Must-have dog hiking gear for outdoor adventures

Mountain peaks, hidden trails, and lush forests are waiting to be explored on both two legs and four! If you're an outdoor enthusiast and a proud dog owner, then you already know that the best adventures are the ones you share with your furry friend. Gone are the days of boring walks around the block or the same old routine in the local park. It's time to enjoy the great outdoors with your four-pawed pal by your side, and that means equipping your furry sidekick with top-of-the-range dog hiking gear so they can keep up with your wild expeditions. This guide to hiking gear for dogs has got you covered for outdoor adventures of all kinds, from scaling rocky terrains to hitting the trails, and even spending starry nights under the open sky! Faithful friends will be decked out in the snazziest dog backpack gear one minute and camping out under the stars in their very own tent the next. With the right dog hiking gear, you and your pooch pal can explore every nook and cranny of the natural world. Adventure awaits - are you and your pup ready?

Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack

Available in sizes for extra small dogs through to larger breeds, this handy dog hiking pack can be filled with everything you need for a day hiking or even a night or two camping with your dog outdoors. It has plenty of pockets for furry friends to bring treats and poop bags, but remember that dogs should never carry more than 25% of their own body weight (including the weight of the dog pack). The frame of the backpack is padded for comfort and can be adjusted at five different points to find the perfect fit for your pup. With two leash attachment points, additional loops on the outside to attach further hiking gear to, and a reflective trim to keep pups safe when it’s dark outside, this is one of the most popular dog hiking backpacks for outdoor adventures. If you’re looking for a little more versatility, the Ruffwear Palisades Dog Pack has removable saddlebags and a bit of extra space.

MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle

Keeping hydrated is key when you’re out and about with your four-pawed pal, but most pups haven’t quite got the hang of drinking out of a water bottle without spilling it everywhere! This water bottle is an essential piece of dog backpacking gear; it’s leakproof, durable, and compact, making it perfect for traveling and outdoor adventures. It’s a dog water bottle and a bowl in one - simply press the button to fill the bowl with water. Plus, if your furry friend doesn’t lap up every last drop, just press the button again to let the water flow back into the bottle so you’ve got enough for the rest of the day. 

Dog First Aid Kit

Unfortunately, accidents can happen anywhere, but when you’re out in the wilderness it can be even more of a concern. This handy dog first aid kit comes with the following: 

• x2 Alcohol Wipes
• x2 Crepe Bandages
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Micropore Tape
• Gloves
• Emergency Blanket
• x2 Wide open Weave Bandages
• x2 Melolin Dressings

It can be useful to pack a dog first aid kit in case of injury, illness, or emergency situations, but remember that it’s not a substitute for professional vet care. In serious or uncertain cases, it’s always best to consult a vet for proper guidance and treatment. 

Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness

Ruffwear produces some of the best hiking gear for dogs, and that’s why it features more than once on this list of dog hiking gear. These heavy-duty dog harnesses are padded with foam for comfort and have four adjustable straps. There are two leash attachments, one at the center of the dog’s back for everyday walks, and one on the chest to relieve pressure for pups that pull on the leash. It also features an ID pocket for dog tags, reflective strips, and a light loop to boost visibility in the dark. 

Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Dog Leash

Keep your hands free for running and scrambling over rocks with this hands-free dog leash. The four-foot leash clips easily onto the adjustable waist belt allowing for freedom of movement and better control over your furry friend. The shock-absorbing bungee rope minimizes the risk of injury for both you and your pooch, and the bright reflective stitching shows up after dark. It ticks all the boxes for outdoor adventures! 

Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar 

Follow your furry friend as they venture off the beaten track with this GPS dog collar, and track every step they take in lost dog mode. It’s solid, chew-proof, and has a quick-release buckle to keep your pooch pal safe when on the go. As well as enabling you to keep track of your furry friend, pet parents can use this collar to record the number of steps their Fido is taking, monitor their sleeping patterns, and ensure they get the correct balance of activity, rest, and sleep.

Collapsible Dog Bowl

Having a water bottle with a bowl attached isn’t for everyone, and this collapsible dog bowl is just as handy for when you’re on the go. It’s made from thick, durable silicone and is FDA-approved, lightweight, and dishwasher-safe. It can be clipped to a backpack or collapsed and tucked away into a pocket, ready to assemble in just a few seconds. 

Illumiseen LED Dog Collar

Keep your pooch pal safe when adventuring in low-light conditions with this LED dog collar. Choose from six colors and two adjustable sizes, and change the light mode from rapid flashing to slow and steady with just the click of a button. After five hours of continuous use, simply recharge the battery with a USB cable and you and your furry friend will be good to go! 

Alcott Pup Tent

If your adventures are taking you somewhere overnight, you may be in need of some camping gear for dogs. No matter how much you love your furry friend, sharing a tent with them may not be your dream scenario, so pop your pooch pal’s favorite bed inside this cozy pup tent, and snuggle in for a night under the stars. Measuring 28 x 35 x 45 inches, it’s perfect for small-medium-sized pooches and a few dog hiking accessories, too. Ventilation panels keep the air fresh and flowing, and you can rest easy knowing your four-legged friend is safe and protected from the elements. Reviewers have pointed out that the tent does not appear to be waterproof, so we recommend keeping it under the extension of your own tent so your pup stays warm and dry.  

Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen

If your pooch pal’s prone to sun damage due to fair skin or thin fur, keeping them safe in the sun is particularly important. Vets have developed this sunscreen formula to prevent sun damage, which can result in autoimmune disorders, dermatitis, and cancer in dogs. It’s water-resistant and easy to apply, simply spray it onto sunburn-prone areas such as the face, ears, back, belly, tail, and paws, and work through the skin and coat with your hands or a brush. 

K9 Sport Sack Air 2 

Whether your pooch pal has mobility issues or your chosen mode of transport is on two wheels, with the help of this dog bag, adventures don’t have to be put on pause. Small to medium-sized dogs can keep an eye on things from up top while being securely fastened inside the bag with the safety clip and collar enclosure. A sternum strap is clipped across your chest and the durable Cordura® fabric and ventilated mesh side panels keep you and your pooch pal comfortable while out and about. Plus it’s sure to get a flurry of “awws” from passers-by! What’s not to love?!

Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots 

Made for dogs who love hiking, running, and exploring alongside their favorite humans, these dog boots protect all four paws on all sorts of terrain. The outsole is made from resilient Vibram which offers both grip and flexibility, and the tightly woven air mesh which makes up the upper part of the shoe keeps furry paws clean and comfortable. A hook-and-loop closure system fastens the boots securely around your furry friend’s legs, but it’s a good idea to check they’re properly fitted after a few minutes of running around.

Despite being equipped with all this outdoor dog gear, we know there are times when it’s not feasible to bring Fido on your expeditions. That’s where TrustedHousesitters comes in! Our in-house pet sitters take care of pooch pals and other furry friends while owners are away, meaning pet pals can enjoy all the home comforts and loving care they’re used to. Find out more about how it works or get inspired by what our members are chatting about on our community forum today!