Hiking is a great way to provide your dog exercise and mental stimulation, not to mention the value of the bonding experience between you and your pup as you see the beautiful views together.
However, hiking with your dog can present a set of challenges that might not be present on a typical walk, such as uneven terrain, changing weather conditions, lack of access to running water, and other environmental factors. Planning ahead when it comes to hiking with your dog is the best way to prepare before packing up.
Key Takeaways
- Pack essential dog hiking gear like a secure harness, sturdy leash, and collapsible water bowl to keep your dog safe and hydrated on the trail.
- Choose collapsible bowls, treat pouches, and durable food containers that are easy to carry and clean while hiking.
- Protect pup paws with dog boots and paw balms to prevent injuries from rough terrain, hot surfaces, or cold conditions.
- Dog safety gear like a GPS tracker and a first aid kit will ensure you’re ready for any type of emergency.
What Do You Need When Hiking With Dogs?
With the right gear, you can ensure that hiking with your dog is a safe and enjoyable activity for both of you. In addition to a good dog leash and collar to keep your dog secure, consider additional hiking equipment for dogs like a GPS device, dog boots, and sunscreen.
It’s also best to make sure your dog is up to date on vaccines and preventives for fleas, ticks, and heartworms, and to carry a copy of their medical records in the event of an emergency.
Best Dog Hiking Gear
Best Dog Hiking Harness
A dog harness is an important piece for your collection of dog hiking accessories; harnesses provide a more secure hold than a collar, increasing the safety of your hikes.
Harnesses can also be more comfortable for your dog to wear on a long hike as opposed to their regular collar, especially if they pull eagerly at the leash in excitement.
For example, the Best Pet Supplies Voyager Harness features an even shape and broad coverage for a secure fit and comes in bright colors with reflective strips for high visibility. It comes in a variety of sizes and is breathable, simple to use, and affordable.
Additionally, the Frisco Comfort Padded Dog Harness is comfortable and adjustable for a secure fit. It comes in a variety of sizes and has a label inside where you can write contact information in case your dog slips their collar and gets lost while hiking.
A good dog hiking lead will be made of sturdy material to withstand the elements and the appropriate length to control your dog.
A solid leash helps keep your dog away from hazards like steep cliffs and unknown substances on the hiking trail. The leash should also be comfortable for you to hold, with an ergonomic handle or clasps to attach to yourself for hands-free use.
Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure Leash has a comfortable, ergonomic handle and comes in a variety of bright colors with reflective strips. The material is durable for use in any weather conditions and with dogs who pull on their leash.
Another option, the Frisco Rugged Reflective Leash, is made of strong rope with a secure carabiner clip for durability and safety. The added reflective taping increases visibility in low lighting. At 6 feet long, this leash is also an appropriate length for most hiking excursions.
Best Dog Water Bowl
In order to keep your dog hydrated on a hike, always bring along a good portable dog water bowl. The best hiking dog bowls are collapsible for easy transport and made of sturdy, easy-to-clean materials, such as silicone.
The Dexas Popware for Pets Collapsible Travel Bowl comes in two colors and two sizes, and it has a secure carabiner clip to attach to a backpack to ensure it won’t get lost while hiking. It’s also one of the more affordable options.
Another silicone option, the Frisco Travel Collapsible Dog Bowl features sides for both food and water, is collapsible and easy to transport, and is made of durable yet easy-to-clean silicone.
Best Dog Treat Pouch
When purchasing treat pouches for hikes, look for durable materials like thick fabric and accessories like straps and clips so you can secure the treat pouch without it falling off.
The SunGrow Dog Training Treat Pouch is a great and affordable option that includes a shoulder strap and a clip so you can swing it across your arm or secure it to a belt loop. It also has a convenient, built-in poop bag dispenser.
Another affordable hiking treat bag is the H&H Pets Treat Training Bag. It features a shoulder strap for easy carrying and provides a built-in poop dispenser. The nylon material is lightweight yet durable.
Best Dog Poop Bags
Dog poop bags are a requirement when it comes to dog hiking supplies. The best dog poop bags will be thick enough to withstand transport and are leakproof. Biodegradable bags are a bonus to promote eco-friendly hiking.
The Original Poop Bags are made from 38% plant-based material and are a USDA-certified, biobased product. They are thick, leakproof, and available in two different counts, allowing pet parents to save money on bulk purchases
Best Dog Food Storage Container
Travel storage for dog food should be durable, easy to clean, and airtight to withstand hikes, inclement weather, and protect food from spoilage.
The Gamma2 Travel-tainer is an all-in-one food storage and food bowl system with two bowls and a sturdy, food-grade, plastic container with lid and handle for easy transport.
The Frisco Complete Travel Bowl comes in two sizes and features another all-in-one food storage and bowl system. The stainless-steel components are easy to clean and durable.
Best Dog Boots
Dog boots are essential dog hiking gear to protect your dog’s paw pads from injury on rough terrain and to prevent their feet from getting too wet.
Good boots should fit snuggly to stay secure while exercising but still leave room for skin to breathe and should feature good traction on the soles.
Although higher in price, the Muttluks Winter Boots are ideal for cold weather and hiking over slippery terrain. They come in a variety of sizes with zippers, to easily slide on and off paws, and high cuffs for protection from deep snow. They are also waterproof and breathable.
The Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots are better suited for warmer weather and feature a low-profile design, excellent grip on the soles, and breathable mesh. The hook and loop closure provides a snug fit for extra security on those paws, even when wet.
Best Paw Protection
Paw care and protection is important for preventing sand, ice, and other debris from collecting between your dog’s toes and helps reduce skin irritation from any rough terrain. Look for products with natural, non-toxic ingredients that will nourish the skin.
A great dog balm, Musher’s Secret features 100% natural waxes, including white and yellow beeswax, and vitamin E for extra skin nourishment.
Vets Preferred Advanced Pad Protection is another natural product that is designed for use in extreme weather, featuring non-toxic ingredients like mineral oil and beeswax. It protects your dog’s paws while also soothing cracked pads.
Best Dog Sunscreen
Dog sunscreen is a good choice for breeds with light-colored fur and skin, especially on areas of their body with thinner fur, such as the ears, nose, top of the muzzle, and around the eyes. A good dog sunscreen will be non-toxic and waterproof.
The Divine Canine Daily Supreme+ Sunscreen features natural ingredients like coconut oil and jojoba oil as well as aloe and vitamin E to nourish the skin. It also comes in a convenient spray bottle for targeted application.
You can also find sunscreens in stick applicator form, like the Petkin SPF 15 Doggy Sun Stick. This dog sunscreen is a gentle and non-greasy formula, and it has some natural ingredients to help make it waterproof, such as mineral oil and beeswax.
Best First-Aid Kit
You never know when you might run into a situation where your dog gets a small cut or scrape while hiking. It’s important to pack a dog first-aid kit to quickly address minor bites and injuries.
The Adventure Dog Medical Kit contains dressings, bandages, antiseptic wipes and more. All packaged in an affordable and convenient zippered bag with handles for easy transport.
Equally affordable, the Kurgo RSG First Aid Kit for Dogs can be worn like a backpack and contains over 40 first-aid tools, including cleansing wipes, a cold pack, disposable gloves, and gauze rolls.
Best Dog Backpack
There are many types of backpacks to consider for a hike with your pup: backpacks to carry your dog’s necessities, backpacks for your dog to carry, and dog backpack carriers to give your dog a break if they get tired.
The best dog hiking backpacks will be roomy and comfortable for you or your dog to wear for long periods and made of durable materials to last through tough weather conditions.
The Mobile Dog Gear Backpack is made of lightweight and easy-to-clean material. It has multiple compartments and comes with collapsible silicone bowls, food carriers, a non-stick feeding mat, and an ID tag.
The Kurgo G-Train Carrier Backpack doubles as both a backpack for necessities, and a carrier for pups under 25 pounds who get tired and need to be carried. It is made of durable materials and reinforced with fiberglass rods to maintain its structure. The material is waterproof, and the backpack can be converted into a hand carrier.
If you prefer your pup to carry some of their own items, the Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack is adjustable with a padded handle and girth straps to help distribute weight evenly. It also has flopper stoppers to keep both the pack and any items within it stable, so your pup is always comfortable.
Best Dog Life Jacket
Dog hiking accessories should include a dog life jacket if you plan on swimming with your pup or walking through streams during the hike. A good life jacket should fit snuggly but not restrict movement, and be secure enough so it doesn’t slip off in the water.
The Outward Hound Dog Life Jacket is easy to secure on your pup and adjustable. It also has reflective pieces for visibility and handles in case you need to grab and lift your dog.
The Frisco Easy On Dog Life Jacket comes in a variety of adjustable sizes and is available in a bright yellow color for high visibility. It has handles in case you need to grab your dog quickly and is flexible enough for your dog to move around in it on land.
Best Dog GPS
Should your dog wander off while hiking, a dog GPS device can be crucial for locating them quickly. A good GPS will be easy to use with a long battery life for extended hikes.
The PetSafe Guardian GPS + Tracker is waterproof and offers a rechargeable battery that provides up to three days of battery life. This dog tracker syncs with any mobile device, but you’ll need to purchase a monthly or annual subscription to access the PetSafe app.
The Dogtra Pathfinder2 Dog GPS tracks a four-mile range and comes in bright colors for high visibility. The battery recharges under four hours and lasts 40–60 hours. It can be used with mobile devices and smartwatches, and no subscription is required.
Always consult with your primary veterinarian to determine if your dog is healthy enough for hiking before hitting the trails. Keep in mind some parks and trails may not allow dogs, so check with the location you plan to hike before bringing your pooch along for the trek.
