By Autumn arrived in Southern California, and it’s cooler again. Leaves are changing colors in most parts of the country, and it’s officially hiking season! It’s time to hit the trail with your four-legged best friend.
If you are a beginner, here are some safety precautions you need to consider first:
- Your dog has a sturdy collar with a name tag that has the current contact info.
- Your dog is in good health and is fit to hike with you.
- Your dog has passed obedience training and is friendly with other people and other dogs.
Now, let’s get started with the gear list. These are my gear recommendations for anyone who hikes with a dog.
1. Backpack
Do I really need to mention a backpack? Yes. You would be surprised how many people I see on the trails with just a bottle of water.
The backpack should be big enough to carry food and water for you and your pup for the duration of the hike, and some extra for an emergency. I like backpacks with a separate external compartment for the hydration reservoir for convenience, which I will cover in the next section. Try to get a pack that fits your body frame and your torso size. The knowledgeable folks at REI can help you find the right size and type of backpack you need, as well as advise you on how to load the pack the right way to avoid any discomfort.
But wait, why carry everything all by yourself? Is your furry hiking partner a healthy adult dog? If your dog is a working breed, an athletic dog, or he just has high energy and doesn’t know what to do with it, these are all good reasons for trying a dog backpack.
There is a variety of styles and types of dog backpacks on the market. Whatever dog pack you choose, it’s recommended that your dog carries no more than 25% of its body weight in the backpack.
2. Hydration Reservoir (a.k.a., hydration bladder)
Some hiking daypacks come with a hydration reservoir but most of the hiking packs don’t. If you have a backpack without a hydration reservoir, I suggest investing in one if you hike on a regular basis. I recommend a 3L capacity and make sure it fits in the reservoir pocket in your backpack. For most of the day hikes, 3L has been enough between the two of us. When we need to carry additional water, Xena carries a hydration reservoir that comes with her backpack.
3. Travel Dog Bowl
Some dogs refuse to drink water from a hydration bladder or a water bottle. Even if your dog is trained to drink water from your hydration reservoir, it’s nice for her to have a bowl of her own at the summit. It can also be used for food.
It should be 100% pet-safe. Some brands carry one size and some carry Small and Large so pick the right size for your pack. We tried a large Roysili bowl from Amazon and that was disappointing. It ripped apart after a couple of uses when I tried to move the full bowl to another location. It should be sturdy.
4. Sturdy Non-retractable Leash
Whether your dog hikes on a leash or off-leash, I recommend carrying a sturdy non-retractable leash for safety. When the trail condition becomes unstable or gets crowded, keep your pup close to you on a leash. I like leashes made from sturdy and durable climbing ropes on hikes. If your backpack has a waist strap, you can pull the waist strap through the leash handle and keep your hands free for trekking poles or delicious treats.
5. Durable Harness
If you get one piece of hiking gear for your dog, I recommend a harness made for adventure. And if you have a small to medium dog, I recommend a harness with a sturdy handle so you can help her overcome obstacles. I like it bright and visible, especially during hunting season, and having reflectors is great at dawn or dusk. Make sure it’s durable and functional.
6. Emergency Kit
I recommend these emergency items in your backpack at all times: a pocket knife, an emergency whistle, a battery charger for your phone, a couple of painkillers, and a first aid kit for you and your dog. Accidents do happen even when you are careful. It’s always good to be prepared.
Well, there you have it. Now, all you need is yummy trail snacks. Let’s get out and explore the great outdoors with our four-legged best friend!
Get Our Latest Comprehensive Dog-friendly Trail List Here. Enjoy!
Happy Hiking!
*This helpful guide was sponsored by REI.
Hiking Girl with Dog 
great list! All things I carry as well! (plus some snacks for Joey and I – LOL!)
These are basic essentials so I am not surprised to hear it from an avid hiker like you! Yesss, snacks! LOTS of them! 🙂
I like the red dog coat in the 2nd photo.
It’s a Hurtta Extreme Warmer. I wrote a review about it in case you are interested: https://hikinggirlwithdog.com/2017/11/27/hurtta-extreme-warmer/
Thanks! I’ll check it out. Nice of you to let me know.
What a great post Jamie! We hike with our dog a lot and these are all important things to consider before bringing our four-legged friends with us! 🙂
Thanks, Shari! 🙂
Great photos! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you! My pleasure.
Xena looks so ‘trail ready’ in the third pic -she’s ready to go!
Trail ready and determined! 🐕💗
I love hiking with my dog too, although we’re slightly more height challenged (corgi haha). Your tips and pictures are great!
Glad you find them helpful! That’s ok… that’s what a harness with a handle is for. 😉
Great post. My dog also has his own backpack and loves to hike. I want him to have just as much fun as I do, so I always prepare in advance for his needs.
Thank you! And, Yes! Love hearing that!
This is an awesome list! I do not currently have a dog that hikes with me, but I really want a hiking dog! I feel like it would be a lot of fun!
Thank you! It brings me so much joy hiking with Xena. I hope you get to experience that too….soon! 🙂
such a cute article! love it
Thank you, Paige!
Beautifully written and amazing pics.
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Good post with some nice photos!
I appreciate it.
Looks like fun. Maybe one day i’ll have a dog I can take on the trail.
Sounds like a plan. 🙂
Such a cute doggy & wonderful scenery 🙂
Thank you!
Good article! Thanks for sharing! The Trainer (RN)* Personal Trainer, “One On One Only”
Thank you
Great post with good suggestions! I’ll definitely share this!
A well made backpack is a must have item. REI or BackCountry have a range of packs to choose from. Definitely get a pack sized to your body, REI is good at helping with that.
Don’t be the person on the trail with only a water bottle and your dog running lose. We’ve all seen this. A collapsible water bowl works very well for day hikes and highly recommended. Definitely read reviews on these, you don’t want a travel bowl that rips or fails. Carry a regular bowl in your car.
A well made climbing rope dog leash is a great choice for hiking; the added strength and control helps keep your dogs much safer on the trail. Avoid those dreaded retractable leashes, they don’t keep your dog safe or in control. Rope leashes are best.
The first aid kit is essential, it’s often overlooked and great advice! Glad to see that’s recommended!
Lots of good information here!
Thank you. I appreciate it!
reading this felt like I was right there with you on the trail! The way you described preparing for a hike with your pup — from the sturdy harness to the hydration packs — instantly took me back to my own experiences in Nepal, especially on the Ghorepani–Poon Hill trek.
As I read through your gear list, I could almost picture those winding trails surrounded by lush greenery, just like the forested paths leading up to Poon Hill. Your words brought to life that same balance of adventure and care — making sure every step is safe while soaking in the beauty of nature. Even the way you talk about reaching the summit and sharing a bowl of water with your dog reminds me of standing at Poon Hill at sunrise, watching the Himalayas glow golden while catching my breath in awe.
Your post doesn’t just give tips — it paints the journey, the excitement, and the bond with your four-legged friend in such a heartfelt way. It’s amazing how your Southern California hikes resonate so deeply with the mountain trails of Nepal. Loved every bit of this — it truly made me feel like I was out there hiking again!
https://www.himalayaheart.com/trip/kathmandu-pokhara-chitwan-tour