The best hiking gear for dogs of 2023, according to avid hikers

A lot of effort goes into hiking, and the last thing you want to worry about is your dog's leash. The Ruffwear Crag Reflective Leash is a versatile option and one of the best dog leashes I tested. It can be worn around the waist or used as a hand-held leash. 

I particularly like the added padding sewn onto the waist-worn section: It reduces the impact of a pulling dog against your body, which can sometimes be a problem with hands-free leashes. It is also reflective, making it perfect for hikes in the early morning or evening hours. While it has a clunkier attachment point, I didn't find it too arduous. The clip fit around every harness I tested it with and stayed secure despite lots of hard tugging, so this leash will be able to keep your pup tethered to you no matter what circumstances might arise. — Sophia Carlisle, pets fellow

The key elements of a great dog backpack are a comfortable and supportive harness, a secure and easy-to-reach leash clip, and enough capacity for your pup to carry some of their weight in dog food and related items. Mountainsmith's K9 Pack checks all those boxes.

The four-point adjustable chest harness connects to an independently adjustable back harness with nonslip buckles. Breathable mesh panels and perforated EVA add comfort. And when my dog runs across a shallow river or splashes in puddles, the pack's water-resistant treatment keeps the contents dry. I store poop bags and treats in zippered outer compartments where I can grab them fast. I've also used the back haul handle to help my dog up ladders on Vermont's Mount Mansfield. — Berne Broudy, freelance outdoors reporter

You've got two choices when it comes to the best first-aid kit for hiking: Start with one that's human-specific, and tweak it to include dog-specific gear or vice versa. We like this canine-specific first-aid kit because not only does it come with a 98-page quick reference guide to treating almost every dog emergency, it also has the tools you need for common mishaps, from cuts to quilling. 

When I'm hiking, I want to carry as little as possible. It makes the journey more pleasant. And  Nite IZE Rad Dog Collapsible Dog Bowl is so minimalist that I never think twice about bringing it along. It's about the weight of a quart-sized zip-top bag, and it takes up about the same amount of space — virtually none. The bowl is leak-proof and holds 16 ounces of water, so my dog doesn't have to drink out of my water bottle or hydration hose. I also use it to feed my dog on the trail. The bowl's collar is narrower than the base to keep it stable with liquids inside, but there's plenty of room for a dog snout to get to the goods. — Berne Broudy, freelance outdoors reporter

If your dog is hairless, has a white or thin coat, or has light-colored skin, you should apply sunscreen to them before heading outside, says Dr. Bradley Krohn, veterinarian for The Vets mobile veterinary service. Just like in humans, sunburns can be painful for dogs and can cause skin cancer. Krohn says the sunscreen you use should be safe to ingest in small quantities and free of harmful chemicals like para-aminobenzoic acid (also known as PABA) and zinc, which are toxic to dogs. 

Former outdoors editor Rachael Schultz likes the veterinarian-developed Epi-Pet K9 Care Sunscreen, which has protection equivalent to 30 SPF, is FDA-approved, water- and sweat-resistant, and comes as a spray for easy application. Krohn recommends applying sunscreen to your dog's nose, ear tips, lips, inner thighs, groin, and belly area. Light can reflect off surfaces and scorch your dog's undercarriage just as much as their back, Krohn says, so don't skip this area. Just be sure to cover your dog's eyes when applying and keep an eye on them for 15 minutes after application to ensure they don't lick the sunscreen off.  — Sophia Carlisle, pets fellow

Instead of picking up poop and leaving the bag on the side of the trail where you're likely to forget it on your way down, hours later, bring the REI Co-op Nalgene Bottle. The wide mouth is easy to drop used poop bags in, and the thick plastic keeps the stink from seeping out.

There are some dog poop-specific items like a Doo Doo Tube, but that only works for small dogs and often one poop. With a Nalgene, there's enough room for multiple dogs' business, and you'll never feel guilty for accidentally violating Leave No Trace principles. — Rachael Schultz, former outdoors editor

The Hurtta Weekend Warrior Harness holds up no matter how big and dirty the adventure. Soft, padded straps have four points of adjustment, two on the neck strap and two on the chest strap, to help you get a snug fit on a wide range of body types. Two buckles on the chest strap mean you don't have to lift your dog's legs to get them into the harness.

The harness is fashioned from soft, lightweight polyester and covered with a weatherproof material sturdy enough to keep the harness from soaking through in low to moderate rain. Reflective prints and piping increase safety in low light. A sturdy stainless steel ring connects to the leash, and a handle lets you lend a hand on steep trails without compromising your balance. It comes in five sizes, from a tiny 16 to 18 inches to a hefty 39 to 47 inches. Read more about the Hurtta Weekend Warrior Harness in our guide to the best dog harnesses. —Berne Broudy, freelance outdoors reporter

The best dog boots can protect your dog's paws from rough terrain and the scrapes and cuts that come with it. We like Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots because they have waterproof, flexible rubber soles and breathable mesh booties. They're sold in pairs, so you can get the ideal fit for both front and back paws. Plus, each boot comes with reflective strips to keep an eye on your dog in low light.

The boots are easy to put on and take off and can be tossed in the washer after a long day on the trail. Just be sure to break these in with your dog before heading out for a long trek to prevent irritation. They're sold in a wide range of eight sizes and come in three different colors. — Berne Broudy, freelance outdoors reporter

Keeping extra food on hand can be useful for long hikes or emergency situations, so the Kurgo Dog Kibble Carrier is a great addition for longer trips. The dry sack is designed with a roll-down top and hex-weave material to keep your dog's food fresh. It can hold up to 5 pounds of the best dog food and even has a zippered side pocket that can fit smaller items like treats, dog bags, and keys. We also like that it's machine washable for easy cleaning and maintenance. — Berne Broudy, freelance outdoors reporter

You pack a headlamp for yourself in case you're out after dusk, so it makes sense to pack a light to track your dog as well. These Nite Ize collars emanate a soft glow around your dog's neck with the push of the button so you can keep track of them in the dark and other people can see them coming. The collar runs on replaceable batteries, and it's easy to cut the one-size-fits-all band to fit your dog. — Rachael Schultz, former outdoors editor

Paw cuts from rocky terrain, a torn ACL from running too fast, an encounter with a wild animal, a snake bite, a fight with another dog — there are dozens of ways your pup could be injured and immobilized miles away from the car. And if they're over 15 pounds, how would you get them down the mountain?

The Fido Pro Airlift is a lightweight harness that scoops your injured pup into a backpack that's comfortable enough for them and for you. It's a smart item to bring whenever you're headed out for a long or technical hike, especially if you have a large dog. In fact, it's recommended and used by the National Association For Search And Rescue. When not in use, the harness packs down to be about the size of a water bottle so it won't add bulk or weight to your day pack. It comes in two sizes to hold dogs between 20 and 150 pounds. — Rachael Schultz, former outdoors editor

Living in a rainy area means more damp hikes than not, so I always like to pack a raincoat for my dog to protect her from the rain. The Hurrta Monsoon Coat is one of the best dog raincoats for bad weather. This coat provides excellent full-body coverage, and no other raincoat we tested has as much torso and belly coverage as the Hurrta. The belly coverage is especially useful for shielding against dirt and mud kicked up by your dog's paws. 

The raincoat is extremely adjustable to fit dogs of all sizes, and it includes drawstrings to get the perfect fit around the collar, shoulders, and hips, further preventing water from getting in. As if that weren't enough, this jacket also sports reflective accents across its surface and has a convenient leash loop to connect your dog's leash to a harness worn beneath the jacket. — Sophia Carlisle, pets fellow

For longer hiking adventures or overnight camping, I like to bring a portable bed for my dog to keep her comfortable on any terrain. While many of the best outdoor dog beds can provide cushiony support, the Ruffwear Mt. Bachelor Pad Portable Dog Bed is an excellent option for outdoor treks. Its thin, polyester material can easily roll up for storage in a pack, but it still offers enough support for your pup during times of rest. 

The bed also has a nonslip waterproof base and microsuede top for comfort. It's easy to machine-wash, although it is a bit bulky in the washer drum. However, this bed might not be the best bet for dogs who chew on their bedding, as the material is easily damaged. — Sophia Carlisle, pets fellow

As avid hikers, we're well-versed in the best gear for both ourselves and our pups. We selected the best dog hiking gear based on our personal experiences with the products we recommend here. We also consulted Dr. Bradley Krohn, a veterinarian with The Vets, to get more insight into hiking with our furry friends and learn the best ways to keep them safe. 

What should a dog wear hiking? 

The best hiking gear for dogs will vary on the type of excursion they're going on. Krohn says dog boots are a good place to start to protect your dog's paws. "Abrasions are very common on the pad surface, and they happen very quickly," he says. "Boots are a good idea." We also like coats for extreme weather. Rain jackets and the best dog winter coats can protect pups from rain, sleet, or snow. 

But more important than the gear is the water you bring for your dog. Krohn says it's vital for dogs to drink small quantities of water before, during, and after a hike to prevent dehydration. This is just as true in winter as it is in summer, he says. However, be careful not to give your dog too much to drink, especially if they are a larger breed. Too much water too fast can lead to dangerous bloat, he says. 

Should I leash my dog while hiking? 

Yes. Krohn says that leashing your dog on a hike protects both them and you. He recommends always keeping your dog leashed while hiking. "There's no way to predict the variables that you might encounter in a situation like that," he says, pointing out potential threats from wildlife or other dogs you might run into on the trails. 

Is it good for dogs to go on hikes? 

In general, yes, it can be good for dogs to go on hikes. However, Krohn cautions taking every type of dog on a long, tiring outdoor trek. "We want to make sure that the dog is an appropriate dog to be going on hikes," he says. Puppies will have a harder time keeping up on a long hike, especially if they are a larger breed. Large breed puppies don't have much muscle or tissue mass, so there can be a lot of wear and tear on the joints with too much rigorous exercise, like hiking. "We do not recommend vigorous long-duration activity exercise for larger breed and giant breed dogs during the first year of life," he says.