"Even in a small pepper spray can the pressure is so high the stream can easily reach about 12 to 15ft. Bear spray has even better range. Unless there happens to be a tornado coming in your direction whatever attacker you spray within reasonable range is going to get a whole lot more of the nasty stuff in their face than you."

A bear can move at speeds up to 35mph. Assuming that the bear will be/stay 12-15 ft away might be an error. If you use it when the bear is close to you, you might well be incapacitated by your own weapon.

I think I'll stick with the air horn. Being temporarily deafened probably won't hinder my speed in leaving the area as having my upper mucous membranes contaminated with pepper.

Another useful weapon would be one of those hand-held marine flares. Also useful as a signalling device and firestarter!