Everything you need to go hiking with your dog

Last summer I stuck to a collar and a leash for our hiking setup, but this year I upgraded my dog to the Ruffwear Web Master Harness(opens in a new tab) — and it's literally been a lifesaver. On my most recent hike, there was a section of scrambling that was nearly vertical and thanks to this hiking harness, I was able to lift and support my dog up the hardest parts. If you're planning on doing any moderate or intense hikes (or if you have a smaller pup who might need a boost) a harness with a handle is a must, and this is one of our favorites.

With five different adjustment points, it's easy to get a perfect fit and even easier to get on and off. The chest panel is nicely padded which keeps your dog comfortable all day (even when you have to pick them up multiple times). This isn't the most lightweight harness on the market, but it's a great all-purpose one that works for on-the-go pups heading out on everything from a neighborhood walk or a strenuous hike.

Harnesses can be bulky and hot, and most don't have front D rings for discouraging pulling. The Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Harness(opens in a new tab) is the complete opposite — it's super lightweight, low-profile, and is designed as a no-pull harness with a martingale section and D ring on the chest panel. The best feature of this harness, though, is the ridiculously sturdy magnetic buckle, which stays secure when closed and makes for easy on and off on the go. All of Atlas Pet Company's dog gear is also backed by a lifetime warranty, and they cover repair costs even if your pup accidentally chews it up or destroys it.

Paw injuries are super common in the outdoors, so keep your pup going all day with a pair of Ruffwear boots(opens in a new tab). Not only will they reduce the risk of cuts, scrapes, and broken nails on the trail, they'll also keep your pup's paw pads cool and give them added traction. The Vibram outsole is as grippy as the soles of human hiking boots, so your pup will have maximum stability on the trail even if it's rough terrain.

When I hit the hiking trail or simply go for a walk with my dog in the summer, I always put these boots on to protect her paws from any hot surfaces - and we've used them for over a year with little wear. They're a little pricey, but worth the investment if you're an avid hiker or backpacker and want your pup to tag along. Note that the Grip Trex boots come in sets of two, so you'll be able to measure your dog's front and back paws and get the correct size for each.

If your hiking pal would rather go on a hunger strike than wear a pair of dog booties, Musher's Secret(opens in a new tab) can offer you some paw protection in a pinch. It's messier than a pair of boots and not as protective as dog booties, but still puts on a decent barrier from paw irritants. Beloved by dogsled teams and winter sports enthusiasts, this paw wax is especially good for protecting against snow and ice (cold-weather hiking anyone?). It can also soothe irritated paw pads post hike (but watch out if your dog licks their paws a lot, as ingesting too much wax isn't great for pups).

For folks and their pups who hit the trails for long day hikes or quick overnight backpacking trips, the Ruffwear Approach backpack(opens in a new tab) is the best way to trek with dogs. It eliminates extra weight in your pack by allowing your dog to carry their own gear efficiently, and doubles as a comfortable padded harness. The top handle of the dog pack makes it easy to give pups a boost up rocks or steep sections of the trail, while the roomy saddlebags can hold everything your dog might need in the backcountry. This newly updated design also includes a more breathable padded chassis, vertical stash pockets for easy access to heavier items (like food and water) and a neat "flopper stopper" system that keeps the saddlebags stable and close to your dog's body.

Sure, you could take a backpack on a hike, but keeping your must-have dog (and personal) items close at hand makes everything so much easier. After testing, the Wilderdog Utility Pack(opens in a new tab) is my new go-to carryall for hikes and long walks. It has three separate zippered compartments and can hold your phone, keys, wallet, dog treats, poop bags, a portable water bowl, and more. I use the middle section to hold dog snacks, and the separation keeps food residue off of my other items.

The front of this pack features a handy poop bag dispenser, and the inner lining is completely water resistant so treat grease won't seep through. The entire construction feels durable yet lightweight and is ideal for keeping treats accessible during structured training walks and long hikes alike.

At only 12 grams, this is one of the lightest travel dog bowl on the market. The Lifetime Bowl(opens in a new tab) is foldable and easily packable, complete with a clip for hanging it on your backpack or a leash. You could also hang it from a D-ring on your dog's harness and they probably wouldn't even notice. It holds a full 24 ounces of water when expanded and fits in the palm of your hand when folded up.

As with all of Atlas Pet Company's gear, the Lifetime Bowl is backed by a sweet lifetime warranty. If it ever gets damaged, just mail it back and they'll repair it for free.

Wolfgang Man and Beast's collars are some of our favorites: they're durable, easy to put on and off, are lightweight enough for hot weather, and can hold up to outdoor adventures. We love the OverLand(opens in a new tab) and GreatEscape(opens in a new tab) designs, but there are other patterns and colors to match your gear and your pup's personality. Wolfgang also boasts matching leashes, harnesses, bandannas, and human accessories for many of their collars, so go crazy and get the full set.

These collars start at $17.95 and go up in price with size, are available in normal or martingale, and come in sizes from 12 inches all the way up to 30 inches, perfect for dogs of all sizes.

The one-size-fits-all React dual handle leash(opens in a new tab) is a fantastic fit for hiking with dogs who haven't mastered the perfect heel just yet. It features a handy traffic handle that allows you to pull your dog to your side — ideal for passing other hikers, mountain bikers, or offering a polite distance to other dogs on the trail. It'll also come in handy for reactive dogs and pups with high prey drives who tend to go after squirrels and other wildlife. The dual handle React leash is super lightweight too, so carrying it up even the steepest mountains is a breeze.

Inspired by climbing ropes (and just as durable as them), the Petco x Backcountry dog leash(opens in a new tab) is a good pick for pups who tend to pull you up the mountain while hiking. It features an expandable bungee section that absorbs shock, has a foam handle for comfortable grip, and has an extra D ring for hanging poop bags. The clip is strong and heavy-duty too, so your pups will always be secure.

You probably have some first aid equipment for yourself in your hiking pack, so why not add a kit for your furry friend too? The Trail Dog first aid kit(opens in a new tab) comes with pretty much everything you need to treat outdoor oopsies that your dog might get themselves into, including ticks, splinters, cuts, scrapes, and allergies. It all comes packed in a lightweight bag and includes a canine-focused first aid guide, in case you need to learn how to bandage up a paw or remove a tick.