Top products from r/BackpackingDogs

I don’t know if it’s exactly what you’re talking about but we have a leash probably totaling 8’ but about 3’ of it is elastic-y. Very strong (holds the pit/lab mix we have no problem). It has an adjustable handle that allows you to clip it around trees (wider trees effectively shorten its length which is helpful).

https://www.amazon.com/KONG-Bungee-Leash-Green/product-reviews/B00MIHOI06

Something like this though I’m not sure if its the exact same.

It also has a second handle loop at about 1-2’ from the collar so if we see a trigger on a walk we can quickly switch grips to gain better control. Most of our hike we have the long handle in hand with about 2-3’ of the leash stacked up next to it, so the short handle is never far away. He’s a sweet dog and is only ever just overly excited to say hi but since he’s looks like a pit some people get a little up in arms even if he is being polite. He’s also new to the trail and quickly learning his manners to ignore other hikers and sit nicely on the side to let them pass.

Getting back to the leash... The bungee helps us a lot. I have herniated disks and my lady has bad knees so him suddenly stopping on us to sniff leaves and the like really hurts in a potentially really bad day/trip-stopping way. The bungee lets us know its happening so we can react and not get the full force of his pull. In the case of him running after something it gives us the extra split second to get a better grip and hunker down to stop him instead of getting pulled off our feet.

For all of these reasons this is our favorite trail leash.

Had a great weekend in San Bernardino National Forest (about 1 hour from Orange County, 2 hours from San Diego). Barley only carries about 5lbs worth of gear such as her jacket and boots, my microspikes for the snow, first aid kit, Sawyer Mini Filter, plastic trowel for bathroom breaks and occasionally a layer of mine goes in her paracord webbing. It's a pretty easy hike, permits are easy to get and water is plentiful. Ask me anything

List of dog specific gear:

Ruffwear Approach Pack

Rad Dog Release 'n Run Collar and 4' Leash

Nite Ize Collar Light

Whistle Activity Tracker

Ruffwear Cloud Chaser Jacket

Ruffwear Grip Trex Boots

For driving, we use a homemade version of this: https://www.amazon.com/Barneys-World-Hammock-Cover-Trucks/dp/B010BVN30G

Basically a loose hammock you string up between the headrests that gives a dog a good spot in the back seat.

For sleeping when camping our dog usually sleeps in the back seat of our truck in the same place that she is while driving. If you want something a bit more contained grab a crate designed for air travel ( https://www.amazon.com/Petmate-Kennel-Portable-Travel-Included/dp/B00AAPGA2W ) and strap it down in the bed or the backseat, we've used these for air travel in cargo and they are durable and easy to clean. You could also use this during transit if you are worried about accidents or the dog jumping up into the front (ours is good about staying in the back).

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btw super jealous of your camper, those look awesome, we usually just cowboy camp in the bed under the stars unless its going to rain then we pitch a tent.

Thank you! Cooper loves his vest and we've had no complaints in the year and a half I've owned it.

I ordered the vest and pouches separately off Amazon. Here is the vest https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B010V4K7SY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s02?ie=UTF8&th=1 and a coule of the pouches https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B003EH1DHK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WEL9ASG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And for food and water, I have a couple bowls like these https://smile.amazon.com/Collapsible-Awakelion-Foldable-Travel-Container/dp/B06X3QN513/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&qid=1500911436&sr=8-21&keywords=dog%2Bbowl%2Bfor%2Bcamping&th=1

Cooper carries his own food and water and anything else I can fit in his pack. The only thing I carry for him is his sleeping bag.

Here is a GIF of Cooper with his pack in action! https://media.giphy.com/media/pLNmpJjCr7K1i/giphy.gif

Not sure exactly how small 20lbs is, but maybe they'd fit into those little sample sleeping bags they have at like walmart to show what the sleeping bag looks like. If not this brand doesnt seem too expensive but the small is currently out
https://www.alcottadventures.com/products/explorer-sleeping-bag?variant=369664133

i have two dogs, one sleeps in my bag the other is part husky. considering getting her a bag or maybe just a travel bed but not sure it's worth $30 when i could just maybe form her a bed out of jackets or something

https://www.amazon.com/Chuckit-Fetch-Games-Travel-Bed/dp/B00027466A/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8

Something like that would be fine.

As others, I just hook my leash to my pack's waistbelt with a carabiner.

I've also seen positive reviews of products like the Ruffwear Roamer, which can wrap around your waist. No need for a separate hip belt/pack.

Oh man, it's a life changer:

https://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP657-Permethrin-Repellent/dp/B001ANQVYU/

You treat your clothes, treatment lasts for about 6 weeks. You become pretty much tick proof if you treat your shoes, socks, and pants + a hat.

You can buy more concentrated Permethrin and "make your own" 0.5% solution, google is your friend for that.

FWIW, my pup is on Bravecto, and ticks still bite her, but supposedly they can't transmit disease immediately.

There are great Tie-out stakes available for under 10 bucks. There are some with leash and stakes as well.
Here is one:

https://www.amazon.com/Dogit-Cork-Screw-Tie-Out-Stake-Large/dp/B001B7P83A

For sure, I play music and this stuff works really well for me. A little DEET on my hand instantly roughs up the finish of the neck of my instruments, who knows wtf else it's doing.

Yes. It is the Ruffwear Hi & Dry saddle bag cover. I really like it the way it works. He has a Mountainsmith pack on under it.

If you're going to need to use the handle - I recommend the RuffWear Web Master instead of the Front Range - it has a third strap to more evenly distribute the dog's weight.

If you don't need to use the handle - In addition to RuffWear, I liked the quality of Kurgo harnesses. It appears that they have a purple one, too. https://www.amazon.com/Kurgo-Go-Tech-Adventure-Harness-Raspberry/dp/B00D44ZMPW/

I just purchased this for my dog and we both absolutely love it. He get's a little room to run around but gets more tension when he tries to pull. I get to be hand's free. You can also flip it around and hook the clasp onto your pack and use the loopy end around his neck.

I'm also interested in packs for dogs. Amazon had this one...http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0081XIFWS/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3DZTZFVVKBJWN&coliid=I2TRVGPM04JUNF&psc=1The hardest part is what size to get and how these will sit. I have a black lab she's smaller and 60lbs her coat is so slippery and the way she walks everything slides to the left....even if there is nothing weighted.

I have this: [Outward Hound 22002 DayPak Dog Backpack Adjustable Saddlebag Style Dog Accessory, Small, Green] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MNSM6CW?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf)

My dog with aforementioned pack

https://www.amazon.com/K9-Sport-Sack-Compatible-Technology/dp/B07N7YYLGR/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2S3FMLH8TSXA8&keywords=k9+sport+sleeper+with+klymit+technology-+dog+bed&qid=1568405762&s=gateway&sprefix=k9+sport+see%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-4

https://www.amazon.com/Gooby-Stretch-Pullover-Sweater-3X-Large/dp/B07HMG18LW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3IMASJ6EN7P4H&keywords=goofy+fleece+for+dogs&qid=1568405805&s=gateway&sprefix=goofy+fleece%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-1

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https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-Fleece-Plush-Throw-Blanket-Available-in-Multiple-Prints/381445925?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=2844&adid=22222222227261600543&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=311211537061&wl4=pla-618197378367&wl5=9004989&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=381445925&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_OzrBRDmARIsAAIdQ_JcNklOKZJjPNtdWiYirReC3KTPSK7rQEmBcXzKMIEjy9M_fZcaUZcaAk4iEALw_wcB

I use this for my 75lbs shepherd mix. 1 year of use and no issues.

This exists but I have never used it. I use this for myself. It works well for me but not for my wife. I thought it was pet-safe, but now I'm wondering. I haven't tried it on my dog. I worry that he'll just try to lick it all off.

I have a 65 lab/pit mix. Hes a massive cuddler but doesn't like to get in the hammock. I've cut down one of these z-pads to fit him. He will sleep on that directly underneath me all night no problem. It even fits in his pack so I don't have to carry his weight on our backpacking adventures.