Don’t let a wired pup ruin your backcountry peace. I tested some of the most durable trail toys and tools designed to burn energy at camp, home, and on the move.
(Photo: Madison Dapcevich)
Published June 1, 2026 05:00AM
Any high-drive dog parent knows that getting outside with your adventure pup is key to keeping them calm, comfortable, and—let’s be real—a little less demanding. As an owner of two four-year-old Australian Shepherds, Cholla and Poppy, I know the importance of getting your dog out on the trail every day. That’s why I tested a roundup of dog-friendly toys and tools to keep my pups happy and safe in the backcountry.
Over the course of two months this spring, I took my dogs on multi-mile hikes in my western Montana home to test the durability and practicality of several tools and toys. On rainy, cold days, we played with multiple enrichment toys at home to keep their busy minds calm.
The following products stood the test of two energetic, wild Aussies—an admittedly hard exam to pass.
Rigby Dog Pouches
Pros and Cons
+ Easy to use and no mess
+ Delicious, healthy flavors that dogs love
– Paste sometimes comes out too quickly
– Can take some dogs additional training to learn to use the pouch
My pup Poppy can be reactive in certain settings, and always having training treats on hand makes a world of difference. My least favorite part about hard biscuit-style treats is that my fingers get slimy (and cold) whenever I feed her. Rigby dog pouches have changed our training routine.
These 3.5-ounce packets come with a built-in straw, allowing me to feed both pups without getting my fingers licked endlessly. Plus, the pouches are resealable, keeping the paste fresh for days after using.
To use, twist the top off the packet and squeeze a pea-sized amount to the top of the straw. Let your dog lick directly from the straw for a quick, efficient reward. I like to use them when teaching my dogs to sit, wait, and heel while on the trail. The pouches are also great for topping off meals, throwing into enrichment toys, during grooming, and “just because.”
The high-quality ingredients in every pouch mean that I feel good giving these low-calorie, organic treats to my dogs on the trail. Flavors include a wild-caught Alaskan salmon, grass-fed beef, free-range California chicken, and a combination of organic vegetables from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Each packet offers a variety of different ingredients packed with protein, iron, B vitamins, and fiber to support your dog’s health and energy levels.
Ruffwear Front Range Flex Harness
Pros and Cons
+ Lightweight and minimal bulk make this harness perfect for warm months
+ Knit material means no chafing or rubbing
– May be too lightweight for larger dogs or those prone to leash pulling
My dogs aren’t the biggest fans of harnesses, so it’s hard to find a brand they’ll be comfortable in. Ruffwear’s Front Range Flex Harness is specially designed with the super active dog in mind. Made from knit material, the harness conforms to your dog and moves with them through every step. Smooth seams and minimal build mean the harness is lightweight, breathable, and won’t rub or chafe your dog. Bonus points: It’s designed with minimal waste in mind.
The harness features four adjustment points, buckles, and two leash attachment points: an aluminum V-ring on the dog’s back and reinforced webbing at the dog’s chest to redirect dogs that pull on the leash. Reflective trim and an integrated light loop boost visibility in low-light conditions.
SodaPup Enrichment Toys
Pros and Cons
+ Dogs love the enrichment on indoor days
+ Toys are effective, some taking longer to complete than others
– Can be difficult to clean
On the days when it’s too muddy to hit the trail, my Aussies still need some form of stimulation. That’s where the SodaPup product line comes into play. The veteran-owned company makes dog enrichment products like slow feeders and lick mats.
My dogs have switched from traditional dog bowls to slow-feeding options to keep them engaged longer—and to prevent them from scarfing down their food too quickly. The bowls are made of durable plastic that can withstand even my chonkiest dog named Cholla. Plus, the designs come in cute colors that reflect our great outdoors, including versions featuring tree and wave molding. Unfortunately, the tight lines in the bowls sometimes trap food, making cleaning tricky.
The lick mats and enrichment toys have also become a game-changer in our daily design. I put peanut butter, high-protein yogurt, and Montana huckleberries on the mat before sticking it to the floor. It typically takes my dogs around 15 minutes to finish one mat, and even longer if the mat is frozen beforehand.
WilderDog Backcountry Kit
Tested: Backpack, Paw Jam, Poop Bags, and Holder
Harness Sizes: S, M, L (fits dogs with chest girth from 17-34”)
Pros and Cons
+ High-quality products that come with a lifetime warranty
+ Clever design for carrying poop bags
– Can slide off or become tangled in brush.
– Takes dogs a while to get used to carrying extra weight.
I have been a fan of Wilderdog products since they first came out in 2015. The Northern California brand makes durable leashes and gear built to last.
My dogs love desert adventures, but heat can sometimes dry out their paws and noses. The PawJam is an all-natural balm that helps keep paws and noses healthy while soothing dry, cracked skin caused by harsh outdoor elements. Made in California, the jam is non-toxic and safe in case your dog licks it. Ingredients include beeswax, mango butter, shea butter, jojoba oil, aloe vera oil, calendula oil, and vitamin oil. There are no essential oils.
My dogs also tested out the WilderDog backpacks, which are lightweight and come with a lifetime warranty. We often spend weekends in the backcountry of Idaho or Montana, and these backpacks are the perfect size for carrying snacks, food, and lightweight water bowls. Plus, they come with a built-in harness for stability and a top handle to grab your pup if needed. With two saddlebags and four total pockets, there’s plenty of room for other things as well, like poop bags or medications.
Speaking of poop bags, WilderDogs collection of poo products is adorable—and it’s hard to feel cute when you’re picking up after your dog. The dog poop holders come with two carabiner clips and a sturdy zipper for carrying your extra-thick Wilderdog poop bags. My personal favorite accessory was the crap carrier—a small silicone handle that connects to a leash or harness and can carry up to four knotted poop bags. (Nobody likes seeing left-behind poo bags on the trail.)
Ultimate Pet Nutrition Supplement
Pros and Cons
+ Dogs love the taste
+ Great addition to lick mats or food bowls
– Expensive
Nutra Thrive from Ultimate Pet Nutrition is my dog’s recent favorite supplement. Because they’re so high-energy, supplementing their nutrition can sometimes be a challenge. This powder is perfect for sprinkling on top of a food bowl or lick mat, and my dogs love the taste. The supplement contains easily absorbed vitamins, antioxidants, and digestive enzymes to support healthy digestion and higher energy levels. It also comes in a small container, meaning you can take it on longer outdoor outings to fuel dogs for summer adventures.
Nutra Thrive supports hip and joint health, longevity, and immunity and contains active ingredients such as milk thistle, collagen, and lutein.
