Pepper spray, my .02 worth ..........
Folks,
As a retired police officer, I've used a few cans of pepper spray in my tenure.
The one thing I learned, is that pepper spray only works under ideal circumstances. Indoors, probably not much draft, unless the air conditioning is on or a room fan is on, otherwise, Pepper spray is useless. Ladies, the little pepper spray on your key ring with your car keys, is USELESS. You would be better off throwing it at an attacker.
A better, more efficient method, is to buy a large can of wasp/hornet spray. Made for outdoors, very effective, 12-20 foot reach, and lethal as pepper spray. I know, sounds ridiculous, but it works. If you're backpacking and need to start a fire Asap, use the wasp spray and spray a short burst into your firewood, then pass a flame near the stream.........flame on! Not bad for $7.50!
Food for thought,
HV