The Best Hiking Gear for Dogs

Posted by Erin Ballinger

Hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors with your dog, no matter the season. Whether you’re emBARKing on a crisp and cool fall hike or a hot hike in the summer, you'll want to keep Fido safe and comfortable along the journey. Before setting out on your next outdoor adventure with your tail-wagging trekker, check out this guide to the best hiking gear for dogs.

Packs and Harnesses

It’s about time they started to carry their own weight.Photo by @kacey_theretriever

Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack

This trail pack has hundreds of “pawsitive” reviews for good reason. It’s comfortable and gets Fido excited to hit the trails while carrying his gear. Stash treats, bowls and more in the pockets and on the external gear loops. The reflective trim and a light loop keep your pup safe and provide visibility in low-light conditions in the woods.

Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack is available on Amazon.

“Look like a pro on the trails.”Photo by @rawdawgbruno

OneTigris Tactical Service Vest Harness

This durable harness is lightweight, water-resistant, and comfortable. Convenient MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) webbing along both sides accommodates a wide variety of pouches, so your canine companion can carry his own supplies. The fully adjustable neck and chest straps provide a secure fit, and the fuzzy fastener-style panels on all three sides allow you to attach an array of badges to customize the harness to fit your pooch’s personal style.

OneTigris Tactical Service Vest Harness is available on Chewy.

Carriers and Bowls

“Will hike for kibble.”Photo by @atlas_the_ridgeback

Kurgo Kibble Carrier

Packing Fido’s food is easy and convenient with this travel carrier. Although it holds up to five pounds of kibble, its smart roll-down design allows you to carry as much or as little as you’d like while keeping your pooch’s food fresh.

Kurgo Kibble Carrier is available on Amazon.

“"I know I smell treats.””Photo by @kurgo

Kurgo RSG YORM Dog Treat Bag

Your adventure pup won’t mind carrying his own treats in this bag, which can also be attached to a belt or pack with the convenient carabiner clip. It has an extra pocket that can hold keys, money and other small items, so you won’t need to bring much more on short hiking excursions.

Kurgo RSG YORM Dog Treat Bag is available on Chewy.

“Sharing is caring.”Photo by @blue_merle_huck

Collapsible Food and Water Bowls

These food and water bowls have a collapsible design that saves space and is perfect for on-the-go travel like hiking or camping. They also have carabiner clips, so they can easily be attached to your pack or other gear.

SLSON Set of 2 Collapsible Dog Bowls is available on Amazon.

Leashes

“The leashed life isn’t so bad.”Photo by @doberman_karl

RUFFWEAR - Knot-a-Leash Dog Leash

Rope leashes work great on hikes because they are extremely tough and so durable that, with normal wear and tear, they can last a lifetime. This rugged, climbing-inspired leash is made of strong, flexible rope with an interior core and woven sheath. Its reflectivity also provides visibility in low-light conditions.

RUFFWEAR - Knot-a-Leash Dog Leash is available on Amazon.

“Run, Fido, run!”Photo by @kurgo

Kurgo Quantum Hands-Free Dog Leash

Give your hands a break or easily snap photos of Fido for the ‘gram (don’t forget to tag @bringfido or #bringfido) with this hands-free leash. It can be configured in six different ways, from a 6-foot lead to an over-the-shoulder or around-the-waist leash, to a double dog walker. With a simple carabiner adjustment, the Kurgo Quantum Leash easily switches styles depending on your activity.

Kurgo Quantum Hands-Free Dog Leash is available on Chewy.

Paw Protection

“These boots were made for hiking, and that’s just what they’ll do.”Photo by @this_cruiser_flyz

Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Hiking Boots

These doggy hiking boots have rugged rubber soles to ensure a non-slip adventure, while also keeping your dog’s paws safe from the hot ground during warmer weather. Ideal for outdoor fun like backpacking, hiking, mountain biking or trail running, they'll protect Fido’s pads from whatever the trail throws at him.

Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Hiking Boots are available on Amazon.

“He stands for soft paws.”Photo by @pupculturenyc

Mushers Secret Paw Wax

This all-natural paw balm will soothe and protect your pup’s paws from the elements. Musher’s Secret Paw Wax acts as an invisible boot that forms a breathable shield against sand, hot pavement, snow and salt, so your dog can hike in any weather.

Musher’s Secret Paw Wax is available on Amazon.

Health and Safety Gear

"I’m glowing!"Photo by @doogiebum

Nite Ize PetLit LED Collar Light

Keep your pup safe and visible during nighttime hikes and walks with this lightweight and weather-resistant light that easily clips to your dog’s collar or harness. Choose from several fun colors and patterns that offer a bright LED illumination to keep your furry friend safe.

Nite Ize PetLit LED Collar Light is available on Chewy.

“No fleas on me!”Photo by @golden.bo.retriever

Wondercide Flea and Tick Spray

Wondercide Flea and Tick Spray can be sprayed anywhere, smells good and is designed to give your pet’s coat a nice shine, too. Before setting out on hikes, trips and outdoor adventures with your dog, spray up and follow our guide to surviving flea and tick season.

A 4 oz bottle of Wondercide Flea and Tick and Mosquito Control Spray is available on Amazon.

Pack all the gear, including a first aid kit.Photo by @kurgo

Kurgo Pet First Aid Kit

You never know when Fido could get a cut or sprain on one of the trails. Hopefully he won’t, but pack this pet first aid kit just in case. It's lightweight and filled with all the necessary emergency essentials.

Kurgo Pet First Aid Kit is available on Chewy.

Did we leave out your dog’s favorite hiking gear? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by @miss_indi_pendent.