One of the joys of dog ownership is that you’ve got an adventure partner that’s always up for getting out. When your human friends show up for an excursion or expedition, you expect them to come prepared with the appropriate gear to achieve the agreed-upon goal. And yet your dog accompanies you, very few questions asked, equipped only with the evolutionary features humans have forced upon him through thousands of years of domestication and selective breeding. He’s far from the wolf he’s descended from and deserves some gear to make up for it.
Fortunately, a small group of outdoor companies has realized that people want to bring their dogs on all of their adventures. With products like backpack harnesses and paw booties with Vibram-soles, dogs can be as prepared as humans for wandering in the backcountry. If you’re going to force your four-legged friend into chasing you up rugged trails or down through fields of deep snow — all so that you can exploit his photogenic face on Instagram — the least you can do is kit him out.
Flowfold Trailmate Dog Leash
It’s made of recycled climbing rope from Maine’s Sterling Rope company, so it’s lightweight and durable, as all the best outdoor products are.
Stunt Puppy Stunt Runner Leash
Free your hands during runs with this self-adjusting leash that secures to the waist like a belt.
Ruffwear Front Range Harness
A pooch-friendly pack to carry all of the other accessories on this list.
KAVU Buddy Bowl
It’s like the dog version of a water bottle (you still bring the water though). Also used for kibble.
Rocky Mountain Underground Grrowler
RMU rolled up two accessories into one — this dog collar quickly converts into a bowl for a quick summit drink.
Nite Ize Nite Dawg LED Dog Collar
Your dog doesn’t need a headlamp to see in the dark, but it helps if you can see him. This collar is equipped with a red LED that emits light in solid and flashing modes.
Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar
Bayer’s flea- and tick-repelling collar is an Amazon best-seller, and will keep the pests away from your dog — no DEET necessary.
Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots
Ruffwear’s Grip Trex paw booties are built for hard trail-use with Vibram rubber soles, just like the boots you wear.
Orvis Grip-Tight Water-Resistant Hose-Off Seat Hammock
Best used post-adventure, this hammock-style, washable seat cover will keep your undiscerning pooch from ruining your car’s leather interior.
Kurgo Loft Wander Dog Bed
Just like your sleeping bag and pad, this dog bed rolls up for easy travel. It’s also waterproof on top and bottom, so feel free to lay it out anywhere.
