The common question of what gear should be included in a dog hiking adventure kit comes down to 12 necessary items. Maybe you need a complete gear kit today, looking to upgrade individual pieces or add new gear altogether; these are the 12 items you should consider before every adventure!
- DOG BACKPACK
- HANDS-FREE LEASH
- COLLAPSIBLE WATER BOWL
- DOG WATER BOTTLE
- COLLAR
- DOG BOOTS
- PET ID TAG
- DOG COLLAR LIGHT
- DOG JACKET
- PET-FRIENDLY FIRST AID KIT
- SOAP
- DOG FOOD
DOG PACK / BACKPACK
Essential for longer day hikes or overnights. Having your dog carry some of their food, poop bags, water, treats, and toys is beneficial for you and them! They don’t mind the extra weight, especially if it has toys and treats inside! By them carrying that, you are more likely to bring things will enhance the adventure experience. If you are looking to buy a pack – check out this article on tips for packing a dog backpack.
🐾RELATED ARTICLE – Packing a Hiking Dog Pack – KEEP IT LEVEL!🐾
HANDS-FREE LEASH
PHOTO: OLLYDOG MT TAM II LEASH
There is nothing wrong with a typical 6-foot nylon or leather leash. I would advise against the retractable leashes though; they can cause more harm than good. A lot of hikers have reported being tripped by the retractable leashes or worse, ended up with severe cuts on their hands or ankles after a dog tries to race off. A hands-free leash can allow you to hook it on your waist, to your pack or wear it across your shoulder. Freeing up your hands will increase safety and allow you to utilize trekking poles. With your hands-free, you can rock scramble while tethered, take sweet pictures, or drink a tasty beverage.
One thing to note, hands-free leashes with bungees. When attaching the leash to your pack, be aware, that when your dog tries to pull, it can throw you off balance. Even dog’s who don’t typically pull on the leash won’t realize they are because the bungee is absorbing the leash response. If the leash is attached to your waist or over the shoulder, it isn’t nearly as noticeable. I only bring this up due to the fact I’ve spilled a few times on the trail due to this. I still love this leash because of its versatility, but I’m also very aware now.
HIKING COLLARS
A sturdy, easily cleanable and highly reflective collar is something every trail pupper should have. This is very important at night, while urban hiking or in the woods, especially if you dabble in off-leash hiking. Additionally, hanging metal tags or bear bell is a good way to announce your presence to the surrounding wildlife. I don’t normally use a bear bell; I feel the sounds of metal rabies tags do the trick. I know that when I hike alone, I see a lot more wildlife. When Liberty is at my side, animal sightings are a lot less. This is one of those items that comes down to you, and what makes you feel comfortable. Whatever your rationale is, stick with it, you’ll hike more comfortably!
DOG WATER BOTTLES AND DISPENSERS
Our trail dogs are susceptible to water-borne illnesses just like we are. Some of the most common include Giardia and Cryptosporidiosis and typically come with severe diarrhea. This can easily lead to dehydration when on the trails exerting tons of energy hiking. Hiking water bottles for dogs come in different sizes and styles. I filter my water using a Sawyer filter. This filter screens out contaminates down to .02 microns. I squirt water from my hydration bladder hose into my dog’s mouth. This can be a little wasteful as she drops it on the floor. Many people carry an all in one dog bottle/dispenser.
COLLAPSIBLE DOG FOOD BOWL
One or two? I typically carry one and dual purpose it for water and food at base camps or when taking lunch breaks. On cold mornings I like to heat up water and let Liberty’s kibble soak in it. I add water to her bowl in the evenings as well to ensure she is staying hydrated. I prefer a larger bowl so I don’t have to keep filtering water for Liberty.
DOG HIKING BOOTS
These I would consider optional but highly recommended based on where and when you hike. Some dogs don’t do well in the snow, and the booties will prevent snow pills from building or getting stuck between the pads. When hiking on sharp rocks, these will also prevent cuts and slices. Boots pay off in the summer, when the ground, sand, or pavement is hot. This will allow your pupper to get around without scolding those little footsies! Even if I don’t expect to need booties, I always keep at least one pair. This way if Liberty does get hurt, this can help give her the necessary cushion to get back to the trailhead.
DOG COLLAR LIGHTS
These come in handy at night on and off the trail. It doesn’t help your dog see better in the dark, but it does illuminate them for you. ADDED BONUS: you can use their collar light in your tent or hammock as a dome light. I keep the light with my headlamp for safe keeping. The best-designed Nite Ize is only water resistant. So if you aren’t using it, keep it dry to extend its life. If you have a spare headlamp or an old model that you have upgraded etc., you can put that around the dog’s neck to help increase trail visibility.
PET IDENTIFICATION
PHOTO: ROAD ID PET ID
Pet identification is one of the most critical items for your dog’s safety in the event of separation. This combined with pet microchip increases the likeliness of seeing your ride-or-die soulmate again. A pet ID can reduce the time it takes to return your dog to you since any bypasser can easily call you vice taking your dog to the pound or vet to have the microchip read. You should also have a “runners bracelet” or matching tag that tells authorities you were traveling with a dog, in case you become incapacitated. The authorities will know to be on the lookout for your dog.
I prefer the ROAD ID PET ID. It comes in a couple of sizes. I get the larger one and it allows me to slide it on and off any collar I put on. I love these tags because of the 6 available lines of info. I typically use this format:
- Name of Pet (First and Last)
- Microchip company and ID (they have emergency contact info on file)
- Rabies ID and expiration date
- Call & TEXT
- My number
- My Vet’s number (they have emergency contact info on file)
CANINE FIRST AID FOR HIKING
PHOTO: PET FIRST AID KIT
It is a great idea to have a small dog hiking first aid kit in the event of minor injuries. You can purchase a complete kit online or build one yourself. I like to build my own so I only carry the things I need. My first aid kit services my dog and myself when on the trail. If you are in rush, you can buy one online, though they are very generic. It’s a good place to start and gives you the base kit to build on. I would ditch some of the extra weight like the bag, first aid book or other bulky items. My DIY First Aid kit is kept in a reinforced freezer Ziploc bag. If you want to build your own DIY kit check out this 🐕RELATED ARTICLE – BUILD YOUR OWN CANINE FIRST AID KIT – DIY HIKERS GUIDE🐕
HIKING DOG JACKETS
I will keep a dog hiking jacket in my dry bag with my cold gear in case I need them. She’s never excited to put it on, but it’s better to have that than to have teeth chatter on your hands. Sometimes you only need it until the sun gets high enough to warm things up. I find that the Ruffwear jackets do a great job, they’re made of durable materials that withstand the use a Dog Hiking Pack.
TRAIL FRIENDLY SOAP
PHOTO: DR BRONNER’S SOAP
Does your dog like to roll in dead smelly things or poop they find on the trail? Trust me you’re not the only one. On a day hike, this isn’t terribly bad, though you will have to travel home with one stinky pup! However, if you are doing a multi-day, the last thing you want is that stinky pup curling up on your sleeping bag, clothes, or in your tent/hammock. Having a small bottle of Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap on hand may be beneficial for you. If you must do an impromptu bath, try and follow these steps:
- Fill up my bottles that can hold water at a local stream.
- Stage them away from the water source.
- Take my pup to the water source and rinse them off.
- Take them back to the water bottles and soap.
- Apply soap as necessary and rinse off away from the water source.
I try to never put the soap in the river or lake. Even if it’s bio-friendly and camp safe, I always try to dump it away from the water source. When storing in a dog pack, I put duct tape over the top of the bottle to ensure it doesn’t leak. Then I place it in a small freezer bag for extra protection. I prefer the peppermint soap because it smells amazing.
DOG FOOD
Keeping your dog energized all day long is important. Quality food keeps your dog alert which will lead to fewer accidents and injuries. I’m a big fan of the ORIJEN kibble. I see a lot of people feed their dogs Merrick food as well. If you are in the market for a change in your dog food, check out this link to Dog Food Advisor. Their comparisons and reviews will help point you in the right direction. Don’t forget to contact your Veterinarian – they may have some medical insight for you too.
FUTURE ADVENTURES
With these 12 items, you will have everything you need to adventure. Remember your kits may change with your activities and your location. You may need a different Jacket or a bear-bell. You may need to haul more water for the dry stretches. Your kits must remain as versatile as possible to help you flex with your environment. I store all of my hiking gear in a large plastic tote when not in use. I hang my quilts, hammocks, and sleeping bags in a closet or spare room. Always remove those items from the compression sacks to let them “bounce back.”
If you are looking for winter gear add-ons, this 🐕RELATED ARTICLE – DOG HIKING GEAR FOR WINTER – HOW TO KEEP TRAIL DOGS WARM!🐕
Not all gear is created equal. Some will get you by for now and “buy” you time until you are ready to make a more expensive purchase. I have put 3 tiers of gear together in our shop. These are broken down by price points and based on what I’ve seen on the trails myself. Durability and warranties have always been a huge deal for me and something I consider.
If this Article was helpful, please share it. If something is missing, please leave a comment so together we can better help our community of Hikers with Dogs. If you are looking for full gear loadouts – Click Here to jump over to our “Store” page.
Liberty is a good sport; sometimes she performs tricks for tips! She always said, “if I look good on the trail – then I feel good on the trail.”
