Camping gear in general can easily get out of hand with expenses and the shear amount of camping supplies. This also applies to getting your dog’s camping gear too. I’m guilty of both.
Remember that what you get for your dog on trips, you will have to carry along with your gear. As much as you want to ensure your pups comfort, just being with you is comforting to them, so don’t over load yourself. Dogs love being around you and that’s all that matters to them.
Dog Camping Gear Checklist
Just a list of camping gear for your dog or dogs.
- Dog food
- Dog food storage
- Dog bed or pad
- Water and food dish
- Leash, collar, harness
- Tie out
- Dog backpack (for them)
- Waste bags
- Cooling pad (summer or hotter spring and fall days)
- Clothes (if winter and if they are shorter hair)
- Emergency kit – tick remover etc
Take Your Dog Camping With You
You’re bound to find many articles that will suggest the best dog camping gear. They are the best for a reason, but alternatives also exist. It seems like when you do your research, reviews suggest the top of the line. There’s nothing wrong with these recommendations, but for me it doesn’t make logical sense to spend $30 and up for one dog bowl when a $10 or less will be just as good. I like to stay practical and budget friendly, for me and my dog.
Whether you’re beginning to take your pup with you or are thinking about it, I’m not here to bombard you with the best camping gear for dogs, just the most practical gear you’ll actually use, and the gear that Sam and I have used on our camping adventures.
Start with basic camping dog gear and build from there when you’re ready.
Camping Gear for Dogs
In my compiled list, the ones that have an asterik ( * ), are what I consider the bare minimum to take. Many of the items on the list, are useful, but you don’t have to buy them. You can also utilize things that you may already have.
Dog Food*
For Sam, when we are somewhere new it takes him a few days to get use to the new surroundings. He typically eats dry food, but I have added wet food to his meals more tempting. The extra wet food provides the necessary calories that he has consumed throughout the day on hikes and during other activities.
We haven’t gone on a backpacking trip that lasted for more than one night so the weight hasn’t been an issue yet. When we go on a longer trips, I’ll definitely get dehydrated dog food for a much lighter load and leftover garbage weight.
Dog Food Storage*
There are many special camping dog food storage kits out there and vary in price range. I’ve always brought his everyday dog food in grocery bags or zip lock bags.
I was looking at the different storage containers, but as an alternative, I’m considering buying a pack of dry bags and using them for his food. Dry bag packs typically come in a range of sizes and should do a good job at keeping ants out and the dog food smell in. I already have so many bags it’s almost an obsession and I need to be certain that it would be used.
Collapsible Food and Water Bowls*
I use collapsible bowls and have backup of backups. In a pinch I have used plastic containers as well. When Sam and I are hiking, these will go into his pack to carry.
There are typically two types of dog bowls, silicone and water proof fabric. Both are great and packable.
Which one is better? It depends on your preference.
I have both styles and don’t have a preference with one over the other and neither does Sam. They both get used.
Harness*
A harness is much better than a collar. In my experience, There have been a few times where an unleashed dog has came around the corner and I have had to grab Sam, He has no neck neck and the collar and leash slipped off. With a harness, I am able to grab him much easier. When we went to Falls Creek Falls in Tennessee, we did some bouldering. He could get down to the falls, but getting up was a bit difficult. With his harness, I could easily pull him up. Mind you he weights about 65 pounds and the dog harness distributes his weight much better in situations like this.
Leash and Tether*
This is a big one. A tree runner is a great way to keep your pup in his own area so they don’t get in the way. I brought a tether but he kept getting wrapped around. I am currently waiting on a tree runner in the mail and will see how that works. I’m sure a lot better.
Waste Bags and Storage*
I recently got a 3 pack that can easily attach to his hiking leash. It’s made from a more durable material vs the plastic ones. It Velcro’s on his leash and the pouch can carry a few small things as well.
Dog Water Bottle
A water bottle for your dog isn’t necessary, but they are very convenient and easier to use. Your dog doesn’t care how they get their water when they are thirsty. This is strictly a dog owner must have and will make your life so much better.
Before I had Sam, I had a Standard Poodle named Sake, and I swore by the water bottle. After her passing, I donated most of her things and forgot about the water bottle. After the first year of camping and hiking with Sam, I purchased another one and asked myself why I didn’t get one before.
Dog Treats
As Sam gets older, treats tend to give him extreme gas so I tend not to do too many treats on nonadventure days. When we do go camping, I’ll give him a small bone or rawhide to occupy himself with. He also gets the leftovers that I won’t eat. My thought is we are outside so if he farts a lot it’s outside and dissipates and it’s less garbage to take out. I try to limit our trash in general.
Dog Bed
Many will bring a bed which is fine, but typically I’ll just bring a fleece blanket just for Sam. It’s less that I have to carry and it takes up less space. Plus, he knows that is his place when we are out. I typically have one in the car unless I’m washing it and forget to store it there. Otherwise, I’ll use a towel.
On a recent weekend backpacking overnight trip, I brought a rolled up fleece blanket that I carried and Sam knew that was his place when we gathered around the campfire that night.
Backpack
The Ruffwear and Highlands are popular brands for dog backpacks. Sam doesn’t have one of these, he just has 2 basic ones from Amazon that I found on sale. His pack is the Himal Outdoors pack that I found on Amazon for about $25 or so.
Extra Towels
I have an absorbent towel, but I usually forget to bring it with us.
Dog first-aid kit
You don’t have to purchase a kit, what you would use for yourself, is applicable for your pups. I’m bad about bringing a first aid kit for myself even, so there’s that. But I do bring is a Mushers Paw for him.
Outdoor toys
My dog doesn’t really play with toys, but to keep him occupied I may bring a rawhide style chewable to keep him occupied.
Consider your dogs age and attention span. Does keep themselves occupied with new smells and environment, so it may not be necessary for short trips. Plus with the high excitement they are also guaranteed to sleep the boring parts of camping away.
A current photo
If you don’t have a current photo of your dog, does your
Vet records and medical information
At least a copy.
ID Tag
Please have your phone number on it, for easy contact.
Cooling Pad
If you’re out during the hot and warm months of the year, a cooling pad is a must. Dogs don’t sweat like us to keep cool during the summer. If you have noticed your dog laying on tile floors more during the summer even with the A/C on, this is what the cooling pad does.
Clothing for Winter
Yes dogs have fur, but if they are shivering during the winter, then they are cold. Sam is short haired and I have different clothing for him. During the winter he has a fleece full body outfit that helps to get him warm at night and in the early morning. I bought it in the fall for less than $25 and it’s one of the best things that I have bought for him.
Dog Hiking Boots or Booties
Get these if you plan on hiking or camping in rougher terrain. Also consider these if you will be around hot asphalt, concrete, or open areas where the ground will be hot.
Trust me it is not fun having to carry your dog, because they have cut or burned the bottoms of their feet. No matter the weight of your dog, the extra strain and weight on you will not be fun. Those pounds add up.
Rain Jacket
This is something that most may not consider until it happens. There is nothing worse than being in a tent during the rain, and your dog shakes off to dry. Wet dog is never a pleasant thing.
Dog attachable leash to your waist
From my experience, this would not work and I would be afraid that if he falls off a trail cliff, Sam would take me as well.
I love him, but I need to ensure my safety as well.
Dog Play Pen
At 65 pounds, Sam is just too big and would knock it down. Plus it is too cumbersome to lug around.
If you have a smaller dog, it would be great option instead of a tether.
Dog Sleeping Bag
I haven’t tried this, but a friend of mine does a lot more backpacking than I do and got one for her pup. Her pup just wanted to sleep near her and wouldn’t use it. I feel like Sam would do the same.
Dog Tent
I’ve seen some campers get these, but for my use, it would be one more thing to carry and setup. I don’t think Sam would stay in it like other dogs would. When I take Sam, he is tethered and he would just himself wrapped with the tent.
Dog Goggles
It’s not because I don’t like them, Sam just doesn’t. Everything that goes over his head or face, He immediately takes off.
Conclusion
As a dog parent and adventurer, it’s important to do things with them. Leaving your pet at home or boarding them is fine when necessary, but bringing your dog creates memories for you and them. Dogs like to be outdoors just like you.
Cathy is a dynamic one-person powerhouse overseeing marketing and ecommerce operations in Marietta, GA where she is a is a pivotal member for a prominent industrial industrial hose, hydraulic, and rubber solutions provider.
Beyond the workplace, she finds solace and inspiration in adventurous and exhilarating pursuits like skydiving and caving to roughing it weekend camping trips with friends and family.
With a unique blend of professional expertise and a zest for life’s adventures, Cathy is committed to driving success both in and out of the office. And of course with that cup of coffee in hand!