The Best Gear for Hiking With Dogs

Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Leash

An outdoor dog will trash a leash made for the city. Constructed with 9mm climbing rope, the Lifetime Leash looks no worse for the wear after a season of hiking, and isn’t brittle or banged up even after being left in a truck bed when not in use. Nice touch: The stainless steel lobster clip is easy to thumb on the move. 7 oz. (5 ft.); 5 ft., 8 ft. Buy Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Leash for $48 Now

Stunt Puppy Dry Collar

This lightweight collar is made of a poly-TPU material that’s water- and stinkproof. But unlike other plastics, it stays flexy in subfreezing temps. After six months of backcountry adventures, our test dog’s collar still looks—and smells—rosy. 2.5 oz. (small); 2 sizes Buy Stunt Puppy Dry Collar for $24 Now

Whyld River DoggyBag

Part quilt, part dog bed, the modular DoggyBag is all the comfort your pooch needs. The poofy quilt, with synthetic insulation equivalent to 650-fill down, snaps into the insulated pad to create a sleeping bag, which our test dog appreciated on a night in the 30s outside Crested Butte, Colorado. The whole thing packs down to the size of a loaf of bread, but we recommend keeping the pad handy so you can whip it out on breaks (for dog and owner). 2 lbs. 3 oz. (M); S-L Buy Whyld River DoggyBag for $99 Now

Ruffwear Approach Pack

If you subscribe to the everyone-carries-his-share mentality, then load your doggo up with this pack. Big enough to fit food, water, and a sleep system for overnights, but sleek enough for dayhikes, the Approach uses a padded harness that wraps around the chest and belly for supreme stability. It never chafed our test dog. Note: Fido shouldn’t carry more than 25 percent of his body weight. 1 lb. 2 oz. (M); XS-XL; Buy Ruffwear Approach Pack for $80 Now

Doggles ILS 2

Dog goggles? We were dubious, too, but dogs are susceptible to temporary sun-caused eye damage, just like humans, and, if they live in predominantly sunny climes like the Mountain West, cornea disease is a long-term risk. These sweet shades have shatter-proof polycarbonate lenses that offer 100 percent UV protection (and are sure to double your Instagram likes). Two adjustable straps—one around the head and one under the chin—keep them secure. 4 oz. (M); XS-XL; Buy Doggles ILS 2 for $25 Now

Ruffwear Wind Sprinter

The Wind Sprinter packs down to tangerine size, making it a great insurance policy against ugly weather. The ultralight, 50-denier nylon shell repels wind and light precip, and covers the dog from the back of the head (it has a storm collar) to the tail. A leash portal on the back allows you to still clip your dog into a harness. 3.4 oz. (M); XXS-XL; Buy Ruffwear Wind Sprinter for $50 Now

Tips for Hiking With Your Dog

Hike smart: Keep your dog under control at all times. She should always be on a short leash (7 feet or less), or within eye- and earshot if the trail allows it and your voice control is legit.

Start small: Dogs are just like people: They need to work up to big trips. If you have a couch mutt, start with short hikes before doing a long overnight.