Essential Gear You Need for Hiking With Your Dog

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio

Heading out on the trails for a hike is a great way to spend the day, and it can be even more enjoyable with your canine companion at your side. Whether you plan on hiking up a mountain, trekking to a waterfall, or just spending time in a peaceful forest, there are so many beautiful places to explore with your pooch. Before you start your adventure, though, make sure you have the right hiking gear for your dog.

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The Basics: Leash, Harness, ID, Day Pack


For hiking with a dog, you might opt to switch to a harness instead of a collar for greater comfort. Attach a leash to it, and make sure your dog has ID tags, whether or not they’re microchipped, in case they get lost during your journey. Some pet parents even use AirTags to have a backup method for locating their pet if they lose sight of them.


It’s also a good idea to upgrade to leashes and harnesses that feature reflective and bright materials. When the sun goes down, reflective materials will make your dog easier to see. You can even attach a small safety light to your dog’s harness. With these in place, your pooch will be easy to spot, and other people on the trail will know your dog is a pet and not a wild animal.


Instead of going with a standard dog harness, you can check out products like the Ruffwear Front Range™ Day Pack, which has saddlebags for carrying necessary supplies, a padded harness for comfort, and three leash attachment options.

Don’t forget to pack dog waste bags so you can pick up after your pet and keep the trails clean for everyone.


The Energy Sources: Food, Treats, Water


To keep your dog fueled and hydrated, don’t forget food, treats, and water. Pack some dry food and your pooch’s favorite treats so you can keep them energized and happy during the hike.


For a very short and easy hike, you might only need treats to keep your dog satiated; otherwise, you might need to stop and give your dog multiple small meals throughout your adventure.   


It’s a good idea to pack more than one water bottle to be sure your dog will have plenty to drink, especially if it’s hot out. Remember that water in the great outdoors can be contaminated with parasites and bacteria, so it’s best to have fresh, clean water at all times.  


Collapsible food and water bowls are easy to pack, lightweight, and simple to clean. Many are designed to attach to a backpack, or you might have room in your dog’s day pack.


Tip: When it comes to food and water, it’s better to pack more than you need so you don’t risk not having enough.  


The Just-in-Case Items


Unfortunately, there’s the potential for emergencies while hiking with your dog. Injuries can happen, so have a complete first aid kit for your pet in your backpack.


With items like bandages, gauze, tweezers, scissors, and disinfectants, you can help your dog immediately and keep them stable until you get to a veterinarian. You can also pack your dog’s medications and supplements so they don’t miss a dose.   


There are many pet first aid kits on the market to suit all budgets, and some have more items than others. These are convenient because they already contain most of the supplies you would need in an emergency. As another option, you can put together a customized first aid kit if you know what you’d need in the event your dog is hurt.


Weather conditions can change while you’re hiking, so consider packing a dog jacket in case your pet gets cold or it starts raining—this simple step can help prevent worse problems like hypothermia, particularly when hiking in the winter. Also, pack towels in case your dog gets wet or dirty.


To protect your dog’s paws on tough terrain, you can use booties like Ruffwear Summit Trex™ Dog Shoes, which are durable, flexible, and useful throughout the year. They provide traction, keep out moisture, and are designed to fit comfortably and securely. Plus, they can be worn when walking on hot pavement during the summer, so they can be used beyond the hiking trail as well.

Go Hiking With Your Dog and Make Memories!


Now that you know about the essentials you should pack when going on a hike with your dog, you can rest assured you’ll have what you need in a pinch while away from home, whether it’s water to keep your pup hydrated or a first aid kit to bandage an injury. So, the next time you plan a day in the great outdoors with your best friend, don’t forget to gather the products above.


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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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