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What to Pack for Your Four-Legged Outdoor Adventure Buddy
The wilderness is wild – even for our wolf-like roommates. Although they’re certainly more comfortable with facing the elements than we are, there are a handful of items that are extremely useful to ensure a safe adventure for our canine friends.
I’ve compiled and shared a list of what I pack before heading out on outdoor adventures with my dogs. An explanation of why I bring these is in detail below. Modify it to suit you and your dogs’ needs!
Food
Sometimes you don’t plan to be out long enough to need to pack a meal for your dog, however, consider packing some anyway – just incase you’re out longer than expected.
Water
Ensure to look up if there will be safe and easy access to water on your route. If you know you’ll be hiking near a stream, for example, packing extra water for your dog is less of a concern. Otherwise, ensure to pack enough water to keep your dog hydrated. Pack more if you’re expecting hot weather or doing a challenging route.
Food and Water Bowl
Light weight and collapsable are best and are easily found at outdoor stores, pet stores and online. Something simple like a plastic tupperware also works great!
Doggie First-Aid Kit
Planning for a safe and fun outing with your furry pal is always a top priority. Putting together a customized first-aid kit just for your dog can go a long way in ensuring their well-being. It’s always better to be prepared for unforeseen incidents, be it bug bites, heat exhaustion or any accidental injuries that may happen during your adventures.
See our post What to Put in a First-Aid Kit for Your Dog for suggested contents.
Identification
It’s a good idea to have a tag on their collar that has their name and your contact information incase you get separated. Consider adding your vet’s phone number and any significant medical concerns (nothing in depth – just list if your dog has a condition or requires medication)
Treats
Bring some treats simply because you love them and they deserve it.
Leash
Even if your dog has impeccable recall, always pack a leash.
FYI: Provincial & National parks REQUIRE dogs to be on a leash – otherwise expect a hefty fine! (These trails are often busy anyways – respect others sharing the trail with you and keep your dog leashed)
Poop Bags & Pack Out Container
Please don’t pick up your dogs poop and leave the bag on the side of a trail (even with intentions of picking it up on your way back out). It really sucks for others looking to immerse in the beauty of nature. Likewise, if you’ve ran out of bags – or accidentally forgot them (it happens!) use a stick to flick it far off the trail. This is not only for the sake of other explorers, but the poop can attract wildlife to the trail. We don’t want to increase negative human and wildlife encounters.
Want to hear an awesome hack? Use a wide mouthed water bottle, such as a Nalgene, to carry out your used bags (and clip it to the outside of your pack!)
Small Quick Drying Towel
A towel can come in handy in so many different ways. Nothing worse than muddy paws jumping all over your tent!
Booties
Winter treks quickly cause ice build up in between their paw pads, and porous or rough rock face could tear their paw pads.
Dog Pack
Definitely more of a luxury than anything – but hey – if they can carry their own gear and supplies, why not?
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What's something you always bring along for your adventure buddy?
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The Foodie Behind the Screen
Hi there! I'm Bri.
I create and share nutritious and flavourful recipes for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
