All the Gear You Need to Take Your Dog on Your Next Outdoor Adventure

Shit happens, but that doesn’t mean you should leave it on the trail. “Even if you’re out in the middle of the woods, it’s a total jerk move to leave it there,” Haussmann says. “It introduces bacteria that’s not necessarily great for the environment.” For cleanup duty, he recommends Wildebeest’s coordinating poop bag holder because its two clip and Velcro attachments keep it in place, making dispensing a bag (or two) a breeze.

Seresto Flea and Tick Collar

Seresto

Table of Contents

Flea and Tick Collar

Pros:

Easy to put on and adjust, according to reviewers
Lasts for eight months

Cons:

The woods are full of creepy crawlies that could, at best, be a nuisance to your dog and, at worst, make them sick. Rates of Lyme disease in dogs, which is passed through tick bites, continue to be on the rise in the US, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council. Lyme disease can be hard to diagnose, but symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, and joint pain.

Because of this, Haussmann tends to double up on prevention before taking his own dog into a wooded area. In addition to the usual monthly preventatives (like Frontline or NexGard), he straps a Seresto collar onto her neck. “I’ll get one in the beginning of the summer and put it on as needed,” he says. Pro tip: When purchasing a flea and tick collar, check that you’ve selected the right one for your dog’s size (they’re sold by weight).

Rubyloo Dog First Aid Kit

Pros:

Packed with lots of essentials
Case is waterproof

Cons:

Hard to pack everything back inside according to reviewers

Whether you need to pluck a tick from your pup’s coat or bandage up a minor cut or scrape, you’ll want to have the necessary supplies on hand. This kit includes all the essentials: antiseptic wipes, instant ice pack, tweezers, bandages, a thermal blanket, a slip leash, and more. Plus its compact size makes it easy to stash in a backpack or under a backseat.

Note: While this kit is great to have on hand for smaller accidents, for more serious injuries (such as an animal bite, deep gash, or run-in with painful porcupine quills) Haussmann says to seek emergency veterinary care right away.

Ruffwear Trail Runner Ultralight Packable Dog Bowl

Ruffwear

Trail Runner Ultralight Packable Dog Bowl

Pros:

Packs down small
Waterproof

Cons:

Some reviewers found it hard to pack it back into the pouch

Even if you’re going on a short one- or two-hour hike, you’ll need to have plenty of fresh water on hand to keep your pup hydrated. (Packing extra food is always a good idea too!) This colorful bowl from Ruffwear weighs practically nothing (0.6 ounces) and folds down to the size of a business card once your dog has gotten their fill of food or water.

Vizpet Light-Up Dog Collar

Vizpet