Backpacking & Camping

Multi-day trips, tent sleeping, bear safety, and backcountry logistics with dogs.

17 articles available

Buying Guides

Best Lightweight Tents for You and Your Dog

We tested 8 lightweight backpacking tents over 14 months with a 95-lb German Shepherd. Here's what actually fits a big dog and survives their claws.

By Kelly Lund

Best Dog Hiking Gear for Hot Weather 2026 | Summer Kit

We tested 10 must-have hot weather products across Arizona and Colorado trails. Build the right summer kit with cooling vests, water bottles, breathable harnesses, and more.

By Kelly Lund

Best Ultralight Gear for Dog Owners (Under 5lbs)

We tested 12 ultralight dog hiking products from collapsible bowls to featherweight harnesses. Here are the 8 that actually saved ounces without sacrificing function.

By Kelly Lund

The Ultimate Dog Hiking Gear Checklist for 2026

Our complete field-tested gear guide covers harnesses, boots, packs, hydration, and everything else your dog needs on trail.

By Kelly Lund

Fi Collar vs Garmin T5X: Cellular or Satellite GPS?

We tested both GPS technologies in the backcountry. One works everywhere. The other needs cell towers.

By Kelly Lund

Ruffwear Palisades vs Approach: Which Backpack Wins?

Two premium Ruffwear packs, sixty dollars apart. After testing both on the same trails, here's which one earns your money.

By Kelly Lund

Product Reviews

Ruffwear Highlands Pad Review: Backpacking Bed Worth the Weight?

After 12 nights testing the Ruffwear Highlands Pad with Jasper, my 95-pound German Shepherd, I learned where lightweight dog beds work and where ground insulation falls short.

By Kelly Lund

Wilderdog Sleeping Bag Review: Cozy Camp Companion or Too Bulky?

We tested the Wilderdog Sleeping Bag on 15 camping trips with Jasper. Here's whether the durability and comfort justify carrying 29 ounces.

By Kelly Lund

Garmin T5X Dog Device Review: Pro-Level GPS Tracking for Wilderness Hiking

We tested the Garmin T5X GPS tracker over 200 miles of backcountry terrain. Here's whether the 9-mile range and 80-hour battery justify the pro-level price.

By Kelly Lund

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Backpacking With an Old Dog? Build a Carry-Out Plan

Multi-day trips with senior dogs require more than just extra rest. Learn how to assess trail fitness, calculate mileage, and build a reliable carry-out plan.

By Kelly Lund

Feeding Dogs on Long Hikes (Why Fat Beats Carbs)

What to feed your dog on the trail for sustained energy. We break down the science of canine endurance, the best high-calorie snacks, and when to feed them.

By Sarah Keller

How to Secure a Dog in a Tent for Their First Camping Trip

Stop the mesh door escapes. Learn the exact tether setup, gear requirements, and acclimation process to survive your first night in a tent together.

By Sarah Keller

DIY Dog First Aid Kit for Hiking (Pack It for Under $20)

Build a field-tested dog first aid kit for under $20. Learn exactly which human supplies work for dogs, how to save weight, and how to treat trail injuries.

By Kelly Lund

Why Flicking Dog Poop Off the Trail Ruins Backcountry Hikes

Flicking dog poop off the trail used to be common practice. We review Leave No Trace rules and environmental data to show how to pack out waste on multi-day trips.

By Sarah Keller

Found a Tick on Your Dog? How to Safely Remove It on the Trail

Finding a tick on your dog miles from the trailhead is stressful. Learn the exact field-tested method to safely remove ticks and reduce disease transmission.

By Kelly Lund