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How to Train Your Dog to Run With You | Best Hiking Gear for Dogs | Best Dog Harnesses | Best Dog Foods | Best Dog Leashes | Best Dog Balls | Best Dog Frisbees | Best Dog Backpacks | Best Dog Toys | Best Dog Beds | Best Dog Treadmills
What could be better than a good, invigorating hike? How about a hike accompanied by your favorite four-legged companion? Taking your dog out on the trail can be an enormously rewarding bonding opportunity, plus a great opportunity for both of you to get some exercise. But of course, you're going to need some gear. And not just a backpack and First Aid Kit, but the best hiking gear to keep your pup safe and happy.
With so many options available, though, it can be overwhelming to get started. That’s why we researched the best hiking gear so you can find the right equipment for you and your pup.
The Best Hiking Gear for Dogs - Our Top Picks
- Best Dog Harness: Icefang Tactical Dog Harness
- Best Dog Collar: Lupinepet Originals Adjustable Collar
- Best Dog Leash: Max and Neo Double Handle Traffic Dog Leash
- Best Dog Booties: XSY&G Dog Boots
- Best Dog Backpack: OneTigris Dog Pack Hound Travel
- Best Dog Sunscreen: Warren London Dog Sunscreen
- Best Dog Blanket: Leerking Dog Blanket
- Best Dog Bowl: Yeti Boomer 8 Dog Bowl
- Best Dog Jacket: Ruffwear Overcoat Harness Combo
- Best Dog First Aid Kit: Adventure Medical Kits Me and My Dog First Aid Kit
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Best Overall - IceFang Tactical Dog Harness
SPECS
- Sizes: S - XL
- Weight: 1.52 lbs.
- Material: Nylon
When you hike with your dog, we recommend using a harness for the entirety of your trek. Why? A harness is the best way to keep your dog safe and secure while also preventing some of the neck strain that leashes can cause. And when it comes to dog harnesses, we think the IceFang Tactical Dog Harness is the best in show.
Start with its sturdy nylon construction which is tough and long-lasting yet still comfortable and lightweight. Leash attachments on the chest and back also provide you with plenty of flexibility. And the reflective details are a nice bonus, enhancing your visibility for early morning or late evening hikes.
What We Like
- Durable, long-lasting nylon
- Reflective detailing
- No-pull design promotes safety and comfort
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended for super-small breeds
- Some colors come with reflective detailing, but some don't
BUY: IceFang Tactical Dog Harness
Best Dog Collar - Lupinepet Originals Adjustable Collar
SPECS
- Sizes: 12-20" neck, 16-28" neck, 25-31" neck
- Weight: Nylon
- Material: 1.6 oz.
When hiking with your dog, a good collar is essential, not least to ensure your dog has the proper identifying tags should it get loose or run wild. The Lupinepet Originals Adjustable Collar is our top choice in this category, offering the best combination of durability and comfort.
Made of nylon, this collar comes in three basic sizes, accommodating most sizes of dogs. The stitching and D-ring are constructed with longevity in mind. And the buckle closure is quick and easy to slip off and on.
What We Like
- Durable, long-lasting nylon
- Easy to get on and off
- Very lightweight
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended for super-small breeds
- No reflective detailing
BUY: Lupinepet Originals Adjustable Collar
Best Dog Leash - Max and Neo Double Handle Traffic Dog Leash
SPECS
- Sizes: 4', 6'
- Weight: 5.6 oz.
- Material: Nylon
The Max and Neo Double Handle Traffic Dog Leash offers pretty much anything you could want from a leash, making it a great pick for hitting the trails or simply strolling through your local dog park.
Available in a couple of different sizes, this leash is made with durable and lightweight nylon. Reflective stitching provides enhanced visibility and the padded handles add some extra comfort. Plus, with six colors to choose from, it's easy to find a leash that fits your personal style.
What We Like
- Reflective stitching enhances visibility
- Padded handle
- Modest price point
What We Don't Like
- Lighter colors will really highlight dirt and grime
- Not quite as durable as higher-end products
BUY: Max and Neo Double Handle Traffic Dog Leash
Best Dog Booties - XSY&G Dog Boots
SPECS
- Sizes: 1-8
- Weight: 5.93 oz.
- Material: Rubber
While most dogs are going to be just fine without boots, you may want to invest in some paw-protecting footwear if you plan on hiking an especially treacherous trail. The XSY&G Dog Boots are a good option for protecting your pup's feet from sharp rocks.
Available in a range of sizes, these boots provide a thin yet supple layer of padding. They're lightweight and have enough space for your dog's claws to fit comfortably. The soles are anti-slip, while the tread helps prevent your dog from skidding across slippery surfaces.
What We Like
- Reasonable price point
- Wide range of sizes
- Lightweight
- Anti-skid and anti-slip
What We Don't Like
- Determining the size you need can involve some guesswork
- Not fully waterproof
Best Dog Backpack - OneTigris Dog Pack Hound Travel
SPECS
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Weight: Cotton canvas
- Material: 1.28 lbs.
Hey, why should you have to carry all the gear? Get your pup to lend a paw by providing them with their own backpack. The OneTigris Dog Pack Hound Travel, made from tough yet lightweight cotton canvas, is our top choice.
We love this backpack because it has a couple of zippered pockets, offering secure storage for snacks or first aid supplies. Two D-rings allow for plenty of attachment options. And, neck and belly straps supply the right balance of comfort and security for your pack-pup.
What We Like
- Secure neck and belly straps
- 2 zippered pockets, two D-rings
- Lightweight canvas
What We Don't Like
- Limited color options
- Not waterproof
BUY: OneTigris Dog Pack Hound Travel
Best Dog Sunscreen - Warren London Dog Sunscreen
SPECS
- Sizes: 4 fl. oz.
- Weight: N/A
- Material: N/A
A spritzer of sunscreen belongs in any dog's hiking pack—prolonged sun exposure can take a toll on your dog's skin, especially if they have thin or light fur. The Warren London Dog Sunscreen can protect your dog from harmful UV rays. An aloe vera moisturizer promotes skin health, while the non-oily texture makes this easy to apply without making a mess.
What We Like
- Non-oily
- Moisturizing
- Modest price point
What We Don't Like
- Container is pretty small
- There's a mild scent
BUY: Warren London Dog Sunscreen
Best Dog Blanket - Leerking Dog Blanket
SPECS
- Sizes: M, L
- Weight: 0.8 pounds
- Material: Polyester Micro Plush
If you plan on hiking in cooler weather, you may want to bring along a blanket to keep your dog nice and cozy. The Leerking Dog Blanket is our top recommendation. Made with polyester micro plush, it's warm, durable, and incredibly soft to the touch. Plus, the double-layer design can help your dog maintain a healthy body temperature even in the coolest of conditions.
What We Like
- Double-layered design promotes warmth
- Very soft micro-plush
- Durable
What We Don't Like
- Limited size options
- Limited color/pattern options
Best Dog Bowl - Yeti Boomer 8 Dog Bowl
SPECS
- Sizes: 4 cup, 8 cup
- Weight: 1.9 lbs.
- Material: Stainless steel
Any time you hike with your dog, you'll want to bring some food and water… even if you plan on a shorter trek. That means you'll need a bowl, and this Yeti product is our favorite. The Yeti Boomer 8 Dog Bowl offers a large capacity, high-quality stainless steel design. Plus, it's BPA-free, dishwasher-safe, and lightweight.
What We Like
- High-quality, long-lasting materials
- 2 sizes available
- BPA-free
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- A lid would be nice, making it easier to transport food without taking up too much space
Best Dog Jacket - Ruffwear Overcoat Harness Combo
SPECS
- Sizes: XXS - XL
- Weight: 11.99 oz.
- Material: Polyester and fleece
In cold conditions, you may want to protect your pup with a good, warm coat. The Ruffwear Overcoat Harness Combo is a convenient, effective option, offering durable polyester combined with toasty fleece. The outer shell is weather-resistant, and there are leash attachment points at both the back and the chest.
What We Like
- Warm
- Weatherproof
- Dual leash attachments
- Wide range of sizes available
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- Sizing can be a little tricky
BUY: Ruffwear Overcoat Harness Combo
Best Dog First Aid Kit - Adventure Medical Kits Me and My Dog First Aid Kit
SPECS
- Sizes: 7.5" x 5.3" x 3.55"
- Weight: 1 lb. 8 oz.
- Material: Nylon case
Be ready for anything with the Adventure Medical Kits Me and My Dog First Aid Kit, which contains a bounty of medicines and supplies in a lightweight, compact case. Included you'll find a full range of wound care items that work for humans and dogs alike, including an emergency cold pack, splinters for tick removal, and various ointments.
What We Like
- Range of supplies
- Compact
- Durable nylon case
What We Don't Like
- Will add a bit of weight to your pack
- A little pricey
BUY: Adventure Medical Kits Me and My Dog First Aid Kit
How to Choose the Best Hiking Gear for Dogs
Size
Whether you're shopping for a harness, leash, or collar, getting the right size is crucial. Too small and your dog could experience chafing and other types of discomfort. Too large and your dog may wiggle free and escape, which can be pretty dangerous when you're out in the wild.
Weight
Naturally, you want to invest in hiking gear that's lightweight, minimizing your burden while you're out on the trail. The same holds true for your pup: Try not to weigh down your dog too much!
Materials
For hiking gear, materials like nylon and canvas are usually the best, as they can be lightweight, durable, weatherproof, and breathable.
Fastener Type
For items like harnesses and packs, you'll also want to consider fastener types: Do you want something that you can buckle or something that your dog can step into? It largely depends on the size of your dog, and the level of training your dog has had.
FAQs About Hiking Gear for Dogs
How much water does a dog need while hiking?
Most veterinarians recommend that you carry eight ounces of water per dog per hour. Don't forget the bowl!
Should my dog wear a harness while hiking?
Yes. A harness is crucial for keeping your dog safe and secure while minimizing the neck strain that leashes can cause.
Should I put boots on my dog for hiking?
Generally, dogs are fine without boots. However, if you plan on traversing an area that has a lot of sharp rocks, boots may be a good way to provide an additional layer of paw protection.
How to Train Your Dog to Run With You | Best Hiking Gear for Dogs | Best Dog Harnesses | Best Dog Foods | Best Dog Leashes | Best Dog Balls | Best Dog Frisbees | Best Dog Backpacks | Best Dog Toys | Best Dog Beds | Best Dog Treadmills
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