What to pack in your dog’s backpack for long hikes + backpacking trips
Planning on taking your pup on some longer hikes or backpacking trips this summer? A dog backpack allows your active dog to carry their own essentials such as: food, treats, poop bags, and water. If you are curious on how to pack your dog’s backpack for adventures, and how much they should carry, keep reading!
THE BACKPACK
My dog’s backpack is made by Wilderdog. We have been using Wilderdog gear since Stanley was a little puppy and have tested out a ton of their gear. One of our favorites is their dog backpack. It’s very thoughtfully designed; it has tons of great pockets, a built-in harness and handle (great for helping your dog out if you need to give them a pull), and it does’t hurt that they are also very very cute! You can shop Wilderdog’s backpack’s here.
HOW MUCH CAN A DOG CARRY?
How much a dog can carry depends on a few factors. A general rule of thumb is 10%-20% of your dog’s bodyweight. Extremely active dog can get away with 25%. You should be considering the age of your dog, it’s fitness level, and size/breed. For example, a Dutch Shepherd is much stronger and active than a Pomeranian. Also, keep it mind, its likely not worth saddling up a small dog. You wouldn’t be able to fit much in the pockets of their pack anyway lol!
THE PACKING LIST
food/treats: Don’t forget to stash some treats in your dog’s bag. Wilderdog’s backpack has a nice pocket perfect for this purpose. If you are doing an overnight trip, I like to pack at least one meal’s worth of food in one of the main pockets. I store Stanley’s dog food in a Stasher Bag. This keep his food staying fresh. You can get a Stasher Bag for your dog’s food HERE.
bowl: Don’t forget a doggie bowl for their food and water! Having something that is lightweight and pack small is essential. This one fits perfectly in the side pocket of a dog backpack and rolls up nice and small.
water: Rule number 1 of adventuring with your dog is to bring it’s own water! Not only should you be bringing extra water for yourself on most hikes, you should never give your dog YOUR water. Make sure you have plenty for both of you. I keep Stanley’s water in a collapsable waterbottle because it is lightweight and fits perfectly in his pack. You can find his collapsable water bottle HERE.
Poop Bags: I use these biodegradable poop bags. They fit perfectly in the poop bag dispenser pouch of Stanley’s Wilderdog Pack.
Backcountry Bell: I velcro strap a bell to Stanley’s handle on his backpack. This allows me to hear him (and so other people or creatures know he is coming too). I love THIS ONE because it has a built in silencer. All I have to do is place the magnetic tag over the bell to silence it.
OTHER ESSENTIALS (not in pack)
Ultralight leash + collar: Your dog is carrying more than what he normally does. Save weight where you can! I use this ultralight leash and collar for Stanley!
Doggie Bag: If I am going on a multi-day trip, I will carry more of Stanley’s dog food in my pack. I use this pouch to store his food.
Emergency kit: Not only should you carry an emergency kit for yourself, you should also have one for your dog! I keep one in my own backpack. This is the one I have on me for most adventures.
