10 Essentials for Adventuring with Your Dog

Dogs can be amazing companions during any outdoor adventure. In the PNW, there are so many opportunities for adventuring—from hiking to paddle boarding to mountain biking, and so much more. In visiting the wild places throughout the PNW, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. So, cue the 10 Essentials!

If you’re familiar with outdoor recreation, you may have heard of the 10 Essentials for humans, but this list is equally as important for your dog. We recommend keeping these essentials close no matter what adventure you and your pup are on. Being prepared for any situation is part of being a pet parent and these essentials can be utilized during any adventure.

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#1: A Durable Leash, Harness & Collar

Harness

While some pet owners and trainers may prefer to walk their pets on a collar alone, we recommend a harness over a collar for walking. This recommendation has a few benefits. For many dogs, walking on a harness can mean less strain over time on their neck and esophagus over time. Harnesses can also offer more versatility and control while training. When taking dogs off of city sidewalks and into more rough terrain, a harness provides the added benefit of being harder to slip out of in any uncomfortable situations and helps you assist your pet with tricky-to-travel areas.

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Collars

We recommend that every pet spending time outdoors in any fashion should wear a collar with current tags and microchip information. If they were to ever become lost, especially in an unfamiliar area, this can help to ensure they are returned home safely. For dogs spending a lot of time in the dirt, exposed to the elements, or taking lake dips, a water- and stick-proof collar can be the ideal candidate.

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Leads

The 4 to 6’ leash that folks are using every day can be a great starting point. Bringing along a climbing-worthy carabiner to attach the leash to pack straps can be one way to add some hands-free flexibility. However, there are many leashes that are specifically designed to be converted to waist-worn, so you can stay hands-free while hiking. The adjustable loop on these leads can also act as a handy tie-out when hiking, camping, traveling, or just heading to your favorite local spot.

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#2: Poop Bags

One of the most prominent elements of “Leave No Trace Ethics” is packing out whatever is packed in. And this is especially true for cleaning up after your pet and packing out their waste. We recommend always coming prepared with your preferred bags to pick up your dog’s poop and finding the method that works best for you to carry the waste with you. Having a used waste bag holder can make it super easy to carry your dog’s waste back down the trail, and help avoid that awkward moment of getting back to your vehicle only to remember that you left that poop bag on the side of the trail 2 miles back.

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#3: First Aid Kit

A great starting point if you don’t already have one, is to buy a first aid kit specifically for pets. This will often cover you with all the essentials you need should the unexpected happen on your next adventure.

You can add a few key items to your own first aid kit for your pet. It should include at a minimum: vet wrap, gauze, your pet’s necessary medications, hydrogen peroxide, a syringe, gloves, hand sanitizer, tick key, and diphenhydramine (Benadryl). A mesh muzzle is also handy, but a cloth bandage or bandana can also be used to fashion an emergency muzzle if needed and may already be a part of your personal first aid kit.

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#4: Food, Treats & Water

Nutrition

Whether it’s a long hike or a quick swim off the paddle board, it’s important to provide snacks or food to replace the extra calories your dog’s burned. Bringing plenty of clean water for your pet is also important, so you don’t have to look for a fountain wherever your wandering takes you.

• Mud Bay Salish Sea Sockeye Salmon Dog Treats
• ZIWI Peak Original Series Air-Dried Dog Food
• Etta Says Flavor Fusion Dog Chews

Hydration

For water, it’s best to bring roughly 1 liter for every 20 pounds of body weight for your pet. You may also want to plan for an extra liter for yourself and each one of your pets, especially on those warm days.

Treat Pouch

Make those snack breaks a little bit smoother with a handy treat pouch to store your high-calorie foods and treats. There are also many opportunities to incorporate training and positive social interactions on busy trails, so having rewards handy is always helpful!

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#6: Flea, Tick & Insect Repellent

At home, we may only worry about encountering fleas here and there throughout the year, but when venturing out to more rugged areas, we begin to add to the list of worrisome pests. Ticks are, unfortunately, becoming more prevalent in the Pacific Northwest and mosquitoes don’t just love people, but our pets, too! To help avoid exposure, it’s best to ensure your pet is up to date on their flea and tick preventative and/or reapply your favorite natural flea and tick repellent frequently,  especially after your pet takes a refreshing dip in an alpine lake!

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#7: Boots or Paw Protection

Paw injuries can be some of the most uncomfortable minor injuries our pets experience and the most challenging to help heal. They can happen anywhere, but the changes increase exponentially when walking across rougher terrain than their paw pads are accustomed to. Even just walking through muddy terrain for extended periods can lead to abrasions on paw pads. A sturdy pair of boots or a specific paw wax can help alleviate paw injuries.

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#8: Layers

The weather can change in the PNW in the blink of an eye and the higher you go in elevation, the quicker this happens and the more extreme the ensuing change can turn out to be. It is important to bring layers for your pet that will help them stay comfortable and dry, should you get caught in an unexpected shift in weather. Layers are also helpful to account for changing seasons; less in the summer, more in the shoulder season, and even more in the winter. Think light and packable when and where possible!

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#9: Sun and Heat Protection

Pets with short coats are especially prone to getting sunburnt and any pet can suffer from heat-exposure illnesses just as easily as we can. It’s very important that we bring along precautions to protect them. If you’re feeling overheated or uncomfortable in the sun, chances are your pet is really feeling it with their fur coat and inability to sweat. On warm days, plan your outings and breaks in shady areas or near lakes where your pet can take a dip and cool off.

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#10: Backpack or Other Carrier

And who will carry all those essentials?

Depending on your dog’s size, they can carry most or all of these in their own backpack. Just be sure not to fill with any weight greater than 25% of your dog’s ideal body weight.

Most owners will likely choose to carry their dogs’ essentials along with their own and, depending on the age, health, and stamina of your pet, you may need to carry them as well! So having an easy-to-use and comfortable option to carry your pet is nice, too!

• MidWest Day Tripper Backpack
• Yapper Wrapper Front Pack

Updated 6/2026