Hiking with your dog is a great way to spend quality time together because it offers many benefits for you both. Not only is it a great cardiovascular and strength workout, but also a mentally enriching experience that gets both you and your pooch out of your normal routine and into the Great Outdoors and all of its beauty. Ready to hit the trail? With this comprehensive shopping guide, you’ll know exactly what to pack, and you’ll find the best dog hiking gear that other nature and dog lovers like you use.
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$60 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping -
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Best Dog Carrier Backpack for HikingK9 Sport Sack Air 2 Forward Facing Dog Carrier Backpack $75 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping$75 on ChewyFREE 1-3 day shipping
How To Find the Best Dog Hiking Gear
Before you start shopping for dog hiking gear, there are a few things to consider to help you determine what you’ll need, including what’s a must versus a want. We spoke with Maria Christina Schultz, certified canine fitness trainer and owner of Maria Christina K9 Training, who regularly hikes with her Australian Shepherds, Bodie and Willow, for advice.
- The weather: Check the temp. Will it be hot? A cooling vest may be in order. And don’t just look up what the forecast is on the day you plan to hike, but also what may have occurred in the days prior. Rain can leave muddy and slick trails, as can melting snow, in which case dog boots may be needed. Seasonality comes into play too. Verify the local hunting seasons, and even if you’re hiking in a no-hunting zone, consider putting a brightly colored vest or jacket on your pup as an extra precaution, says Schultz.
- Your dog’s physical abilities: A dog’s age and breed don’t tell the full picture, says Schultz. Consider prior injuries, temperament and current fitness level to keep your dog out of harm’s way—and to make sure they actually enjoy themselves out there. What’s more, even athletic, well-conditioned dogs may have difficulty traversing trails with high elevation gains. A dog carrier backpack may help when your dog is unable to traverse the trail, or simply to give them a break from walking.
- Trail rules: Not only do you want to confirm the trail is dog-friendly, but you’ll also want to know if dogs are expected to be leashed.
- Length of hike: How long will you be out on the trail? This will help you determine what supplies you should bring, like food, water and bowls for each.
15 Best Dog Hiking Supplies
Below is the best dog hiking gear as tested and approved by Chewy customers. These best-selling, top-rated dog hiking supplies get two paws up from dog parents like you.
Best Dog Hiking Harness
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Dogs front clip harness
Harness fits very good I had to step up from small to med due to pups growth this harness is very durable
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Be Sure to Measure Your Pup!
This is a well designed harness and is working well for my 50lb Aussie Shepherd mix. That said, no one would look at her and say she's a large dog, but according to her measurements she needed a large harness. It fits her fine, but the neck opening is just about maxed out. She's got a little room to grow (she's not quite 2, so that's good), but again, she's not a large dog. So be sure and measure!
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built to last!
been using this harness for a year and a half. it has withstood many a plunge in the lake, ocean, and spray of the hose. fits my dog well and hasn't caused joint issues.
Best Dog Hiking Leash
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Great leash, really sturdy
I have 2 Great Pyrenees dogs and these leashes are strong enough for 100 lb dog, no problem. Just wish they had padded handles.
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Best leash yet for my young, enthusiastic dog!
I love this leash. It is very strong, good for a dog that sometimes pulls pretty hard (we're working on it!) it's soft and thick enough that it's easy to hold onto, and the handle is especially nice. The second handle is also great and easy to grab when needed, and the sturdy carabiner clip also works great.
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So far so good
Have only been using a couple of weeks but works well for my husky mix who is a puller. I use the shorter handle for situations where he needs to heel and/or when we are passing another dog. The reflective threads in the rope are also nice.
Best Dog Hiking Collar
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Fabulous service and product!!!
What is not to like? Call 24/7 answered by a live Representative on the first or second ring. Take care of all issues in a friendly and professional manner. Very knowledgeable and inspire confidence. Easy as a consumer to deal with these folks. Woof woof !!
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best dog collar!!!
the stitching is high quality, I expect it to last well. It is very reflective and I like that it isn't plastic'y'
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Fits great, looks great!
Because our Lab is black, we needed a reflective collar. He also tends to "visit" from time to time, so we needed the collar personalized. We got all that with this collar, at a reasonable price, and it was delivered quickly.
Best Dog Hiking Backpack
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Nice bag, sturdy and attractive
This bag fits my 50lb boxer great! It fits a water bottle on each side plus poop bags and my keys and phone. Easy to put on and I had no problem adjusting it.
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Best Backpack
I have a 4 month old Boxer / Basenji Mix so not sure his future body size. He weighs 40 pounds so we figured to go with the big baxter so he can grow into it. Pack arrived. Made from strong material and looks good. Took me about 8 minutes to put straps all the way in for my small dog. Already works great & as he grows the pack will grow with him. Thank you
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Great backpack
My mom just took me on a 125 mile backpack trip. I carried my own bowl, my food for the day, and a couple of other things. I am 60 pounds and tall and leggy (and very cute if I say so myself) and I was not sore at all!! She got me this pack because it had some back support. The straps didn’t rub me at all since they are back out of my armpits. And once when a huge elk ran right in front of us, so grabbed the handle and kept me from running like I thought I might like to. We did try a harness under it the first day so she could keep me on the leash, and it worked Ok, but that rubbed my arm pits so she just had to use a collar for the rest...
Best Dog Carrier Backpack for Hiking
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Adventure Awaits
This carrier is great. It has opened up so many possibilities for our little dog to join me on hikes. It is amazing how this has given him confidence to explore. Now when I bring it out for one of hikes he gets excited and really happy!
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Furry Companion By Your Side
Having your furry companion by your side when going on a deep canyon hike, through a river bed and meeting people who loved how cute she was in the sack & even taking selfies with her, made the purchase of K9 Sport Sack one of our best decisions ever.
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Perfect Bag
We got these so our little dogs can safely go trail riding with us. They are secure and safe, the pups love them! Perfect buy.
Best Collapsible Bowl
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Must Have
I'm so glad that I purchased this because it's a super convenient to-go item that I always pack when we leave the house. I like to pack a small amount of food (for a 12lb dog) when we go out together and I'm able to store the food inside this by popping open the silicone bowl halfway before closing it - game changer.
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Great travel bowls!
We used these all throughout our move overseas and they were fantastic. When not traveling I keep it in the back of my car or clipped to my backpack so I have it to give him water/food while out and about.
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Work great
They fold up great and store so easy. I really like that they zip together storage and travel. They are also of decent size that they actually hold some food and water.
Best Dog Water Bottle
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Accompanies us on every walk!
We absolutely love this water bottle. My dogs especially love how quickly the bowl part fills. I personally love the durability and how easy it is to squeeze when compared to other brands. No issues at all with this leaking- just make sure the middle plastic is turned off.
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Very popular at the dog park
This is great, my dog loves it and apparently a lot of the dogs at the dog park were familiar with it, and came to me for water instead of going to the park bowls and hose. I do have to be careful to make sure it threads properly or it leaks when I press. I’ve only used it twice so far, but definitely happy with it!
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Great water bottle!
I keep this in my car for trips, and walks. Very Efficient, does not leak, my dog likes it. Great idea.
Best Dog Booties for Hiking
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Durable and stay on well
These boots are awesome. The rubber on the bottom is sturdy and much better quality than others I’ve tried. Gives a lot of support. I also love love love that they have both a drawstring tie at the top of the booties as well as a Velcro strap to secure them. Having both keeps these on my dogs feet without slipping off. The material is not flimsy and seems to be durable for our walks in the rain. I just wish they had more colors.
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Epic off road boots for your pup!
These boots are so well fitting and rugged they will go the distance! I tried them on a shale cover trail that my pup had previously cut a pad on and he effortlessly scaled all the rocks. The sole is thick and grippy. This also would be great for a pet that struggles with traction on slippery floors. Love them!!!
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Dog boots are good quality, easy to apply, akward
Frisco reflective dog boots easy to apply, good quality. My dog wasnt so fond of them. I have a husky who has issues with her paws so it is important we protect her paws
Best Dog First Aid Kit for Hiking
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Great Buy!!!!!!!
The only thing I had to add was a tick removal tool and this kit is complete. We have a travel cat and wanted to make sure we were ready for any emergencies on the trail. This kit does the trick and then some. Price was good, too.
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Good First Aid Kit
This is a good first aid kit. It comes with most of everything you may need, plus has some space for extras you may want to add (I added Benadryl and Neosporin to the pack), and it doesn’t take up a lot of space so you can store it pretty much anywhere.
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Perfect For Travel
This is a perfect first aid kit for traveling with our puppy! Luckily we haven't had to use it yet, but it seems to have plenty of helpful things in it!
Best Dog Cooling Vest
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Great Value
I ordered this for my dog due to extreme temperatures we are having this summer. It fit perfectly and holds the coolness pretty well. If was hiking my dog long distances, I might be inclined to buy the name brand version. For the price this product is excellent and I would highly recommend it.
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Staying Cool
We just came in from evening potty break in “feels like” temperature of 106. My pup was trotting along with tail wagging and staying cool in his soaked and frozen cooling vest.
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Summer Savior for Non-Swimming Water Dogs
Title says it all. I have a very silly lab mix who refuses to get in the water or swim when we are at the pool. It fits her well, looks cute, and keeps her nice and cool! I wet it ONCE and it lasted for about 3 hours. Recommended to my friend and to you.
Best Dog Poop Bags for Hiking
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Earth Rated Poop Bags
I find these to be a little stronger and less prone to splitting than my previous brand at almost the same price. I don't have long nails but still noticed splitting in another brand also available from Chewy. While it's not a giant problem, it's frustrating to have to open up a couple of bags on a cold or rainy day as well as a waste of plastic. So Earth Rated, which we've used for at least six months, was a great recommendation by Chewy staff.
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Earth Rated
Very sturdy, won't break when using them which is a fantastic thing when talking about picking up poop! They work great!
Best Dog Treat for Hiking
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My dog’s fav
My doggies can’t wait for these treats. They do get a little hard if kept too long with the bag not sealed. But, I know my dogs liked them anyway.
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My dog goes nuts
What better endorsement can I give other than my dog freaks out for these treats? They're made with stuff that I feel good about serving my dog so it's a win-win for everyone involved.
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We love these!
My mom gives these to us, but she never gives us enough! If only we had thumbs, we could get these ourselves!
Best Dog Food Storage Container
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This is a very convenient way to take dry dog food on vacation or when you’re dog is boarding.
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Perfect
Really easy to use, perfect for traveling, used this for a camping trip and it worked great. Easy to wash, fold up and store for the next time.
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Nice "lunch bag"
I think this dog food bag is really handy for doggie daycare days. Love it. Thing is I got the collapsible food bowl too... well, I got a large sized bowl and does not fit on the bag compartment as advertised. It could have been perfect otherwise.
Best Dog Sunscreen
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Does well
The spray goes on well. Doesn't smell strong or bad. We use a cloth to apply to face, our dog hasn't been burned or turned red in the sun.
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At ease spray
I feel comfortable knowing he gets by now with uv protection and I spray it all over him even his pads,I put on a long with mushers secret on his pads for the hottest day for his pads with vapor rub for if it could be extra protection for grounds being hottest by healing even if it's not rough but to prevent with the wax being melt moisturizer with protection being thick though it's thin and waxy on my hands his pads but I give him short walks anyway but when it's sneaky getting to be hottest not knowing it will when it's a long walk I still feel good that he's covered!!!
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My Dog's Best Sunscreen: A Personal Review
I was worried about my furry friend's sun exposure, so I tried Pawsome Pooches Dog Sunscreen. It's been a game-changer! Easy to apply, non-greasy, and smells amazing. My pup stays protected and stylish. Highly recommended for happy, healthy adventures!
Best Hands-Free Dog Leash
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Peace Of Mind
My dog has a very dangerous habit of lunging at cars as they come by. Have had some close calls. He has jerked the leash out of my hand. This product solves that problem. I know he'll be safe the next time it happens.
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A Lifesaver for an Active Person with Arthritis
I walk 3-5 miles a day and just got a new puppy who is now old enough to walk with me. Holding a standard leash for that long was killing my hands and wrists and this leash is a lifesaver! It's comfortable, very easy to reel her in if I have to and she pulls a lot less than before. Thank you!
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Making walks enjoyable again!
I did not enjoy walking my puppy. He’s adorable, but stops, starts, runs, jerks, and my shoulder and back are not happy. Love this leash with the bungee so he has some freedom, and the handles so I can keep him close if necessary.
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.
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