There’s nothing quite like exploring the great outdoors with your dog by your side. Whether you’re scaling mountains, wandering through woodlands or tackling your local trails, the right dog hiking gear makes all the difference.
From safety and comfort to hydration and visibility, a well-prepared kit helps ensure your adventures are enjoyable for both you and your four-legged companion. Below, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of dog hiking essentials, the items that experienced hikers swear by, and a few extras that make life on the trail easier.
1. A Comfortable, Durable Harness
A proper harness is the cornerstone of your dog’s hiking gear. It gives you better control than a collar, distributes pressure evenly across your dog’s body, and helps prevent injuries, especially on uneven terrain.
Look for a padded, adjustable harness made from durable, weather-resistant materials. A handle on the back is a useful feature for lifting your dog over obstacles or helping them across streams.
Pro tip: Avoid cheap harnesses with thin straps, they can chafe your dog’s skin during long walks. A breathable mesh lining helps keep things comfortable even on warm days.
2. A Sturdy, Hands-Free Lead
A hands-free lead or waist-attached lead is a game-changer for hiking. It keeps your hands free for balance, trekking poles, or grabbing snacks from your pack. Not only is this convenient, but it’s also safer than a traditional lead as it means you’re able to use your hands to break any falls and ensures your dog is tethered to you, particularly useful in mountain envirobments.
Choose a lead with bungee-style elasticity, which absorbs shocks if your dog suddenly pulls or darts after a squirrel. Reflective stitching is a plus for early-morning or evening walks.
If you prefer a traditional lead, make sure it’s long enough to give your dog freedom to explore but short enough to maintain control in busy or challenging areas.
3. Collapsible Water Bowl and Dog Water Bottle
Hydration is just as important for your dog as it is for you. Always carry plenty of fresh water and a collapsible bowl or a dedicated dog water bottle with an integrated dish. There are convenient options designed for outdoor environments to not take up much space in your pack.
Dogs can dehydrate quickly, especially in warm weather or at altitude. Offer water regularly — every 30–45 minutes on long hikes is a good rule of thumb. These are also ideal as part of your dog equipment list for camping, if you’re also into that!
Pro tip: Don’t rely on natural streams or puddles for drinking water. They may contain parasites or bacteria that can cause illness.
4. Trail-Ready Dog Boots
Dog boots might look funny at first, but they’re one of the most useful bits of dog hiking gear you can own. They protect paws from hot sand, sharp rocks, ice, and salt.
When choosing boots, look for:
- Grippy rubber soles for traction on slippery surfaces.
- Velcro or zip fastenings to keep them secure.
- Breathable materials to prevent overheating.
It’s worth practising with them at home before your first hike — most dogs need a little time to get used to the feeling.
5. Lightweight Backpack or Saddle Bags
If your dog is healthy and your vet approves, they can carry some of their own gear in a dog hiking backpack. It helps distribute weight evenly and gives them a job to do — something many breeds love.
A well-fitted backpack can carry essentials like:
- Poo bags
- Treats
- A small water bottle
- First aid supplies
Important: Keep the load light — no more than 10–15% of your dog’s body weight. For example, a 20 kg dog shouldn’t carry more than about 2 kg.
6. Trail Snacks and Treats
Just like you, your dog will burn more energy on the trail than during a regular walk. Pack high-energy treats or bite-sized snacks to keep them fuelled.
Options include:
- Dehydrated meat strips
- Training treats
- Special dog energy bars
These come in handy for reinforcing recall, encouraging good behaviour around other hikers, or distracting them during breaks.
7. Dog First Aid Kit
Accidents happen, even on gentle trails. A canine first aid kit is a must-have, especially if you’re hiking far from home or mobile signal.
A basic kit should include:
- Antiseptic wipes and spray
- Bandages and gauze
- Tick remover (and make sure you know how to use it)
- Tweezers and scissors
- Styptic powder (for stopping bleeding on minor cuts)
- Emergency blanket
If you’re heading somewhere remote, consider adding a small muzzle — not because your dog is aggressive, but because pain or fear can cause any dog to snap during treatment. For more advice on first aid, visit our camping and hiking dog first aid guide.
8. Identification and GPS Tracker
Even the most obedient dogs can become distracted by wildlife or lose sight of you on a winding trail. That’s why clear identification is essential.
At minimum, your dog should wear:
- A collar with an ID tag including your phone number
- A microchip (a legal requirement in the UK)
For extra peace of mind, a GPS tracker attached to the collar lets you monitor your dog’s location in real time. Some even send alerts if your dog leaves a designated safe zone.
9. Poop Bags and a Waste Pouch
Leave no trace — it’s one of the golden rules of responsible hiking. Always carry biodegradable poo bags and a waste pouch or container so you can carry used bags until you find a bin.
Some hikers use a small dry bag or airtight container to keep odours sealed in. It’s not glamorous, but it keeps the trails clean for everyone.
10. Dog Jacket or Cooling Vest
Depending on the season, your dog may need a little extra protection from the elements.
For winter hikes, a waterproof, insulated jacket helps keep them warm and dry. In summer, a cooling vest can help prevent overheating — simply soak it in water before heading out.
Pro tip: Short-haired breeds, senior dogs, or very small breeds tend to benefit most from added insulation in colder weather.
11. Towel and Paw Cleaner
Muddy trails and soggy paws are all part of the fun — until your dog jumps back into the van. A microfibre towel and portable paw cleaner are great for quick clean-ups before heading home, especially if you like to combine your hike with a wild swim or a dog friendly paddleboarding session.
You can also use dog-safe wet wipes to remove dirt or check for ticks around their legs, ears and belly after each hike.
12. Reflective or High-Visibility Gear
If your hikes take you out early or you’re descending as the sun sets, visibility is key. Reflective harnesses, collars, or clip-on LED lights make sure both you and your dog stay visible to cyclists, cars, and other hikers.
It’s a simple addition that significantly improves safety during dawn, dusk, or cloudy weather.
13. Emergency Blanket or Dog Sleeping Mat
For longer treks or camping trips, pack a lightweight sleeping mat or blanket for your dog. It provides insulation from the cold ground and gives them a defined rest spot.
If you’re caught out in bad weather or your dog needs a rest mid-hike, a compact mat can make all the difference.
14. Tick and Flea Protection
Before venturing into long grass or forested areas, make sure your dog’s flea and tick treatments are up to date. Check them over after each hike, especially around ears, armpits, and between the toes.
Ticks are common in rural areas and can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, so prevention and prompt removal are vital.
15. Dog Hiking Pack Essentials Checklist
Here’s a quick summary to make packing easier next time you hit the trail:
✅ Harness
✅ Hands-free lead
✅ Collapsible water bowl and bottle
✅ Boots (if needed)
✅ Backpack (optional)
✅ Treats and snacks
✅ First aid kit
✅ ID and GPS tracker
✅ Poo bags and waste pouch
✅ Weather-appropriate jacket or cooling vest
✅ Towel and paw cleaner
✅ Reflective gear
✅ Sleeping mat or blanket
✅ Tick and flea protection
Final Thoughts
The best dog hiking gear isn’t about overloading your rucksack — it’s about being prepared, safe, and comfortable. The right kit can transform a tough trek into a shared adventure you’ll both love.
Start with the essentials — harness, lead, water, and first aid — then add extras based on the season and your dog’s needs. Over time, you’ll find the perfect combination that suits your routes, climate, and your dog’s unique personality.
Also, be mindful of your dogs breed and age when embarking on a hiking trip, hiking with a puppy requires much more careful planning and equipment, for example
So, grab your boots, clip on the lead, and hit the trail — adventure awaits!