Hiking is one of the most fun things you can do with your dog, hands (and paws) down. But one of the things that can really inhibit your ability to enjoy that hike is having the wrong equipment.
Whilst I’m not going to be able to cover the human equipment for you, I absolutely can recommend some fabulous stuff for your dog to ensure safety, security and comfort for all whilst you’re off enjoying the wilderness.
I’ve tested all of this gear myself, and I’ve test a lot more besides what I’m showing you here. So I can safely say that what’s here some of the best on the market, and I also promise that if I find something better that I will come and update this list.
Why Trust Ali & Rebarkable
And what makes me qualified? Other than the fact that I’m an award winning professional dog trainer with insight into the canine body structure and motion generally? It’s the fact that I test these products myself with my dog, who I understand really well, and can get great insight into these products with all sorts of testing methods.
I have not been sponsored to write this, I have been given some of these product for free in return for a full test. The only thing that is limiting this piece, is the number of pieces I can test at any one time, and what I’ve currently had access to. So if you have a recommendation? Let me know.
I do get a small commission on some of these products but this has not affected my review or opinion on the product – and this list? Is probably the only one on the internet that can say that.
Please note that some of these links ARE AFFILIATE links – This costs you nothing more but gives me a small amount for recommending it to you. Rest assured I would absolutely not be recommending any of these products if I hadn’t thoroughly tested them in these situations because I know that doing so is not only unethical but irresponsible!! Anything without a review linked in here? Is pending and will be linked as soon as it’s posted!
Best Inescapable Harness – Ruffwear Flagline
Hiking poses a slightly different set of challenges to a dog’s harness than it might a normal, every-day harness. The Flagline by ruffwear offers some of the greatest protection from brush and rough rocks, whilst also allowing you to help your dog up and over rocks or fallen trees, and even better? It washes well and dries pretty quickly too – which means that as it goes, for hiking? This harness is really good.
Best Dog Boots For Hiking – Ruffwear Grip Trex Boots
If you’re facing sharper terrain, or salt, or even ice – you may be considering a pair of boots for your dogs.
As far as my investigation has gone, the Griptrex boots work really well. There’s still ventilation – and per their name? They’re super grippy too.
Best Leash For Hiking – Wilderdog Big Carabiner Leash
I like this leash for hiking. It has a little extra strength – being constructed from climbing rope and carabiner. Which means if your dog slips into something they cant get out of? This rope leash should hold.
Best Long Line For Hiking – TbT Biothane Line
I like a light longline for those hikes where there are leash laws,
Best Muzzle For Hiking – BUMAS Muzzle
This muzzle allows for great air flow and has no risk of scratching, of tearing, or absorbing water and offer phenomenal airflow.
I’m really pleased with this muzzle for hiking, it’s unparalleled!
Best Harness For Hiking – Perfect Fit
When we’re going for a known hike that I know we won’t be climbing rocky slopes or have need of the lift and assist features from the Flagline, by favourite harness to take is the perfect fit. It washes well and has some of the strongest hardware of any harness I’ve used.
Best Collar For Hiking (big dogs) – Landshark Sport 1.5″
We don’t often use a collar for hiking – due to the fact that if anything happens (like slipping into a river, or into a gulley) – I want something that will have more even pull – but the collar I would always recommend for big dogs is this!
Best Dog Backpack For Hiking – Ruffwear Palisades
If you find that your dog needs to wear a backpack, my current favourites is the ruffwear palisades. They offer ample storage – but – unlike many backpacks, they also have an elasticated system within the pack to ensure that your dog carries the weight as close to their body as possible – which is the ideal way to carry weight.
Hiking is so much fun, honestly. And if you’ve got the right gear it can be totally safe and stress-free too, whether you’re walking a tiny little terrier, or a big reactive german shepherd and two coonhounds! You can go anywhere, any time, and rock it.
Hiking is Phenomenal for you and them.
Hiking comes with a whole bunch of benefits for your health and for theirs, so why not avail of a good hike together? A wonderful adventure, for you and them, and it can be as adventurous as you and them! Before you know it, your pup will be off adventuring, and if you want to know what etiquette you need? Check out 7 Rules For Enjoyable & Safe Hiking With Your Dog.
If you need more help with your large dog, why not sign up for a Bark Day? All the help and answers you need, but way, way more effectively than regular dog training!
Author, Ali Smith
Ali Smith is a professional, qualified, and multi-award winning trainer is the founder of rebarkable. She has always believed animals deserve kindness and champions force free methods. Believing that dog guardians will all choose the kindest options if proper information is provided, she aims to help all dog guardians who need it and make dog training as accessible as possible
Ali lives win Maryland, US with her husband and her three dogs.
