Heading out on a hiking or camping trip with your pup is one of the best ways to create unforgettable memories together. We absolutely love getting out on the trail with our dog Royce — but if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it all starts with being prepared. Whether you’re out for a quick day hike or taking on a multi-night backcountry escape, having the right gear isn’t just helpful—it’s a game-changer. We’ve put together the ultimate packing list for hitting the trails with your four-paw friend, filled with everything you’ll need to keep them comfortable, safe, and ready for whatever your adventure brings. Let’s make this trip one to remember—for both you and your furry friend!

The Basics (Hiking & Camping)

Sometimes the smaller things are the ones that can be overlooked. Over the years, we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that a little extra planning can make all the difference in keeping your pup safe, happy, and ready to explore. Think durable leashes that can stand up to your dog chasing a squirrel, collapsible water bowls for quick hydration breaks, and bright or reflective wear that keeps your dog visible if the weather turns or the sun dips below the horizon. With the right prep, you’ll both be ready to tackle the great outdoors, tails wagging and all! Here’s our list of must-have essentials:

• Collar & Harness: A comfortable, secure collar is essential for keeping your dog safely attached to the leash. When hiking a harness distributes weight evenly and provides additional support during steep climbs.
• Leash: Always bring a reliable leash and pack an extra—just in case. We love this Hitch Hiker two-in-one leash by Ruffwear that doubles as a hitching system that is perfect for campsites. We recommend bringing both a regular leash and a traffic leash for different situations.
• Identification Tag or Microchip: Ensure your dog’s tag is up-to-date, including your phone number and other relevant details. When camping, we also add a tag with our camping site number to Royce’s collar in case he gets separated.
• Water & Collapsible Bowl: Keeping your dog hydrated is essential. Bring enough water for both you and your pup. We recommend using a collapsible bowl— easy to store and convenient for feeding and watering your dog on the go. We use this set from Amazon and it works great.
• Food: Pack enough dog food for the entire trip, preferably in waterproof containers to keep it fresh. Be sure to take into account the weight of the food for the entire trip – dog food isn’t light!
• Canine First Aid Kit: A comprehensive pet first aid kit should include essentials like Neosporin, stool firmers, and tick removers. It also can’t hurt to bring flea and tick spray, and vet wrap for emergencies.
• Reflective Gear & Clothing: It’s critical to make sure your dog is always visible with a reflective jacket, collar, leash, or a small light for low-light situations. Depending on the weather, bring dog-friendly clothing such as a rain jacket or cooling jacket/coat to regulate temperature.
• Poop Bags & Holder: Always pack extra poop bags and a holder for easy access. We love these citrus scented ones!
• Safety Lights: Attach safety lights to your dog’s gear to improve visibility at night. We use this pair that we attach to Royce’s vest.
• Dog Booties: Protect your dog’s paws from sharp rocks, hot surfaces, or rough terrains.
• Toys: Keep your dog engaged and entertained with their favorite toys during breaks and downtime. Dog Training Bumpers are especially useful when visiting areas where your dog can play in the water. Royce LOVED playing with this in areas he could swim such as Crescent Lake in Olympic National Park and Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park.
• Dog Shower/Paw Cleaner: Essential for rinsing off your pup after a muddy trail or river dip.

Hiking-Specific Gear

Hiking with Royce is one of our favorite ways to explore nature and create unforgettable memories, but let’s face it—trail adventures can come with their fair share of challenges. With the right prep and a little extra care, you and your dog can take on any trail, making every hike as smooth and enjoyable as it is memorable. Here are a few things you should bring specifically for hiking:

• Dog Booties: Ideal for rough terrains and rocky trails.
• Hiking Harness: Distributes weight evenly and provides additional support during steep climbs.
• Emergency Dog Rescue Sling: Provides support and mobility for dogs in need during emergencies or difficult situations, making it easier to carry and assist them safely through challenging terrains.

Camping-Specific Gear

During our 7-day camping trip with Royce in Glacier and Olympic National Park, we quickly realized how important it is to set up a cozy sleeping area, keep their food protected from the elements, and make sure they’re securely managed at the campsite. The LAST thing anyone wants is to arrive to an unfamiliar campsite unprepared, and camping with a dog comes with its own set of challenges. With the right setup, Royce was able to rest comfortably, allowing us both to fully enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. Preparing ahead ensures my pup stays warm, well-fed, and ready for the next adventure, no matter where we go!

• Waterproof Food Bag: Keeps your dog’s food dry and protected from the elements.
• Tent: We use the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 5 backpacking tent and we absolutely love it. It’s not cheap, but the build quality is amazing and it strikes the perfect balance between being light enough to carry anywhere and being roomy enough for the 2 of us and Royce. Just be aware, many backpacking tents such as this one tend to have lighter fabric, so be careful your dog doesn’t tear it up!
• Hitching System: Tieout cable for safely securing your dog while camping.
• Tarp, Blanket, Foam Floor: Protects your dog’s nails from tearing the tent floor.
• Dog Pad + Sleeping Bag: Ensures a comfortable and warm sleeping arrangement for your pup.