If you're finding bear spray at retail less than $25, I'd be a bit skeptical. I've bought it cheap, but only because of sales and discounts. Most bear sprays cost $40-$50, depending on size. It's an expensive but necessary part of your backpacking equipment loadout. If you do buy a cheap bear spray, make sure it has the following: 1. Spray time of at least 5 seconds 2. Range of at least 20 feet, preferably 30+ 3. Capsaicin levels of at least 1.3%, preferably 2%