First Thoughts on the UDAP Bear Shock Electric Fence 6″ x 20″ 3.7 lbs 110 ft Black
Bears. Just the word can send shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned outdoorsman. Encounters are rare, but the consequences of unpreparedness can be devastating. That’s why when planning a recent extended camping trip in grizzly country, I knew I needed a reliable bear deterrent and the UDAP Bear Shock Electric Fence 6″ x 20″ 3.7 lbs 110 ft Black seemed like a practical solution, balancing portability with effectiveness.
My need stemmed from a growing unease about traditional bear canisters. While effective for food storage, they do nothing to protect the perimeter of a campsite, especially at night. I’ve always believed in a multi-layered approach to bear safety, and this electric fence seemed like the missing piece of the puzzle.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the compact size and weight. The entire kit, neatly packed in its storage bag, felt surprisingly light. The materials felt durable, particularly the fence posts, and everything seemed well-organized.
I considered other electric fences, some with solar charging and others with more robust wiring. However, I chose the UDAP Bear Shock Electric Fence 6″ x 20″ 3.7 lbs 110 ft Black due to its balance of portability, ease of setup, and UDAP’s reputation for producing reliable bear deterrents.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to test its effectiveness in the field, but also aware that my safety, and the safety of those around me, would depend on its proper function. Time to see if this little fence could deliver serious peace of mind.
Real-World Testing: Putting UDAP Bear Shock Electric Fence 6″ x 20″ 3.7 lbs 110 ft Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first deployment of the UDAP Bear Shock Electric Fence 6″ x 20″ 3.7 lbs 110 ft Black was during a week-long camping trip in Montana’s backcountry. The weather ranged from sunny days to a couple of surprisingly chilly, rainy nights. Setting up the fence was relatively straightforward, even in the dim light of dusk. It took about 20 minutes to fully deploy the 110 ft perimeter around my campsite. The process involved inserting the breakdown fence posts into the ground, stringing the electrical poly wires, attaching the ground wire to the stake, and finally, connecting everything to the energizer.
Despite the rain, the fence seemed to function without issue. I tested the output with a non-contact voltage tester, and it registered a sufficient shock. While I didn’t personally test the shock myself, I trusted the science. No unwanted ursine visitors paid me a call, so I can’t say for certain if it repelled any bears, but I certainly slept better knowing it was there.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several more camping trips, the UDAP Bear Shock Electric Fence 6″ x 20″ 3.7 lbs 110 ft Black continues to perform reliably. There are no significant signs of wear and tear on the fence posts or wiring. I’ve learned to be careful when packing and unpacking the components to avoid tangling the wires, which can be a bit tedious to untangle.
Maintenance is minimal. I occasionally wipe down the posts and wiring with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. The energizer seems to be relatively power-efficient; I haven’t had to replace the D-cell batteries yet, even after several weeks of cumulative use. It far outperforms my previous, more basic bear deterrents, offering a far more tangible sense of security.
Breaking Down the Features of UDAP Bear Shock Electric Fence 6″ x 20″ 3.7 lbs 110 ft Black
Specifications
The UDAP Bear Shock Electric Fence 6″ x 20″ 3.7 lbs 110 ft Black is designed for easy transport and quick deployment in the backcountry. Here’s a breakdown of the key specs:
- Size: Storage bag measures 6″ x 20″, making it easy to pack.
- Weight: The entire kit weighs only 3.7 lbs with batteries (batteries not included), making it manageable for backpacking.
- Fence Length: Three electrical poly wires provide a total fence length of 110 ft, sufficient to encircle a decent-sized campsite.
- Power Source: Operates on two (2) D-cell batteries (not included).
- Battery Life: The Manufacturer claims approximately 5 weeks of battery life.
- Components: Includes energizer, four breakdown fence posts, hot wire, three electrical poly wires, ground wire, flagging tape, ground stake, and storage bag.
These specifications are crucial for backcountry use. The low weight and compact size are vital for minimizing pack weight, while the 110 ft fence length provides a substantial perimeter for effective protection.
Performance & Functionality
The UDAP Bear Shock Electric Fence 6″ x 20″ 3.7 lbs 110 ft Black performs its intended job admirably: providing a deterrent against bears and other wildlife entering your campsite. It provides a psychological and physical barrier. The setup is relatively easy and the fence delivers a sufficient shock to deter an animal without causing permanent harm.
One strength is its simplicity. It doesn’t rely on complicated electronics or solar panels, making it less prone to failure. A weakness is the poly wire. While lightweight, it can be difficult to work with and prone to tangling, requiring careful handling.
It mostly exceeds expectations. It offers a far more reliable and comprehensive deterrent than bear spray alone.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the UDAP Bear Shock Electric Fence 6″ x 20″ 3.7 lbs 110 ft Black prioritizes portability and ease of use. The materials are lightweight but reasonably durable. The storage bag is functional, although a slightly more robust bag could improve overall durability.
The system is reasonably user-friendly. The setup process is intuitive, and the instructions are clear.
Durability & Maintenance
The UDAP Bear Shock Electric Fence 6″ x 20″ 3.7 lbs 110 ft Black is built to withstand typical backcountry conditions. With proper care, it should last for many seasons.
Maintenance is simple. Keeping the wires clean and free of vegetation is essential for optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit comes with everything needed for basic deployment. There are no readily available customization options, such as longer wires or more robust posts. However, the system is compatible with standard grounding stakes.
Pros and Cons of UDAP Bear Shock Electric Fence 6″ x 20″ 3.7 lbs 110 ft Black
Pros
- Lightweight and compact, ideal for backpacking.
- Easy to set up and take down.
- Provides a strong deterrent against bears and other wildlife.
- Relatively long battery life.
- Simple design with fewer points of failure than more complex systems.
Cons
- Poly wire can be prone to tangling.
- Storage bag could be more durable.
- No readily available customization options.
Who Should Buy UDAP Bear Shock Electric Fence 6″ x 20″ 3.7 lbs 110 ft Black?
The UDAP Bear Shock Electric Fence 6″ x 20″ 3.7 lbs 110 ft Black is perfect for backpackers, campers, and hunters venturing into bear country who want an additional layer of security beyond bear canisters and spray. It’s also ideal for anyone camping in areas with persistent wildlife issues.
Anyone unwilling to spend time carefully setting up and maintaining the fence should skip this product. Someone needing a more robust, permanent fencing solution should also explore other options.
A non-contact voltage tester is a must-have accessory for verifying the fence’s functionality. A small pair of scissors or knife can also be useful for trimming vegetation that might contact the wires.
Conclusion on UDAP Bear Shock Electric Fence 6″ x 20″ 3.7 lbs 110 ft Black
The UDAP Bear Shock Electric Fence 6″ x 20″ 3.7 lbs 110 ft Black is a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about bear safety in the backcountry. At $224.99, the price is justified by the added peace of mind and the effectiveness of the system.
I would personally recommend it to anyone venturing into bear country, especially for extended trips where the risk of an encounter is higher.
Invest in your safety and sleep soundly knowing you’ve taken a significant step to protect yourself and your campsite. Don’t gamble with your safety—get the UDAP Bear Shock Electric Fence 6″ x 20″ 3.7 lbs 110 ft Black today!