While hiking with our friends and family can be a lot of fun, don’t you sometimes wish your furry sidekick could enjoy the great outdoors at the same time? Don’t stop wondering, it is possible! But what dog hiking gear do you need to make it happen?
Here at The Adventure Junkies we know the amount of gear options can be overwhelming. To help make things easy for you, we’ve put together this packing list that will give you all the confidence you need to get out on the trails with your dog.
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HOW TO USE THIS PACKING LIST
Before we jump into the world of dog hiking gear, I’d like to give you a quick rundown on how to get the most out of this list. Next to each item you’ll see a few categories, let me explain what they mean.
PURPOSE: What it is used for, a quick insight on why you might need that piece of gear.
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: We know that when you’re just starting out it can be tough to know what you really need and what can be left at home. We did our best to weed out the essentials and have written ‘Yes’ to each item we believe you truly need. Keep in mind, this will vary with the type of trip you are planning.
PRICE RANGE: It’s good to get an idea of how much each item will cost so you can budget accordingly.
LOOK FOR: Some quick tips on how to choose your gear.
OUR PICK: Our choice based on the value and quality of the product.
BEST MODELS: An article about the top gear of the year.
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1. DOG HIKING PACKS
MULTI-FUNCTIONAL HIKING PACK
PURPOSE: A multifunctional bag your dog can wear, to help carry items required for the hike
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $50 – $200
LOOK FOR: Ergonomic design and a comfortable fit, with plenty of pockets
OUR PICK: Ruffwear Palisades
BEST MODELS: Best Dog Hiking Packs of the Year >>
2. FOOD AND WATER UTENSILS
FOOD OR WATER BOWL
PURPOSE: Hold water or food for your dog to drink/eat
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $5 – $15
LOOK FOR: Lightweight materials, and a compact, collapsible design
OUR PICK: Ruffwear Quencher Cinch-Top Bowl
WATER BOTTLE
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
PURPOSE: Hold water for your dog
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $5 – $25
LOOK FOR: Lightweight materials, with a built-in cup
OUR PICK: K9 Unit Water Bottle
3. DOG TRACKING GEAR
GPS TRACKER
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
PURPOSE: To help track your dog if they are off-leash
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $40 – $200
LOOK FOR: Waterproof design and an iPhone or Android compatible app
OUR PICK: Whistle 3
BEST MODELS: Best Dog GPS Trackers of the Year >>
LED COLLAR COVER
PURPOSE: Help locate your dog at night
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $5 – $20
LOOK FOR: Designed to fit your existing collar, with good battery life
OUR PICK: Nite Dawg
COLLAR LIGHT
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
PURPOSE: Help locate your dog at night
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $5 – $20
LOOK FOR: Good battery life and a bright light
OUR PICK: Nite Ize Spotlit
REFLECTIVE VEST
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
PURPOSE: Help locate your dog at night
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $10 – $30
LOOK FOR: Comfortable design and plenty of reflective panels
OUR PICK: SafetyPUP XD Reflective Vest
4. SECURITY
LEASH
PURPOSE: Keep your dog secure and under your control
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $10 – $50
LOOK FOR: Quality, strong materials
OUR PICK: Ruffwear Front Range
HARNESS
PURPOSE: Keep your dog secure and under your control
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes (for dogs that like to pull on their leash)
PRICE RANGE: $15 – $60
LOOK FOR: Ergonomic design that doesn’t restrict your dog’s range of motion
OUR PICK: Ruffwear Web Master
5. PROTECTIVE GEAR
JACKET
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Keep your dog warm and protected from undergrowth or vegetation
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $50 – $200
LOOK FOR: Tough, waterproof material and designed to fit well
OUR PICK: Ruffwear K-9 Overcoat
BEST MODELS: Best Dog Jackets of the Year >>
DOG SHOES
PURPOSE: Protect your dog’s paws from hot, cold or rough terrain
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $20 – $50
LOOK FOR: Sized to fit your dog’s paws, with a tough undersole
OUR PICK: Ruffwear Grip Trex
TOWEL
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Amazon
PURPOSE: To dry your dog down after rain, or river swims
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $10 – $25
LOOK FOR: Lightweight, microfiber materials that dry fast and pack down small
OUR PICK: Microfiber Pros Bath Towel
PAW WAX
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Protect your dog’s paws from cold surfaces
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $10 – $20
LOOK FOR: Proven product with excellent customer feedback
OUR PICK: Mushers Secret
LIFE JACKET
PURPOSE: Assist your dog when crossing rivers or other large bodies of water
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $15 – $50
LOOK FOR: A secure fit that matches your dog’s physique
OUR PICK: Ruffwear Float Coat
6. SLEEPING GEAR
SLEEPING MAT
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Allow your dog to sleep on the floor of your tent, or outside in comfort
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes (if camping overnight)
PRICE RANGE: $15 – $40
LOOK FOR: Sufficiently thick padding, and a design that packs down small
OUR PICK: Ruffwear Highlands Pad
BLANKET
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Keep your dog warm and comfortable at night
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes (if camping overnight)
PRICE RANGE: $10 – $25
LOOK FOR: Lightweight, warm materials such as merino wool
OUR PICK: DII Bone Dry Pet Blanket
7. HEALTH AND CLEANLINESS
COOLING JACKET
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Keep your dog cool on hot days
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $30 – $75
LOOK FOR: Ergonomic design that doesn’t restrict your dog’s range of motion
OUR PICK: Ruffwear Swamp Cooler
BEST MODELS: Best Dog Jackets of the Year >>
TICK REMOVER
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Remove ticks from your dog’s skin
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $5 – $15
LOOK FOR: Functional design with good customer feedback
OUR PICK: Tick Twister Tick Remover Set
VEHICLE SEAT COVER
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Keep your car seats clean, dry, and free of dog fur
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $25 – $100
LOOK FOR: A design that fits your type of vehicle, and is easy to clean
OUR PICK: Kurgo Wander Hammock
TRANSPORT CRATE
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Provide safe and secure travel in your vehicle for your dog, both to and from the trailhead
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $40 – $750
LOOK FOR: Quality materials, sized correctly, and a design that has been tested for safety
OUR PICK: Gunner Kennel G1
FIRST AID
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Amazon
PURPOSE: An easily accessible pack that can be used to treat your dog if they are injured
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $10 – $20
LOOK FOR: A pack that can be easily stored in your pack, with enough items to cover most commonly encountered injuries
OUR PICK: Canine Friendly First Aid Kit
READ MORE
For more of our top hiking & backpacking gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags
Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads