Camping With Dogs®
Menu

Gear guides

Our top picks for camping and hiking with your dog. Every pick says why we like it, and each guide says who should skip it.

Some links earn us a commission. It never changes what we recommend.

Top foods for camping

Read the guide
A bowl of freeze-dried raw dog food cubes

AlphaPak Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken

$$$

Chicken is the first ingredient. Freeze-dried, so it's light in the pack and needs no cooler.

AlphaPak is our sister brand.

AlphaPak Freeze-Dried Raw Beef

$$$

Beef is the first ingredient. Freeze-dried, so it's light in the pack and needs no cooler.

AlphaPak is our sister brand.

At camp: Add up to an equal amount of warm water to each cup. Stir. It's ready right away, and best after 30 to 60 seconds. Toss any rehydrated leftovers after 2 hours.

Top dog backpacks

Read the guide
  • AlphaPak 2-Piece Dog Backpack

    $$$

    The saddlebags latch onto the EZ Fit harness and slide right off, so you can lighten the load at a break and leave the harness on. Comes with a Kobuk water bladder.

    AlphaPak is our sister brand.

  • AlphaPak 1-Piece Dog Backpack

    $$$

    The same EZ Fit harness with the saddlebags sewn on. Simple, water-resistant, and it comes with a Kobuk water bladder.

    AlphaPak is our sister brand.

  • Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack

    $$$

    Built for long day hikes and light overnights, with saddlebags that sit on a breathable built-in harness.

  • Ruffwear Front Range Day Pack

    $$$

    The Front Range harness with saddlebags added. Three leash points, including a chest loop that helps with dogs who pull.

  • Outward Hound DayPak Dog Backpack

    $$$

    A light saddlebag pack with two pockets on each side, so the weight stays even. A low-cost way to find out if your dog likes carrying a pack.

Top harnesses

Read the guide
  • AlphaPak EZ Fit Everyday Adventure Harness

    $$$

    Padded and triple-stitched, with straps that adjust fast and tuck into rubber loops so nothing flaps on the trail. It's the same harness the AlphaPak packs are built on.

    AlphaPak is our sister brand.

  • Ruffwear Front Range Harness

    $$$

    The everyday harness most trail dogs end up in. Padded, easy to fit, with a leash clip on the back and one on the chest for dogs who pull.

  • Ruffwear Web Master Harness

    $$$

    Built for rough trail. The handle on the back lets you give your dog a boost over rocks and logs, and the fit stays put when they twist.

  • Ruffwear Flagline Harness

    $$$

    A lighter harness that still has a handle. A good middle ground for long days where every ounce counts.

  • Kurgo Journey Air Harness

    $$$

    Breathable mesh and a friendly price. A solid first harness while you figure out what your dog likes.

Top beds and sleeping bags

Read the guide
  • AlphaPak Nova Dog Sleeping Bag

    $$$

    Zips into a snug bag or opens flat into two mats. Waterproof bottom, water-resistant top, and it packs into the included stuff sack.

    AlphaPak is our sister brand.

  • AlphaPak Adventure Dog Sleeping Mat

    $$$

    A flat camp bed with a waterproof bottom that packs into a stuff sack. Machine washable, which matters after a muddy trip.

    AlphaPak is our sister brand.

  • Ruffwear Highlands Dog Pad

    $$$

    Gets your dog off the cold, hard tent floor and packs down small. The easiest comfort upgrade for camp.

  • Ruffwear Highlands Sleeping Bag

    $$$

    A real sleeping bag shaped for dogs. Worth it for short-coated dogs and anyone camping into the shoulder seasons.

Top bowls, water and food storage

Read the guide
  • AlphaPak Kobuk Water Bladder

    $$$

    A BPA-free bladder with a locking pour top that rolls flat when empty. Comes in 500ml and 1L and fits in pack saddlebags.

    AlphaPak is our sister brand.

  • Ruffwear Quencher Packable Bowl

    $$$

    Folds flat, weighs next to nothing, and works for water on the trail and dinner at camp.

  • Stanley IceFlow Water Bottle

    $$$

    Insulated, so the water you left in the car is still cool when you reach the trailhead.

  • Gamma2 Vittles Vault Airtight Food Container

    $$$

    Keeps your dog's food sealed and dry in the car and keeps camp critters out of it. Comes with a scoop.

Top campsite gear

Read the guide
  • Ruffwear Knot-a-Hitch Campsite System

    $$$

    A line you string between two trees so your dog can move around camp while staying put. More freedom than a short tie-out.

Top GPS trackers and lights

Read the guide
  • Ruffwear Beacon Safety Light

    $$$

    Clips on the collar so you can spot your dog around camp after dark. Cheap peace of mind.

  • Tractive GPS Dog Tracker

    $$$

    Live location on your phone and an alert if your dog leaves a zone you set. The lowest-cost way to start.

  • Fi Smart Collar

    $$$

    The tracker is built into the collar, so there's nothing extra to clip on or lose. Tough enough for trail dogs.

  • Garmin Alpha Tracking System

    $$$

    Works with no cell service at all. The collar talks straight to a handheld unit, which is why hunters and backcountry folks use it.

  • Halo GPS Dog Collar

    $$$

    GPS tracking plus virtual fences you draw on your phone. Handy for big open campsites and home.

Top car gear

Read the guide
  • Kurgo Rover Hammock Seat Cover

    $$$

    Keeps mud and wet dog off the back seat on the drive home. Easy to pull out and shake off.

Top places to book

Read the guide
  • Outdoorsy RV and Camper Rentals

    Rent an RV or camper from a local owner. Many listings welcome pets, so filter for that before you fall in love with one.

  • Harvest Hosts Membership Stays

    Overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other small spots. A fun break from crowded campgrounds on a long drive.

  • BringFido Pet-Friendly Trip Finder

    Search hotels, restaurants and spots that welcome dogs along your route. Great for the nights you're not camping.

All buying guides and packing lists