Camping With Your Dog? Don’t Leave Without This Gear.

Your dog doesn’t really care about summit views or campfire coffee — but give them the right gear, and they’ll be just as ready for the trail as you are.

Camping with a canine companion means thinking beyond the leash: Paws need protection from rocky terrain, bellies need a warm place to burrow when temperatures drop, and appetites need fueling after a long day of exploring.

Whether you’re planning a weekend car-camping trip or a multi-day backcountry trek, these eight picks — from packs to jerky to sleep systems — will help your pup keep pace, stay comfortable, and maybe even out-adventure you.

 

Ruffwear Palisades Pack
Simply put, this is the Cadillac of dog backpacks. Built for longer backcountry treks, it features a perforated foam back and belly panels for comfort and breathability. Doing a day trip? Remove the saddlebags and utilize the base harness on its own. $150

 

Wilderdog Dog Bowl
Great for car camping, this stainless-steel dish will have your dog begging for seconds (or at least firsts). A non-slip rubber bottom keeps it in place, preventing any of those annoying “sliding meals.” It’s also beautiful and feels good to the touch. $38

 

Bocce’s Protein Jerky
It wouldn’t be a camping trip without jerky. These jerky cuts are made in the USA from just six ingredients, and 88 percent of the protein comes from beef. If your pup gets tired of cow, they can also try Bocce’s chicken, turkey, and pork jerky. $12

 

Wilderdog Rodeo Bandana
This handsome bandana will make your dog look like the canine equivalent of Jeremiah Johnson. More importantly, it will keep them a bit cooler on the trail. Simply soak it in water before tying it around your pupper’s neck to help lower their body temperature. $18

 

Ruffwear Summit Trex Dog Shoes
These stylish kicks protect your dog’s paws on rugged hikes, but they also provide coverage on hot pavement and icy, salt-riddled sidewalks. The adjustable Velcro straps let you customize the fit, and the non-marking outsoles deliver traction with every stride. $30

 

Wilderdog Sleeping Bag
You can’t do your best exploring without a good night’s rest. This sleeping bag unzips for double the space, or you can keep it zipped and let your dog burrow in for a toasty snooze. Either way, they’ll be cozy — and possibly dreaming of the next day’s adventure. $64

 

Ruffwear Palisades Sleep Poncho
Think of it as a sleeping bag your dog can wear, keeping them toasty on cold excursions and overnight camping trips. The lightweight design moves with your dog, and the synthetic insulation keeps out cold drafts while trapping body heat. Soft, stretchy leg loops keep the poncho in place. $100

 

Ruffwear Knot-a-Hitch
It’s the age-old conundrum: Keep your dog on a leash at the campsite, or let them run free? This dog-hitching system cleverly splits the difference, letting your dog roam at camp while staying safely on a leash. Set it up between two trees or secure it to a single post. Bonus: The reddish color makes it easier to spot, so you don’t clothesline yourself. $100

Author: Shawn Donnelly is the managing editor of Terrain.

Top image: Reiss Wegman.