5 trail essentials for hiking with your dog

Day hiking with your dog is one of the best things you can do together — and it takes less gear than the internet suggests. Five things earn their place in the pack.

1. Water (more than you think)

Rule of thumb: a dog needs roughly 30–60 ml of water per kg of body weight per day, and hiking doubles it. Collapsible bowl + a dedicated bottle. Don't rely on streams.

2. A visible, well-fitting harness

A harness distributes pressure better than a collar on steep terrain, and a bright color keeps your dog visible to cyclists and hunters. Reflective trim for shoulder-season hikes when light dies early.

3. Paw protection for rough terrain

Rocky trails and hot pavement both wear pads down. Condition paws before the season with shorter walks on varied surfaces, and carry a small paw balm for post-hike care.

4. A long line, not just a leash

A 5–8 m long line gives your dog freedom to sniff and explore while keeping recall guaranteed — the best of both worlds on trails where off-leash isn't allowed or safe.

5. The boring one: a first aid kit

Gauze, vet wrap, tweezers for ticks, and antiseptic wipes. Weighs almost nothing, and the day you need it, nothing else in the pack matters.

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Check trail rules before you go — many parks require dogs on leash, and some sensitive habitats don't allow dogs at all.