There's a certain kind of tired you only get after a long hike with your dog — the good kind. The kind where you both get home, collapse on the floor together, and sleep like you've earned it. But getting to that point without incident? That takes a little planning.
Whether you're hitting a local trail for a couple of hours or doing an overnight trip, dogs need more gear than most people expect. Here's what's actually worth bringing.
Water. More Than You Think.
This is the one people consistently underpack. Dogs can't sweat the way we do, so they overheat faster and need water more frequently on the trail. A good rule of thumb: about an ounce of water per pound of body weight per day — and more when they're working hard in the heat.
The easiest solution is a bottle built for both of you. The Dog + Human Water Bottle with Detachable Dog Bowl by Rubyloo handles this perfectly — one bottle, one detachable bowl, no fumbling with a separate collapsible dish while your dog is spinning circles waiting for water. It's built for hiking and travel, and it means you're both sorted from the same setup.
Snacks That Actually Travel Well.
Your dog is burning more energy on the trail than they do on a regular walk. A handful of high-value treats goes a long way — for keeping their energy up, for recall when they spot a squirrel, and for rewarding the moments they do exactly what you needed them to do. Single-ingredient treats are the move here: lightweight, don't crumble into a mess in your pack, and you know exactly what's in them.
A Bag That Handles Everything.
Here's the reality of hiking with a dog: you're already carrying water, snacks, poop bags, a leash, your phone, sunscreen, and probably a light layer. You don't need a separate dog bag stacked on top of your regular pack — you need one bag that handles all of it.
The Original Doggy Bag Backpack by Rubyloo was designed for exactly this. Ten pockets, a 6-piece kit included, TSA approved for travel days too. It's built to carry everything you'd need for a full day on the trail without feeling like you're hauling a second bag for your dog. The organization alone is worth it — knowing exactly which pocket has the poop bags versus the treats versus your keys makes a real difference when you're three miles in.
A First Aid Kit You Hope You Don't Use.
Trail injuries happen — paw pad cuts on rocky terrain, bee stings, minor scrapes. Most aren't emergencies, but they're a lot less stressful when you have something to treat them on the spot. A compact pet first aid kit takes up almost no space in a pack. Know where the nearest emergency vet is before you head out too — worth having in your phone just in case.
Paw Protection for Tough Terrain.
Not every dog needs booties, but if you're doing rocky, sandy, or hot-surface trails, your dog's paw pads are going to take the brunt of it. A paw balm applied before and after goes a long way. Check their paws when you stop for water breaks — cracking, excessive licking, or limping mid-hike are signs something's wrong underfoot.
The Stuff People Always Forget
A few things that seem obvious until you're standing at the trailhead wishing you'd remembered: an extra leash, your dog's ID tags double-checked before you leave, and a photo of your dog on your phone in case you get separated. Takes ten seconds and it's worth it every time.
Pack Smart, Go Further
The best hikes with your dog aren't the ones where nothing goes wrong — they're the ones where you were prepared enough that the small things didn't turn into big things. Pack smart, bring more water than you think you need, and invest in gear that was built with an active dog owner in mind.
Browse our Travel collection at Paws & Pockets — everything in there was picked for dog owners who'd rather be outside than anywhere else.