use. Chain sinnet uses too much cord and adds unnecessary bulk.
Tips for Getting It Right
- Make your hitches snug but not so tight the canister is hard to remove — you need to be able to grab it fast
- Test the holster by removing and replacing the canister at least 10 times before you hit the trail
- Add a small dot of super glue on the first and last hitch to prevent unraveling over time
- Attach to your hip belt or chest strap using a carabiner for quick access
Carrying Bear Spray Safely
Once your holster is made, practice your draw. In a real encounter with a bear or aggressive animal, you won’t have time to think — your hand needs to find that canister automatically. Practice removing the safety clip too. Most people have never done it under stress and fumble when it counts.
If you encounter dogs or wildlife frequently, position the holster on your dominant side and practice a one-handed draw until it feels automatic.
A Note on Bear Spray in General
Bear spray is effective against virtually all large mammals, not just bears. It works against aggressive dogs, moose, and other wildlife too. If you’re hiking anywhere with unpredictable animals, having a holster that keeps your spray accessible at all times is worth the 20 minutes and few dollars of paracord it takes to make this one.
