- \n
- <\/span>How to choose a dog-friendly trail and prep your pup for the terrain<\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>What gear your dog actually needs (and how to train them to carry it)<\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>How to manage hydration, nutrition, and paw care on the trail<\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>What to do at camp to keep your dog safe, happy, and well-rested<\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>How to follow Leave No Trace with your dog in the backcountry<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Whether it\u2019s your first overnight or your tenth, I hope this helps you and your dog have an amazing trip.<\/p>\n
1) Choose a Dog-Friendly Trail<\/h2>\n
The very first thing I check before planning a backpacking trip with my dog is whether the trail even allows dogs. A lot of National Parks are off-limits, which is a bummer, but National Forest and BLM lands are usually much more welcoming. When I\u2019m not sure, I just call the local ranger station and ask.<\/p>\n
Once I\u2019ve confirmed dogs are allowed, I start looking at whether the trail is actually good<\/em> for a dog. Just because dogs are permitted doesn\u2019t mean the trail is going to be safe or comfortable for them. These are the things I personally look for:<\/p>\n
\n- \n
- <\/span>Water access:<\/strong> I try to pick routes that have creeks, lakes, or at least reliable water sources along the way. Charlie loves to splash around to cool off, and it also means I don\u2019t have to carry as much water for him. When he gets a chance to play in the water, he\u2019s noticeably more relaxed and happy on the trail.<\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Reasonable terrain:<\/strong> If a trail is super rocky or rough, it can really mess with a dog\u2019s paws\u2014especially on longer hikes. I\u2019ve learned the hard way that terrain that looks \u201cfun and rugged\u201d for me might be painful for Charlie, so I lean toward smoother trails or ones with soft ground when possible.<\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Cooler temps or plenty of shade:<\/strong> After my scary experience with Johnny getting heat exhaustion, I\u2019m much more cautious about the weather. If it\u2019s going to be really hot, I\u2019ll either go somewhere higher in elevation, look for shaded forest trails, or skip the trip altogether. Dogs feel so much hotter than humans due to their hair, so it\u2019s best to play it safe here.<\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Wildlife considerations:<\/strong> Some animals\u2014like grizzlies or moose\u2014really don\u2019t like dogs. I\u2019m not saying you shouldn\u2019t hike in areas where those animals live, but you do need to be aware and take extra precautions. I always read recent trail reports, carry bear spray when needed, and keep Charlie close when I know there\u2019s a chance we could encounter something dangerous.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
![\"Backpacking](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\")
Do research ahead of time to find dog-friendly trails<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 2) Make Sure Your Dog is Physically Prepared<\/h2>\n
Not all dogs are built for backpacking. Breeds like bulldogs struggle with heat and endurance, so if you\u2019re still choosing a dog, look for an active breed that enjoys exercise.<\/p>\n
That said, size isn\u2019t everything\u2014small dogs \u2013 like my mini-aussie Gumbo \u2013 can totally hit the trail. They just might need help over obstacles and won\u2019t be able to carry much.<\/p>\n
If your dog is new to hiking, start with short day hikes and build up slowly. Dogs need to condition just like we do, especially if they\u2019ve been mostly indoor pets. When Charlie was getting started, I took him on gradually longer hikes to see how he handled it.<\/p>\n
Once your dog has some trail experience, pick routes that match their ability. Charlie can do big mileage now, but when he was a puppy, I kept it easy so he could build stamina and confidence. Don\u2019t expect your dog to do 10-mile days right off the bat\u2014they\u2019ll enjoy it a lot more if you ease into it.<\/p>\n
Go on day hikes with your dog and keep them active before taking them backpacking<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 3) Keep Your Dog Under Control at All Times<\/h2>\n
Even if your dog is great off-leash (like Charlie usually is), I always carry a leash where I can grab it fast. You never know when you might run into wildlife\u2014or a hiker who doesn\u2019t love dogs as much as you do. If your dog starts to bolt after a deer, you\u2019ll want a way to reel them in quickly.<\/p>\n
When our dogs are off-leash, we use e-collars set to vibrate mode. It\u2019s super effective for getting their attention when they start to wander or get distracted. If we need them to heel, a quick buzz usually does the trick.<\/p>\n
If we\u2019re on a trail where leashes are required\u2014I use a hands-free waist leash<\/a>. It makes hiking with trekking poles \u2013 see my favs here<\/a> \u2013 way easier and keeps my hands free for navigating rougher sections.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re thinking about letting your dog off-leash, make sure they\u2019re fully trained and have solid recall. If they don\u2019t come the first time you call, they\u2019re not ready. And just in case something goes wrong, make sure your dog has current ID tags and a microchip.<\/p>\n
\nMake sure your dog has up-to-date ID tags and has great voice recall<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n 4) Let Your Dog Carry Their Own Gear<\/h2>\n
Once Charlie started joining us on backpacking trips, getting him a backpack was a total game-changer. It lightened my pack and gave him a little job to do\u2014which, as a working dog, he loves. Many dogs enjoy having a \u201ctask,\u201d and carrying their own food and gear is a great way to keep them engaged on the trail.<\/p>\n
I recommend starting with no more than 10% of your dog\u2019s body weight.\u00a0<\/p>\n
We use the Ruffwear Approach Pack<\/a>, which has been perfect for Charlie. It\u2019s durable, fits well, and the saddlebags are streamlined enough that they don\u2019t flop around when he runs or scrambles over rocks. Ruffwear also makes a lighter version called the Front Range Pack<\/a> if your dog\u2019s carrying less weight or just getting started.<\/p>\n
In his pack, Charlie carries a little bit of food, a collapsible bowl<\/a>, a ziplock of treats, and poop bags<\/a> \u2013 so nothing too crazy, but I find that it keeps him focused on the trail.<\/p>\n
\nA dog backpack allows your dog to carry their own food, water, and treats<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n 5) Make Sure Your Dog Gets Adequate Nutrition<\/h2>\n
Backpacking burns a ton of calories\u2014for both you and your dog. When Charlie\u2019s on the trail, he definitely eats more than usual, so I always bring a little more food than I think he\u2019ll need.<\/p>\n
I also pack lightweight treats to reward good trail behavior and give him an energy boost. Freeze-dried treats are my go-to\u2014they\u2019re light, don\u2019t crumble, and Charlie will do pretty much anything for them.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re backpacking in bear country, make sure your dog\u2019s food and treats go in your bear canister<\/a>, right along with your own. Not only will this protect it from bears, it\u2019ll also keep out mice, squirrels, and other critters who would love to chew through your pack for a snack. If you\u2019re not using a canister, still be smart\u2014never leave dog food unattended in your tent or backpack.<\/p>\n
\nBring extra food and snacks on your trip to keep your dog well-nourished and energy levels high<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n 6) Keep Your Dog Hydrated<\/h2>\n
Staying on top of hydration is one of the most important parts of backpacking with a dog. I always make sure Charlie has access to clean water throughout the day\u2014just like I do for myself. And yes, I filter his water too (see my next point).<\/p>\n
When we\u2019re at camp or taking a break, I set out his collapsible bowl (we use one from Ruffwear<\/a> that fits right in his backpack) and offer him water. On the trail, I make a point to stop every hour or two for a drink, and I watch for early signs of dehydration like a dry nose or extra panting.<\/p>\n
\nMake sure your dog always has frequent, easy access to water<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n 7) Filter Your Dog\u2019s Water<\/h2>\n
Just like I wouldn\u2019t drink straight from a stream, I don\u2019t let Charlie drink untreated water either. Dogs can get sick from the same pathogens we can\u2014like giardia or other parasites\u2014and the last thing you want is a sick dog in the middle of the backcountry.<\/p>\n
So whatever I\u2019m using to filter my own water<\/a>, I use it for his too. I just filter some into his collapsible bowl, and we\u2019re good to go. It\u2019s quick, easy, and totally worth the peace of mind.<\/p>\n
8) Keep Your Dog Cool in the Heat<\/h2>\n
After what happened with Johnny, I\u2019m super cautious about hiking in hot conditions. Heat exhaustion is no joke, and dogs can overheat fast\u2014especially on exposed trails with little shade.<\/p>\n
If it\u2019s hot out, I build in more breaks, find shady spots to rest, and let Charlie cool off in streams whenever we come across one. He loves splashing around, and it does wonders for keeping his core temperature down. I avoid hiking in the middle of the day if I can, especially in hotter climates.<\/p>\n
The main thing is to watch your dog closely. If they\u2019re panting heavily, slowing down, or looking uncomfortable, stop and cool them off\u2014don\u2019t try to push through it. I\u2019d rather arrive at camp late than risk my dog\u2019s safety.<\/p>\n
Help keep your dog cool by stopping for breaks in the shade, keeping them hydrated, and allowing them to splash around in water<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 9) Protect Your Dog\u2019s Paws While Backpacking<\/h2>\n
Your dog\u2019s paws take a beating on the trail, especially if you\u2019re hiking on rocky or rough terrain. I\u2019ve learned to check Charlie\u2019s paws regularly\u2014usually at breaks and definitely at the end of the day\u2014to catch any cuts, cracks, or rubbing early before they turn into real problems.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve tried booties, but Charlie absolutely hated them. He would do anything to get them off. What works way better for us is a wax-based paw balm called Musher\u2019s Secret<\/a>. I put it on in the morning before we start hiking and again at night. It helps moisturize his paws and adds a layer of protection against rough surfaces and hot ground. You just have to make sure they don\u2019t lick it off.\u00a0<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re not sure how your dog\u2019s paws will hold up, start by doing a few longer hikes on similar terrain and see how they do. And always pack a small paw care kit\u2014mine includes Musher\u2019s Secret, some gauze, tape, and a small pair of scissors\u2014just in case we need to deal with a cut on the trail.<\/p>\n
10) Keep an Eye on Your Dog at Night<\/h2>\n
Once we\u2019re at camp, I like to give Charlie a little freedom to move around\u2014but I still want to know exactly where he is. To make that easy, I clip a small LED light<\/a> to his collar so I can spot him at a glance, even if he wanders into the trees or behind a bush.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s such a simple trick, but it gives me peace of mind. I don\u2019t have to constantly call him or worry that he\u2019s wandered too far\u2014I can just follow the little glow bouncing around the campsite.<\/p>\n
11) Follow Leave No Trace Practices with Your Dog\u2019s Poop<\/h2>\n
Leave No Trace principles<\/a> apply to your dog just like they do to you.<\/p>\n
I was told by rangers in Yosemite that when you are backpacking with your dog, all poop should be buried in a cathole 6\u20138 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water and camp. If your dog goes too close to a stream or right in the middle of camp, you can use your poop shovel to move it to an appropriate spot and bury it properly. Alternatively, you can carry it out in poop bags.<\/p>\n
I store my backpacking poop shovel<\/a> in a ziplock bag inside Charlie\u2019s backpack to keep things sanitary and easy to access.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Leaving dog waste out in the open isn\u2019t just gross for other hikers\u2014it can contaminate water sources and disrupt the ecosystem.<\/p>\n
12) Know Basic Dog First Aid<\/h2>\n
I\u2019m not a vet, and I won\u2019t pretend I know how to handle every possible dog injury on the trail\u2014but I do believe in being prepared for the basics.<\/p>\n
Before I took Charlie backpacking, I made sure that I understood how to treat common, minor issues like a cut paw or a scraped nose. I don\u2019t need to be an expert\u2014I just need to be able to keep things from getting worse until we can get off the trail.<\/p>\n
I carry essentials like gauze, tape, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers, plus a few dog-specific items like paw balm and sometimes backup booties if they are absolutely necessary. <\/p>\n
* Fun tip<\/em>: If your dog hates booties, try putting a toddler-sized sock over their paw instead. You can use tape to tighten it so it doesn\u2019t fall off.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re not sure where to start, there are plenty of pre-made dog first aid kits<\/a> available online, and you can always customize one to fit your trip.<\/p>\n
13) Give Your Dog Room to Sleep in Your Tent<\/h2>\n
If your dog is sleeping in your backpacking tent with you (which I definitely recommend), make sure there\u2019s enough space for everyone to get a good night\u2019s rest. When it\u2019s me, my partner, and Charlie, we bring a 3-person tent<\/a> so he has his own space. <\/p>\n
To make Charlie more comfortable, we pack a closed-cell foam pad<\/a> just for him. It weighs barely over a pound, but it gives him insulation from the cold ground and a soft spot to crash after a big day. It also helps him settle in quickly\u2014he knows it\u2019s his<\/em> space when we set it down.<\/p>\n
\nOpt for a larger tent model to allow room for both you and your dog<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n 14) Be Prepared for Emergencies (Even If You Hope You\u2019ll Never Need To)<\/h2>\n
I never expect something to go wrong on the trail\u2014but I\u2019ve learned to think through the \u201cwhat ifs\u201d anyway. Especially when I\u2019m backpacking with Charlie, I like to have a rough plan in mind in case he gets injured or something unexpected happens.<\/p>\n
I carry a Garmin InReach<\/a> on all of our trips. I\u2019m obviously not going to hit the SOS button if Charlie\u2019s injured, but it\u2019s peace of mind knowing I can text a friend or family member for help if we need to bail early or I can\u2019t get him out on my own. It\u2019s also a good backup if we lose the trail or run into bad weather.<\/p>\n
Before heading out, I usually ask myself:<\/p>\n
\n- \n
- <\/span>Could I carry or assist my dog if he got hurt and couldn\u2019t walk out?<\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>How far am I from the trailhead or nearest road?<\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Will I have cell service, or do I need to rely on my Garmin?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
I don\u2019t obsess about worst-case scenarios, but having a loose plan helps me feel more confident out there.<\/p>\n
15) Wildlife Awareness on the Trail<\/h2>\n
Before you go hiking with your dog, it\u2019s essential to brush up on basic wildlife safety tips<\/a> so you know how to react if you have a run-in with an animal on the trail. I always carry bear spray<\/a>, leash my dogs, and stay more alert than usual. It\u2019s just not worth the risk to let them roam in areas where a wrong move could escalate fast.<\/p>\n
Some animals, like moose, are especially aggressive toward dogs, and a loose dog can make a dangerous situation worse. When we were in the Canadian Rockies, our dogs stayed leashed the entire time.<\/p>\n
- <\/span>How far am I from the trailhead or nearest road?<\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Reasonable terrain:<\/strong> If a trail is super rocky or rough, it can really mess with a dog\u2019s paws\u2014especially on longer hikes. I\u2019ve learned the hard way that terrain that looks \u201cfun and rugged\u201d for me might be painful for Charlie, so I lean toward smoother trails or ones with soft ground when possible.<\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>What gear your dog actually needs (and how to train them to carry it)<\/span><\/li>\n
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