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They say that a dog is a (wo)man’s best friend, so if you’re going on an adventure in the wilderness, you’re going to want them to come with you. Check out the best dog hiking gear you’ll need to bring along too!
Best Dog Gear for Hiking
Written By: Laura Pulling
Table Of Contents
You have your own kit list of essentials for when you hike, so why shouldn’t your pet? If your beloved pooch is joining you on a trek through the great outdoors (and quite frankly, why would you leave them behind!?) then they will need their own supplies too!
Check out this list of doggy hiking products that can make your four-legged friend happy on the trails with you!
Dog Hiking Gear List
Illumiseen LED Dog Collar
If you walk a lot in the dark, or you have a dog that might want to explore your campsite in the dusky evenings, you want to be able to keep an eye on him. An Illumiseen LED Dog Collar makes your dog visible in the blackest of nights.
The comfortable strap clips on easily and provides five hours of illumination per one hour charge, It uses a USB rechargeable battery and lights up in six bright colors, or flashing modes. These collars are weatherproof, but not waterproof.
Read our tips on how to travel with pets!
One Trail Hands Free Dog Leash
If you’re off for a long walk on the trail, you don’t want the hassle of having a leash in your hand the entire time. This One Trail Hands Free Dog Leash fits around your waist for a minimalist feel. Like a combination of running belt and lead, this product has pockets to stash your essentials—big enough to keep your phone and keys.
Plus, there’s a small mesh pocket in the front for easy treat access, and side pockets with built in poop bag dispensers. The leash is a heavy duty 4-foot bungee cord, which gives your pet enough length to explore but also protect you from unexpected pulls.
BAAPET Strong Dog Leash
Made from ½ inch thick rock climbing rope, this BAAPET strong rope leash is heavy duty and has a soft padded handle to protect your hand from rope burn after holding it for a long time. Also, the rope is woven with reflective fibers for nighttime safety.
The 5-foot length gives your pet freedom, but also keeps him under your control. Pick it up in one of five vivid colors.
Elbert Mountain ‘No Pull’ Dog Harness
This fully adjustable Elbert Mountain harness fits your pup snugly and comfortably. A harness prevents your dog from being pulled and choked at the neck, like when using a regular collar and leash, so it’s safer and you can control them more easily.
The reflective straps keep you visible at night time and reflect the light from car headlights. There is a handle on top for ultimate control, plus sturdy D rings to attach your leash to.
Outward Hound Splash Dog Life Jacket
If you’re taking a walk along a creek or river, let your dog have a swim to cool off with full peace of mind. Outward Hound Life Jackets fit your dog comfortably to give them buoyancy that doesn’t restrict their movement. The front neck float keeps their head above water and neoprene belly band supports their chest and tummy area.
It comes in different sizes to fit all shapes of dogs, plus it has a handle on the back to help you grab your dog in an emergency.
Comsun Collapsible Water Bowl
First things first, hydration is everything. Your furry pal will need to quench his thirst on a long walk, so having a bowl that folds down and slips into your daypack is essential. This silicone bowl set from Comsun even comes with carabiner clips so you can attach it to the outside of your bag for easy access.
Suitable for both food and water. You get two bowls in this set in bright colors that you won’t leave behind in the wilderness.
Outward Hound Collapsible Food Bowl
This alternative doggy bowl from Outward Hound is made from tough nylon. It is suitable for bowl food and water and dries super fast, so you can pack it away without any worry. This super portable bowl folds down to the pocket size – so you won’t need to worry about it taking up space in your backpack.
Yicostar Flip Water Bottle
You’ll need a water bottle to keep your water inside, but how about a one that you don’t need a bowl with? This ingenious design by Yicostar has a flip over silicone leaf that turns the spout into a bowl for on-the-move hydration.
Reviewers say it’s a little tricky to balance dispensing the water onto the leaf bowl portion, but after a few tries, it becomes easier. The perfect “companion” to keep your furry companion hydrated while hiking!
Find out our suggested clothes for hiking and supplies list!
Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags
Everybody feels the call of nature, and when they’re in the middle of the woods your pet might too. Be a responsible pet owner and clean up after your dog with these Earth Rated poop bags.
They are strong and leak-proof. Plus they come in unscented or lavender fragrance to camouflage the odor of the contents.
So you never forget to take your poop bags with you, you can also get this handy dispenser which you attach to your leash.
Dr Joseph’s Paw Wax
Your pets paws take a pounding. They walk on all types of surfaces with no protection, so their skin needs soothing too. Dr Joseph’s Paw and Nose Wax is 100% natural and heals and relieves dry and cracked paws.
The formula is non-toxic and contains only ingredients that are dog safe. Users say that this wax is a little tough to use, but it’s because a little goes a long way. Simply smooth it over the paw pads and they’re good to go.
My Busy Dog Hiking Boots
If your four legged friend is extra adventurous when it comes to the great outdoors, then paw balm may not be enough. Check out these hiking boots by My Busy Dog, they are water resistant and have anti-slip soles. They simply slide over your pooches paws and fasten with reflective velcro straps.
These booties will protect your pup from sharp thorns, hot pavements or the salt and snow in winter months.
Ruffwear Approach Backpack
If your pup needs all of this gear for his hike, maybe he needs to carry some of it for himself! Check out these Ruffwear doggy backpacks, with pockets to stash his essentials inside. Built over a comfortable five point harness system, this dog pack has strong and soft padding, plus it has a reflective trim so it can be seen in dark conditions. The leash clips on easily, plus it has a handle for controlled lifting of your pooch.
Reviews are great (from owners and dogs!) for these backpacks, but be sure to limit the load to 25% of your dog’s weight though.
Wellver Backpack
This Wellver dog backpack is cheaper than the above option, but does a similar job. Both carry your dogs bits and pieces, however, users say that this one is a little more difficult to put on your pup.
It has a soft breathable mesh on the inside and easily adjustable straps to fit your dog’s shape comfortably.
Outrav Camping Dog Bed
If you are taking a hiking trip overnight, you might not want your pup curling up in bed with you, especially if he has been exploring a muddy trail all day. Make them feel extra special by bringing their very own camping pet bed. The Outrav dog sleeping bag has a cozy envelope pocket for your furry friend to sleep inside.
It is made from a light polyester material that is warm and waterproof for even the most rugged of adventures. Plus, it dries super quickly and comes clean with a shake. The bed has its own stuff sack and compresses to a tiny 15” x 5.5”.
Check out these ultimate packing list for hiking!
YAYA ORGANICS Dog Whisperer Tick & Flea Repellent
If you’re exploring the great outdoors, tics are a worry. Your furry friend can attract these biting beasts, which can make them super sick if not treated immediately. YAYA ORGANICS Dog Whisperer Tick + Flea Repellent is an all natural formula that works to keep unwanted bugs off your pet (and also off you!).
Simply spritz away, focusing on your dogs legs and underbelly areas prior to a walk in the wilderness. It’s safe to use on skin, apparel, and gear too. The spray is non-irritating, non-greasy, 100% plant-based, vegan, deet-free, and cruelty-free; containing no permethrin, clove, eugenol, alcohol, chemicals or synthetics.
Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray for Pets
On long walks, you protect your skin from the sun’s powerful rays, so why not protect you pup’s skin too. Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray is formulated for dogs and horses, and is non oily and non greasy. It prevents sunburn and exposure to harmful UVA and UVB rays and can protect against melanomas on your pet’s skin.
The spray works at any angle for easy application and is recommended to be reapplied every two to four hours. Please note, this spray is not suitable for cats.
Dog Hiking Gear Comparison Chart
What’s the best hiking dog gear you’ve used for your treasured pup? Share your list below!
For more hiking tips and gear, please read:
- Hiking and Camping Supplies List for Overnight Trips
- Need the Best Hiking Gear List for Female Trekkers? Here it is!
- What to Pack for Hiking in the Dolomites
- Hiking Gear List for the Everest Base Camp Trek
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