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Before considering taking '''pepper spray''' with you, read the entire article about [[hitchhiker's safety]]. Pepper spray is definitely one of the more anti social ways and not many hitchhikers think it's necessary (or even desirable) to bring pepper spray when hitchhiking. Still, nobody wants to think too much about possible negative encounters while hitchhiking, but if the unthinkable happens, and you find yourself in a dangerous situation, you might be grateful to be in possession of some pepper spray. In some countries it is entirely legal ([[Germany]], for example, as in the south you may encounter bearslarge wild animals.), in other countries it is illegal to carry in public. In locations such as the [[Dalton Highway]] in [[Alaska]] where you can expect wild animals (e.g. bears) taking pepper spray is a very good idea.

Pepper spray is sold in [[Germany]] to anyone over the age of 18. , as a defence against bears, which, especially in the south of the country, are common in the forests and mountainswild animals. It is also accepted (technically illegal, but the police don't care) that women or vulnerable people may carry one to protect against rape or other aggression. Explaining to the police that you are an independent traveller and that it is your only defence will usually be enough to satisfy the officer (in urban areas). In the countryside, Using it against humans in any other situation than defence from a serious threat is, as stated above, legally accepted for use as a defence against large wild animalsan offence.

There are heavy penalties for possession of this type of offensive weapon in the [[United Kingdom]]. However there is product called FarbGel - which stains the skin of an attacker a bright orange colour which will take at least 7 days to come off - which is permitted in the UK.