Backpacking / Hiking with your Dog

 

 

Backpacking with your Dog

Dogs of all shapes and sizes can enjoy backpacking but there are a few issues to consider before getting started:

  • Choosing the right pack for your dog
  • Conditioning yourself and your dog for exercise

Choosing the Right Pack for Your Dog

Dogs can carry a fair amount of weight on their backs but it is important to place the weight in the correct position — dogs should carry the weight over the withers area and not in the middle of the back. This is especially important for long-backed dogs. The pack should be specifically designed for the dog's size, made from light-weight, water-proof material, with adjustable straps and quick-release buckles for ease of getting on and off.

If the dog's pack is loaded, and he is doing any kind of climbing, uphill walking, or pulling, be sure to have a non-restrictive harness on the pack. This ensures that the dog's shoulder movement is not impeded by any kind of horizontal strap across the front. A non-restrictive pack has a harness hook-up that goes over the dog's head like a sledding harness, comes to a "V" at the hyoid bone, and continues down between the dog's front legs. This allows the pulling pressure to go on the middle of the dogs chest, and not on the front legs, which would restrict his movement.

Padding on the pack depends on the dog's coat, and the weight and amount of pulling that he will do. Short-coated breeds benefit more from a padded harness if there is a lot of rubbing of the pack.

The pack should also be a high-visibility colour — orange, yellow or red — especially when trekking through the forests. It not only helps you spot your dog from a distance, but allows others to see him as well.

Conditioning Yourself and Your Dog

Like any other physical activity, it is important to prepare yourself and your dog for the new strain on the muscles which may not have been used regularly. Start out slowly, walking short distances the first day. Slowly build on the distance you will cover on your hikes. Remember to stretch your muscles, and your dog's too, before exercising. When the dog starts to carry his pack, start empty and gradually increase the weight on each trip.

 

Hiking with your Dog

  Accessories

REI Adventure Dog Tent

REI Adventure Dog Tent

Give your pooch a place of his/her own! REI Adventure Dog tent sets up quickly to provide shade from the sun or refuge when it rains. Freestanding tent design delivers a spacious 10.47 sq. ft. of floor space; suitable for a dog up to 110 lbs. Sturdy 6mm shockcorded fiberglass poles snap together quickly; clip design makes pole attachment to tent a snap. Detachable floor allows easy cleaning; leash exit hole in floor at back of tent keeps dog secure while inside. Flap door can be rolled up for ventilation or let down for weather protection; door can also be clipped closed to deter wind. Extended brow pole enhances coverage over door allowing door flap to stay open during inclement weather. High water- and UV-resistant 75-denier ripstop polyester tent body provides years of faithful service. Clear window in tent body provides visibility of dog from outside while allowing extra light inside. Three standard tent pegs keep the shelter securely in place; oversized leash peg provides a place to tether your dog. Dimensions: 45'' long x 37" wide x 31'' high; trapezoidal floor area is 30-inches wide at front and 37-inches wide at back. Comes with an oversized 4.5 x 14 inch water-resistant nylon stuff sack for easy packing.

REI Adventure Dog Dream Bed - Large

REI Adventure Dog Dream Bed - Large

REI Adventure Dog Dream Bed is equipped with a posh self-inflating mattress for the ultimate in doggy comfort, in the backcountry and at home! Durable, puncture-resistant nylon cover is washable and features soft polyester Sherpa fleece on one side for enhanced warmth and comfort. Thick 1.75-inch self-inflating pad insert is made of compressible foam for a soft, insulating layer of comfort for your canine companion. Pad features a quick-closing, high-flow valve, which lets you inflate and deflate the pad quickly; bed rolls up for compact storage and travel. Zippered end for easy access to inflate air pad or remove cover for cleaning. Cover can also be used alone when space or weight is at a premium. Comes with 12 x 22 inch stuff sack for convenient storage. Size Large is intended for dogs 36-48 inches in length.

Ruff Wear Cloud Chaser Jacket

Ruff Wear Cloud Chaser Jacket

A Ruff Wear soft-shell jacket for dogs? With stretchy, waterproof fabric and thoughtful details, it's doggone genius! Windproof upper fabric panels are treated with Durable Water Repellent coating to protect your pooch from rain, snow and slobber. Teflon® coating on the lower Lycra® spandex panels shrugs off moisture and dirt. Breathable membrane helps prevent overheating in warm weather and during heavy activity. Jacket is fully lined with soft, comfortable fleece to insulate and help avoid chafing. Strategically placed reflective trim enhances visibility in low light. Full-length, locking YKK® zipper with storm flap makes it easy to dress your dog. Machine washable for easy care.

Granite Gear High Visibility Coat

Granite Gear High Visibility Coat

Enhance your dog's safety by putting this reflective, bright yellow Granite Gear coat on him. Rugged ripstop outer shell resists snagging and cuts the wind; brushed fleece inner surface adds warmth. Reflective stripes improve roadside visibility. Updated for 2008, rip-and-stick closure is durable and allows a wide range of fit options.

Mountainsmith Dog Pack - Small

Mountainsmith Dog Pack - Small

It's pure puppy love! The Mountainsmith small dog pack has an independently adjustable strap system that tailors the pack fit to a cocker spaniel- or terrier-size dog. Features 6,100 cu. in. of load-carrying capacity and a trim, streamlined design that allows your pet to maneuver easily around obstacles. Independently adjustable straps at chest, shoulders and hips provide a stable fit; compression straps offer load stability. Synthetic fleece-lined straps and buckles eliminate hot spots. Mesh straddle panel and open strap design allows ventilation. Mesh top pocket offers handy leash storage; reinforced D-ring provides leash attachment point. Carry-handle on top offers convenient carrying when the pack is off your pet. Bungee cord with toggle lets you stow extra gear. Constructed of 100% recycled PET for long-lasting durability; polyurethane coating adds water resistance. Red color and reflective trim increase your dog's visibility.

Ruff Wear Approach Pack -- Sizes X Small - Small

Ruff Wear Approach Pack -- Sizes X Small - Small

Discover the joy of hiking with your best friend-this Ruff Wear dog pack is perfect for day or weekend adventures with your pooch! Trim saddlebag design moves easily with dog's body, allowing easy navigation through dense woods. Web MasterT harness frame improves load distribution, support, comfort and stability. Built-in handle to help your dog through those tough spots on the trail; leash can be attached to sturdy D-ring (leash sold separately). Constructed of water-resistant ballistic nylon for durability.

Ruff Wear Web Master Dog Harness

Ruff Wear Web Master Dog Harness

Strap your four-legged friend into this Ruff Wear harness and eliminate neck strain and choking. Adjustable buckles provide freedom of movement; open construction increases ventilation. Soft, fur-friendly liner and microfleece belly straps do not chafe. Assistance handle gives your dog a lift over daunting obstacles. Features a tough aluminum V-ring for attaching a leash. Reflective trim along the harness increases visibility in low light.

Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat for Dogs

Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat for Dogs

Dog paddling can only take your water-loving pooch so far. Cloak it in the Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat for dogs for extra floatation. PVC-free foam cells provide buoyancy and position your dog in a natural, horizontal swimming position. Reflective trim offers increased visibility in low light. Assistance handle at the base of the neck makes it easy to lift your furry friend out of the water or help it over a log. Generous, anatomic cut enhances mobility and swimming ease.

REI Adventure Dog Water Bowl - 7 Inch

REI Adventure Dog Water Bowl - 7 Inch

REI Adventure Dog water bowl hydrates thirsty pups with its generous capacity while the intelligent design carries easily when full or collapsed. Decorative 1-inch webbing rim keeps water bowl opening rigid enough for even the thirstiest, big muzzled mutts to lap from. Water-resistant, rugged 630-denier nylon packcloth withstands abuse. Waterproof coated-nylon lining with seamless construction preventss leakage. Molded bottom panel and tapered shape keep bowl from tipping over easily and facilitate moving the bowl when full. Elastic band on bottom secures empty bowl when it's folded flat.

Mountainsmith K-9 Cube

Mountainsmith K-9 Cube

Make road trips with your dog simple with the handy Mountainsmith K-9 Cube. It contains the essentials your furry friend needs for happy travels. Interior dividers, separate food container and collapsible dishes keep your dog's food and water organized. Also includes soft-sided disc for when you want to stop and play a game of fetch. Waterproof liner in cube and collapsible water bowl keeps food and water secure and is easy to clean. Collapsible food dish has a cinch cord to secure uneaten contents. Convenient top pocket keeps plastic cleanup baggies at the ready. 2 mesh side pockets carry tennis balls or other small items.

Ruff Wear Grip Trex Boots

Ruff Wear Grip Trex Boots

All-terrain, all-season and all fun, these Vibram®-soled boots let your best friend keep up no matter the adventure underway! Use them year-round on rocky trails or snow-covered fields; durable soles with omnidirectional lugs protect paws and enhance stability and traction. Boots are built on an anatomic mold (just like human shoes) for a consistent fit, sizing and shape. Breathable mesh uppers dry quickly. Special expansion gusset enhances fit and lets you slide boots over dog's paws easily; seamless construction reduces the chance of abrasion. Cinch closures with hook and loop fabric and low-slip cuffs keep boots securely in place. Reflective trim increases visibility during evening jaunts. Use boots in the home or on the boat-nonmarking soles will not harm walking surfaces. Includes storage sack.

Garmin Astro 220 DC 30 Bundle GPS Dog Tracking System

Garmin Astro 220 DC 30 Bundle GPS Dog Tracking System

Keep your canine companion found with the Garmin Astro GPS-based dog tracking system, and leave the bushwhacking to your dog! Bundle includes full-featured Astro 220 GPS unit and the DC 30 dog-collar transmitter for relaying dog's position to you every 5, 10 or 30 seconds. Intuitive setup can be readied for tracking in minutes, keeping user apprised of up to 10 dogs' positions (additional DC 30 transmitters not included). DC 30 transmitter collar is weighted to maintain position of transmitter above dog's back. Flexible antenna on DC 30 withstands rugged use in brush. Up to 7 mi. line-of-sight range, depending on terrain. DC 30 transmitter offers 17 to 36 hours (based on position pinpointing frequency) on rechargeable lithium ion battery pack; includes AC wall adapter and DC vehicle charger. Astro 220 GPS offers full mapping abilities with optional map software and is compatible with data cards via the microSDT card slot. Features barometric altimeter sensor and electronic compass for accurately tracking pressure changes, altitude and direction. Scratch-resistant lens protects sunlight-readable 2.6 in. color TFT display with backlight and rocker keypad navigation. Arrive easily at your destination with automatic routing and turn-by-turn directions. Flexible antenna tracks up to 10 DC 30 transmitters; dog tracker page indicates dog's position relative to the Astro 220. Dog map page shows not only where each dog is every 5, 10 or 30 seconds but also shows a route of the ground covered by each dog. Dog page can also indicate whether your dog is running, sitting, on point, or treeing quarry from sensor information inside DC 30 transmitter. Covey CounterT waypoints store additional data about the covey including how many birds were flushed and how many were taken. Hunt and fish time page displays good and best time ranges for your current location.