Let the dog carry the snacks. The Ruffwear Approach pack holds your dog's own water, treats and bags. It's for dogs over 25 lbs; start it empty and ask your vet how much weight your dog can carry. Add a collapsible bowl, and for trail running, the Ruffwear Trail Runner System.
In this guide
Mile one: your dog is a mountain goat. Mile four: your dog is lying in the only puddle for miles. Good dog hiking gear fixes three things: who carries what, how your dog drinks, and whether your hands are free. For the bowls and bottles, see our travel hydration picks.
How we picked: specs, sizes and the job each pick does.
The kit, by job
Carrying: Ruffwear Approach pack, so your dog hauls their own water and snacks.
Drinking: Bonza collapsible bowl, because dogs can't drink from a bottle.
Control on mixed terrain: Kurgo Quantum leash, six setups in one.
Trail running: Ruffwear Trail Runner, a hip belt with a bungee leash.
Our pick: Ruffwear Approach dog pack
Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack: saddlebags on each side keep the load balanced. For dogs over 25 lb.
Saddlebags on each side keep the load balanced on your dog's back. Five adjustment points help you get the fit right, and two pockets hold water, treats, a bowl and bags. The padded top handle helps you lift your dog over a log or up a rock step. Reflective trim for dusk.
Best for: dogs over 25 lb who already love the trail.
Skip it if your dog weighs under 25 lb.
How to start: put it on empty for a few walks around the block first. Add weight slowly, and ask your vet how much your dog can carry.
A silicone bowl with a reinforced rim that folds flat and clips onto a pack or leash with its carabiner. At 33 oz, one fill goes a long way for a thirsty dog.
Best for: Hikes where you carry the water and need a bowl that packs flat.
The catch: It's less stable than a rigid bowl, so it can tip when your dog drinks hard. Hold it, or set it in a flat spot.
One leash, six setups: standard, hands-free around your waist, coupler for two dogs, extended, tether and training. Padded handle, reflective stitching. Handy when the trail goes from wide fire road to a scramble where you need both hands.
Best for: Trails that switch between wide paths and scrambles, and two-dog walks.
The catch: It takes some practice to learn the setups, and it's heavier than a plain leash.
A hip belt with a built-in bungee leash, so you run with nothing in your hands. The bungee softens sudden pulls, and the belt has a zippered pocket for keys, phone and treats. Quick-release buckle if you need to unclip fast.
Best for: Runners who want both hands free.
The catch: The bungee gives more slack than some people like, and belts aren't for everyone.
Skip it if you want a leash with no stretch.
Before you leave the car
Water for two. Plan on more than you think, especially on hot days. Don't count on a stream, and stream water isn't always safe.
Poop bags, and a way to carry them. Pack it out. The dog pack's side pocket is the obvious place.
A small first aid kit with a bandage wrap and tick tweezers.
Booties if the trail is rocky or the ground is hot. Check by pressing the back of your hand on it.
High-value treats for recall, because squirrels exist.
ID tag on the collar, and a GPS tracker if your dog has a history of exploring alone.
Build distance slowly
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It depends on age, breed, fitness and heat, so build up. Start with short hikes and add distance over weeks. Puppies and senior dogs are a vet question before a long trail. Turn back if your dog lags behind, pants hard, keeps lying down or starts limping.
The pack does the hauling, the bowl does the hydrating and the right leash saves your hands. Start your dog on short, easy trails, and let the snacks ride on the dog.
