Best Dog Hiking Gear 2022

Hiking with your dog is one of the best ways to connect with them!  Not only does it give you both the chance to explore nature, but it also ensures that they get in some exercise and burn off a little energy. 

This is some of the best hiking gear any dog owner should be packing!

Folding Water Dish

A folding water dish, along with a bottle of water, should be the first thing you pack!  Although dogs seem like they can go forever, they'll need breaks to stop and get a drink, just like we do, so it's vital you pack some liquids so they can stop and relax.  Most folding water dishes come with a carabiner, so they can easily clip to the outside of any hiking back you have.

Best Harness 

It’s vital that you don’t walk your dog on a hike without a leash.  A dog harness is the best tool you can use because it will give you complete control of your dog and will help you guide them safely through your hiking trail.  Even if you're not worried about your dog getting into trouble, they can terrorize wildlife if let off leash: so keep it on at all times.

Ideal Leash and Collar

Although your leash should stay connected to your dog’s harness, it's vital that they have a collar on as well!  This ensures that if anything happens, they can still be identified and that you have a place you can grab your dog if you need to keep them still and out of trouble.

Identification Tags Matter

Identification tags are a must!  These tags will ensure that if your dog gets away from you or you get hurt, someone can figure out who your dog belongs to and can call someone to help.  Have simple information, like your dog's name and your phone number on it.  It's a good idea to keep your dog's vaccination tags on as well, which means someone can contact your vet if they have to.

Waste Bags

Don't leave anything behind on the trail!  Bring waste bags for your dog.  You don't have to buy the rolls of bags if you don't want to; using plastic shopping bags is another great option since it's generally free, and you can simply throw them away after.  

A Pup First Aid Kid

A dog first aid kit and a human first aid kit are incredibly similar.  For your dog, you'll still need gauze, tape, rubber gloves, antibiotic ointment, hydrogen peroxide, and water: but there are other things you'll need just in case.  This means vaccination records and emergency numbers, a towel, wet wipes, and treats to help calm your pup down if something happens.  Your dog deserves to be happy and healthy; a first aid kit ensures they can be.

Your Dog Deserves Fun Exercise!

Whether this is your first time taking your dog hiking, or you simply want to change how you do it: these items can change everything about your hike!  Consider packing some of this gear on your next pup hike.