When I adopted my dog, Sally, I knew she’d be the perfect hiking companion. As I got ready for some outdoor trips with her, I researched all the latest dog backpacking gear to have with us. Here are the top picks for hiking gear for dogs in each category. Being prepared with the best dog camping gear makes backpacking with dogs an enjoyable experience for everyone.
| Leash | Backpack | Hiking Boots | Tent |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| TaoTronics | Outward Hound | RuffWear | Sherpa Pet |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Best Leash For Hiking With Dog: TaoTronics Dog Leash Review
View on Amazon | View on Walmart
If you want a convenient leash for hiking, look for a hands-free option like this one from TaoTronics. It attaches to your waist, keeping your hands free to push away low-hanging branches or catch yourself if you stumble on bumpy terrain.
It adjusts to fit all adults, so you can tether your dog up to other sturdy objects like a tree or fence post. This leash has two handles for added control and a dual bungee to reduce jerking, absorbing some of the strain from your back.
Our Personal Experience With TaoTronics Dog Leash
When I started experiencing lots of shoulder pain from always walking the dogs with the same arm, I decided to try out this hands-free solution. Now, there is no going back! All my shoulder pain is gone from dog walking, and I am able to carry a water bottle too. Plus, the little pouch is great for carrying poop bags and my cell phone. I would highly recommend trying a hands-free leash if you are experiencing shoulder tightness from dog walking, so long as your dog is not too strong to risk pulling you over.
– Michelle Schenker, Rescue Dog Mom, Co-Founder Of Canine Journal
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reflective stitching | Not ideal if you have more than one dog |
| The waist clip is adjustable | |
| Comes in a variety of colors | |
| Built for dogs up to 150 lbs |
Pricing
Best Dog Hiking Backpack: Outward Hound Backpack Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
After you pack all your gear, including water and snacks, into your backpack, you might not have enough space left for your dog’s stuff. A lightweight hiking backpack allows your dog to carry their water dish, treats, poop bags, and medical supplies themselves.
This saddlebag-style pack has reflective accents and is adjustable to fit all dogs, which is why it’s my pick for the best dog backpack for hiking. It also has four pockets that expand, and the harness is made out of breathable mesh to help keep your dog comfortable.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reflective accents | Can rub dog’s skin |
| Simple to adjust | Not 100% waterproof |
| Pockets expand | Doesn’t stay on straight when not fitted properly |
| Lightweight, breathable mesh | |
| Easy to clean |
Pricing
- Starts at: $32.99
Best Dog Hiking Boots: RuffWear Grip Trex Booties Review
RuffWear’s Grip Trex high-performance dog shoes are among the most durable you’ll find. They’re made for hiking rough terrain, but they’re also effective for heat protection. RuffWear’s boots have rubber gripped souls to prevent slips, and breathable mesh fabric on the upper part of the shoe provides plenty of ventilation.
They’re also easy to put on with a secure Velcro system. The inside is rubber, so you’ll need socks to go with them. These tough booties come in a variety of sizes and in three stylish colors.
My First-Hand Experience With Dog Boots
I use dog hiking boots on Sally when the weather is too hot or too cold. She always walks a little funny in them when we first put them on her, but after a few minutes, she begins to move more normally. I like using boots on her so the extreme weather doesn’t hurt her paw pads. They’re also helpful to use when she’s walking over areas with ice melt on them because not all ice melt is pet-friendly. I notice if we don’t use the boots on her during extreme weather, she spends 10 minutes after our hike/walk licking her paws. I assume she does this because they’re a bit tender. I feel terrible and ensure we use the boots next time.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Anti-slip outsole is rugged and durable | On the pricier side |
| Protection from hot and cold surfaces & sharp objects | The upper part of the boot isn’t waterproof (but it does keep snow out) |
| Water-resistant sole and toe | |
| Easy to put on (and keep on) | |
| 4 boots are available in a variety of colors and sizes | |
| Machine washable |
Pricing
- Starts at – $39.95
Dog Camping Tent: Sherpa Pet Playpen & Kennel For Dogs Review
Your dog deserves their own canine cabin. That’s where dog tents come in handy on hikes. This tent breaks down and is set up quickly with a pop-up design and umbrella mechanism. No tools are required.
The vents are breathable and 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 rainstorm.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy setup and tear down | May want a pad or something to cushion the bottom for them |
| Durable, sturdy | The screen doesn’t allow tons of airflow |
| Great travel crate | |
| Lightweight |
Pricing
- Starts at: Check Amazon for availability
How Many Miles Can You Hike With A Dog?
This is a question that comes up fairly often, and the answer depends on the specific circumstances. Larger breeds can cover more distance than smaller breeds, and some breeds, like Pugs and French Bulldogs, are prone to breathing issues, which limits how far they can walk.
Larger, healthy breeds like Golden Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, and Labradors can cover more ground, while the tiny Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier takes much smaller steps, and ends up walking much farther. Terrain and weather also factor in, as rough terrain can injure their feet, and hot temperatures can lead to heatstroke.
Most daily walks should be around one to two miles a day to start out. You can slowly increase the amount as your dog gets more skilled. A healthy adult dog of medium to large size can physically handle 20 to 30 miles a day, but that is extreme. Most healthy dogs can cover five to ten miles a day, but not every day. Puppies cannot go as far as they are still growing, and too much physical exercise can interfere with that. Puppies should only walk one or two miles until they reach about 20 months. Older dogs may have bone and joint issues and should not walk as far.
How far your dog can hike in a day depends on:
- Age
- Health
- Breed & Size
- Terrain
- Weather
Learn more about how long and often to walk your dog in our detailed dog walking guide.
Dog Hiking & Camping Gear List
Below is a list of 16 items of dog hiking gear you should bring when camping with your dog.
- Water and food bowl
- Food and treats
- Water & water bottle
- Leash
- Collar with tags
- Reflective vest/glow sticks: to help your dog be more visible at night
- First aid kit and book
- Boots for pavement and winter dog boots (in colder climates)
- Backpack for dog
- Brush: in case you need to remove burrs, leaves, etc. from your dog’s fur
- Stake: attach your leash to and keep your dog within range while you’re 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 hiking trails and camping spots are dog-friendly. Be sure to do your research beforehand so you and your pup don’t show up uninvited. For instance, while you might assume that National Parks are dog-friendly, they aren’t always, so check in advance. Check out our guide to trail etiquette for dogs to be sure you keep your pup on their best behavior when out on the trail.
7 Tips For Hiking & Camping With Dogs
- See the vet beforehand to make sure Fido is fit for the activity and is up to date on vaccinations
- Know the rules of the area
- Pack lots of water
- Keep your dog leashed
- Take breaks in the shade
- Do not leave your dog unattended
- Check your dog after every hike for injuries, ticks, burrs, etc.
Dog Hiking Tech Accessories
Hiking with a dog is fun but can be stressful unless you are prepared. Now that you know the best hiking gear for dogs, do you want to make your dog an even more tech-savvy hiker? Why not track your dog’s activity while hiking? It’s fun to see how many steps they get in and make sure they get enough exercise regularly (not just while on hikes). Another pro tip is to get a dog GPS tracker. That way, if your pup gets off their leash, you’ll be able to find them in the wilderness.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Kimberly has written about various dog-related topics, such as pet insurance, health conditions, treats, training, treats, and more. She researched hiking gear for dogs with the best performance and the lowest price. She consulted with other Canine Journal members to learn more about the dog hiking gear they use and how it performs. Kimberly spent over 8 hours researching and writing this article. She works with a dedicated, knowledgeable team to provide the most up-to-date information for their readers.
