Best hiking gear for dogs, according to expert hikers and dog parents
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Having a dog is like the diet version of having a kid. Sure, they might be able to join you on an eight-mile foray into the great outdoors, but certain considerations need to be made to ensure that they stay safe and comfortable.
I’ve had my black lab mix, Marla, for two years now, and in that time, we’ve gone on rugged backpacking expeditions, camped in the Rocky Mountains in my minivan and tackled countless day hikes in rain, snow and sunshine. We’ve suffered the consequences of not having the right gear on hand in a few of our adventures, which has led to a few hilarious moments, like me using my hands as a makeshift water bowl or trying to use my T-shirt to dry her off after a dip in an alpine lake.
The point is that having the correct gear and accessories with you when you hike with your furry friend can make or break a trip, so I asked several of my favorite dog-obsessed experts to enlighten me with their must-have items when they hike with their dogs. Read on for our list of essential dog hiking gear to get as the weather warms and the trails thaw.
The best dog hiking leashes and harnesses
Mountain Dog Products Mighty Mini Super Slip Leash
“Even if we are in an off-leash area, I bring the Mighty Mini Super Slip Leash for safety,” says Molly Avrin, founder and head trainer of Pete's Adventure Pack and the Adventure Dog Channel. The quick on-off slip leash design helps her get her pup back in control if she encounters wildlife or other less-friendly dogs, she says.
Ruffwear Crag EX Adjustable Dog Leash
I’m a huge fan of leashes with a traffic lead near the collar so I can instantly put my dog into a heel position when we pass on-trail hazards or wildlife. The Crag EX has a loop to adjust its length that I use as a traffic handle, and it’s durable, boasts a padded handle and comes in loads of cute, high-vis colors. Tack on a matching Crag Reflective Dog Collar ($22), and you’ll have the perfect trail setup.
Kurgo Dog Car Harness
Kurgo’s in-car dog harnesses are crash-tested to ensure maximum safety on the way to and from the trail. They’re also seatbelt-compatible and offer a back leash tab for walking, so you get a two-in-one harness that’s fit for the car and your daily walks. “Brandy is always buckled up in her harness in her traveling seat in the van,” says Sarah Smith, founder of The Dyrt.
Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure Dog Leash
“For hiking, I like Chai’s Choice Adventure Leash which is bright, lightweight and comfortable for both dog and owner on hikes,” says Charlotte Reed, producer and host of The Pet Buzz. “The 3M reflective material makes sure you can be seen in the dark, and the bright orange color means that it is easy to find if you drop it on the trail,” she says.
Wilderdog Harness
From its two different D-ring attachment points to its reflective strips and colorful top grab handle, the Wilderdog harness is both functional and stylish. Stitched with breathable, lightweight mesh on the body, this comfortable garment is also surprisingly affordable at just $42.
Nite Ize Raddog All-In-One Collar + Leash
Outdoor author Stacy Gold frequently takes her dog on long romps in the Rocky Mountains and knows that lightweight portability is key for active pups. “A pocket leash or retractable collar leash makes life easier if you're going to let your dog run off-leash. I prefer the collar version unless there is a lot of underbrush or a chance for swimming,” she says.
Jetti Dog Leash
Why not turn your next daily dog walk into a heart-pumping workout? “This innovative leash is a game changer for active pet owners who love to integrate their workout routine with their dog's daily walk,” says Joseph Tito, Frenchie owner and creator at The Dad Diaries. “The 4-foot length ensures your furry friend stays close, while the built-in bungee helps absorb any sudden pulls or tugs, making the walk smoother for you and your dog,” he says. Clip it to your ordinary hiking pack and go, or grab the brand’s weighted pack for an extra workout boost.
Kurgo On-Trail Running Belt
My most hardcore trail runner friends tend to have specialty belts for comfortable mountain running with their pup in tow. Kurgo’s On-Trail Running Belt offers a padded lumbar area, a zippered pocket with a key clip, a 10-ounce water bottle and two different attachment points for when Rover needs a run. Pair with the brand’s Springback Leash ($23) for the full setup.
The best dog hiking clothing
Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots
Trainer and founder of The Service Dog Connection Kelly Sosa is a huge fan of protecting dogs’ paws, even when it isn’t icy and snowy outside. “Every time I go backpacking or hiking with the dogs, I always make sure to bring my Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots to protect their paws from rough terrain,” she says.
Ruffwear Sun Shower Rain Jacket
“My dog Brandy’s Ruffwear raincoat keeps her toasty and dry during our wet hikes in the Pacific Northwest,” says Smith. The Sun Shower is designed for maximum coverage of your hound’s rump, thighs and neck, so you don’t have a soggy mess to deal with after rainy day walks around the neighborhood.
Kurgo Core Sweater
When I pack for a cold-weather hike or backpacking trip with my pup, Marla, the first thing I throw into her doggo bag is Kurgo’s Core Sweater. Not only does it come in several high-visibility colors with reflective accents, but it’s also harness-compatible and machine-washable. Plus, it boasts an athletic fit. As the brand’s website says, “Your dog is active. His sweater shouldn’t make him look like a retired sea captain.”
Kurgo Blaze Dog Boots
“We can't forget the boots, depending on the terrain,” says Reed. “These dog shoes can be used for every season.” Great for snow and rugged, rocky trails, the Blaze Dog Boots are reflective and water-resistant. Pro tip: Measure the widest part of your dog’s paws for accurate sizing. Most dogs have larger front paws and will require two different size boots.
Ruffwear Quinzee Dog Jacket
For when you go hiking in a chilly climate or need an awesome puffy jacket when camping with your dog, the Quinzee Dog Jacket is blessedly packable, lightweight and weather-resistant. It’s built with eco-friendly recycled polyester insulation and two side-release buckles for quickly putting it on and taking it off — a must when my pup has the zoomies.
The best dog hiking accessories
Adventure Medical Kits Trail Dog First Aid
“Some of the most common injuries I see while hiking with dogs are broken toenails, torn paw pads or sliced paws from rocks or ice. Having a first aid kit that includes all of the essentials but especially gauze, athletic wrap and bleed stop (like QuickClot Cloths) is most important,” says Avrin. The Trail Dog First Aid Kit is an affordable solution with most basics included, and QuickClot cloths can be added, as needed.
Greener Walker Compostable Poop Bags
These days, a lot of dog poop bags are essentially plastic that’s been greenwashed with a splashy marketing campaign, so it’s important to read the fine print before investing in a big case of pet waste baggies. This set of 375 from Greener Walker is made with PBAT and corn starch so they break down quickly at the dump.
Nite Ize Nitehowl Rechargeable LED Safety Necklace
Keeping track of your pup on nighttime dog park excursions or pre-bed walks can be stressful, so Sosa recommends this light-up necklace by Night Ize. “Once the sun goes down, I rely on the Nite Ize NightHowl to keep track of my pups in the dark. Even on long day hikes, I bring these items, in case we end up staying out later than expected,” she says.
Vapur Collapsible Water Bottle
On longer treks where water sources are few and far between, I like to have a little aqua insurance and make my doggo carry her own H2O. This ultra-packable, collapsible water bottle by Vapur easily fits into her Ruffwear Palisades Dog Backpack ($150) or one of the side pouches of my day pack.
Tractive Waterproof GPS Dog Tracker
“I like my dog to wear a GPS tracker so I can track them in real-time with my phone if they run off. I like this one because it is light and waterproof,” says Reed. We’d like to add that the price is also great.
K9 Sport Sack Trainer Dog Carrier Backpack
Having a dog-specific backpack to carry your tiny or aging furry friend can be an important safety consideration, as Aleksandar Mishkov, owner of The Daily Tail, found out on a recent trip. “We had to pass through some high bushes and grass. Milo, as a small dog breed, was unable to jump through the bushes and move freely, so I had to carry him for a short period. With a quality backpack, I didn’t feel any pressure on my back,” he says.
Ruffwear Backtrak Dog Evacuation Kit
Though it’s a downer to think about ever needing to evacuate your dog from the wilderness, it is important to have a game plan in place, should things go sideways on the trail. This evacuation kit by Ruffwear includes a backpack-style dog sling and muzzle. Color-coded straps also help users quickly and intuitively fit the harness onto their pup when an emergency strikes.
Nomadix Mini Towel
I don’t know about your dog, but my lab mix, Marla, is a huge water addict, and she gleefully sprints into any lake or stream we pass when we hike in the Rocky Mountains. As such, I’ve started housing a small, lightweight microfiber towel, like this one from Nomadix, in my car for those oh-so-necessary post-hike drying-off sessions.
Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax
“If your dog has sensitive feet or is spending time in ice or snow, a salve is a must,” says Gold. This time-tested wax has kept my dog Marla’s paws safe all winter, especially on big snow days when there’s a ton of salt and anti-freeze chemicals on the ground.
The best dog hiking bowls and training treats
Ruffwear Quencher Packable Dog Bowl
When you want something ultralight and ultra-packable to quickly shove into your day pack to keep your pup hydrated, a collapsible water bowl is a must. “The Quencher Packable Bowl from Ruffwear is my go-to because it's light and packs down to easily fit into a pocket but still holds a decent amount of water,” says Avrin.
Badlands Ranch Beef Liver Superfood Bites
I’m a huge fan of training my dog with high-value treats she’ll keep coming back for. That way, I can let her run around in designated off-leash areas and know she’ll sprint back to me if we encounter wildlife or other hikers. These beef liver Superfood Bites are easy to break into smaller bits and single-ingredient, and she loves them.
Tuesday’s Natural Dog Company Freeze-Dried Pork Nibs
Trying to avoid beef with your pup? Tuesday’s Natural Dog Company is my go-to for awesome, single-ingredient treats and chews. These freeze-dried pork nibs are made in the US and boast 37% minimum crude protein content.
Stansport Collapsible Silicon Travel Bowl, 2-Pack
“You cannot go on a hiking trip without water bowls,” says Mishkov, and on this point, I’m inclined to agree, especially when your afternoon jaunt doesn’t pass many streams or water sources. “With this collapsible water bowl, you can attach it to your backpack, if you want. It is lightweight, takes little to no space, and is easy to clean,” he says.
Fera Pets Fish Oil + Vitamin E Dog and Cat Supplement
Gold and I are huge proponents of caring for active dogs’ joints, even when they’re young and agile. This blend of fish oil and vitamin E from Fera Pet Organics is made in the US and, when squirted on top of her kibble, makes Marla scarf down her food even faster than usual.
Canada Pooch Dog Slush Suit
Frisco Lightweight Clear Vinyl Dog Raincoat
Django City Slicker All-Weather Dog Jacket
Hurtta Mudventure Eco Overall
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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