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If you enjoy camping, chances are your dog would enjoy camping with you. That is, if they stay comfortable and safe. And to keep your pup safe and happy while camping, you’ll need some dog camping gear.
The thing is – you don’t need to go out and buy all the camping gear for dogs! We understand that everyone loves to spoil their furry friends. But not only is it a pain to pack extra stuff, some things won’t matter to your dog (like their own tent).
Is it necessary to buy camping gear for dogs?
You likely already have many things your dog needs for a camping trip. You need essential dog gear, including a leash, food and water bowls, dog tags, poop bags, and a collar or harness.
The dog gear you take camping will depend on how you camp (tent? RV? trailer?), what activities you do, and your dog’s temperament.
In other words, items that will keep your dog safe and comfortable should get packed on any camping trip.
So, if you’re hiking, you might want boots to keep your dog’s paws safe, along with collapsible bowls and a first aid kit. And if your dog mostly hangs out at the campsite, you might need a tie-out and toys to keep them entertained.
Before taking off on your camping adventure, consider things from your dog’s perspective. What will they need to stay comfortable, safe, and happy during your camping trip?
Must have dog camping gear for your pup’s safety & comfort
The Basics
Leash
Using a 6-foot nylon or leather leash with any dog is best (when not at the campsite). It gives your pup enough space to move around but close enough to keep them out of danger.
The Max and Neo Double Handle Dog Leash is a top pick. This nylon, six-foot leash is sturdy, reflective, and has two handles.
Collar and/or Harness
Whether you use a collar or a harness with a leash is up to you (and your dog). Of course, you’ll always want your dog to have a collar with tags. But with some dogs, a harness can discourage pulling and keep them safer.
The Joytale Reflective Nylon Dog Collar is a top pick for collars. It’s affordable, sturdy, reflective, and comes in several sizes and colors.
If a harness works best for your dog, or if you hike trails over rough terrain, check out the Eagloo Dog Harness. It’s reflective, has a front and back clip, and a handle if you need to help your dog on tricky trails.
Collapsible bowls
Collapsible pet bowls are essential for travel of any kind! They’re super easy to pack in the car or in a backpack and are essential camping gear for dogs.
These collapsible silicone pet bowls on Amazon are affordable, durable, adjustable, and include carabiners.
Poop bags
Anywhere you take your dog, you need poop bags! Our favorite is the Greener Walker Poop Bags. They’re thick, leakproof, and eco-friendly.
Since we’re talking poop bags, remember to pack them out! If you’re hiking, take a smell-proof bag to keep them contained until you find trash.
Dog First Aid Kit
It’s always a good idea to be prepared for emergencies. But that’s especially true when camping since there are more ways for your dog to get hurt.
Your first aid kit should have everything you need to handle an emergency. For example, this pet first aid kit has over 100 items, including a styptic pencil, eye wash, and tick remover.
Comfortable bed
The dog bed you choose will likely depend on how you camp – a tent or an RV. Below are two easy-to-pack options.
This dog sleeping bag by Ruffwear is ideal for tent camping. It’s water-resistant and has a compression sack, so it’s packable. Your dog can lay on it in warmer weather or snuggle inside when temperatures drop.
This indoor/outdoor portable dog bed is a comfortable, packable option for any camping experience. It’s water-resistant, has a carry bag, and is large enough for large pups.
Extras: More dog camping gear to consider
Tie-out
A tie-out will allow your dog more space to explore while keeping them safely within the campsite. Tie-outs are must-have camping gear for dogs that spend a lot of time at the campsite.
For a tie-out that won’t tangle around the picnic table or trees, check out this Dog Tie Out Cable for Camping. It’s a compact, easy-to-use trolley system that attaches to two trees or other anchors. Just clip your dog to the cable, and they’ll have room to move around!
Collapsible crate
Consider a collapsible, soft-sided crate if your dog needs their own place to be safe and quiet.
A pop-up kennel, like Love’s cabin, is a lightweight, portable option for crate-trained dogs. It’s waterproof, quick to set up, and folds into a flat circle for easy transport.
Dog boots
Dog boots protect your pup’s paws on trails with sharp objects and keep them warm in snow or ice. They might take a little getting used to, but boots keep dog paws safe in many conditions.
The Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots are designed for trails. They’re reflective, have mesh ventilation and Vibram soles, and are relatively easy to put on.
Dog life jacket
A dog life jacket is a must for camping adventures that include water – swimming, paddling, or boating.
Ruffwear makes this popular float coat that moves with dogs when they swim. It comes in six sizes and has a handle for helping your pup out of the water.
Lighted collar
If you are outdoors at night, consider a lighted collar to allow you to see your pup better. Many types are available, like this bright waterproof, and rechargeable LED collar.
Waterproof jacket
The right dog jacket keeps your pup comfortable in cold or rainy weather. So, if you expect to be out in cold or wet weather, consider a rain jacket or lightweight cold-weather coat to keep your dog cozy.
Backpack for dogs
If you’re backpacking, you might want your dog to have their own pack with their own things. Yet you want to avoid overloading or overheating your dog with a bag. So watch them closely to ensure the backpack isn’t causing them discomfort.
Dog backpacks have different sizes and shapes, but the Ruffwear pack below is one of the most popular.
Dog carrier/backpack
If you have a smaller dog that gets tired on long hiking trails, consider a dog carrier to give them a rest.
Here’s a popular carrier for dogs under 25 pounds.
Dog goggles
Dog goggles can help protect your pup’s eyes from sun and dirt. So, for dogs that are out in harsh conditions with sun, wind, or sand, goggles are the answer. And they’re super cute too!
These Namsan dog goggles are windproof, dustproof, and snowproof and made to stay on your pup’s head.
Related reading: Camping With Dogs: Tips & Tricks For a Fantastic Experience
