Best Dog Hiking Gear: 15 Essential Supplies for Hiking With Dogs

How We Chose These Products

Hiking with your dog is all about experiencing what nature has to offer together, and the right dog hiking gear can help get you on the trails faster and with more confidence. That’s why we consulted our experts, who spend tons of time with their own pets outdoors, to understand what types of products are needed for hiking with dogs. Then, we combed through Chewy’s best-selling products to bring you only those that have a minimum rating of 4 stars from customers. This way, you can be sure you’re getting dog hiking gear that is pet-tested and pet parent–approved.

What Do I Need To Go Hiking With a Dog?

Now that you know what the best gear is for your next hiking trip with your dog, let’s walk through the different types of dog gear in more detail to better understand how they can improve safety and comfort, and simply make the experience more enriching and enjoyable for you both.

Dog Harness

Always ensure your dog has a well-fitted harness that doesn’t inhibit their natural gait or range of motion, says Schultz. Be mindful of harnesses with a horizontal strap in front that could inhibit a dog’s shoulder extension, which could prove tricky while maneuvering across terrain on hikes, she adds. A harness with a handle on the back is a nice option if you think you may need to hoist your dog over or up something on the trail, as well.

Portable Water Bowl or Bottle

Hydration for you and your dog throughout your hike is essential, so products that provide easy access to drinking water are a must. “A general rule of thumb for dogs—without strenuous activity in mind—is to drink approximately 1 oz. of water per pound of body weight per day,” says Maggie Peikon, manager of communications at American Hiking Society, who hikes weekly with her dog, Finley, a 10-year-old Standard Schnauzer. “With hiking in mind, you’ll want to be sure you have more than enough water to accommodate your dog’s needs during a physically demanding outing.” A collapsible dog bowl is a great space-saving solution, and water bottles with good leak protection or those with a spout for easy drinking are smart choices as well.

Leash

Whether you opt for a longer lead to give your dog a little sense of freedom or the trail rules or environment necessitate a short leash, choosing a style that is well-made and sturdy is important when hiking with your dog. “A leash with a strong clip is always a good idea,” says Peikon. “You never know what you may encounter on the trail, and ensuring your dog’s safety is essential.” For hikes and other outdoor activities, some pet parents opt for a hands-free leash that wraps around their waist or chest to keep their own hands free, but if your dog tends to pull on a leash this may not be the best choice, she says.

Food and Snacks

Water. Check. Food. Check. For longer hikes or if you know your dog may need a little savory encouragement, packing a small baggie with kibble or some treat isn’t a bad idea. You know how the hunger pangs thwart even the best-laid plans, so don’t get caught out midway through a hike with a grumbling stomach—and that goes for either of you. A small reusable baggie or a travel dog food container should do the trick.

Poop Bags

“Always remember to leave no trace,” says Peikon, referring to the initiative to keep nature in its, well, natural state. That includes granola bar wrappers from you and poop and waste-filled bags from your pup. In addition to making sure you have plenty of poop bags, consider adding something to your pack to carry the used waste bags out of the park, says Peikon.

“Not all trails will have garbage bins, so having a way to carry out your dog’s waste, such as a carabiner clip or this pouch bag from KONG, is essential—leaving it on the side of the trail is not an option,” she says. (You never want to leave waste on the ground, as that could spread bacteria or disease; not to mention, it’s unpleasant for fellow hikers.)

Other Dog Hiking Gear To Consider

These are a few other nice-to-have items to consider adding to your cart before checkout:

• Dog bug spray: A mosquito repellent may come in handy in dense, or humid, environments. This one from Vet’s Best comes highly rated by Chewy customers.
• GPS tracker: If you’re interested in keeping an eye on your dog’s movement for fitness purposes or mileage on the trail, a GPS activity tracker could be a handy tool. Just don’t rely on these gadgets instead of recall cues when you need your dog to return to you, as they need cellphone service to work—a limited commodity while hiking, says Schultz.
• Tent: A tent is a must if you’re planning to hike to a campsite for an overnight in the backcountry. Bring a foldable dog mat or thin dog bed for your dog to sleep on alongside your sleeping bag inside the tent with you, says Schultz. This travel dog bed from Frisco by Chewy is a good option.
• Light-up collar: In low-lit areas, during dusk or at night, an easy-on, easy-off light-up collar is a great way to keep your pup in sight. This rechargeable LED collar from Blazin is one option to try.

Benefits of Hiking With Your Dog

In addition to the obvious physical benefits, hiking with your dog also has mental health benefits.

“When we travel [or] go someplace new, we feel refreshed and invigorated when we get back,” says Schultz. The same is true for our dogs. “For a dog, who typically only gets to walk around their neighborhood and smell the same mailboxes every day, it just changes things up for them,” she says.

Plus, it’s a chance to strengthen your relationship, says Peikon. “Hiking provides social benefits, both for you and your pet, to bond through quality time together and for your pet to experience social interactions with other hikers and hiking dogs,” she says.

Tips for Hiking With Dogs

• Start small. “The best way to start hiking with your dog is simply to head out and go,” says Peikon. But you want to “start small, start local and see how the experience goes.” The life stage of your dog can impact the distance, terrain and elevation they can safely hike, as well, says Schultz. Puppies and seniors shouldn’t be on strenuous or lengthy trails.
• Double-check that a trail is dog-friendly. Ask local guides and browse forums for images and insider info, says Schultz. A trail may be labeled dog-friendly because it allows dogs, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the terrain is suitable for dogs (think: extreme inclines, steep drop-offs or very rocky trails). While you’re researching, “ensure that you know the leash laws in the area, and adhere to them,” adds Peikon. “This is for your safety, your dog’s safety, the safety of other hikers and their pets, as well as the environment you’re hiking and the wildlife that call it home.”
• Always be prepared. Have a plan for the unexpected, such as if your dog is injured. Pack a portable first aid kit, and “always have a plan for how to carry your dog off a trail during a hike,” says Schultz. She recommends having (and practicing with) a dog rescue harness on hand, which has a sling-like design to hold a dog’s weight with straps to carry the dog like a backpack. You may also want to pack some extra kibble for them and a snack for you to maintain energy as the miles increase. Plus, “you have to think about the weather where you’re hiking,” says Schultz. “Is your dog going to need a jacket or a coat? I’m also a big fan of cooling jackets or a bandana [for hot days].”

Have more hiking questions? Check out this ultimate guide to hiking with dogs, which covers everything from finding a dog-friendly trail to safety tips to trail etiquette.

Hiking With Dogs FAQs

Q: Is it OK to take a dog hiking?

A: Yes, but there are some caveats. Before heading out, make sure your dog is physically capable and up for a hike (get a vet’s opinion if you have questions), and build up their cardiovascular stamina before venturing out for a lengthy trail, says Schultz. And don’t forget about practical factors like checking for inclement weather, dog-friendliness of a trail, and even local hunting or wildlife seasons, she adds. Everything look good? Happy trailing!

Q: How many miles can you hike with a dog?

A: There’s no hard-and-fast rule for how many miles your dog can safely hike. It really comes down to the physical conditioning of your dog, says Schultz. How conditioned (think: endurance, strength, orthopedic health, their paw pads, etc.) a dog is will help determine the distance they can travel. But climate, terrain and elevation all make a difference, too, she says. And when in doubt, “less is always better until you build up their stamina,” she says.

Q: Do dogs like going on hikes?

A: Not all dogs will enjoy hiking, and some may start out strong but have their limits. The key to knowing where your dog falls is being attuned to their stress signals, says Schultz. Typical signs include yawning, trembling, lip licking and not wanting to move. Your dog may stop, sit or even lie down on the trail if they don’t want to continue on, she says. The bottom line: If hiking isn’t your dog’s thing, never force them.

Q: How to carry your dog on a hike?

A: If you’re interested in carrying your dog during a hike in a backpack, for example, you should make a few key considerations, says Schultz. Are you physically able to carry your dog? Larger breeds will certainly be more difficult to carry for longer periods, not to mention they will likely be quite uncomfortable, she says. “Dogs’ bodies are designed to be horizontal,” she says. “We’re asking them to be vertical in a backpack.” So, you’d want your dog to be able to comfortably sit in a carrier or backpack that has strong support and padding. If you have a smaller dog who can move around comfortably in a well-designed, joint-friendly backpack, you can test it out on shorter distances at first, and go from there, says Schultz. Otherwise, stick to what distance they can cover on foot or leave them at home.

Ready to hit the trails with your pup? Feel prepped and ready for anything with our “best of” list for all your dog hiking gear needs, so you both have a safe and enjoyable time in the Great Outdoors. Looking for your next adventure? Check off some epic destinations from these best dog-friendly hikes in all 50 states.

Expert input provided by Maria Christina Schultz, CCFT, owner of Maria Christina K9 Training based in central Virginia; and Maggie Peikon, manager of communications at American Hiking Society, based in Moab, Utah.