Paths & PawsDay Hiking
Single-day trail adventures - the most common type of hiking with dogs.
73 articles available
Buying Guides
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
Best Dog Cooling Vests 2026 | Trail-Tested for Summer Heat
We tested 8 dog cooling vests on hot summer trails. See which vests kept our dogs coolest longest, with real temperature data and field performance results.
By Kelly Lund
Product Reviews
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Ruffwear Overcoat Fuse Review: Harness + Jacket
After 200 miles testing the Ruffwear Overcoat Fuse through Colorado winters with Jasper, I learned where convenience wins and where control loses.
By Kelly Lund
Ruffwear Switchbak Harness Review: Pockets Without the Bulk
After 180 miles testing the Ruffwear Switchbak with Jasper, my 95-pound German Shepherd, I learned where built-in pockets work and where they create problems.
By Kelly Lund
Kurgo Baxter Pack Review: Budget Backpacking for Your Dog
After 120 trail miles testing the Kurgo Baxter Pack with Jasper, my 95-pound German Shepherd, I found where budget meets capability and where the savings show.
By Kelly Lund
Learn More
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Dog Salmon Poisoning Symptoms (The 14-Day Fatality Window)
Raw salmon carries a parasite that kills 90 percent of untreated dogs. Learn the day-six symptom timeline, PNW risk zones, and why immediate vet care is required.
By Kelly Lund
Mountain Bikes Triggering Your Dog? How to Teach Trail Patience
Fast-moving mountain bikes trigger strong prey drive in dogs. Learn how to teach your dog trail patience with distance thresholds and impulse control.
By Sarah Keller
Dog Packs for Small Dogs (Why the Empty Weight Breaks the Rule)
Dogs under 20 pounds shouldn't wear hiking backpacks. The empty harness takes up their entire weight limit. Learn how to carry gear for toy breeds safely.
By Sarah Keller
Non-Restrictive Dog Harnesses (Why the Label Means Nothing)
A veterinary study found that non-restrictive Y-harnesses can actually restrict dog shoulder movement more than chest straps. Here is how to fix the fit.
By Kelly Lund
Checking Dog Paws After a Hike (The 2-Minute Wheelbarrow Method)
Inspect your dog's paws systematically after every hike. Learn the wheelbarrow technique to find hidden cuts, abrasions, and debris before they cause a limp.
By Kelly Lund
Dogs in Sensitive Alpine Tundra (Ethics and Impact)
Alpine tundra takes decades to recover from dog traffic. Learn how dogs impact fragile high-elevation ecosystems and how to minimize the damage.
By Sarah Keller