Dog Hiking Gear

With the right preparation and planning, yes, it’s more than okay! We always recommend checking in with your vet if you're just getting started to cover any questions that are specific to your dog's health. And be sure that you’ve equipped them with the right hiking gear for dogs to keep them comfortable, hydrated, and wagging on the trail.

It may seem daunting at first, but getting out and exploring nature is a great way to spend time with your companion. And with the right dog hiking gear, it can be a breeze. Before you go, get all the details on how to hike with a dog. Learning how to plan, pack, and make sure you have all the right hiking gear for your dog can make a world of difference in your time on the trail together.

One of the most important pieces of dog hiking gear is a leash to keep your companion connected to you. Many trails require dogs to be on-leash at all times to protect the local flora and fauna, so be sure to bring one, even if you don’t think you’ll run into other dogs or hikers. A double-clip dog leash like our Switchbak™ is a great option for hiking, because it provides two light, strong, and lockable Crux Clips™ for a secure connection.

When it comes to dog backpacks, it's best to keep the total carrying weight (including the pack and its contents) under 25% of your dog's body weight. You’ll want to go even lighter if your dog is just getting used to the pack. And, as always, it's a great idea to check in with your vet to make sure your dog is old enough or healthy enough to wear a pack.

Example: For a 45-pound (20-kg) dog, their pack should weigh no more than 11.25 pounds (5 kg) including food, water, gear, and the pack itself.

Leave No Trace are our go-to pros on this topic. They recommend that dog waste be packed out in bags, like our Stash Bag Mini™ Pickup Bag Dispenser.