Now that the weather is warm, folks are flocking to the outdoors. Between visiting a national park, state parks, and local trails, there are tons of places to get out and enjoy nature. If you're a pet owner, hiking with a dog is a great way to get some exercise in for both you and your furry friend.
But before we can say happy trails to you and your pups, read up on some common pre-hike precautions to take, and learn more about the best dog hiking gear we've tested and approved ahead of your next outdoor adventure.
Check the trail or park website for dog restrictions. Many national and state parks have strict rules on where dogs can be. Some only allow pups on paved roads, in campsites or in parking lots, while others have designated trails that dogs can be on. Trails that allow dogs usually have a six foot leash rule, so don't show up without a lead or with a long line, even if your pup is trained.
Check the weather and prepare accordingly. If it's going to be over 85 degrees Fahrenheit, plan to bring dog boots. The ground gets significantly hotter than the air temperature, so your pup can burn their paws on almost any surface — even dirt — during the summer months. You'll also want to pack enough water for you and your pup to stay hydrated, and bring sunscreen for both of you if you'll be in direct sun. Dogs can get sunburn too!
Bring plenty of water, treats, and food if you'll be out for a long time. This one is pretty self-explanatory, but be sure to bring plenty of dog treats, food, and water to keep your hiking buddy going for the full hike.
Get your dog accustomed to their gear ahead of time. If you'll be using boots, a new harness, or a dog backpack, make sure you get your dog used to their gear in the weeks leading up to your hike. Practice positive association games with tasty treats so they learn to love their boots and backpack.
Start out slow. If your dog has never hiked before, plan to do an easy, short hike for your first go. You'll be able to build up length and difficulty the more you hike together, but don't go too hard the first time, or you might end up carrying a tired pup back to the car.
As we noted in our Best Camping Gear for Dogs roundup, your pooch doesn't need boots to head out on the trail, but they can help greatly reduce the risk of paw injuries and help with traction on slippery sections of the hike. For dog owners who want to hike during the summer, remember that if the air temperature is over 85 degrees Fahrenheit, most surfaces, even dirt, will be too hot for your dog's paw pads. Hot ground temperatures can cause blisters on dog's paws if exposed for too long, so play it safe and opt for a pair of dog boots.
A pair of boots will also protect from paw injuries that are common for outdoorsy dogs. Pups can rip paw pads, step on sharp sticks, rocks, or stray glass, and can even break their nails while hiking, so protecting their feet with boots will save you the stress of dealing with a paw injury later on.
Don't plan on busting out the dog boots for the first time before a long hike, though. Not all dogs take to boots quickly, and your pup may refuse to walk or try to take their boots off the first time you try them out. Practice wearing the boots in the weeks leading up to your first outdoor outing, and be sure to bribe, I mean, desensitize your dog to boots with lots of tasty snacks.
This might be a no-brainer, but adhering to leave no trace principles is of utmost importance when you're in the outdoors with a dog. Every dog owner needs to remember that dogs can disrupt the natural flow of nature, so be sure to pick up any dog poop, keep your pup away from wildlife, and don't allow them to dig anywhere on the trail. Following leave no trace and being a responsible pet owner keeps outdoor recreation spots beautiful and accessible for future generations of pets and hikers.
As an avid hiker, Miso (that's my dog) helped me test every single piece of dog hiking gear in our list of the best hiking gear for dogs. Read on to get our gear review for each and see what we have loved the most after hitting the trail again and again:
Last summer I stuck to a collar and a leash for our hiking setup, but this year I upgraded my dog to the Ruffwear Web Master Harness(opens in a new tab) — and it's literally been a lifesaver. On my most recent hike, there was a section of scrambling that was nearly vertical and thanks to this hiking harness, I was able to lift and support my dog up the hardest parts. If you're planning on doing any moderate or intense hikes (or if you have a smaller pup who might need a boost) a harness with a handle is a must, and this is one of our favorites.
With five different adjustment points, it's easy to get a perfect fit and even easier to get on and off. The chest panel is nicely padded which keeps your dog comfortable all day (even when you have to pick them up multiple times). This isn't the most lightweight harness on the market, but it's a great all-purpose one that works for on-the-go pups heading out on everything from a neighborhood walk or a strenuous hike.
Harnesses can be bulky and hot, and most don't have front D rings for discouraging pulling. The Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Harness(opens in a new tab) is the complete opposite — it's super lightweight, low-profile, and is designed as a no-pull harness with a martingale section and D ring on the chest panel. The best feature of this harness, though, is the ridiculously sturdy magnetic buckle, which stays secure when closed and makes for easy on and off on the go. All of Atlas Pet Company's dog gear is also backed by a lifetime warranty, and they cover repair costs even if your pup accidentally chews it up or destroys it.
Paw injuries are super common in the outdoors, so keep your pup going all day with a pair of Ruffwear boots(opens in a new tab). Not only will they reduce the risk of cuts, scrapes, and broken nails on the trail, they'll also keep your pup's paw pads cool and give them added traction. The Vibram outsole is as grippy as the soles of human hiking boots, so your pup will have maximum stability on the trail even if it's rough terrain.
When I hit the hiking trail or simply go for a walk with my dog in the summer, I always put these boots on to protect her paws from any hot surfaces - and we've used them for over a year with little wear. They're a little pricey, but worth the investment if you're an avid hiker or backpacker and want your pup to tag along. Note that the Grip Trex boots come in sets of two, so you'll be able to measure your dog's front and back paws and get the correct size for each.
If your hiking pal would rather go on a hunger strike than wear a pair of dog booties, Musher's Secret(opens in a new tab) can offer you some paw protection in a pinch. It's messier than a pair of boots and not as protective as dog booties, but still puts on a decent barrier from paw irritants. Beloved by dogsled teams and winter sports enthusiasts, this paw wax is especially good for protecting against snow and ice (cold-weather hiking anyone?). It can also soothe irritated paw pads post hike (but watch out if your dog licks their paws a lot, as ingesting too much wax isn't great for pups).
For folks and their pups who hit the trails for long day hikes or quick overnight backpacking trips, the Ruffwear Approach backpack(opens in a new tab) is the best way to trek with dogs. It eliminates extra weight in your pack by allowing your dog to carry their own gear efficiently, and doubles as a comfortable padded harness. The top handle of the dog pack makes it easy to give pups a boost up rocks or steep sections of the trail, while the roomy saddlebags can hold everything your dog might need in the backcountry. This newly updated design also includes a more breathable padded chassis, vertical stash pockets for easy access to heavier items (like food and water) and a neat "flopper stopper" system that keeps the saddlebags stable and close to your dog's body.
Sure, you could take a backpack on a hike, but keeping your must-have dog (and personal) items close at hand makes everything so much easier. After testing, the Wilderdog Utility Pack(opens in a new tab) is my new go-to carryall for hikes and long walks. It has three separate zippered compartments and can hold your phone, keys, wallet, dog treats, poop bags, a portable water bowl, and more. I use the middle section to hold dog snacks, and the separation keeps food residue off of my other items.
The front of this pack features a handy poop bag dispenser, and the inner lining is completely water resistant so treat grease won't seep through. The entire construction feels durable yet lightweight and is ideal for keeping treats accessible during structured training walks and long hikes alike.
At only 12 grams, this is one of the lightest travel dog bowl on the market. The Lifetime Bowl(opens in a new tab) is foldable and easily packable, complete with a clip for hanging it on your backpack or a leash. You could also hang it from a D-ring on your dog's harness and they probably wouldn't even notice. It holds a full 24 ounces of water when expanded and fits in the palm of your hand when folded up.
As with all of Atlas Pet Company's gear, the Lifetime Bowl is backed by a sweet lifetime warranty. If it ever gets damaged, just mail it back and they'll repair it for free.
Wolfgang Man and Beast's collars are some of our favorites: they're durable, easy to put on and off, are lightweight enough for hot weather, and can hold up to outdoor adventures. We love the OverLand(opens in a new tab) and GreatEscape(opens in a new tab) designs, but there are other patterns and colors to match your gear and your pup's personality. Wolfgang also boasts matching leashes, harnesses, bandannas, and human accessories for many of their collars, so go crazy and get the full set.
These collars start at $17.95 and go up in price with size, are available in normal or martingale, and come in sizes from 12 inches all the way up to 30 inches, perfect for dogs of all sizes.
The one-size-fits-all React dual handle leash(opens in a new tab) is a fantastic fit for hiking with dogs who haven't mastered the perfect heel just yet. It features a handy traffic handle that allows you to pull your dog to your side — ideal for passing other hikers, mountain bikers, or offering a polite distance to other dogs on the trail. It'll also come in handy for reactive dogs and pups with high prey drives who tend to go after squirrels and other wildlife. The dual handle React leash is super lightweight too, so carrying it up even the steepest mountains is a breeze.
Inspired by climbing ropes (and just as durable as them), the Petco x Backcountry dog leash(opens in a new tab) is a good pick for pups who tend to pull you up the mountain while hiking. It features an expandable bungee section that absorbs shock, has a foam handle for comfortable grip, and has an extra D ring for hanging poop bags. The clip is strong and heavy-duty too, so your pups will always be secure.
You probably have some first aid equipment for yourself in your hiking pack, so why not add a kit for your furry friend too? The Trail Dog first aid kit(opens in a new tab) comes with pretty much everything you need to treat outdoor oopsies that your dog might get themselves into, including ticks, splinters, cuts, scrapes, and allergies. It all comes packed in a lightweight bag and includes a canine-focused first aid guide, in case you need to learn how to bandage up a paw or remove a tick.