12 Pieces of Dog Hiking Gear You Need For Your Next Trip

12 Pieces of Dog Hiking Gear You Need

Us at Hinterback are huge fans of hiking with dogs. After all, there’s nothing better than sharing your favorite hobby with your best friend! However, doing so means you’ll need to add a few more items to your packing list than usual. These 12 pieces of dog hiking gear are the essential items you’ll want to carry with you when you go hiking or backpacking with your dog.

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1. Dog Backpack

It’s only fair that your pup pulls some of his/her own weight on the hike. A dog backpack allows your dog to carry his own food, water bowl, poo bags, water, treats, and toys. Just keep in mind that most dogs should carry 10% of their body weight or less, especially on their first trips. You can gradually work up to 15% or even 25% of their body weight for larger or working dog breeds.

When selecting a dog backpack, fit is the most important factor. Make sure the pack fits snuggly against your dog’s body without being too tight. The color of the backpack is also important. A bold color or a pack with reflective materials will help keep your dog visible in the forest. The harness design, strap adjustability, and padding should also be considered since these factors will contribute to how comfortable the pack is to wear.

Our favorite dog backpack:

2. Dog Hiking Shoes/Boots

There is something cute about a dog in shoes, but that’s not why we recommend them for hiking. Dog boots are meant to protect their paw pads from blistering or getting cut. On harsh terrain where the ground is rocky, hot, or snow covered, these keep your pup’s feet safe.

For most mild hikes, your dog should be fine without boots. After all, they were born to be barefoot outside. However, you might still consider shoes or booties for your dog to wear inside the tent to keep their claws from puncturing the floor.

The best dog hiking boots will be water resistant and made of thick and durable material. They should have rugged soles with excellent grip. Size is also very important, make sure you reference the brand’s sizing chart and recommendations before purchasing.

Our Favorite Dog Hiking Boots:

Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots

3. Leash

Regardless of your dog’s ability to behave off-leash, a leash is still necessary to bring along on every hike. A leash is an essential piece of dog hiking gear. It can keep your dog safe and under your control while providing comfort to other hikers who feel uncomfortable around dogs. For these reasons, many hiking trails require all dogs to be leashed.

If you come across a large wild animal on the trail, such as a bear or a mountain lion, you understand the best way to behave in order to keep the encounter safe. Your pet might not know how to react to such a large animal. Not having your dog under your control in situations such as these can be dangerous.

For reasons such as this, we strongly encourage dog owners to leash their dog even on trails that do not have this requirement.

For backpacking, we recommend a waist leash for small to medium sized dogs. This is a leash that straps to a band on your waist so you can be hands-fee. But be cautious when using one for a large dog!

Our Favorite Leashes:

1. Hands Free Waist Leash by Pet Dreamland
2. BAAPET Padded Dog Leash With Reflective Threads

4. Harness

Harnesses are becoming a popular alternative to collars for walks and hikes. Mainly because they are more secure and comfortable for your pet.

Rather than putting pressure on your dogs neck, you are pulling your dog from their chest when you tug on their leash. This makes them a better solution for dogs that have breathing or neck problems.

Harnesses give you better control over your dog as well. They are more secure and harder to slip out of. Some dogs have mastered the technique of escaping their collar, but its far more difficult to escape a harness. Many harnesses even come with a handle, which can be used to grab hold of your dog or to carry them short distances.  

There is a wide variety of harnesses out there to choose from. Look for one that is adjustable and easy to get on your dog. Consider the behavior of your dog when selecting one as well and read up on the pros and cons of the different styles available.

Our Favorite Harness:

5. Collar Bell or Light

A collar light is an important piece of dog hiking gear if you plan on being out in the forest after sunset. When it starts to get dark, it can be hard to see where your dog went. A small light on their collar or harness will keep them visible to you in the night and early mornings.

A small bell provides a similar benefit, but also alerts other hikers and campers that a pet is nearby.

It is also important to always have ID tags on your pup during your hike. If he runs off, those tags can play a huge role in getting him back home.

Our Favorite Bells and Lights

1. Blazin LED Light Up Dog Collar
2. Nite IZE SpotLit LED Collar Light
3. Beau’s Bells Cat and Dog Bells

6. Cooling Vest

Depending on your dog’s breed, she may have some thick fur that keeps her feeling toasty warm. This is great for winter backpacking, but not as great in the summer heat.

If your dog has a thick coat and you’re going somewhere hot, add a cooling vest to your list of essential dog hiking gear. It will give your dog some much needed relief on those hot and active days. All you have to do is soak it in some water, wring it out, and put the vest on your dog.

Our Favorite Cooling Vest:

SGODA Dog Cooling Vest

7. Insulated Jacket

When we go hiking the winter we dress ourselves to stay warm, but we typically don’t do the same for our dogs.

Fortunately, for most dogs, their fur should be enough to keep them warm. However, for dogs that are small, have bodies that are low to the ground, have short hair, or are in their senior years, you might want to bring a jacket along.

There are plenty of different styles and types of dog jackets to choose from. The right jacket for a dog will be highly dependent on their personal needs and traits.

Below is our favorite winter vest for dogs. It comes in a variety of sizes and doesn’t restrict their movement. They are also reversible… and come on, how stinkin’ cute is the plaid side?

Our Favorite Jacket:

Kuoser Cozy Waterproof Reversible Winter Coat

8. First Aid

A very important piece (or pieces) of dog hiking gear is first aid supplies for your pet. While you should already have your first aid kit sufficiently stocked for yourself (if not, read this guide!), you might not have it fully prepped for your pup.

There are special things you’ll want to have handy in case your dog gets injured on the trail. Items like booties or pad balm can help sensitive paws in harsh conditions or cover wounds. Also bring along special medications that they may take, including occasional anxiety medication if needed.

Other important first aid items for your pup may already be in your kit, such as gauze, bandage tape, tweezers, and antibiotic ointment. Just make sure you have a good understanding of how to use these items on a dog.

We recommend everyone who hikes with their dog takes a pet first aid training. You can find virtual course on the Red Cross website here. It is short and very basic, but should cover the most common issues you might experience on the trail. 

9. Toys

If you’re on a backpacking trip with your pup, make sure your packing list includes something fun for your dog to play with at camp. While it might not seem like an essential piece of dog hiking gear, it certainly is one!

After the long day of hiking is over, your dog’s work for the day is finished. You, on the other hand, still have plenty of chores that will keep you busy until sundown. A small toy will keep your pup occupied and relaxed as you go about your business.  

10. Collapsible Bowls

An essential piece of dog hiking gear is a collapsible water and food bowl. Hiking requires a lot from the body, and you need to refuel properly regardless of your species.

Collapsible dishes are great for backpacking because they take up less space and they are typically very lightweight.

For day hikes, a dog water bottle can provide more convenience than a bowl. They can be a bit heavier and have a greater risk of leaking, but for shorter trips they work perfectly!

Our Favorite Dog Bowls:

The Guardians Collapsible Dog Bowls

11. Sleeping Mat or Bag

You don’t sleep on the cold, hard ground, why should your dog? Bring along a sleeping pad or bag much like your own to keep your dog be comfortable at camp.

Sharing your bed with your pup might be nice at home when you have an entire bed to share, but it’s not so pleasant at camp. If you have a mummy shaped sleeping bag and pad, sleeping space ill be tight. Give your pet his own place to sleep, that way you’ll all be sleeping well!

Our Favorite Sleeping Bag:

Furhaven Outdoor Pet Bed

12. Poo Bags

Remember the importance of leave no trace and keep in mind that it doesn’t only apply to you, but your pets as well. Bring along plenty of poo bags in order to properly dispose of your dog’s waste during your hike. If garbage bins are scarce on the trail you are on, consider bringing along a poo bag holder. A holder such as this one will block the odor and keep multiple bags contained without the risk of leakage.

If you are going backpacking and plan on spending multiple days in the forest, you can bury your dog’s waste the same way you would bury your own.

Conclusion

A hike is always better when your favorite pal is with you. Next time you set out on the trail, bring your pup along! Just make sure you have these 12 pieces of dog hiking gear before you go. These items help make the trip more enjoyable for you, your dog, and the other hikers you are sharing the trail with.

Be sure to also check out our tips for hiking and backpacking with dogs!

_{Cover Photo by Tadeusz Lakota on Unsplash}