Backpacking Tips From The Ruffwear Pack
Backpacking with your dog is one of the most rewarding things you can do together. From swimming in remote lakes and rivers, to exploring meadows filled with mountain wildflowers, there’s so much for your pup to look forward to.
But getting there takes some planning, and there are lots of little things you can do along the way to ensure your dog has the absolute best time of their life. If you’re new to backpacking, here are a few helpful tips from our very own Ruffwear staff (and experienced trekkers), who have learned a thing or two from hitting the trails with their own pups.
Cristina Stavro - Product Line Manager
Bedtime TLC
“Each night after camp is set and dinner is done, I do a bedtime check with my dog. To her, it’s just a welcomed full-body massage after a long day on the trail. For me, it’s my opportunity to check her body, limbs, and paw pads for scratches and tenderness, look between paw pads for cheat grass or gunk, and thoroughly search for ticks.”
“I use this time for both of us to wind down, and it helps me keep tabs on whether there’s any reason we might need to take it easy the next day or change plans.”
Monica Broder - Senior Design Manager
Ease Into It
“Don't forget that pups need training too. I've made the mistake of thinking just because I'm in shape, my dogs are, too—but they didn't sign up for my sufferfest. Resist the urge to make the first trip of the season a big one, and let them ease into remembering what it's like to carry gear, sleep in a tent, and be awake most hours of the day.”
Recovery Zone
“One thing we've recently started doing as our pups have gotten older is prioritizing their recovery more. On multi-day trips, my partner and I bring a 3 person tent (for 2 people, 2 dogs), so they have plenty of space to stretch out. And we recently just started carrying an extra insulated air pad (yes, the human kind) so they can be just as comfortable as we are.”
Alex Murray - Visual Media Production Manager
Load Logistics
“I like to split each day of my dog’s meals into individual zip lock bags, and then divide them between both sides of his pack for even weight. As each day progresses, the weight becomes smaller as he eats his way through his food. And when he’s not wearing his dog shoes, I just velcro those to his pack’s daisy chain so he can carry them.”
Release Expectations
“Be present with what you’re doing instead of trying to get somewhere, and flexible to what shows up along the trail. Be open to side-quests. Let go of the strict itinerary and just be immersed. Make that your most important goal.”
Dani Reese - Global Social Media & Ambassador Manager
Plan for Anything
“Mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable, so I never leave the trailhead without prepping for both extremes. My kit almost always includes both a cooling vest and a jacket for my dog. During the day, she wears her cooling vest underneath her pack to keep her core temp down. We "recharge" it in streams or lakes along the way. At sundown I swap the vest for a jacket to keep her warm and cozy.”
Fuel for the Extra Mile
“Backpacking burns a massive amount of energy, so I always pack significantly more than her standard daily meals. I’ll mix extra calories into her regular meals and keep high-energy snacks easily accessible for trail breaks. Keeping her fueled ensures she has the stamina needed for multiple days.”
Gearing Up
Not sure what to bring on your first backpacking trip? Our new Backcountry Collection is specifically designed for long days on the trail with your best friend.
The Backcountry Collection
Palisades™ Pack
Built for multi-day adventures, the Palisades™ Pack is a modular, high-volume pack that features a built-in harness and removable saddlebags for quick day-trips.
Palisades™ Poncho
Make camping out under the stars warm and cozy for your pup, with the Palisades™ Poncho, a wearable sleeping bag that stays on all night––but still packs down small for the journey.
Hitch Hiker™ Leash
The Hitch Hiker™ Leash makes life on the trail easier with a climbing-inspired leash and hitching system. It can be used as a hand-held or hands-free leash, or wrapped around a tree or post.
Camp Flyer™ Toy
Bring the fun to any campsite with this lightweight, foldable flying disc. When it’s not being used as a toy, the Camp Flyer™ also doubles as a water bowl. Get inspired for your next adventure and read more about how to backpack with your dog
