Hiking With Dogs
Backpacker-approved tips, tricks and gear picks to help you and your canine companion enjoy the trail together
Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ Sign up for Outside+ today.
Your dog loves to hike as much as you do. If you’re a pet parent, you probably already know that—just look at how fido acts when he sees the leash come out. But hiking with dogs isn’t always as simple as packing the treats and hitting the trail, especially if you’re planning to bring your pooch on a multi-day backpacking trip. Get prepared with the skills, gear, and know-how you need to make your first canine overnight a successful one.
Dog Hiking Skills

Prep for your first-ever trip, get ready to take your adventures to the next level, or get answers to the questions you didn’t even know you had with these collections of advice for hiking with dogs.
The Beginner’s Guide to Hiking With Dogs
How to Keep Your Dogs Safe on the Trail
Camping With Dogs in Bear Country
Keep Your Dog Fueled on the Trail
The Best Outdoor Dog Breeds

You don’t need a Westminster-ready dog to enjoy hiking with a canine companion. But some dog breeds were born for the trail—literally. Meet our top ten, from blue heelers to Burnese mountain dogs, to Siberian huskies.
Dog Hiking Gear

Booties? Fitness-tracking gadgets? A dog bed so compressible you can fit it in your pack? We’ve tried it all to find the best gear for backpackers planning on hiking with dogs. Peruse our favorites to find something your canine will love.