If there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you can never be too prepared. All it takes is one stumble or one unexpected storm to completely transform a simple day hike into a dangerous situation. While you should always carry the 10 Essentials anytime you’re hiking, below are the items I bring hiking with the dogs.
1. STURDY LEASH AND HARNESS
Leash
That leash with plastic clasps in the bargain bin can save you a few dollars, but it’ll bring you a lot more than you bargained for when it snaps as a deer runs by and your dog decides to chase it. While the exact type of leash you use, whether it’s a long lead to allow extra sniffing space, or a short leash to keep him close, is up to you, it’s simply important to make sure the leash is of good enough quality to ensure your dog is safe.
Harness
There are a number of different harnesses out there that are great for everyday use as well as hiking. Full-body harnesses more fully secure the dog and allow the weight to be distributed easily when lifting or assisting. Harnesses with handles can allow you to lift up your dog over difficult terrain. Whichever harness you choose, it’s important to make sure the harness is adjusted properly and allows full range of movement.
Harness vs. Collar
Why not a collar? Repeatedly pulling on a dog’s neck by the collar can lead to thyroid damage, spinal issues, or a range of other problems over time. And while your dog may not normally pull when walking around your neighborhood, this may not be as true on the trail, where wildlife, other dogs and people, as well as just new sights and sounds, can be overly distracting and enticing. Collars are also typically less secure than harnesses, making it easier to slip through and escape.
2. IDENTIFICATION
ID Tags and Microchip
Your dog should have ID tags, but collars or harnesses can become snagged, torn or wear off if your dog becomes lost, so it’s important to also make sure your dog is microchipped and registered with your current information. Microchips cost an average $25 to $50 at vets’ offices and are often available at low-cost clinics. It’s a small price to pay to be reunited with your dog.
GPS Collar
There are a number of GPS collars on the market with a range of capabilities. Some things to consider are overall cost (some require monthly subscriptions), battery life, heaviness and durability of the collar, and whether it works in areas of poor or nonexistent cell service. While nobody wants to lose their dog, a GPS collar can provide an extra level of peace of mind and safety.
Apple AirTag
On a budget but want to be able to track your dog’s location should they become lost? Consider using an AirTag. AirTags need to ping off a nearby Ios device, so they’re not ideal for many remote and rural areas. But in many areas, an AirTag could still help narrow down the location or direction in which to conduct a search. We recommend using a holder that sits flush on the harness or collar. Others that hang are at greater risk of slipping out, being pulled off or catching on something.
3. EXTRA FOOD AND WATER
Food
I always bring some treats as well as extra dog food in a small baggie. Our dogs are expending extra energy on the trail and could always benefit from some extra nourishment and rewards. It’s also good to have in case you end up on the trail longer than anticipated.
Water
Extra water is always important, especially in warmer weather or higher elevation. If bringing enough water is difficult, consider bringing a water filter and using water sources on the trail.
Avoid letting your dog drink from standing water or streams you encounter, as they can carry bacteria or parasites. Ruthie always tries to stick her tongue in any standing water, so I also make sure the dogs are up to date with vaccinations, particularly the vaccine for leptospirosis.
Always make sure to build in breaks for some rest and nourishment throughout the hike, whether or not it looks like your dog needs it.
4. PACKABLE BOWLS
From collapsible water bowls that can hang from your bag to foldable bowls that fold up into the size of your thumb, there are tons of products out there that make it easy to feed and hydrate your dog without adding much weight or taking up any space in your bag.
For some reason, my dogs don’t really like drinking out of bowls on hikes and instead love drinking from the top of my Nalgene as a little bowl. They now have their own designated Nalgene for hikes. If it works, it works, right? Bring whatever lets you keep your dog fed and hydrated on the hike.
5. CANINE FIRST AID KIT
Dog First Aid Essentials
Human and dog first aid don’t completely overlap. For example, Benadryl is good to have on hand for both humans and dogs, but human Aspirin shouldn’t necessarily be given to dogs. And treating an injury to a dog’s paw pad is different from treating a human hand. Grab a pet first aid kit or simply add the few extra necessities for your dog to your own first aid kit.
Brush up on dog first aid ahead of time or tuck a printout of what to do into a Ziploc and keep it with your first aid supplies.
Rescue Harness
In the event of an injury, how will you get your dog back to the car if you’re miles from nowhere? Consider bringing a rescue harness that will allow you to safely carry your dog. And they don’t have to be bulky. There are packable harnesses that are durable but lightweight, easily fitting into your pack.
6. FORM OF WASTE DISPOSAL
One of the cardinal rules of “leave no trace” is that if you pack it in, you must pack it out. This means making sure not to leave any waste behind, including bottles, food wrappers, even organic material like apple cores, and yes, dog waste.
According to the EPA, animal waste can post environmental dangers by adding harmful bacteria and nutrients to local waters if not disposed of properly.
Poop Bags/Holder
Worried your pooch will poop ten minutes into a two hour hike and don’t want to be carrying a stinky poop bag the entire way? Bring a sealed plastic container or sealable bags to stick the baggie in and then place it in your bag.
Don’t want it in your bag? Bring a clip-on reusable dog poop holder that keeps odors away or, if your dog is wearing a hiking backpack, stick it in there!
Trowel
You can also skip the bag altogether and bring a trowel to discard of your dog’s waste. Just make sure it is allowed in the area you are hiking, and to dig at least six inches deep and six inches wide farther than 200 from any water source, and make sure to cover it up.
7. WEARABLES
Hiking Backpack
Don’t forget you’re not the only one who can carry supplies! Fit your pup with a hiking pack and have them carry their own stuff. Dogs should carry no more than 25% of their body weight. However, consider your dog’s specific breed and health, and check with your vet, before loading up your dog.
Booties
Think about bringing boots/booties if your dog may be exposed to sharp terrain or extremely hot/cold surfaces. In general, your dog will probably be fine without booties, but consider bringing a set of thin rubber dog boots that can easily fit into your bag or first aid kit to protect your dog’s paws in case of a paw pad injury.
Clothing
While it’s not recommended to hike in extreme temperatures, it doesn’t hurt to bring extra clothing if there’s a chance temperatures might be too much for your dog. Bring along a cooling bandana in warmer weather and a winter coat or blanket in winter to keep your dog warm during breaks on the trail.
8. REFLECTIVE COLLAR OR LIGHT
Darkness can fall a lot quicker in the woods than you expect. While you should have a flashlight and extra batteries packed for yourself, you’ll want to make sure your dog has light too.
Light up collars allow you as well as others to see your dog. We prefer the collars over the lights that just hang from the collar because they’re unlikely to come off and can be seen from every angle.
9. CELL PHONE/GPS
Cell Phone
One of the best aspects of hiking is being in tune with nature and disconnected from the outside world. But as tempting as it may be to leave the cell phone in the car or at home, stick it in your bag. Injuries or emergencies can happen on a trail of any length. For even the shortest of day hikes, bring a phone.
Satellite Messenger
If cell service isn’t expected, consider also bringing a satellite messenger. Satellite messengers allow you to send distress signals from remote areas where there is no cell service. They have an increasing number of capabilities, including sending two-way texts, GPS navigation and providing weather reports. However, they can be pretty pricey at the onset and do require a subscription plan.
Personal Locator Beacon
Personal locator beacons give you the ability to send distress signals through satellite that are received by a network of response agencies. With no subscription plan required and less bells and whistles, personal locator beacons are a bit more wallet-friendly than satellite messengers and still get the job done.
Whether you will have cell service or not, don’t forget to tell someone where you are going and when you’re expected back off the trail.
10. MUZZLE
Having reactive dogs, I always bring a muzzle on hikes. A muzzle not only protects your dog and others, but sends a signal to others on the trail to give some space and maybe leash up their dog to pass. We’re pretty selective about our hikes and avoid big crowds so I can’t remember the last time we used it. But it’s so easy to strap onto our backpack without taking up space within it that we never go on a hike without it.
A muzzle is also good to keep on hand in case your dog gets injured. Dogs can become aggressive when in pain, so a muzzle can be clutch in an emergency situation, especially when other humans your dog doesn’t know may need to step in.