I always carry pepper spray, in my pocket and on my bikes. I have found the need to use them four times in the past twenty years or so; three against dogs and one against a human (barely human at the time). No one was hurt, although one was arrested (thanks to witnesses).
Given that you are probably a reasonable and emotionally stable person -- I recommend that you carry pepper spray. It does not have to be 'bear spray' (which is pepper spray) which because of its size is inconvenient. Instead get a directional foam spray from some 2nd amendment-advocating store (Amazon -- LOL). Said spray will not blow back in your face and does stick to whatever it hits. Although 'bear spray' shoots farther and delivers more volume.
Pepper spray does no permanent damage and will make any animal, especially bears, consider another line of work!
Been there, Done that,
Joe