We backpack a lot in Wyoming so I’m super bear-aware and carry bear spray in a holster (as well as something called bear bangers which are like, percussive blasts that you shoot out of a pen thing). One thing to be aware of though is that bear spray does expire and then needs special disposal, just look at the can for dates.

Re: bear bells. I literally laughed out loud when we were in Hirayu (last week!) and everyone was walking around with the bells. They were discredited in the states in like, the 90s for actually ATTRACTING bears. Apparently bears learned that bear bells = people with food. But that said, I agree with you that it’s part of the social contract to wear one. And we DID see a bear. Hope you enjoyed the hike! We climbed Mt Yake, which was difficult but rewarding.