Hiking is an activity best enjoyed with a companion, and who better to share the trails with than your four-legged friend?
If you're an avid hiker looking to bring your dog along for the adventure, you'll want to ensure both of you are well-equipped for the journey ahead.
Hiking with a dog requires some specialised gear to keep your pet safe, comfortable, and well-behaved.
From rugged leashes and harnesses to portable water bowls and first aid kits, we've got you covered with this comprehensive guide.
Read on as we review some must-have accessories that will make your next outing a rewarding experience for you and your canine companion.
Dog Hiking Gear : 11 Essentials & Optional Extras
1. Hiking Leash: Ruffwear Roamer Bungee Dog Leash
When hiking with your dog, a reliable leash is your most important bit of equipment. Keeping your dog leashed is not only important in order to comply with regulations and protect local fauna, it is also a good safety measure to protect you and your furry hiking partner.
The Ruffwear Roamer Bungee Leash is my pick for a great all-round leash. The leash is made to last out of durable material. The webbed section not only absorbs sudden shocks from eager tugs but also extends. The secondary handle is a clever addition, allowing for better control if you need to grab your dog.
What I really like about this leash is that the handle section is adjustable and can be converted into a waist belt if you want a hands-free walking experience. An added bonus is the accessory loop on the handle, perfect for keys or poop bags.
2. Dog Hiking Harness: Rabbitgoo Dog Harness
Harnesses are invaluable tools for dog owners. Compared to the traditional collar, they offer better control and reduce strain on a dog's neck. These benefits have seen a huge increase in harness popularity amongst the dog owning, hiking community.
There are some great hiking harnesses for dogs out there and our top pick is this one from Rabbitgoo. It has dual metal leash rings (back and front) which means it is also great to use on younger dogs when training to walk on a lead.
The adjustable fit with the padded 'shield' across the chest makes for a comfortable, snug fit that doesn't slide around. This harness is easy to put on and ensures a no-pull, no-choke experience. The breathable mesh and reflective strips are perfect additions, keeping your canine companion cool and visible. A solid choice for ensuring safe and comfortable walks!
3. Dog Water Bottle: MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle
Both you and your dog need to stay hydrated while out hiking. On some routes you may be lucky enough to pass streams and waterfalls but in general, you need to carry water for your dog. Dog water bottles have been designed to make it easy to access and lap up water, without having to carry around a full size water dish.
I like this portable water dispenser by MalssiPree. Its giant ice-cream scoop shape is a convenient ready-to use design instead of a collapsible bowl or a bottle that fits into the bowl. Much more convenient not to have to deal with separate pieces!
This leakproof bottle is available in two sizes (12oz or 19oz) and comes in different colors for those who like to match all their dog gear. There is a handy carry strap and the bottle fits in most car cup holders. What's really nice about this product is that you can save leftover water by holding the button and letting it run back into the bottle.
4. Dog Hiking Backpack : Kurgo Dog Saddlebag Backpack
Dog backpacks, like the Kurgo dog saddlebag backpack, enhance your outdoor adventures by allowing our four-legged friends to share the load. A dog hiking backpack is useful to store and carry other dog hiking accessories like water, poop bags, snacks and a first aid kit.
The Kurgo saddlebag backpack is suitable for medium to large dogs and is made of a durable, water-resistant polyester fabric. Working hiking dog breeds in particular seem to enjoy the sense of purpose that carrying their own bag provides.
Beyond its primary function as a backpack, the Kurgo doubles as a harness with a ring attachment for the leash. The top handle allows you to assist your pet by steadying them over tricky terrains.
5. Dog Hiking Boots: Ruffwear Grip Trex
Just as human need boots or trail shoes, your dog may benefit from some extra grip and protection for their paws. To be fair, dogs feet are a lot tougher than our own. Dog boots are only worth considering if you tend to go on longer hikes or walk on surfaces that are rough or get very hot. Dog shoes also work great in winter to keep paws snug on snow or ice.
As for choosing dog boots, I'd recommend investing in a quality set like these Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots. These are the canine equivalent of sports brand human trail shoes.
The Vibram outsole has good grip especially on slippery rocks. Despite its rugged design, the boot is flexible enough to allow natural paw movement. The tight-knit mesh keeps out unwanted dirt and debris and still allows some ventilation. Even on hotter days, your dog's feet remain dry and comfortable.
The hook-and-loop cinch closure is both sturdy and reliable, ensuring the boots remain snugly in place during intense activities. Securing the right fit is pivotal, make sure you carefully measure your dogs feet and compare to the size chart.
6. Poop Bag Dispenser: Simpletome Dog Waste Bag Dispenser
If you own a dog, you know that you can't leave home without this little piece of equipment. Waste bag dispensers mean that you are always prepared to clean up after your dog does his business. Within the hiking community, 'leave no trace' is more than just a suggestion.
Fortunately, poop-bag dispensers are inexpensive and easy to find. The Simpletome Dog Waste Dispenser is my favorite I've owned this far. I love that it is a waterproof fabric design which won't break if it accidentally gets stood on (it's happened!) The material case also doesn't make an irritating 'knocking' sound as it swings against buckles or metal parts on the collar or lead.
This dispenser also has a much stronger, stainless steel clip which doesn't detach or snap as easily as the usual plastic ones. Finally, other than bags, this little pouch is useful for storing keys or earphones.
7. First Aid Kit- Rubyloo Dog First Aid Kit
As an avid hiker who's always on the trail with my four-legged sidekick, safety is my top concern. That's why the Rubyloo Dog First Aid Kit makes such a fantastic addition to our outdoor adventures. This isn't just a regular first aid kit repackaged as a 'pet kit'; it's clear that a lot of thought went into the contents.
This vet-approved kit gives me immense peace of mind when out in the wilderness. I know I'm carrying the right supplies to take care of minor emergencies. No unnecessary or irrelevant items—just straightforward, pet-centric essentials like tick removers and extra gauze, which are much more useful than sticky bandages for my furry pal.
Contents include saline eye and wound wash and soothing insect sting relief pads. The emergency whistle and thermal blanket have been added especially for emergency situations, with outdoor adventurerers in mind.
The kit is also super portable, easily fitting into my hiking backpack. It even comes with a clip, so you can attach it directly to your pack. When not hiking, its perfect to keep in the car, because you never know when you'll need it.
The accompanying handbook is a great touch. You don't always have internet signal to be able to 'ask Google' in case of emergencies. The booklet is clear, concise, and very informative.
Lastly, it feels good to support a small business like Rubyloo. Their 'Every Dog Should Have A Home' initiative is commendable, and knowing that my purchase contributes to that makes me even more satisfied with this kit.
8. Dog Hiking Carrier
When embarking on hiking adventures with smaller dogs (with shorter legs) a dog carrier becomes essential. A dog hiking carrier lets you comfortably carry your dog when they run out of energy. Its also a great item to have for older dogs who still enjoy spending time with you outdoors but can no longer keep up the pace.
Our top pick for dog carriers is the like the Kurgo G-Train dog carrier. Catering to pets up to 25 lbs, this carrier measures 13" W x 21" H x 10" D. It provides ample room for your dog and ensuring it's still comfortable for you to carry. I comes with a hip belt and load lifter straps for adjustability and to better distribute weight.
The fabric is tough and the Armorsole bottom effectively resists water and dirt. Plus, its stain-resistant properties make cleaning straightforward.
9. Mosquito Repellent - Vet's Best Mosquito Repellent For Dogs and Cats
Pesky insects like mosquitoes can irritate your dog just as much as they do you. However, most human products are not safe for our pets. Enter Vet's Best Mosquito Repellent , a DEET-free spray designed specifically to keep those biting bugs at bay.
What sets this repellent apart is its unique blend of natural ingredients, featuring Lemongrass Oil and Geraniol sourced from Citronella plants. It offers a plant-based alternative to traditional chemical repellents, giving you peace of mind when spraying it on your pet.
The smell is pleasant and dogs don't seem to mind and it. Most importantly, it works really well in keeping off mosquitos, black flies and other flying insects. Some dogs don't like being sprayed so keep this in mind when you use it the first time and apply with care.
It's suitable for both dogs aged 12 weeks or older. The spray also works on cats so its a good investment if you have multiple pets. Reapply every two hours or as needed for optimal protection. It's perfect for long hikes where you and your pet might be exposed to mosquito-infested areas like wetlands.
Made in the USA, Vet's Best Mosquito Repellent upholds the brand's reputation for high-quality, plant-based pet care products that have been trusted for over 30 years.
10. Car Seat Cover - URPOWER Dog Seat Cover
As an avid hiker, there's nothing better than taking my furry best friend with me. Unfortunately, I have a small car and a large dog that dives in to any and every muddy puddle. The journey back home can be a muddy, hairy mess and it takes it's toll on my vehicles interior. It took me far too long to discover the benefit of a good seat cover like the URPOWER Dog Seat Cover.
The URPOWER cover stands out because it's not just a seat cover but also a dog hammock with side flaps. These flaps protect your car doors from scratches and make it a little easier for older dogs to get in and out.
The zipper feature on the flaps makes it extremely versatile, allowing you to convert it into a bench seat cover or even a trunk cargo liner. These zip-up flaps also allow you to secure your dog in the back seat and prevent most mud and hair spilling out into the rest of the car. This cover is designed to fit most cars, trucks, and SUVs.
The waterproof and wearproof four-layer fabric does a fantastic job of shielding your seats. Say goodbye to painstakingly scrubbing mud or liquid spills from your backseat! The cover can be installed or removed in seconds, and maintaining it is as easy as wiping it down with a damp cloth or using a vacuum cleaner.
The non-slip backing and adjustable strap anchors work in unison to ensure your dog won’t slip or slide around. The package even includes a dog seatbelt for extra security.
