Dog Hiking Gear List
Be prepared with the right gear to keep both you and your dog safe and comfortable
November 13th, 2024
Home > Gear Lists > Hiking
There is a well-known list of ten essentials for people headed outdoors. Heading out with your dog is similar but tailored to their essentials and needs. An adventure into the wilderness with your dog should be fun while keeping you both safe and prepared. Whether you are headed out for a long day hike, overnight adventure, or thru-hike, this list should be a great starting point for a positive experience.
I'm an avid hiker and backpacker with my dog, Ace. Together, we've volunteered for Search and Rescue on the Dog Team in the Tahoe area. I worked as a professional ski patroller and worked as a lifeguard. I always put safety first.
Nothing is more enjoyable than sharing that sunset view with your best furry friend after hiking together. I have significantly bonded with my dog, Ace, on long trails and short hikes–and other Treeline Review writers have had similar experiences. You might not need everything on this list, depending on where you are headed and how long you are going.
My favorite memories with my dogs are our time outside on hikes and adventures. I hope that you can have many miles of new experiences with your best furry friend and stay safe and warm (or cool) while doing it. The first rule is: if you are bringing your dog out on a hike, it is no longer your hike—it’s your dog’s hike. You have to be able to make sure that their needs are met first.
Related: The Best Dog Hiking Backpacks, The Best Life Jackets for Dogs
Read More: How to Ski and Snowshoe with Your Dog
The author at Dicks Pass on the PCT enjoying the moment with her hiking dog, Ace.
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Safety with your dog
If your dog is too tired or dehydrated to continue, you have to ensure they are cared for, even if you planned to hike further.
Sometimes this is hard, but it is all part of the adventure and being part of a team.
Dogs depend on us to keep them safe, and part of building lasting memories and bonds with them is doing our part to keep them safe outdoors and not push them beyond their limits.
Packed up at the beginning of an adventure ready to go.
Rules and regulations
We recommend familiarizing yourself with the rules and regulations of the wilderness areas you are visiting before you go.
You want to ensure you adhere to any special rules for having your dog with you.
Some places have mandatory dog leash laws and even restrict the length of the leash you are allowed to use; others require you to bury all dogs waste, which requires carrying a shovel for a day hike.
Additionally, follow Leave No Trace and follow good dog trail etiquette by paying attention to dog poop laws.
Dog Hiking Gear Checklist
| DOG GEAR ITEM | PRODUCTS WE LIKE |
|---|---|
| Hands-Free Dog Leash | |
| Ruffwear Roamer Leash | |
| Harness | |
| Ruffwear Web Master Harness | |
| GPS Dog Collar with ID Tag | |
| Whistle Go Explore Health and GPS Tracker | |
| Backpack | |
| Ruffwear Palisades Pack | |
| Collapsible Water/ Food Bowl | |
| Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Collapsible Bowl | |
| Water Reservoir | |
| Ruffwear 1 L Collapsible Water Bottle | |
| First Aid Kit | |
| Adventure Medical Kits Trail Dog Medical Kit | |
| Medication(s) | |
| Your choice | |
| Waste Bags | |
| Earth Rated Biodegradable Bags Unscented | |
| Hard-Sided Container for Waste | |
| Kurgo Tailgate Dumpster | |
| Odor Proof Dog Food Pouch | |
| LokSak OPSAK Odor Proof Bags | |
| Boots | |
| Dog Booties | |
| Cooling Jacket | |
| Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Vest | |
| Collar Light | |
| Nite Ize SpotLit Rechargeable Collar Light | |
| Emergency Carrying Harness | |
| Ruffwear BackTrak Dog Evacuation Kit | |
| Tent Floor Protection | |
| Duck Brand Window Wrap Kit | |
| Eye Protection | |
| Rex Specs V2 Dog Goggles | |
| Insulated Jacket | |
| Make Your Own | |
| Sunscreen | |
| My Dog Nose It |
Dog Hiking Gear List
Hands-free dog leash
Why you need it:
A hands-free dog leash allows you to use trekking poles, check your navigation on your phone, eat snacks, and take photos—all while attached to your dog. I love a waist-attached leash for hiking with my dogs.
I usually hold the leash to keep it from dragging on the hiking trail and getting stuck on branches, but it is nice to have the option to let go for snacking and anything else you might need your hands for… cats cradle on the trail, anyone?
Dogs are tied out to a tree with the leashes while we set up camp for the night.
The bonus of this is when you are going uphill, sometimes you get a turbo boost from your dog pulling you up the hill. It depends on the dog, but it is always appreciated.
A waist leash makes hiking with your dog easier.
The hands-free leash also allows you to connect your dog to a tree or heavy backpack during break times so you can eat lunch with a bit of personal space. This feature allows the dog to be tied out safely so they can’t harass other hikers or wildlife but gives you the space to eat without having a hot breath in your face tasting each bite.
Our choice: Ruffwear Roamer Leash
The Ruffwear Roamer Leash can do double duty as a tie out on trees for break times too. This leash has a nice quick-release belt clip if you need to detach it from your dog in an emergency. The stretch on the leash portion is also helpful and keeps the leash from dragging on the ground and getting caught on rocks or branches. There is a traffic handle for quick grabs when others are passing nearby. Overall it is an exceptionally well-designed leash for hiking. I have used mine for several years, and it only shows minor wear.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE RUFFWEAR ROAMER LEASH
Sunny is taking a rest with his Roamer Leash
The Roamer Leash can be useful for allowing you to take a break and not worry about your dog.
Harness
Why you need it:
A harness gives you more control over your dog and may be safer for them than a dogs collar attachment during longer hikes. It gives you a quick way to grab and pick up your dog, especially if they are on the larger side.
Our choice: Ruffwear Web Master Harness
The Ruffwear Palisades pack comes with a harness that detaches from the pack; another reason we love this pack. Ruffwear also has a stand-alone Webmaster harness for purchase. This harness has a nice handle on the top for quick grabs of your dog, allowing you to keep them close to you in an emergency or to let others pass on the trail.
The Ruffwear Palisades Pack comes with the Webmaster Harness built in.
It also has a really convenient leash attachment point. I use this attachment point a lot as it helps to have the leash attached here so my dog doesn’t get as tangled up in the leash while walking; plus, it is easier for me to keep it off the ground this way. The harness is easy to attach and remove for longer breaks. There is even a little loop for a bear bell if you want to add that to your kit for bear country hikes.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE RUFFWEAR WEB MASTER HARNESS
Ace and I sharing a Therm-a-Rest ZLite for resting. He is wearing the harness from his Palisades Pack.
Dog collar with ID tag and GPS tracking
Why you need it:
A dog collar will be your first line of defense to find your dog quickly if it is lost. Some models can be set up with multiple accounts so someone can check in on your location from home and help if something goes wrong.
Keep track of your dog with a Whistle Tracker, which runs off AT&T cellular service.
Depending on your hiking or backpacking trip's type and duration, you can choose a model with GPS features. The most robust models offer consistent GPS tracking even when you don't have cellular service but require more frequent charging. The models that will not need to be charged as often usually need to be in the range of a cellular signal to relay information. If you are generally hiking in areas with good cellular coverage, you may opt for the latter model, which requires less frequent charging.
Our choice: Whistle Go Explore Health and GPS Tracker
The Whistle tracker runs off of AT&T cellular service and pairs with an app on your phone. If you are traveling on the Tahoe Rim Trail, AT&T service is available on almost the entire trail with very few exceptions; the Whistle Tracker would be an excellent option for this situation. A more remote hike, like on a section of the CDT, may be several days without service. In cases like that, the Garmin Models might make sense, even with more frequent charging requirements for a CDT hike. Like a Garmin inReach or other Personal Locator Beacons for humans, the Whistle Go Explore requires a subscription.
WHISTLE Go EXPLORE HEALTH AND GPS TRACKER
Dog backpack
Why you need it:
My dogs know we are in for a fun time when the pack comes out. Ace is a working dog who loves wearing his pack and sees it as going to work. In addition to carrying some of the weight of his food and gear, the pack is a signal to him that we are out on a longer hike and that he needs to conserve his energy for the days of adventure ahead.
Ace carries his food, first aid kit, booties, and a few other pieces of gear in his pack. I don’t overload his pack, but I do let him carry some of his share of the weight and bulky items like his sleeping bag and towel.
Our choice: Ruffwear Palisades Pack
The Ruffwear Palisades pack has a detachable bag system, so you can take the bags off for breaks and leave the harness attached to your dog. I always let Ace know we are taking a break by removing his pack from the harness and setting it aside. This usually signals to him that it is time for a little snooze, although if the view is amazing or there are squirrels nearby, that usually is a more exciting option for him than napping.
Ace has had a few different dog hiking backpacks over the years, but the Palisades pack has been the stand-out winner for us. We have gone through a few of them, but they are by far the most durable and well-designed packs we have tried. I love the new flopper stopper on the current model.
See our guide to The Best Dog Hiking Backpacks for more recommendations. For shorter trips or if you have a smaller dog, we recommend the Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE RUFFWEAR PALISADES PACK
Water bowl
Why you need it:
There might be streams and waterfalls for your dog to drink from, but you will need to give them water at other times, too. Dogs don’t talk, so we can’t tell them that there is a 10-mile dry stretch coming up. I end up carrying lots of extra water for them in dry sections and taking regular breaks for drinking; this bowl is wonderful for that.
Sea to Summit has wonderful bowls for humans that accordion fold flat for easy carrying. I don’t know why these aren’t marketed specifically for dogs, but we love carrying these multi-purpose bowls for our dogs on the trail. They come in multiple sizing options for smaller or larger dogs too. When you are done using them, they fold up nicely and fit perfectly in the Palisades Pack.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE SEA TO SUMMIT Frontier Ultralight Collapsible Bowl
Sunny is eating out of his older version of the Sea to Summit Collapsible Bowl.
Extra water reservoir
Why you need it:
Because I can’t tell Ace how far we are going to the next water spot, I can’t expect him to conserve water, either. Anytime you are hiking with your dog, it becomes your dog's hike, not yours. Emergencies and injuries can happen, and you need to be prepared in case you have to set up camp before the next water source or in case your dog needs a longer break. I have had situations where I have carried 8 liters for my dog and myself for a 15-mile dry section just to make sure that we would make it.
Our choice: Ruffwear 1 L Collapsible water bladder
The Palisades pack comes with two collapsible one-liter water bottles, which are great for holding extra water for your dog. I love the sport cap, which is great for pouring a little at a time into the bowl. They sell replacements in case you lose your reservoir or it gets a hole.
We also love the Cnoc bags for extra water storage; a couple of 3L bags with the Palisades 1L bags gives you enough for 8L of water storage.
VIEW PRICE OF THE RUFFWEAR 1 L COLLAPSIBLE WATER BLADDER
Cooling off on a hot day, it is important to let your dog drink as much as they want when you pass water sources. PCT north of Belden
Some dogs can drink directly from your filter.
First aid kit
Why you need it:
Accidents happen, and preparation is important. Most first aid kit products work for both your dog and yourself, so it is great to have a kit with just a few extra items geared toward helping your dog specifically.
One of my favorite first aid kit items is the Co-Flex Self-Adhesive Bandage. You might know it as Vet Wrap. It comes in many different, fun, bright colors, and the rolls are individually sealed and lightweight. One or two should be enough depending on the length of your adventure. These wraps allow you to keep a gauze pad or tampon in place over a wound and help keep it covered without using tape. The bandage has elastic built into it and applies pressure, but if applied properly, it won’t cut off circulation or restrict movement like most tape.
In addition, many wilderness first aid and wilderness first responder courses teach students to carry a few extra tampons and maxi pads.They can be used in an emergency to stop bleeding on humans a or dogs paws, or for personal use, making them dual purpose.
Our choice: Adventure Medical Trail Dog Medical Kit
Adventure Medical Kits has a Trail Dog Kit with everything you might need for your pooch. A booklet also details how to care for specific injuries in the kit. They even sell a Me and My Dog First Aid Kit that includes human first aid equipment so you can get away with just one kit.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE ADVENTURE MEDICAL KITS Trail Dog Medical KIT
Resting is so important; we ALL take our packs off during breaks.
Dog medication
Why you need it:
Any medication your dog takes at home, they must continue to take on the trail.
Preventive medications and vaccines are important too. I’ve mistakenly entered tick territory with my dog and had to share a tent with him while the ticks were crawling around on both of us all night. It was a sleepless night, and I don’t wish that experience on anyone. If you are entering an area with mosquitoes or ticks, getting a vet to prescribe preventive meds for your dog is well worth the investment. Talk with your vet about any vaccinations (like Lyme or leptospirosis) or medications (like tick or heartworm prevention) relevant to your particular hiking destination. There are many over-the-counter varieties of many of these meds available as well.
Dog waste bags
Why you need it:
Dog poop bags are essential to pack it in and pack it out. Check the regulations for dog waste disposal in the area you are visiting, as some wilderness areas allow you to bury dog poop as you do with human waste, using a trowel and burying it in a hole 6-8" deep. Other areas may require you to pack it out to the trailhead in poop bags.
I have not trained my dog to potty on command into a cathole, so I usually need to pick up my dogs poop and move it to a hole. The waste bags are great for carrying it when that happens. You can even carry a Ziploc bag to store the used bags. Most bags are not compostable if buried, so make sure you are following the LNT protocols.
Clean up after your dog by having a trash bag.
Our choice: Earth rated Dog Poop Bags
Any biodegradable dog poop bag is going to work perfectly–as long as it doesn't fall apart. You likely have already found a brand that you enjoy using for day-to-day use at home. However, we recommend avoiding scented bags for backpacking trips.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE EARTH RATED DOG POOP BAGS
Hard-sided container for dog waste bags
Why you need it:
If you cannot bury your dog waste on the trail and there isn’t a trash can at the trailhead, you don’t want to have it sitting on the passenger seat for your ride home.
These waste containers allow the waste to ride outside your car until you get home or to a place for proper disposal. No one likes to see those little tied-up bags at the rural trailheads. This container has a magnet and sticks to the back of your car, making the whole mess much easier to deal with.
Our choice: Kurgo Tailgate Dumpster
The Kurgo Tailgate Dumpster is magnetic, super easy to install and remove or change to a different car, easy to use and clean, and it is a genius product. Once you start using one, you will be telling all your dog friends about it.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE KURGO TAILGATE DUMPSTER
Food and dog treats in a dog food pouch
Why you need it:
A Ziploc bag can work to hold treats and dog food, but they also allow the transfer of smells and flavors, so unless you love “lamb and rice” flavored fruit snacks, I recommend using an odor-proof storage strategy.
I, for one, do not appreciate the same food my dog does, and having that kibble taste infiltrating all my meals is extremely unpleasant. An odor proof bag also doubles as a waterproof barrier in your dog's hiking backpack if they carry some of their food. An odor proof bag keeps their bag dry if they decide to go for an impromptu swim along the trail.
Our choice: LokSak OPSAK Odor proof bags
I love these odor-proof food bags.
I usually carry a few of OP sacks for myself and my dog. He will have two so his food can be divided evenly between the two sides of his pack. It helps prevent the transfer of dog food smell to my food, especially in areas where our food mingles in a bear can at night.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE LOKSAK ODOR PROOF Bags
Dog boots
Why you need it:
The varying weather and terrain can be hard on your dog's paws. In addition to wearing the dog booties as a preventive measure in rough terrain, if your dog cuts a paw or gets injured, the booties will help protect the injured paw and keep it cleaner.
Our choice: Dog Booties
These are ultralight, inexpensive, and sold as singles, so you can easily carry extras and replace them if worn or lost. They are also able to be sized specifically for front and back paws. Unlike built-up booties, these stay on and don’t spin upside down on my dogs’ paws. I have fleece booties for winter and cordura for summer.
In our How to Ski and Snowshoe with Your Dog guide, we also recommend using a paw wax such as Mushers Secret if you encounter snowy conditions.
VIEW PRICE OF THE DOG BOOTIES
Testing out our Dog Booties at home.
Tahoe Rim Trail Snowshoe Camping with Ace the dog wearing dog booties.
Dog Cooling Jacket
Why you need it:
If it is hot outside, a dog cooling jackets can help regulate your dog's temperature. There are many options for cooling jackets, some that are made of a reflective material that reflects the sun away from their coat and others that require water to be activated in cooling mode.
Your choice of cooling jacket or vest will depend on where you are hiking and water availability. My dog happily wears dog cooling jackets on hot days, and they seem to work well. You can test it by feeling the fur under the jacket after they have been wearing it and comparing that with the sun-exposed fur areas.
When hiking with my dog, I always try to take many breaks on hotter days and stay in shaded areas. I also check the trail's surface temperature regularly so that his paws are not getting burned.
Our choice: Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Vest
Ruffwear has a wonderful cooling jacket that can be soaked to activate. It is cold to the touch and I have seen dogs instantly relax and calm down when it is put on them. Ace and I had a different model that was ultralight and reflected the sun well but was extremely fragile, it worked great for doing SAR stuff but not for hiking or backpacking. The Ruffwear Cooling jacket is more suited for the rigors of hiking or backpacking with a dog.
You can also have them wear this cooling vest under their harness and pack if needed.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE RUFFWEAR SWAMP COOLER VEST
Collar light
Why you need it:
Any late evening hiking will make it harder to see your pup.
Our choice: Nite Ize SpotLit
This rechargeable clip-on light does double duty and can be hung in your tent at night for a little extra glow. I love seeing where my dog is if it is super dark out and we are doing a late-night potty session before bed. It also helps other hikers see that it is a dog, not a wild animal, keeping others from being unnecessarily spooked.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE NITE IZE SPOTLIT
Emergency carrying harness
Why you need it:
Hopefully, you won’t ever need this, but if you have to carry your dog out of the backcountry and back to a trailhead, you will be grateful that you have it. Make sure you practice at home first and get your dog comfortable with you carrying them. There are many different types of carry harnesses for emergencies, and it also depends on the size of your dog. A small dog may fit into your backpack easily—a Labrador probably won’t.
Our choice: Ruffwear Backtrak Evacuation Kit
Ruffwear’s BackTrak Evacuation Kit comes with the muzzle and can be worn in the front or back to get your dog out safely. I like the front option, so I can still carry my pack on my back.
I never want to have to use this, but I have had to evacuate a dog before. Usually, we have had extra people with us and helpers at the trailhead, so we could have a person stay at camp and watch our hiking gear while someone else evacuated the dog out. The front carry is a great option if you must carry everything out simultaneously.
VIEW PRICE OF THE RUFFWEAR BACKTRAK EVAC KIT
Tent Floor Protection
Why you need it:
Most ultralight tents are made from delicate materials and are not made for little sharp toenails to be walking on them. Like you protect your tent from the rocks outside with a groundsheet, I protect the inside with a sheet when I have Ace.
I usually don’t protect the entire floor area because Ace only hangs out in half the tent, so I have a sheet that covers the surface area that is half my tent floor. As you get used to sharing space with your dog, you can figure out a system that works for you. Ace and I usually share a Zpacks Duplex tent, and he sleeps next to my feet. I cut a sheet out of window wrap that covers half of the tent where Ace sleeps. Some small backpacking tent brands sell their own polycro pre-cut to the size of their tent's footprint.
Ace on the Ruby Crest Trail in Nevada, enjoying a morning in the tent.
Our choice: Duck Brand Window Kit
Duck Brand has a Window Kit with a nice, lightweight polycro plastic. You can cut the size sheet you need, which is usually enough for an tent groundsheet.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE DUCK BRAND WINDOW KIT
Backpacking set up that relies on extra polycro cloth to protect the tent’s floor from dog toenails.
Dog goggles
Why you need it:
Just like we can go snow blind from the reflection from the snow, dogs can too. Doggles are also a nice addition for windy conditions to help your dog see without squinting and for very sunny conditions in general. Depending on the area you are hiking, doggles might be appropriate.
These require practice for your dog to wear them. Many dogs get excited and love wearing the doggles, especially since it usually means fun things are happening.
Our choice: Rex Specs v2 GOGGLES
Rex Specs are the leader in dog goggles and are similar to goggles for people, with high-quality materials and lenses. In addition to looking adorable on your dog, they protect their eyes from sun damage and impalement from objects.
If you are doing a long day hiking with your dog, they are likely spending more time outside and exposed to the elements than they do at home, and their eyes will appreciate a little help. If you need sunglasses, they probably need them too. Since my dog won’t wear a sun hat, this option is great and much cooler.
REX SPECS v2 GOGGLES
Insulated dog coat
Why you need it:
If it is extremely cold out, your dog will be cold. A great coat can help provide extra warmth and keep their fur a little drier. Depending on the areas you hike, a warm coat might be a great option to add to your kit. They can wear the coat to bed inside their sleeping bag for extra warmth and wear it out hiking in the early morning and later evening as the weather is cooler.
Our choice: Alpine Extreme Weather Puffer Dog Coat
The Alpine Extreme Weather Puffer Dog Coats come in many colors and sizes and even have chest strap extenders to fit those bully breeds. We love inclusive sizing for all our dogs. It packs down very small and fits easily into a pack. We also love the adorable style of this one for those winter walks in town too. The water-resistant materials mean your dog can stay toasty if it is rainy or snowing. It can also be worn for bedtime in the tent under the sleeping bag.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE ALPINE EXTREME WEATHER PUFFER DOG COAT
Dog sunscreen
Why you need it:
Because you are likely spending more time outside than usual, your dog is susceptible to getting burned.
Just like you protect your skin with face sunscreen and body sunscreen, wear a clothing with UPF protection and a sun hat when going outside for many hours at a time, your dog will need extra protection if they are exposed to the sun for a day or more on the trail.
Summit Views
Lighter dogs with less fur might need more sunscreen than others, this can be applied to areas where there is less fur, but I put a little sunscreen on my dog’s nose to help keep him from getting burned; it helps if they have a cracking nose or dry skin, too.
Our choice: My Dog Nose It
It is my favorite doggy sunscreen—it is ultralight in a tiny little container, and it lasts a long time.
My dog won’t lick it off once I apply it, which is a big plus.
He sometimes gets a cracked nose from the dry air, and this helps with that dryness, too. Most dogs will just need this for their nose and snout but it can be applied to ears or any area you are worried about getting a sunburn.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE MY DOG NOSE IT
Extra Dog Blankets and Towels
Why you need it:
Depending on what sort of trails or the weather, or if your dog chooses to go swimming just before before bedtime, you will want a towel around. The smell of wet dog is intensified in a small tent and very difficult to fix without drying them off. I always try to carry an extra towel for Ace and get him as dry as possible before tent time.
We keep a towel for when Ace gets wet to help dry things off; it doubles as a sleeping pad cover.
I also usually carry an extra ultralight fleece blanket for him too. There have been times when we shared the blanket, but it comes in handy on almost every backpacking or camping trip.
If it is warm, I throw the towel or blanket over my inflatable sleeping pad to protect it from his sharp little paws.
Since I started doing this, I haven’t gotten any holes in my pad. If it is super cold and we use the blanket, I have used my bag liner, a trash compactor bag, to protect my air pad. I have backpacked with Ace in below-freezing conditions, and we stayed cozy with our combination of bags, an extra blanket, and a towel.
Our choice: PackTowl Personal Towel
PackTowl Personal Towels are lights weight and packable and absorb four times their weight in water, and can be squeezed out and reused until your dog is dry enough to come inside and settle down. Any fleece blanket that you can find that packs small is perfect. Honestly, I get mine from the drugstore, they can be cut in half if you have a smaller breed, and sometimes I make a little cape out of it so it stays on my dog while he is sleeping. This can be part of your layering sleep system.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE PACK TOWL personal TOWEL
Dog Sleeping Bag
Why you need it:
Just like you get cold at night, your dog gets cold too. That fur coat only keeps them warm in certain temperatures, and there will be nights when they need a little extra. I have tried to share my sleeping bag with a dog, and it was a less-than-pleasant experience. He isn’t small, and he rolls in the dirt. My clean bag wasn’t so clean after that.
I have tried lots of other options to help him stay warm. He loves getting cuddled up in the tent at night and recognizes that it is time to rest and sleep when the bag comes out. He loves his bag so much that getting him up in the morning is almost hard, but a little kibble usually has him racing to eat and start the day.
A dog sleeping bag is lighter weight than blankets, seen here.
Our choice: Whyld River Ultralight Sleeping Bag
The sleeping bag is one of the most essential pieces of camping gear for your dog on an overnight trip. After testing many different bags, they were always too big, or heavy, or difficult to use with complicated zippers that I had to be careful not to zip my pup's fur into.
I was so excited when I finally found the sleeping bag from Whyld River; it is lightweight and simple. It's shaped like a perfect pocket. One side has an opening and a drawcord, and your dog gets into it, curls up, and you can cinch it closed around their neck or leave it loose if it is warmer. My dog easily gets into his bag and curls up for a good night's rest.
I love the simplicity of this design and the way it compresses to fit into his backpack. This bag comes in various sizes to get the right fit for your dog. If I am going somewhere colder, I just carry an extra fleece blanket for him, and I can also cuddle with him by draping my sleeping bag-covered legs over him, too. It is nice that he is in his little pocket, and I don’t have to worry about getting so dirty. The dog sleeping bag can be washed just like my down bag, it takes a little extra care, but it is worth it. If you are doing car camping, they also have a nice heavier option that is super cozy.
VIEW PRICE OF THE WHYLD RIVER ULtralight SLEEPING BAG
Stella loves her sleeping bag on a chilly morning outside.
Dog Sleeping Pad
Why you need it:
Your dog needs a sleeping pad just like you do. The pad will keep them warmer and help them get a good recovery rest. I usually put the pad into the tent at night for my dog first, and it also gives him a space that he knows is his spot to lie down. As much as I love him, I don’t want him moving all over everything in a tiny tent at night.
Having the pad as his spot makes everything so much easier. Once he gets settled on his pad, it is easy to get him into his bag after that, and I can do whatever tent chores I need to do without him walking all over me.
Our choice: Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad
A closed-cell foam pad works best. The air pads tend to get holes pretty quickly from dogs' toenails. I have used a Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol for the last ten years with my dog. Sometimes we take a full one and double or triple it up for extra cushion, but usually, I take a half-size for him to lay on. I also noticed that my dog loves pillows. The dog pack can double as a little pillow for your dog.
The nice thing about carrying a Z Lite for your dog is that you can use it for breaks. I sleep on an inflatable air pad and would take breaks on a piece of tyvek. But when I go with Ace, I get that luxurious sleeping pad for breaks! Most of the time I share with him, too. He loves that sleeping pad a lot.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE THERM-A-REST Z LITE SOL Sleeping Pad
Ace falling alseep on the Z Lite before the sun sets.
Emergency Muzzle
Why you need it:
There are a few situations for which you might need a muzzle in the backcountry. If you are remote and need a helicopter or other evac, they usually won’t take your dog on board unless they are muzzled. It is an essential piece of dog hiking gear. If you must perform first aid on your dog, even the sweetest dogs behave differently when hurt. It is better to be prepared and not need it than to not have it when you need it.
Our choice: CooZero Dog Muzzles Suit
Depending on your dog's breed, many options exist. I usually carry a combination of a bandana that can serve multiple purposes and work as a muzzle, and I carry a lightweight foldable muzzle. I practiced with my dog a bit at home, rewarding him with treats for wearing it for short periods.
They are not designed for long-term wear but are great for short durations like a helicopter ride or car ride out of an area in an emergency. Make sure you measure your dog's nose to get the correct size.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE COOZERO DOG MUZZLES SUIT
Olive Oil in Small Bottle
Why you need it:
This is the newest addition to my dog packing essentials, and one of my favorite tools. On a recent trip on the Tahoe Rim Trail, our dogs were getting sap everywhere and had lots of things sticking to them and their paw pads. I found that olive oil is excellent for removing this sap and just a few drops can work to get the sticky out. We started implementing hourly paw checks to inspect for sap and potential injuries. In addition to being useful for removing sap, you can also use it for your dinner.
Our choice: SKS BOTTLES Snap-Cap Squeeze Bottles
You already have your favorite olive oil in your kitchen but don’t need to carry a giant glass jar out on the trail. These little containers from Garage Grown Gear are perfect for portioning out some oil for your trip. You can also use them for hot sauce.
SKS BOTTLES SNAP-CAP SQUEEZE BOTTLES
If you and your dog are separated or something happens to you on trail, it is best for them to have a note with your contact info.
Emergency note
Bring a note about who you are and where you are going in the top zipper of your dog's pack
Why you need it:
My background volunteering with SAR taught me this is essential. There are many situations where you might get separated from your dog, and someone else finds them. The phone number on their collar might not help, especially if it is yours and you don’t have service.
I always put a note in the top zippered pocket of his pack in a waterproof Ziploc bag that states my dog’s name, my name, what trail we are doing, and my information and other emergency contacts that are people who are not on trail with me. You might want to include other important information depending on your personal preferences.
If I need help in an emergency, I want the best chance of being found, and my dog might just be that chance. He is likelier to find someone before someone finds me, especially on a populated trail.
Waking up and checking the weather, looks good for hiking.
Tips for Before You Leave for your Trip
1. Check the weather
Make sure you have the human gear and dog gear that is appropriate for the conditions you will be encountering on your trip.
2. Check the trail conditions
Have there been recent storms or fires that you need to be aware of, or closures? These can impact you and your dog's ability to safely navigate the trails.
3. Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be home
I always tell two people where I am going and give them a time to call SAR if they haven’t heard from me. I also will tell them any alternate routes that I might take so if I get into trouble SAR can know where to look for me.
Be smart so you both can have an enjoyable time on the trail.
4. Make sure your dog is up to date on flea and tick medication
I always double check this before leaving, and pack the meds if he is going to be due while we are out on a longer backpacking or camping trip.
5. Understand your dog's hiking abilities and fitness level
This can change year after year so reassess your dog's ability regularly and don’t push them beyond their limits.
6. Put protective seat covers on your car seats
It is so much easier to wash covers after a dirty ride home than to have to detail your car.
Pup Cups for the Dogs after a long backpacking trip.
7. Keep a towel or two or even three in your car for muddy paws and fur
These towels also work for people, sometimes I am just as muddy as the dogs, a few wipes can help everyone stay a little cleaner on the drive home.
8. Keep extra water in your car for the ride home
I always keep extra water in the car. You might run out of water on your hike. Whenever that happens, you'll be grateful for that water for you and your dog, especially if you have a long ride home. Extra water can also help wash off any mud that won’t come off with a towel. My dog tends to find all the mud holes. I have a lot of experience with mud!
Cuddles in the tent. I have the blanket covering my sleeping pad here so Ace doesn’t poke holes into it.
About the Author / Why You Should Trust Us
My name is Sara or Socks, and I am an artist and overall gear nerd. I have been a backpacker for over 20 years and with my dogs for the last 10 years. Ace is my current furry friend, and we have backpacked well over 1,000 miles together and hiked even more.
Between long sections on the PCT and a full TRT thru-hike, Ace is a well-seasoned adventurer and a long distance hiking dog. We try to get out together for a few weeks every season. He jumps in excitement whenever his bright red backpack comes out and the trip prep begins.
In addition to being an avid hiker and backpacker, Ace and I volunteered together for SAR. I have worked as a professional ski patroller and worked as a lifeguard. I always put safety first. I am constantly editing my gear list to find the best gear for my next adventure. You can usually find me outside, whether I am backpacking, hiking, running, skiing, or painting.
To see all of Sara Kruglinski stories, check her author page.
