Backpacking with dogs: The ultimate guide to trail safety and gearBackpacking with dogs

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Last Updated on 2026-01-29 by NatureCrank

Please note this article was first written on NatureCrank.com when Maximus was still alive. Lady Midnight is my surviving dog. Some of the content has been updated.

Backpacking with your dog can transform an ordinary outdoor adventure into an unforgettable bonding experience. Whether it’s a short weekend hike or an extended journey lasting weeks, hitting the trails with your furry companion requires careful planning and preparation.

My late companion, Maximus, lived for these adventures. However, our first multi-week trek didn’t happen overnight. Living near the mountains, we built up to it with daily hikes and runs. Even then, those initial two weeks on the trail tested us in ways I hadn’t anticipated. His boundless energy outpaced mine, but I quickly learned that success depends on understanding your dog’s needs, the terrain, and the rules of the wild. Currently, I am conditioning my surviving dog, Lady Midnight, as we prepare for our next big trek.

Table of Contents

Preparing your dog for long-distance hiking

A day hike is a world away from backpacking with your dog for weeks at a time. Maximus was a Labradoodle—half Poodle and half Lab—and while he was naturally athletic, we spent months conditioning near the mountains.

Even if your dog loves the woods, you must factor in their current fitness level. For example, while Lady Midnight hits the trails daily, neither of us is currently prepared for the rigors of the Appalachian Trail.

Essential pre-trip conditioning

Start small: Gradually build stamina with shorter hikes over several months.
Increase elevation: Start with flat terrain and slowly introduce steep climbs.
Monitor behavior: If your dog lies down and stops, pay attention. They could be experiencing pain, arthritis, or an injury. Our canine friends can’t tell us what ails them, so we must be their advocates.

Dog hiking rules and trail etiquette

Before you leash up, you must research the specific rules and regulations of your destination.

Category	Standard requirement
Leash laws	Usually 6 feet or shorter; some areas allow off-leash under voice control.
Vaccinations	Proof of rabies and up-to-date shots are often required.
Waste disposal	Pack it out or bury it 6–8 inches deep (200 feet from water).
Leave No Trace	Minimize impact on local wildlife and vegetation.

Hands-free hiking and safety

Long-distance hikes are much easier with trekking poles, but they occupy your hands. I solve this by wrapping a belt around my waist and clipping the leash with a carabiner or d-ring.

Pro tip: For safety, never attach the leash to your waist when navigating ice or large rocks. A sudden slip from either of you could result in a dangerous fall. I always use a dog harness or dog pack rather than a collar to prevent neck injuries during a fall.

Hiking with dogs — He didn’t like his pack at first but eventually he knew it meant a backpacking trip. Maximus had hiked thousands of miles along with me, including parts of the **Appalachian Trail**.

Managing dog food and water on the trail

Your dog’s nutritional needs skyrocket during a backpacking trip.

Caloric intake and supplements

A dog can burn 50% more calories per day while backpacking.

Quality matters: High-calorie, grain-free foods are often more weight-efficient than cheaper brands.
Weight management: Trails take weight off both you and your dog. Consider increasing their caloric intake a few weeks prior to the trip to help them gain a few “buffer” pounds.
Feeding schedule: I feed breakfast and supper, with high-calorie supplements or treats at lunch or as needed.

Hydration and parasite prevention

Dogs often prefer muddy puddles, but you must prevent them from drinking unfiltered water. Just like humans, dogs are susceptible to parasites like Giardia.

Filter everything: Use a water filter and carry backup water tablets.
Offer water often: Don’t wait for your dog to pant; offer water at every rest stop.

Choosing the best dog backpacking gear

Allowing your dog to carry their own gear is a game-changer. Most healthy dogs can safely carry up to 25% of their body weight.

Dog packs: Maximus eventually loved his pack because it signaled the start of an adventure. Store food in waterproof gallon zip bags to keep it dry.
Weight distribution: Balance the load. I typically place a 16-ounce water bottle on each side to keep the pack centered.
Sleep systems: If you expect cold weather, bring a lightweight sleeping bag or a Rothco Gen III waffle top for camp for your canine companion. Be careful to prevent overheating if your dog wears clothing while actively hiking.

Frequently asked questions about backpacking with dogs (FAQ)

This depends on the breed, age, and conditioning. While an athletic dog like a Labradoodle might handle 15–20 miles, a senior dog or a flat-faced breed may be limited to 5 miles or less.

Rough terrain, hot pavement, or sharp shale can tear paw pads. Dog booties are excellent protection, but you must introduce them at home first so your dog gets used to the sensation.

Your kit should include antiseptic wipes, gauze, self-adhering bandages (which won’t stick to fur), tweezers for ticks, and a liquid antihistamine (consult your vet for dosages). Are you trained in Dog CPR? Check out the post, Emergency first aid for dogs that you should know. You’ll find a full list of items you need in a dog’s kit.

Most vets recommend waiting until a dog is at least 12 to 18 months old before taking them on a multi-day backpacking trip. Puppies’ growth plates are not fully closed until this time, and strenuous hiking with a weighted pack can cause permanent joint damage. Always consult your vet to ensure their skeletal system and immune system (vaccinations) are ready for the wild.

A dog’s nails can easily puncture expensive ultralight tent floors. To prevent this:

Trim and file: Cut your dog’s nails a few days before the trip so the edges aren’t jagged.
Use a footprint: Place a Tyvek sheet or a dedicated tent footprint inside the tent.
Dog socks: In the tent, have your dog wear “camp socks” or booties to provide a soft barrier between their claws and the fabric.

While any healthy dog can enjoy the trail, certain breeds excel at endurance and terrain:

Working & Herding Breeds: Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, and Vizslas have incredible stamina.
Sporting Breeds: Labradors and Golden Retrievers (like Maximus) are natural explorers.
Mountain Breeds: Bernese Mountain Dogs and Siberian Huskies thrive in cold, rugged environments.
Note: Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs may struggle with breathing and heat regulation on steep climbs.

Managing a wet dog is the ultimate trail challenge. I always carry a small microfiber travel towel specifically for Lady Midnight. Before entering the tent, I dry her off as much as possible in the vestibule. If it’s freezing, I’ll have her wear a lightweight fleece (like my Rothco waffle top) to help her body heat dry her fur without soaking my sleeping bag.

While some hikers prefer the vestibule, I always recommend keeping your dog inside the tent body with you. This protects them from predators (like coyotes or bears), prevents them from wandering off if they hear a noise, and helps keep them warm. If space is tight, consider “sizing up” to a 2-person tent even when solo hiking.

No. Dogs are just as susceptible to Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Leptospirosis as humans are. Stagnant ponds and even clear-running streams can carry parasites. Always filter your dog’s water or use purification tablets to avoid a mid-trip medical emergency. When an emergency strikes (broken filter, lost tablets), source water that is away from human or animal traffic. Try to find a spring coming directly out of a mountain, if possible.

You must have a “self-rescue” plan. For larger dogs, this might mean carrying an emergency rescue sling (like the Fido Pro Airlift) that allows you to carry your dog like a backpack. For smaller dogs, ensure your pack has enough room to fit them inside if they can no longer walk.

Conclusion

Backpacking with your dog is more than just a hike—it’s a shared journey that deepens your connection. From navigating regulations to ensuring physical readiness, every step of preparation pays off when you see that tail wagging on a remote ridge. Whether I’m remembering the thousands of miles I shared with Maximus or looking forward to new horizons with Lady Midnight, the rewards of the trail are always worth the effort.

Free download: Don’t hit the trail unprepared!

Ready to take your pup on their first big trek? I’ve turned my years of experience on the Appalachian Trail and many others such as the Arizona Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, etc. with Maximus and Lady Midnight into a comprehensive dog backpacking safety checklist.

This two-page PDF covers:

Essential gear you shouldn’t leave home without.
Nutrition math to keep your dog energized.
The nightly “body scan” to prevent trail injuries.

Click here to download the dog safety checklist and ensure your best friend stays safe, happy, and healthy on every mile.

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Backpacking with dogs: The ultimate guide to trail safety and gearBackpacking with dogs