Welcome back to Our Wandering Pack! We’re Jess and Maddy—two explorers who’ve traded burnt-out work days for a life of adventure with our pups, Moia and Dakota. Whether you’re camping, RVing, or just taking a day trip to the nearest trail, hiking with your dog can be an amazing way to bond and explore.
If you’re ready to hit the trails with your pack, here are some essential items you’ll want to bring along for a safe, fun outing.
1. Sturdy Leash, Harness, & ID Tags
- Why It’s Important: Even if you plan to let your dog roam off-leash where it’s allowed, there will be times you need better control—like encountering wildlife or other hikers.
- Our Tip: Make sure your pup’s collar has up-to-date ID tags, and consider a harness for better support on rocky or steep terrain. We love harnesses with the ability to clip on their extras!
OWP Uses a leash designed by Fida! We LOVE the two different handles on it so we can allow them to walk around or keep them close by when needed! (Here is our 4 ft leash!)
2. Collapsible Water Bowl & Extra Water
- Why It’s Important: Dogs can overheat quickly, especially on summer hikes or in higher altitudes. Regular water breaks keep them hydrated and safe.
- Our Tip: A lightweight, collapsible bowl easily tucks into your backpack. Don’t forget to bring more water than you think you’ll need—every time we stop for water we offer it to the dogs as well.
- Dakota doesn’t always like to drink water while we hike. If it is particularly hot or a particularly long hike we will throw a few pieces of her dog food into the water to encourage her to drink it- we use her food motivation to our benefit!
3. Plenty of Treats or High-Protein Snacks
- Why It’s Important: Hiking burns a lot of energy. Just like you’d bring snacks for yourself, your pup will appreciate a pick-me-up.
- Our Tip: Look for easily digestible treats (especially if your pack has a sensitive pup like Moia). Soft jerky treats or freeze-dried options are often lightweight and packable.
It took us a long time to find treats that didn’t upset Moia’s belly. We found out beef treats were the best for her sensitive belly! She loves these treats!
4. Dog-Friendly First Aid Kit
- Why It’s Important: You never know when your dog might get a scrape, sprain, or bug bite.
- What to Include: Gauze, bandage tape, antiseptic wipes, tweezers (for ticks or splinters), and any meds recommended by your vet. A small collapsible cone can be a lifesaver if your dog won’t stop licking a wound.
- Our Tip: We took a dog first aid class that was offered at our local vet. Reach out to your vet for any recommendations or offerings that may be happening near you!
5. Poop Bags
- Why It’s Important: Leave no trace is a big part of ethical hiking. Keeping trails clean ensures future packs can enjoy the beauty, too.
- Our Tip: Bring more bags than you think you’ll need—you never know when another hiker might run out or when your dog might “go” twice in five minutes (looking at you, Dakota!).
We don’t bulk order most items, especially with our limited storage space, we do bulk order these dog bags!
(They last us about 6 months.)
6. Protective Dog Booties or Gel (If Needed)
- Why It’s Important: On rough, hot, or snowy trails, your dog’s paw pads can take a beating. Booties offer protection from cuts, burns, and frostbite.
- Our Tip: Practice. Practice. Practice. We are still working on this with our pack. We would love to be able to protect their paws from all the debris that the dogs manage to find on the trails.
I am not going to lie. We have not mastered the bootie game quite yet. We use this wax to protect their paws!
7. Weather-Appropriate Gear
- Why It’s Important: Depending on the climate, your pup might need extra warmth or waterproofing.
- Our Tip: Lightweight dog jackets are great for colder temps or rain. If your pup is short-haired or small, they may need more insulation than you’d think.
This type of dog jacket not only keeps the dog protected but it has a top zipper so that you do not need to be under their belly to put it on them. Jess loves the fact that we can use the jacket as a harness too- no need to add another layer to them!
8. Maps & Navigation Tools
- Why It’s Important: It’s not just for you—if you get lost, your dog is stuck right there with you.
- Our Tip: Apps are handy, but download the offline maps as a backup. Know your route and check trail conditions ahead of time!
Bonus: Bring a Sense of Adventure!
Finally, remember to pack an open mind and a spirit of fun. Hiking with your dog is all about bonding, exploring, and enjoying nature together. Our Wandering Pack loves seeing Moia’s tail wag when she spots a new stick or watching Dakota chase every sound in the forest—it’s these moments that make the journey worthwhile.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting to explore with your pack, having the right gear can make all the difference. By bringing these essentials, you’ll be ready for the ups, downs, and unexpected mud puddles along the way.
Got any go-to hiking items we missed? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below, and let’s help your pack and ours keep the trails dog-friendly and fun!
From Our Wandering Pack to yours: Happy hiking, and may you always find the next best stick (or tennis ball) around every bend!
-Maddy&Jess
Our Wandering Pack 
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