{"id":14202,"date":"2026-06-01T11:15:35","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T11:15:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=14202"},"modified":"2026-06-01T11:15:35","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T11:15:35","slug":"the-best-dog-gear-for-your-summer-hiking-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=14202","title":{"rendered":"The Best Dog Gear for Your Summer Hiking Trip"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"justify-start\">\n<nav class=\"align-left col-span-full mb-base\" data-pom-e2e-test-id=\"breadcrumbs\"\/>\n<p>Don&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/p>\n<p class=\"fp-leadCaption py-tight text-left font-utility text-utility3-size leading-utility3-line-height text-secondary\"> (Photo: Madison Dapcevich)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"article-body\">\n<p>Published June 1, 2026 05:00AM<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Any high-drive dog parent knows that getting outside with your adventure pup is key to keeping them calm, comfortable, and\u2014let\u2019s be real\u2014a 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\u2019s why I tested a roundup of dog-friendly toys and tools to keep my pups happy and safe in the backcountry.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>The following products stood the test of two energetic, wild Aussies\u2014an admittedly hard exam to pass.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2742939\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"a red merle australian shepherd shown sitting next to a black australian shepherd on the trail\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2358\" height=\"2560\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2742939 size-full\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/cholla-and-poppy-2-scaled.jpeg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/cholla-and-poppy-2-scaled.jpeg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<p><!-- --><\/p>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<h3>Rigby Dog Pouches<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2742933\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"a woman hiker is shown feeding a dog with the rigby pouch in hand\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2742933\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/JOR_6384.jpg?width=2048&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x, https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/JOR_6384.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 2x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/JOR_6384.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Pros and Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>+ Easy to use and no mess<br \/>+ Delicious, healthy flavors that dogs love<br \/>\u2013 Paste sometimes comes out too quickly<br \/>\u2013 Can take some dogs additional training to learn to use the pouch<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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 \u201cjust because.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s Willamette Valley. Each packet offers a variety of different ingredients packed with protein, iron, B vitamins, and fiber to support your dog\u2019s health and energy levels.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<h3>Ruffwear Front Range Flex Harness<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2742935\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"two views of the pink\/red ruffwear dog harness are shown, one from the top and one from the side profile\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2742935\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Copy-of-Copy-of-Untitled-Design-1.jpg?width=1920&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x, https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Copy-of-Copy-of-Untitled-Design-1.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 2x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Copy-of-Copy-of-Untitled-Design-1.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Pros and Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>+ Lightweight and minimal bulk make this harness perfect for warm months<br \/>+ Knit material means no chafing or rubbing<br \/>\u2013 May be too lightweight for larger dogs or those prone to leash pulling<\/p>\n<p>My dogs aren\u2019t the biggest fans of harnesses, so it\u2019s hard to find a brand they\u2019ll be comfortable in. Ruffwear\u2019s 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\u2019t rub or chafe your dog. Bonus points: It\u2019s designed with minimal waste in mind.<\/p>\n<p>The harness features four adjustment points, buckles, and two leash attachment points: an aluminum V-ring on the dog\u2019s back and reinforced webbing at the dog\u2019s chest to redirect dogs that pull on the leash. Reflective trim and an integrated light loop boost visibility in low-light conditions.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<h3>SodaPup Enrichment Toys<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2742936\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"a dog is shown eating from the tree slow feeding bowl\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2742936\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/trees-bowl-lifestyle.jpg?width=1080&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x, https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/trees-bowl-lifestyle.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 2x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/trees-bowl-lifestyle.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Pros and Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>+ Dogs love the enrichment on indoor days<br \/>+ Toys are effective, some taking longer to complete than others<br \/>\u2013 Can be difficult to clean<\/p>\n<p>On the days when it\u2019s too muddy to hit the trail, my Aussies still need some form of stimulation. That\u2019s where the SodaPup product line comes into play. The veteran-owned company makes dog enrichment products like slow feeders and lick mats.<\/p>\n<p>My dogs have switched from traditional dog bowls to slow-feeding options to keep them engaged longer\u2014and 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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<h3>WilderDog Backcountry Kit<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2742937\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"a husky is shown against an arid landscape wearing the light blue wilderdog harness\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2560\" height=\"2560\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2742937\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Photo-Apr-02-2-40-47-PM-scaled.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Photo-Apr-02-2-40-47-PM-scaled.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Tested:<\/strong> <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-afl-p=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=156240X1622567&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wilderdog.com%2Fcollections%2Foutdoor-dog-gear%2Fproducts%2Fdog-backpack\">Backpack<\/a>, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-afl-p=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=156240X1622567&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wilderdog.com%2Fcollections%2Foutdoor-dog-gear%2Fproducts%2Fpawjam\">Paw Jam<\/a>, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-afl-p=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=156240X1622567&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wilderdog.com%2Fcollections%2Foutdoor-dog-gear%2Fproducts%2Fdog-poop-bags\">Poop Bags<\/a>, and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-afl-p=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=156240X1622567&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wilderdog.com%2Fcollections%2Foutdoor-dog-gear%2Fproducts%2Fcrap-carrier\">Holder<\/a><br \/><strong>Harness Sizes:<\/strong> S, M, L (fits dogs with chest girth from 17-34\u201d)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pros and Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>+ High-quality products that come with a lifetime warranty<br \/>+ Clever design for carrying poop bags<br \/>\u2013 Can slide off or become tangled in brush.<br \/>\u2013 Takes dogs a while to get used to carrying extra weight.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s plenty of room for other things as well, like poop bags or medications.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking of poop bags, WilderDogs collection of poo products is adorable\u2014and it\u2019s hard to feel cute when you\u2019re 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\u2014a 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.)<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<h3>Ultimate Pet Nutrition Supplement<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2742940\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"a white dog is shown eating out of a bowl with the nutra thrive supplement package in front\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2500\" height=\"2144\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2742940\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/UPN-nutrathrive-LS.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/UPN-nutrathrive-LS.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Pros and Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>+ Dogs love the taste<br \/>+ Great addition to lick mats or food bowls<br \/>\u2013 Expensive<\/p>\n<p>Nutra Thrive from Ultimate Pet Nutrition is my dog\u2019s recent favorite supplement. Because they\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n<p>Nutra Thrive supports hip and joint health, longevity, and immunity and contains active ingredients such as milk thistle, collagen, and lutein.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.outsideonline.com\/outdoor-gear\/hiking-gear\/best-toys-for-hiking-with-dogs\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Don&#8217;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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14203,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14202","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-wild-living"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14202","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=14202"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14202\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/14203"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=14202"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=14202"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=14202"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}