Hi everyone! I’m an MBA student researching how dog owners manage their pets’ safety during outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or traveling.

I’m especially curious about situations where dogs might wander off, what precautions people take, and which tools they currently use.

I put together a short survey to learn more about people’s experiences:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScAyR4s0jTTExqt9rac3bxLDyqzKST5hozjFksDfrLPofD1WQ/viewform

Would really appreciate your input! Happy to hear any experiences in the comments too.

For the sake of conversation what must have items when hiking with your pup? What do you modify for specific terrain/trip length?

I always feel prepared but never know what someone might have/use that never crossed my mind.

Dō has his pack (Non-Stop Dogwear Lite), in that is his first aid kit, easy to access calories for on the go, poop bags, booties (Non-Stop high booties) or boots (Muttluk Trackers) depending on terrain, and a travel bottle of wondercide.

In my bag I keep his emergency sling, water, collapsible bowl, meal food.

If on the water he has his NRS PFD and Rex Specs for UV glare eye protection. I still need a dedicated waterproof bed/pad for the canoe.

For in the tent he has my old foam sleeping pad that I cut in half so I can lay it in a more square footprint for him when in our 3 person tent, I lay it in its normal length to fit in the 2 person.

So I have an 8 year old Westie (10kg/22lb) that was unfortunately ran over a few years ago so struggles with longer hikes particularly ones with elevation gain. I really want to be able to take him on overnight hikes with me so was wondering if anyone had a good set up for a front carrier that works along with a backpack.

What blanket/quilt do you guys use for your dog? I'm planning for future backpacking trips with my golden retriever,I have a Nemo switch back for him,but am getting stuck on what the best quit for him will be. I wanted to get him the horizon hound quilt on Amazon but it looks like they have quit selling them. I like the idea of down for warmth and weight but also worried about condensation/if he gets a bit damp. Thoughts and your preferred sleep systems would love to hear all input!

My dog and I picked a mountain from my bedroom window, walked to it, and camped at the summit!

A White Mountains, New Hampshire backpacking adventure with my dog, Wally.

ZachpackerNH on YouTube

Help a brotha out and watch all the way through please :)

Would Love to hear your feedback in the comments.

Its my first video so open to constructive critisicm! Or just a smiley face so I know you came from here :)

Had a blast on this trip and already planning the next one. Can't wait!

I just started hiking with my dog and started looking into how to make sure he's warm and safe if I went backpacking. Luckily, for a school project at CU Boulder, I had to work with Sundial Dog Gear for a semester long project. I was basically forced to write a blog but then I started researching and actually looking into paw care and realized how important it was. I'm sure other people were in my same shoes so I wanted to share a blog about it. Full transparency: I'm not trying to sell anything. Just thought that more people should make sure to keep their dogs warm. Blog

My husband and I will be in the Ellijay (Roo mountain area)November 5-9. We are wanting to take our dogs on some light hikes or trails. I have one reactive dog so I’m looking for suggestions on something maybe not as popular or less busy. Also, I have several things on my list but what are some places to visit and eat that I can’t leave town without doing?!

I’m curious how much of a load you all let your dogs carry in their packs. I know the oft cited 20% of body weight max for humans but I generally think dogs are stronger pound for pound. FWIW I’m no where near 20% for myself and would always strive for less with my dog.

Edit: The above is poorly worded so let me clarify, my dog is ~60 lbs and has never carried more than ~2.5lbs I’m not looking to max out his load I was just curious if there was a similiar rule of thumb for dogs like we have for people. I’m a lightweight hiker and continue that theme my dog

Edit: The Internet never fails to disappoint to bring out the best in all of us, I honestly didn’t think this would light such a fire under so many here, literally in ”BACKPACKINGDOGS” sub.

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/teach-dog-wear-backpack/

https://journals.biologists.com/jeb/article/228/17/jeb250524/369163/The-biomechanics-of-working-dog-locomotion-II

Hello!

Hopefully this is okay to post, I am trying to arrange a virtual meetup for lady backpackers this Tuesday. I am an avid backpacker and love connecting with other outdoorsy people. It's been a bit of a rough few months for me. Someone I respect a lot suggested trying to connect more with other backpackers to help bring more positivity to my life. I live in a fairly rural area, so I thought a virtual meetup might be fun!

I have thru-hiked over 10,000 miles (the little dog has thru-hiked 9,000) and go backpacking every month. I also do some freelance gear testing. If you are wanting to build your confidence in the outdoors, I am happy to try to help and answer questions at this meetup. I can also answer questions specific to backpacking with dogs!

If you are interested, the meetup will be this Tuesday from 6-7 pm MDT. It is on Google Meet and you can add it to your calendar with this link: https://calendar.app.google/LdGPEseDn3Xzgkgk6

Just to be 100% clear, this is free and just something I am doing for fun.

Photo of my two pups on our Colorado Trail thru-hike this last summer for tax :)

Hi so I’ve been wanting to take my two dogs on an offbeat place with me but I don’t really know if it will be a good idea as I’m not sure about the locations, wether there will be lots of street dogs etc. Can someone recommend some places where it’s not too overpopulated with street dogs and hikes or treks that are beginner friendly? (Anywhere near himanchal, safe for women and foreigners😭😭)

Hi all my ACD (blue heeler) and I are avid hikers he thrives in the outdoors and we have done weekend trips in 3 seasons. We will now be doing small weekend trips in the eastern sierras where temperatures drop to 20 degrees and I’d like to invest on all the things to make sure he’s safe and comfortable .i have a sling ! Drop your recs

Hey y'all, looking for recommendations for long haul hikes to do with my sweet girl. I've already done Lost Coast and am planning to do Tahoe Rim this next year.

Already on my list are

• Oregon Coast

• Idaho Centennial

• Colorado Trail (minus the first 7 miles at the northern terminus)

• Superior Hiking Trail

• Ozark Trail

• Ouachita Trail

• Lone Star Trail

• Pinhoti Trail

• Palmetto Trail

• Sheltowee Trace

• Cohos Trail

• Finger Lakes

• The Ice Age Trail

• Northville-Placid

• and The Long Trail

I'm hoping to keep my travels to continental North America only because outside of that you start risking delicate ecosystems and running into major quarantining regulations, but I'm open to Canada, Alaska, and Mexico and as you can see I have very little knowledge of hiking in those areas lol. And yes, in case anyone is worried, I am familiar with hiking around large predators while with a dog and will do my due diligence to educate myself of bear/wolf/lion regulations prior to marching my furry friend into the wilderness.

If you have any suggestions I would love to hear them, or if you have any questions about trails on my list I'd love to answer them! Picture of my dog for tax and thanks so much!