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Prior to adopting our dog Sally, the woman at the shelter told us that she would be the perfect adventure buddy. Sally was described as a dog who would love hiking, swimming, exploring new places and going on adventures — all of which my husband and I love to do. We instantly fell in love with her. As we prepare for some camping and hiking trips this summer with our new companion, we decided we needed to do some research on the best dog hiking gear to have with us. Below are a list and reviews of the best dog camping gear.
Best Leash For Hiking With Dog: Chaco Dog Leash
If you’re looking to buy a leash that will be more convenient while hiking, look for a hands-free leash like this one. If you’re anything like me, you stumble quite a bit while going over rocky terrain. If you’re staggering and/or falling, you’ll want your hands to be free so that you can catch yourself. Plus, if you need to grab something out of your pack it’s nice not to have to keep track of the leash too. Another perk to this leash is that if you have Chaco sandals, you and your dog will be styling together 😉 . We have this leash for our dog and love it. It’s convenient that the waist size is customizable, so you can tether your dog up to anything (tree, fence post, etc.) and it can quickly adjust to fit around myself or my husband. We also bought the matching collar in the same design (Arrows Slate).
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Best Dog Hiking Pack: Outward Hound Review
After you pack your rain gear, water, snacks and camera into your day pack, you don’t have any space left over for the stuff your dog needs. Why not get the best dog hiking backpack for your dog to carry his own stuff? This saddlebag-style pack has reflective accents and is adjustable to fit your dog perfectly, which is why it’s our pick for best dog backpacks for hiking. The four pockets expand to fit more stuff when he wants to bring more gear along. The harness is made out of breathable mesh to help keep your dog comfortable. Dog hiking packs allow your dog to store his water dish, food, treats, poop bags, medical kit and any other necessities himself.
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Best Dog Hiking Boots: My Busy Dog Review
Protecting your dog’s feet is important while hiking. Weather and terrain can impact your dog’s comfort as he walks. Hiking boots are a definite must for any trek, and these are among the best dog backpacking gear. These boots have an anti-slip sole to provide your dog with stability and traction. They also protect the paws from hot surfaces and sharp objects like thorns. The boots are water resistant, so your dog’s paws will be kept dry and warm. Make sure to acclimate your dog to the boots inside the house several times before going on a hike.
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Adapting Your Dog to Boots
Your dog may need some help adjusting to his boots at first. Have him wear them around the house and gradually increase the time. Just watch the video below of these dogs walking funny in their boots.
Dog Camping Tent: Petego Umbra Pet House Review
This tent for your dog is versatile in that it can be used in the car or outdoors. It has an umbrella mechanism to make setting the tent up easy and breaking it down fast. The mesh vents are claw proof, so if your dog likes to scratch around, this tent will hold up. It packs into a messenger style bag for easy storage and carrying. It also includes a rain cover to keep your pup dry during a rain storm. This tent doesn’t have any padding on the bottom. We recommend getting a pad or tarp to place underneath to prevent your dog from losing too much body heat to the ground.
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Dog Camping Gear List
Below is a list of 16 things you should bring with you when your camping with your dog.
- Water/food dishes
- Food and treats
- Water
- Leash
- Collar with tags
- Reflective vest/glow sticks: to help your dog be more visible at night
- First aid kit and book
- Boots
- Backpack for dog
- Brush: in case you need to remove burrs, leaves, etc. from your dog’s fur
- Stake: to attach leash to and keep your dog within range while you are busy setting up camp and cooking
- Hand wipes, paper towels, carpet spray: many dogs get car sick, so it’s best to plan ahead so you can take care of it immediately
- Poop bags
- Towel: in case your dog hops in the water for a swim or gets muddy
- Toys
- Tent
Make Sure Your Dog Is Allowed
Keep in mind that not all camping locations and hiking trails are dog-friendly. Be sure to do your research ahead of time, so you and your pup don’t show up uninvited. My husband and I have a goal of visiting all of the National Parks and here are seven that are dog-friendly. Perhaps these are among the parks you’d like to visit as well!
What’s your dog’s “must have” when camping or hiking?
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1 Comment on "The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking, Hiking and Camping With Your Dog"
I just got a dog and love hiking so excited to take him on the trails this summer!