t3_1gnwost

Hi!
This is misha, female border collie 21kg
She's never worn a pack before, and I've never fitted one, so am slowly training her into being able to carry some water. 

Opinions on the actual fit of the backpack?
I'm very cautious of not wanting too cause her any back strain. 


<div class="md"><p>Hi!
This is misha, female border collie 21kg
She&#39;s never worn a pack before, and I&#39;ve never fitted one, so am slowly training her into being able to carry some water. </p>

<p>Opinions on the actual fit of the backpack?
I&#39;m very cautious of not wanting too cause her any back strain. </p>
</div>

Backpack fit on dog

t3_1gnwoqo

t3_1gk0v8t

Showing off 

t3_1gjzm16

My dog recently busted through one of her ruffwear dog boots, and I’m looking for a new pair. The ruffwear ones were good, but they always fell off in snow and oftentimes on a hike. Any suggestions for boots that are good for hiking and just walking around the neighborhood when it’s icy/snowy?
Thanks!

<div class="md"><p>My dog recently busted through one of her ruffwear dog boots, and I’m looking for a new pair. The ruffwear ones were good, but they always fell off in snow and oftentimes on a hike. Any suggestions for boots that are good for hiking and just walking around the neighborhood when it’s icy/snowy?
Thanks!</p>
</div>

Dog boots that stay on in all conditions?

t3_1ghbbh6

Hi. So I have not gone backpacking (yet) with my dogs. We’ve done a lot of hiking and some camping. My question is, it seems like most people use a harness while backpacking. (Or maybe all the time?) Is there a reason this is preferred over a standard collar and leash combo? 

In my experience, a harness just encourages pulling. Which takes more work, more strength, and more balance when compared to a collar. 

Sure, like anything, I’m sure focused training could fix that. 

But is there a reason a harness seems to be preferred?

***Edit to add that I use a Gentle Leader in areas where I know my dogs will be pulling, like on hikes. That way, they aren’t pulling me over and their necks and tracheas aren’t being hurt. 

Thanks!!!

<div class="md"><p>Hi. So I have not gone backpacking (yet) with my dogs. We’ve done a lot of hiking and some camping. My question is, it seems like most people use a harness while backpacking. (Or maybe all the time?) Is there a reason this is preferred over a standard collar and leash combo? </p>

<p>In my experience, a harness just encourages pulling. Which takes more work, more strength, and more balance when compared to a collar. </p>

<p>Sure, like anything, I’m sure focused training could fix that. </p>

<p>But is there a reason a harness seems to be preferred?</p>

<p>***Edit to add that I use a Gentle Leader in areas where I know my dogs will be pulling, like on hikes. That way, they aren’t pulling me over and their necks and tracheas aren’t being hurt. </p>

<p>Thanks!!!</p>
</div>

Harness versus Collar?

t3_1gguz4e

I've always been a hiking enthusiast and recently got a small dog (picture below) I want to take him hiking for maybe a overnighter but I'm nit sure if it's a good idea and if it is what gear I should get for him?

<div class="md"><p>I&#39;ve always been a hiking enthusiast and recently got a small dog (picture below) I want to take him hiking for maybe a overnighter but I&#39;m nit sure if it&#39;s a good idea and if it is what gear I should get for him?</p>
</div>

I want to take my small dog backpacking would it be a good idea?

t3_1ggoekc

Beautiful Trip to Desolation Wilderness

t3_1ggjbjb

I live in Iowa and want to backpack for 4-5 days w my dog. Also do some fly fishing. Anything come to mind?

t3_1gg697r

We found this precious bean a week before we took this trip to see the larches and she LOVED every second of it. We had so many contingency plans for if she got tired or didn't like it but she did the whole thing with a smile on her face and only wanted more. We are so lucky to have found her. Our permanent adventure buddy.

<div class="md"><p>We found this precious bean a week before we took this trip to see the larches and she LOVED every second of it. We had so many contingency plans for if she got tired or didn&#39;t like it but she did the whole thing with a smile on her face and only wanted more. We are so lucky to have found her. Our permanent adventure buddy.</p>
</div>

Miss Polly's first backpacking trip!

t3_1gfo9li

A long 3 miles and too much pancake for breakfast (oops- bad dog mom award!) we needed a much comfy nap in the woods! 

<div class="md"><p>A long 3 miles and too much pancake for breakfast (oops- bad dog mom award!) we needed a much comfy nap in the woods! </p>
</div>

After a long few miles …

After training all summer for a backpacking adventure, Langston and I officially made our first backpacking trip!! He had the time of his life and it was everything to see him enjoy the freedom of the wilderness. I came home with strained intercostal muscles - The worst pain I’ve ever felt - but it was worth it! 

<div class="md"><p>After training all summer for a backpacking adventure, Langston and I officially made our first backpacking trip!! He had the time of his life and it was everything to see him enjoy the freedom of the wilderness. I came home with strained intercostal muscles - The worst pain I’ve ever felt - but it was worth it! </p>
</div>

We did it!

buddha traded his usual harness in for something a little more seasonal 🎃✨

Her first time carrying all her shi* and she did amazing! 

<div class="md"><p>Her first time carrying all her shi* and she did amazing! </p>
</div>

Backpacking Dobe 

Got back a few days ago from a week long camping/backpacking trip with these crazies! Already want to go back and enjoy the scenery 😍😍

<div class="md"><p>Got back a few days ago from a week long camping/backpacking trip with these crazies! Already want to go back and enjoy the scenery 😍😍</p>
</div>

Adventure Pack ❤️

Please draw this. I miss her so much 💜 

I'm bored and want to draw dogs doing something funny in a car. So comment a pic of your dog and I will draw it!🐶🎨🚗

This is Kira! She is my 72 lb adventure lab. We hike together, run, bike, kayak, and now backpack. She loved it so much, I'm now looking into acquiring our own (not borrowed) gear.
    
I'm glad to have found this community, because we need to adjust our setup. I had an insulated closed cell foam mat and a lightweight dog bed for her, but she could not seem to get comfortable. She has slept in a tent before, but not one as small (it was a 2 person). She has been camping before, but we bring a dedicated elevated dog bed for her, which will be way too heavy/bulky/big for backpacking. I'm curious what kind of sleep setup everyone has for their dog?
   
Kira is kind of a comfort princess (see last picture for typical couch naps). So I'm thinking next round, I might bring a thermarest pillow for her (since she kept trying to steal mine). She typically sleeps hot, so I'm not concerned with a doggy sleeping bag, but don't want her to freeze out either in colder months.   
   
Aside from sleep setup, I am also looking into her own backpack harness to start weight training so she can carry her own food and first aid to mitigate weight off my pack. Any other advice is welcome.

<div class="md"><p>This is Kira! She is my 72 lb adventure lab. We hike together, run, bike, kayak, and now backpack. She loved it so much, I&#39;m now looking into acquiring our own (not borrowed) gear.</p>

<p>I&#39;m glad to have found this community, because we need to adjust our setup. I had an insulated closed cell foam mat and a lightweight dog bed for her, but she could not seem to get comfortable. She has slept in a tent before, but not one as small (it was a 2 person). She has been camping before, but we bring a dedicated elevated dog bed for her, which will be way too heavy/bulky/big for backpacking. I&#39;m curious what kind of sleep setup everyone has for their dog?</p>

<p>Kira is kind of a comfort princess (see last picture for typical couch naps). So I&#39;m thinking next round, I might bring a thermarest pillow for her (since she kept trying to steal mine). She typically sleeps hot, so I&#39;m not concerned with a doggy sleeping bag, but don&#39;t want her to freeze out either in colder months.   </p>

<p>Aside from sleep setup, I am also looking into her own backpack harness to start weight training so she can carry her own food and first aid to mitigate weight off my pack. Any other advice is welcome.</p>
</div>

We just went on our first trip and we are hooked! Looking into dog supplies now

My lil doxiepoo and cocker spaniel/chi/cattle dog did great on their first overnight out in the woods as a backpacking trip! Anyone have any recs on small packs for these sized dogs? Just enough to carry some of their own food. Thanks!! 

<div class="md"><p>My lil doxiepoo and cocker spaniel/chi/cattle dog did great on their first overnight out in the woods as a backpacking trip! Anyone have any recs on small packs for these sized dogs? Just enough to carry some of their own food. Thanks!! </p>
</div>

20 pound dogs are great backpackers! …but can’t carry much ;) 

❤️ Rocket ❤️

Well, I just discovered this community today! Posted this in the Doberman SubReddit, and someone linked here. Here is my backpacking hound!

<div class="md"><p>Golden Trout Lake, CA</p>
</div>

Ravens first backpacking trip 

<div class="md"><p>North Cascades, WA</p>
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Marley's second backpacking trip! 

My foster fail isn't convinced yet about sleeping outside, she was a streets dog for some time and I think it's hard for her to relax still.

We did another "pretend camp" on the property I work at last night and she ended up in the hammock with my once the coyotes really got to singing. Typically she spends the night growling at critters on her bed pad.

She's smart, and super willing, so I'm hoping she can learn to enjoy it, so we can do a thru home together some day ❤️

Anyone else exclusively hammock with their pups? Tips welcome ❤️

<div class="md"><p>My foster fail isn&#39;t convinced yet about sleeping outside, she was a streets dog for some time and I think it&#39;s hard for her to relax still.</p>

<p>We did another &quot;pretend camp&quot; on the property I work at last night and she ended up in the hammock with my once the coyotes really got to singing. Typically she spends the night growling at critters on her bed pad.</p>

<p>She&#39;s smart, and super willing, so I&#39;m hoping she can learn to enjoy it, so we can do a thru home together some day ❤️</p>

<p>Anyone else exclusively hammock with their pups? Tips welcome ❤️</p>
</div>

Slowly acclimating...

Embrace the storms that water your roots.  Like the mountain daisy, we grow resilient and abundant in the sunshine that follows, carving potential into beauty.


<div class="md"><p>Embrace the storms that water your roots.  Like the mountain daisy, we grow resilient and abundant in the sunshine that follows, carving potential into beauty.</p>
</div>

Roaming through the Flat Tops

Hey guys, any recommendations on lightweight.. but warm sleeping options for your dogs?

Hoping to get out on some hikes over winter in the UK, so the temp won’t be too dramatic! (Maybe worst case -10f / -23c)

I’ll be solo, but with two collies so I’m trying to limit weight and size the best I can. 

I’ve read a few older posts, some sort of short R-rated mat may be the way forward. Has anyone tried a foil blanket as a cover?

Thanks



<div class="md"><p>Hey guys, any recommendations on lightweight.. but warm sleeping options for your dogs?</p>

<p>Hoping to get out on some hikes over winter in the UK, so the temp won’t be too dramatic! (Maybe worst case -10f / -23c)</p>

<p>I’ll be solo, but with two collies so I’m trying to limit weight and size the best I can. </p>

<p>I’ve read a few older posts, some sort of short R-rated mat may be the way forward. Has anyone tried a foil blanket as a cover?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>
</div>

Lightweight dog sleeping options for winter (UK based)

I'm pondering a 24 h hike with my dog. It will be a once in a lifetime experience for both of us. I have little doubts he can walk the distance. He still was all jumpy and excited the evening after a 40 mi / 13h hike that went uphill a lot. (5500ft)

Although I'll cover more distance in the 24 h the profile will be much more relaxed. However the hike would be from noon to noon. So he'd be up and about for well over a day. There will be rests of course but probably not long enough for a nap worth the name. 

Does anyone have experience or insights on how a dog handles stuff like that?

Aunty Edith says: guys! Calm down! First of all i can and will cancel big hikes if something is off. I drove three hours to a trailhead once and turned around after 15 minutes of hiking. It happens. Also I have people on call that can pick us up anytime. Secondly: yes dogs will follow you until they drop. But if you can't recognise if your dog is doing badly i really hope you're only commenting and don't actually have a dog. 

<div class="md"><p>I&#39;m pondering a 24 h hike with my dog. It will be a once in a lifetime experience for both of us. I have little doubts he can walk the distance. He still was all jumpy and excited the evening after a 40 mi / 13h hike that went uphill a lot. (5500ft)</p>

<p>Although I&#39;ll cover more distance in the 24 h the profile will be much more relaxed. However the hike would be from noon to noon. So he&#39;d be up and about for well over a day. There will be rests of course but probably not long enough for a nap worth the name. </p>

<p>Does anyone have experience or insights on how a dog handles stuff like that?</p>

<p>Aunty Edith says: guys! Calm down! First of all i can and will cancel big hikes if something is off. I drove three hours to a trailhead once and turned around after 15 minutes of hiking. It happens. Also I have people on call that can pick us up anytime. Secondly: yes dogs will follow you until they drop. But if you can&#39;t recognise if your dog is doing badly i really hope you&#39;re only commenting and don&#39;t actually have a dog. </p>
</div>

Can a dog stay awake for a 24 h hike?

So I have two border collies / aussie’s - Bossies 
They’re awesome & I can’t wait to backpack with them now that they’re 2 years old and their hips are fully stable! 

To the food. We make their food from scratch and I own a dehydrator, not a freeze dryer. 
- if we do a 3-5 day trip how do I go about storing breakfast & dinner of fresh food for that long? 
- if they love tuna cans but the fiber rice base is heavy for sure
- do I just pack it and it will slowly get lighter? 
- do you give your dogs higher carbs and protein for the longer trips? 

- is there anything I’m not asking that I should be? 

Thank you so much everyone! 

<div class="md"><p>So I have two border collies / aussie’s - Bossies 
They’re awesome &amp; I can’t wait to backpack with them now that they’re 2 years old and their hips are fully stable! </p>

<p>To the food. We make their food from scratch and I own a dehydrator, not a freeze dryer. 
- if we do a 3-5 day trip how do I go about storing breakfast &amp; dinner of fresh food for that long? 
- if they love tuna cans but the fiber rice base is heavy for sure
- do I just pack it and it will slowly get lighter? 
- do you give your dogs higher carbs and protein for the longer trips? </p>

<ul>
<li>is there anything I’m not asking that I should be? </li>
</ul>

<p>Thank you so much everyone! </p>
</div>

Dog food question!

I discovered my dog really likes scaling sandstone cliffs. So who am i to argue?! Besides he finds a better way then me most of the time anyways.

<div class="md"><p>I discovered my dog really likes scaling sandstone cliffs. So who am i to argue?! Besides he finds a better way then me most of the time anyways.</p>
</div>

Up on a hill

Sometimes the path is well worn and easy to follow, other times it fades into the thick of the willows.  We push on through the swamps and navigate rocky cliffs losing ourselves in the process.  With perseverance, patience, and self-trust suddenly, and usually without warning, we are found on a clear path once again.  The journey can often feel like a lonely one but I find solace in knowing that it is a shared experience and what it means to be human, and maybe even doggo 🙂.

<div class="md"><p>Sometimes the path is well worn and easy to follow, other times it fades into the thick of the willows.  We push on through the swamps and navigate rocky cliffs losing ourselves in the process.  With perseverance, patience, and self-trust suddenly, and usually without warning, we are found on a clear path once again.  The journey can often feel like a lonely one but I find solace in knowing that it is a shared experience and what it means to be human, and maybe even doggo 🙂.</p>
</div>

Wandering through the San Juans

Hello everyone, hope your having a good day. I'll be going on a backpacking trip in a couple weeks, its going to be rellativly high elevation (around 7000ft) and about 20 miles. While ive taken my pupper on trips of close length (our longest up to this point is 18 miles) however he's never been high altitude. I dont want to risk hurting him or making him sick so I want to know if anyone has had similar experiences or what you would recommend . Any and all advise ia appriciated, thank you. Also in case it matters, hes about 2 years old 60 lbs and a pit terrier.

<div class="md"><p>Hello everyone, hope your having a good day. I&#39;ll be going on a backpacking trip in a couple weeks, its going to be rellativly high elevation (around 7000ft) and about 20 miles. While ive taken my pupper on trips of close length (our longest up to this point is 18 miles) however he&#39;s never been high altitude. I dont want to risk hurting him or making him sick so I want to know if anyone has had similar experiences or what you would recommend . Any and all advise ia appriciated, thank you. Also in case it matters, hes about 2 years old 60 lbs and a pit terrier.</p>
</div>

New dog owner

Welcome! This is a place for backpackers, hikers, and campers alike to share their experiences with their pups out in the wild!

<div class="md"><p>Welcome! This is a place for backpackers, hikers, and campers alike to share their experiences with their pups out in the wild!</p>
</div>

<div class="md"><p>This is a place for backpackers, hikers, and campers alike to share their experiences with their pups out in the wild!</p>
</div>

152,020 Subscribers

Harness versus Collar?

I live in Iowa and want to backpack for 4-5 days w my dog. Also do some fly fishing. Anything come to mind?

Can a dog stay awake for a 24 h hike?

New dog owner