Everything I pack before hitting the trails with my dogs
There are few things that make me happier than watching my dogs race through a forest, splash through a mountain stream or stop every few metres to investigate a particularly interesting smell. Hiking has become such a huge part of our lives that packing for an adventure is almost second nature now.
That said… it definitely wasn’t always like that.
Over the years, I’ve forgotten water bowls, packed too little snacks, realised halfway up a mountain that I’d left the long lead in the car, and once even forgot my own lunch while somehow remembering treats for the dogs. Priorities, right? 😅
After hundreds of hikes and many adventures throughout Europe, I’ve refined my packing list into something that covers pretty much every situation. Whether you’re heading out for a one-hour woodland walk or tackling an all-day mountain hike, this checklist should help you prepare.
Because when you’re well prepared, you spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the adventure with your best friend.
Before you leave
The most important part of any hike actually starts before you even leave home.
Take a moment to check the weather forecast. A pleasant 18°C in the morning can quickly become 30°C by lunchtime, and dogs are far more vulnerable to overheating than we are.
Think about your dog’s age, fitness and health too. A fit Border Collie and a senior Labrador won’t have the same limits, and that’s perfectly okay. The goal isn’t to cover the longest distance; it’s to have fun together.
I also always tell someone roughly where I’m going, especially if I’m hiking in more remote areas. Mobile reception isn’t guaranteed in the mountains, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
My dog hiking checklist
🐕 A comfortable harness
I always choose a well-fitted harness over attaching a lead directly to the collar for hikes. It gives my dogs more freedom to move naturally, distributes pressure more evenly and offers me better control if I need to help them over rocks or tricky terrain.
Make sure it fits properly. A harness that rubs can quickly turn a fun adventure into an uncomfortable one.
🦮 A sturdy lead
Even if your dog has excellent recall, it’s worth bringing a lead.
Some nature reserves require dogs to remain on lead, and you never know when you’ll encounter livestock, wildlife or another walker who isn’t comfortable around dogs.
I usually bring both a standard lead and a long line. The long line gives my dogs extra freedom while still keeping everyone safe where needed.
💧 Plenty of fresh water
If there’s one thing I never underestimate, it’s water.
Dogs can become dehydrated surprisingly quickly, particularly during warmer weather or on challenging climbs.
As a rough guide, I carry far more water than I think I’ll need. It’s much easier to carry a little extra than to wish you’d packed more. I never let my dogs drink from lakes and water streams, as I never know for sure whether there might be traces of blue green algae (dangerous!) or harmful chemicals, parasites, etc.
A collapsible silicone bowl weighs almost nothing and makes water breaks incredibly easy.
🍖 Snacks and treats
Just like us, dogs burn more energy on longer hikes.
I usually pack healthy treats, especially if we’re planning several hours outdoors. Snacks are also perfect for rewarding great recall, checking in voluntarily or simply making the experience even more enjoyable.
Positive reinforcement doesn’t stop because you’re on a mountain.
🩹 A simple canine first aid kit
Thankfully, I’ve rarely needed it, but I’d never leave without one.
Mine contains:
- Bandages
- Sterile gauze
- Saline solution
- Tick remover
- Tweezers
- Vet wrap
- Scissors
- Antiseptic suitable for dogs
- Paw balm
- Active charcoal (in case of poisioning)
Hopefully it stays zipped up for the entire hike, but if something does happen, you’ll be glad you packed it.
🐾 Paw protection
Mountain trails can be rough on paws.
After every hike I quickly check each paw for cuts, thorns, grass seeds or small stones caught between the pads.
If the ground is extremely rocky or hot, dog boots can be helpful for some dogs, although many dogs need time to get used to wearing them.
🪪 ID tag and GPS tracker
This is non-negotiable for me.
Every one of my dogs wears an ID tag with my contact details.
I also use GPS trackers (both Tractive and AirTags), which have given me enormous peace of mind over the years. Even dogs with excellent recall can be startled by wildlife or become temporarily disorientated in unfamiliar surroundings.
I’ve made a comparison between Tractive and AirTags, in case you’re wondering which one to pick. You can read it here.
Hopefully you’ll never need it, but if you do, you’ll be incredibly grateful it’s there.
💩 Poop bags
Leave nothing behind except paw prints.
Cleaning up after our dogs keeps trails beautiful, protects wildlife and helps ensure dogs remain welcome on hiking paths for years to come.
📱 Fully charged phone
Your phone isn’t just for taking adorable photos (I know, I was surprised too lol).
It’s your navigation tool, emergency contact and weather checker. I also download offline maps whenever I’m hiking somewhere with unreliable reception. I use AllTrails for hiking, it’s great!
A small power bank is worth packing for longer adventures too.
💦 A towel
One of the most useful things I always have in the car. Whether it’s muddy paws, unexpected rain or an enthusiastic swim in a mountain lake, a towel almost always comes in handy.
I highly recommend the quick-drying ones from Decathlon.
Summer hiking: less is often more ☀️
One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming dogs enjoy hiking in the same temperatures that we do.
In reality, many dogs struggle long before we feel uncomfortable.
During summer, I often skip daytime hikes altogether and head out very early in the morning or late in the evening instead. Sometimes we simply replace a long mountain adventure with a quiet sniff walk or some enrichment games at home.
Rest days aren’t failures. Knowing when not to hike is just as important as knowing how to prepare for one.
Leave nature exactly as you found it 🌿
One of the reasons I love hiking so much is because it reminds me how beautiful nature really is.
We all have a responsibility to protect it.
Stay on marked paths where possible, respect wildlife, keep your distance from livestock and avoid disturbing nesting birds or wild animals.
If everyone treats nature with respect, our dogs will be able to enjoy these incredible places for generations to come.
Final thoughts
You don’t need the fanciest gear or the most expensive equipment to enjoy hiking with your dog.
The best adventures are rarely about reaching the highest peak or walking the greatest distance. They’re about watching your dog happily explore the world beside you, sharing quiet moments surrounded by nature and creating memories you’ll both treasure.
So pack your bag, grab the lead, fill the water bottle… and go make some memories together!
Your dog won’t remember how many kilometres you walked.
They’ll remember that they got to spend the day with you ❤️
📌 Quick Dog Hiking Checklist
✅ Comfortable harness
✅ Lead and/or long line
✅ Fresh water
✅ Collapsible water bowl
✅ Healthy snacks or food
✅ Canine first aid kit
✅ Tick remover
✅ Poop bags
✅ ID tag
✅ GPS tracker
✅ Fully charged phone
✅ Offline maps
✅ Small towel
✅ Paw balm or boots (if needed)
✅ Plenty of treats for rewarding great choices
Happy hiking! 🏔️🐕
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