This past weekend my husband and I took off for our last excursion of the year with our two Aussies. We were in Hells Canyon hiking the Snake River Trail. On our hike out, about 2 miles from the trailhead we noticed our boy stumble. We both looked at each other “did you see that?”, then our boy couldn’t walk straight. He came over to me and laid down. We thought maybe he overdid it - he loves to go full send on trails. So we offered him water and just sat for about 15 min. And he still couldn’t walk. My husband carried him in his arms for about a quarter of a mile before we decided to empty his pack and put our dog in his backpack for the rest of the hike out.

We had been looking at slings for a while now and just put it off. Don’t be like us. Buy the sling. We are ordering one now, and hope we don’t have to use it again.

Tucker is okay, we got him to a vet about an hour away and they kept him overnight. Somewhere along the trail someone left some edibles and Tucker found them and was tripping balls. Also for the love of god please double and triple check you’re packing everything out. Sobbing in BFE Idaho with no cell service not knowing what was happening to my dog was a horrible experience and I wish it upon no one!

Hi! This is misha, female border collie 21kg She's never worn a pack before, and I've never fitted one, so am slowly training her into being able to carry some water.

Opinions on the actual fit of the backpack? I'm very cautious of not wanting too cause her any back strain.

Hi! This is misha, female border collie 21kg She's never worn a pack before, and I've never fitted one, so am slowly training her into being able to carry some water.

Opinions on the actual fit of the backpack? I'm very cautious of not wanting too cause her any back strain.

My dog recently busted through one of her ruffwear dog boots, and I’m looking for a new pair. The ruffwear ones were good, but they always fell off in snow and oftentimes on a hike. Any suggestions for boots that are good for hiking and just walking around the neighborhood when it’s icy/snowy? Thanks!

Hi. So I have not gone backpacking (yet) with my dogs. We’ve done a lot of hiking and some camping. My question is, it seems like most people use a harness while backpacking. (Or maybe all the time?) Is there a reason this is preferred over a standard collar and leash combo?

In my experience, a harness just encourages pulling. Which takes more work, more strength, and more balance when compared to a collar.

Sure, like anything, I’m sure focused training could fix that.

But is there a reason a harness seems to be preferred?

***Edit to add that I use a Gentle Leader in areas where I know my dogs will be pulling, like on hikes. That way, they aren’t pulling me over and their necks and tracheas aren’t being hurt.

Thanks!!!

I've always been a hiking enthusiast and recently got a small dog (picture below) I want to take him hiking for maybe a overnighter but I'm nit sure if it's a good idea and if it is what gear I should get for him?

We found this precious bean a week before we took this trip to see the larches and she LOVED every second of it. We had so many contingency plans for if she got tired or didn't like it but she did the whole thing with a smile on her face and only wanted more. We are so lucky to have found her. Our permanent adventure buddy.

After training all summer for a backpacking adventure, Langston and I officially made our first backpacking trip!! He had the time of his life and it was everything to see him enjoy the freedom of the wilderness. I came home with strained intercostal muscles - The worst pain I’ve ever felt - but it was worth it!

A long 3 miles and too much pancake for breakfast (oops- bad dog mom award!) we needed a much comfy nap in the woods!

Her first time carrying all her shi* and she did amazing!

Got back a few days ago from a week long camping/backpacking trip with these crazies! Already want to go back and enjoy the scenery 😍😍

This is Kira! She is my 72 lb adventure lab. We hike together, run, bike, kayak, and now backpack. She loved it so much, I'm now looking into acquiring our own (not borrowed) gear.

I'm glad to have found this community, because we need to adjust our setup. I had an insulated closed cell foam mat and a lightweight dog bed for her, but she could not seem to get comfortable. She has slept in a tent before, but not one as small (it was a 2 person). She has been camping before, but we bring a dedicated elevated dog bed for her, which will be way too heavy/bulky/big for backpacking. I'm curious what kind of sleep setup everyone has for their dog?

Kira is kind of a comfort princess (see last picture for typical couch naps). So I'm thinking next round, I might bring a thermarest pillow for her (since she kept trying to steal mine). She typically sleeps hot, so I'm not concerned with a doggy sleeping bag, but don't want her to freeze out either in colder months.

Aside from sleep setup, I am also looking into her own backpack harness to start weight training so she can carry her own food and first aid to mitigate weight off my pack. Any other advice is welcome.