Weather & Conditions

Hot ground, humidity, winter hiking, altitude, and environmental challenges.

17 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 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

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

Mushers Secret Paw Wax Review: Real Protection?

We tested Musher's Secret on 200+ trail miles with a 95 lb German Shepherd. Here's whether this paw wax actually protects against salt, ice, and hot pavement.

By Kelly Lund

Learn More

View all

Stopping Dog Paw Ice Balls (Why Bare Paws Fail in Snow)

Prevent abrasive ice balls from forming between a dog's toes on winter hikes. We break down paw trimming methods, barrier waxes, and on-trail removal.

By Kelly Lund

Should I Shave My Husky for Summer? (Why the Coat Stays)

A double coat works like a thermos to keep dogs cool. Learn why shaving a Husky or double-coated breed ruins their thermal cooling system and damages the fur.

By Sarah Keller

Hiking With a Dog Scared of Thunder? Do This Immediately

How to manage canine thunderstorm phobia in the backcountry when your dog cannot hide. Learn trail desensitization tips and safe emergency protocols.

By Sarah Keller

Building an Emergency Dog Bed (Why Loose Leaves Fail)

Ground contact steals body heat fast. We measured how different natural materials compress under a 95-pound dog to build a trail bed that actually works.

By Kelly Lund

Why 6 Inches of Flash Flood Water Sweeps Large Dogs Away

Learn how to spot early flash flood warning signs, find high ground fast, and evacuate your dog from dangerous desert washes and canyon trails.

By Kelly Lund

Do Dog Cooling Vests Work for Hiking? (Science Explained)

We tested evaporative cooling vests on the trail. Here is exactly when they lower your dog's core temperature and when they become dangerous heat traps.

By Kelly Lund