PetsCareLab

Hiking offers an incredible opportunity to not only provide your dog with vigorous exercise and stimulating mental engagement but also to deepen the special bond you share as you explore breathtaking landscapes side by side.

Yet, venturing out on hiking trails with your furry companion introduces unique challenges that ordinary walks don’t present—uneven terrain, fluctuating weather, limited access to fresh water, and various environmental hazards. Thoughtful preparation and planning ensure a safe, enjoyable adventure for both of you before you zip up your hiking pack.

Key Takeaways

• Equip your dog with essential hiking gear like a secure harness, durable leash, and a collapsible water bowl to keep them safe, comfortable, and well-hydrated throughout your journey.
• Opt for compact, lightweight accessories such as collapsible bowls, sturdy treat pouches, and reliable food containers that simplify transport and clean-up while hiking.
• Shield your dog’s paws from rough terrain, scorching surfaces, and cold climates using protective dog boots and nourishing paw balms.
• Stay ready for any emergencies by carrying vital dog safety gear including a GPS tracker and a comprehensive first aid kit.

What Do You Need When Hiking With Dogs?

Having the right gear transforms hiking with your dog into a safe, smooth, and fun-filled experience. Beyond the basics of a secure leash and collar, consider adding hiking-specific items like a GPS tracker for peace of mind, protective dog boots to guard paws, and even dog-friendly sunscreen.

Before you hit the trail, ensure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date, including flea, tick, and heartworm preventives. Bring along a copy of their medical records in case you need to seek help while far from home.

Best Dog Hiking Harness

A reliable dog harness is pivotal in your hiking gear lineup—it offers a sturdier and safer restraint than a simple collar, which is crucial for challenging outdoor environments.

Harnesses also enhance comfort during long treks, especially for dogs prone to leash pulling, reducing strain on their neck and allowing freer movement.

For example, Petscarelab’s Voyager Harness features an ergonomic design with broad coverage to ensure a secure yet breathable fit. Its vibrant colors and reflective strips boost visibility in low-light conditions. Available in multiple sizes, it’s user-friendly and budget-conscious.

Another excellent option is the Comfort Padded Dog Harness, designed with adjustable straps for a snug fit and an internal ID label for contact information—essential should your dog slip free during a hike.

Pair your harness with a sturdy, weather-resistant leash of suitable length to maintain control on uneven trails. Look for ergonomic handles for comfort and features allowing hands-free use.

Petscarelab’s Premium Outdoor Adventure Leash boasts a comfortable grip and comes in bright, reflective colors. Its durable construction withstands all weather and the pull of enthusiastic dogs.

Alternatively, the Rugged Reflective Leash offers robust rope material and a secure carabiner, perfect for safety in rugged terrain. At six feet, it offers ideal control without limiting freedom.

Best Dog Water Bowl

Keeping your dog hydrated is crucial on your outdoor adventure. Choose collapsible water bowls crafted from durable, easy-to-clean materials like silicone for convenience.

The Popware Travel Bowl by Petscarelab collapses compactly and includes a carabiner clip to attach easily to your backpack, minimizing the risk of misplacement. It’s available in multiple sizes and shades, providing excellent value.

Similarly, the Travel Collapsible Bowl offers dual compartments for food and water. Made of robust silicone, it’s both resilient and simple to clean, ideal for hikes of any length.

Best Dog Treat Pouch

Select treat pouches made from tough, long-lasting fabric fitted with secure straps and clips to keep them firmly attached to you during walks.

The SunGrow Treat Pouch from Petscarelab is an affordable choice equipped with an adjustable shoulder strap and a clip for hands-free convenience. It even incorporates a handy built-in poop bag dispenser.

Another practical option is the H&H Pets Training Bag, featuring a lightweight nylon build with sturdy construction, a shoulder strap, and an integrated poop bag holder perfect for hands-free mobility.

Best Dog Poop Bags

Carrying dog poop bags is essential for responsible hiking. Choose bags that are thick enough to prevent leaks and tearing. Biodegradable bags add an eco-friendly touch to your outdoor routine.

Petscarelab’s Original Poop Bags are crafted from 38% plant-based materials and certified as USDA biobased products. They offer both durability and leak resistance, available in bulk sizes for savings.

The Green Lifestyle Poop Bags are made entirely from recycled materials and provide robust, leakproof performance, capable of managing large volumes of waste with environmental consideration.

Best Dog Food Storage Container

Food storage solutions for hikes must be tough, airtight, and easy to clean to protect your dog’s nourishment from spoilage and the elements.

Petscarelab’s Travel-tainer by Gamma2 combines food storage with dual feeding bowls in a sturdy, food-grade plastic container featuring a handle for easy carrying.

The Complete Travel Bowl offers a similar all-in-one system, featuring stainless-steel bowls that are easy to clean and withstand rugged outdoor use, available in varying sizes.

For a more compact option, the Kurgo Kibble Carrier Container provides a soft, lightweight bag designed for easy packing and transport.

Best Dog Boots

Protect your dog’s paws from abrasive surfaces, moisture, and harsh conditions with durable, well-fitted boots.

Ideal boots should cling snugly to avoid slipping while allowing ventilation and deliver solid traction for rugged trails.

Though a premium choice, Muttluks Winter Boots excel in cold conditions. They feature easy-zip zippers, high cuffs for snow protection, and a waterproof, breathable design, fitting various sizes comfortably.

For warmer weather, Ruffwear’s Grip Trex Boots offer a low-profile, breathable mesh design with sturdy soles for excellent grip. Hook and loop fasteners ensure a secure fit that stays comfortable, even when wet.

Best Paw Protection

Prevent irritation and injury from sand, ice, and debris by using nourishing balms made from natural, non-toxic ingredients.

Musher’s Secret balm, for instance, blends pure beeswax varieties and vitamin E to deeply condition and protect paw pads.

Vets Preferred Advanced Pad Protection uses a mineral oil and beeswax formula to guard against extreme weather and help soothe cracked or damaged pads gently and effectively.

Best Dog Sunscreen

Light-coated breeds and dogs with thin fur need protection from harmful UV rays. Choose pet-safe, non-toxic, and waterproof sunscreens to shield sensitive areas like ears, nose, and muzzle.

Divine Canine Daily Supreme+ Sunscreen nourishes with coconut oil, jojoba, aloe, and vitamin E. Its easy spray application allows precise coverage where your dog needs it most.

The Petkin SPF 15 Doggy Sun Stick is a portable stick form option with a gentle, non-greasy formula enhanced by mineral oil and beeswax for lasting water resistance.

Best First-Aid Kit

Be prepared for minor cuts, scrapes, or bites with a well-stocked dog first-aid kit packed for hiking emergencies.

The Adventure Dog Medical Kit offers essential supplies such as dressings, bandages, and antiseptic wipes inside a convenient, zippered pouch with handles for easy carry.

Kurgo’s RSG First Aid Kit is a compact, backpack-style pack equipped with over 40 first-aid items including cleansing wipes, a cold pack, gloves, and gauze rolls, ideal for on-the-go care.

Best Dog Backpack

Consider a variety of backpacks for your hiking needs—whether to carry your dog’s essentials, for your dog to carry their own gear, or to give your dog a rest with a carrier backpack.

Top dog hiking backpacks combine comfort, spaciousness, and durability to endure tough outdoor conditions.

The Mobile Dog Gear Backpack by Petscarelab features lightweight, easy-clean fabric, multiple compartments, and includes collapsible bowls, food containers, a feeding mat, and an ID tag.

The Kurgo G-Train Carrier Backpack doubles as a carrier for smaller dogs under 25 pounds and a storage pack. It’s waterproof, structurally reinforced with fiberglass rods, and converts easily to a hand carrier.

For pups carrying their own supplies, the Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack offers adjustable padded straps and girth belts to evenly distribute weight, along with stabilization features to keep gear secure and comfortable.

Best Dog Life Jacket

If you anticipate swimming or encountering water crossings during your hike, a dog life jacket is an indispensable safety item. It should fit snugly without restricting mobility and have secure fastenings.

The Outward Hound Life Jacket is adjustable, quick to fit, and equipped with reflective strips and sturdy handles for easy grasping or lifting.

The Frisco Easy On Life Jacket offers a bright yellow visibility enhancement, adjustable sizing, and flexible material that allows natural movement on land, accompanied by handles for swift intervention.

Best Dog GPS

To keep track of your dog in case they wander off the trail, a dependable GPS tracker is invaluable. Prioritize easy usability and a long-lasting battery life.

Petscarelab’s Guardian GPS + Tracker is waterproof, rechargeable, and delivers up to three days of battery life. It syncs seamlessly with mobile devices, though it requires a subscription for app access.

The Dogtra Pathfinder2 offers a four-mile tracking range, vibrant colors for visibility, a battery lasting 40-60 hours with under four hours for recharge, and it connects with smartphones and smartwatches—all without an ongoing subscription fee.

Before embarking on your hiking adventure, consult your veterinarian to confirm your dog’s fitness for the activity. Additionally, verify dog-friendly policies at your chosen trail or park to ensure a welcoming environment for your furry explorer.