What To Pack In A Dog Backpack

In a dog backpack you need to pack water, collapsible dog bowls, kibble, dog poop bags, a dog first aid kit, a leash, lightweight dog treats, paw wax, dog hiking boots, a dog collar light and a packable dog bed/dog sleeping bag.

Table of Contents

1. Water

Packing water for your dog is an absolute necessity while hiking or camping. As your dog is carrying a backpack he/she will tire much quicker than normal and need to take extra breaks to rehydrate.

Pro Tip: Before leaving for your hike or walk check if there are any taps or water refill stations along the way. You can plan your trip around this to determine how much water you need to pack.

2. Collapsible Dog Bowls

Collapsible dog bowls are a must have when taking your dog out and about whether that is for a destination walk, a car trip, a hike or camping trip. They allow you to feed or keep your dog hydrated on the go. Collapsible dog bowls are usually made of silicon so they are highly flexible and hence can fold flat for easy storage. That is why they are such a great product to have in your dog’s backpack.

This Is What A Collapsible Dog Bowl Looks Like…

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3. Kibble or Preferred Dog Food

While going on a multi-day dog hike or camping with your dog, they will need to carry around some kibble or another type of dog food in their backpack.

Most people put kibble in their dog’s backpack as it is a dry food and therefore won’t go off quickly. Tin food is not really suitable as it is very heavy and most camping sites won’t have anywhere to dispose of the empty containers. As for fresh food such as meat, you will have to bring mini ice packs and place them next to it. While this does work for single day hikes, it will add unnecessary weight to your dog’s pack.

Pro Tip: It is super important that the weight of your dog backpack it even. That is why you should weigh out your kibble before you go and split it evenly between two ziplock plastic bags. In this way the weight of the kibble can be evenly distributed between the two saddle bags of your dog’s backpack!

4. Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags

Many people forget to pack poop bags when going away with their dogs! It is not good etiquette to leave your dog’s poop lying around on a walking or hiking trail, even if it is really remote.

I highly recommend that you use eco friendly biodegradable dog poop bags to do your bit to reduce your plastic usage as a dog owner. You can check them out by clicking the link above/below!

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5. Dog First Aid Kit

You don’t know what you may come across on a hike with your dog so it is always best practise to carry around a basic first aid kit for your dog.

The Kurgo Dog First Aid Kit has a wide range of products such as tweezers, tape, bandages, towelettes, instant cold packs, rubber gloves, alcohol prep pads, scissors, gauze etc making it a very comprehensive dog first aid kit. I think that all up it has 50 items in total! Obviously all of this first aid gear can be very heavy, so you can pack just the essentials into your dog pack while on the move!

6. Leash

Many people let their dog walk off leash while wearing a backpack as they are usually hiking. While this is usually fine (please do check signage to see if dogs are allowed off leash), it is always best practise to carry around a leash for occasions where you might need one.

Pro Tip: On the topic of off leash walking, I suggest that you invest in a dog GPS collar while hiking or camping with your dog. In this way you can track your dog down from your phone if he/she does wander too far.

7. Lightweight Dog Treats

Dog treats are another good item to pack in a dog backpack to reward your dog and for training. However you should consider packing lightweight treats to reduce the weight of your dog’s backpack!

8. Paw Wax

Dog hiking trails can be very hard on your dog’s paws. The terrain can be very rugged with many rocks and sticks with the potential of paw cuts or injuries happening. On really hot days, the trail could be very hot and could burn your dog’s paws.

One way that many people protect their dog’s paws is to use dog paw wax. It is a simple product that you can spread onto the pads on your dog’s paws to create a layer of protection between the ground and their skin. Musher’s Secret is a very popular dog paw wax.

This Dog Paw Wax Is Very Popular…

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9. Dog Hiking Boots

Instead of dog paw wax, you can use dog hiking boots to protect your dog’s paws. It is not suited to all dogs, as not all dogs will like the feeling however dog’s who are more relaxed and care free can do well in them. That being said with proper training any dog can become used to them.

These Dog Boots Are Waterproof & Have Anti-Slip Soles…

QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof Shoes for Dogs with Reflective Strips Rugged Anti-Slip Sole Black 4PCS

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Read Also: How To Protect Your Dog’s Paws

10. Dog Light

Another item that you need to pack in a dog backpack is a small light that can attach to a dog collar, harness or leash. This is a must have if you are camping, hiking overnight or in light averse conditions.

11. Packable Dog Bed/Sleeping Bag

If you are sleeping overnight at a campsite while hiking with your dog, you will need to bring something for him/her to sleep in or on. The two best options are either a packable roll up dog bed or a dog sleeping bag as both of these items are relatively lightweight, are quite compact and can be easily carried in a dog backpack.

Packable Roll Up Dog Beds

A roll up dog bed is the lighter weight option of the dog and also more compact as it is just a mat. They are more suited to warm conditions however they can be used in conjunction with a blanket. Dogs who don’t like the idea of snuggling into a sleeping bag and being in a small, constricted environment are more suited to roll up dog beds.

I Highly Recommend The Ruffwear Highlands Dog Bed If You Are Looking For A Packable Roll Up Dog Bed

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Why We Recommend This Product

Very lightweight
Shell fabric is polyester and water-resistant as well as quick drying
Excellent packability with the stuff sack
Includes stake out loops so you can secure the bed to the ground
Machine washable

Dog Sleeping Bags

A dog sleeping bag is suited to colder conditions when a dog will need the extra layer of coverage. Most dog sleeping bags are very lightweight and compressible due to the synthetic down located inside them. You can roll them up and put them inside a compression sack to keep it small and easy to carry in a dog backpack.

If You Are Looking For A Dog Sleeping Bag I Suggest The Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag

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