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We have camped so many nights in our tent, that sometimes it feels more comfortable than our own bed. Our gear is always ready to go at a moment’s notice for any last-minute camping adventures.
Event the dogs have their own bin filled with camping items.
The list below includes our must have dog camping gear. These are the must have camping gear for dogs that we brought with us to Spain, with limited baggage.
If this is your first time camping with your dog, this list will help you understand the best camping accessories you need to get started.
Dog Treats
This is one item our dogs would never let us leave without! We stuffed our bike boxes, corners, and carry on bags with as many treats as we could.
I am always training with my dogs, so treats are one of my most important pieces of dog camping necessities. The best backpacking treats are small, high value morsels, like Zuke’s Mini Naturals.
They’re low calorie and great for practicing doggy etiquette on the trails or training place while you’re trying to set up the tent or cook at camp.
I love that Zuke’s treats are made without corn, wheat, or soy and contain whole foods like berries and turmeric. The Minis come in a variety of flavors like oat and peanut butter, salmon, and rabbit.
See current prices on Amazon.
First Aid Kit
This is the one piece of gear that you hope you never have to use, but never want to be without.
While human kits do have some items that can be used for on dogs, there is pet-specific equipment that you should have on hand. You can either add these items to your own kit, or purchase a pet-specific first aid kit, like I have.
I like the Me and My Dog Adventure Medical Kit because it includes both human and canine first-aid items, eliminating the need to bring two kits.
Compare prices on Amazon and REI.
Hands-Free Dog Leash
A hands free leash is my #1 must have camping item. I can attach it around my waist while I’m setting up the tent or cooking, secure it to a table to keep my dog nearby, and I can attach it to my pack when we hike.
I have a few favorites that I use on rotation. I’ve mentioned before how much I love the Ruffwear Slackline (also called the Crag Dog) leash several times on this blog, including in my review. It is my favorite multi-purpose leash.
It’s super strong, has a reflective trim, can adjust to about any size you like, and my favorite feature is the talon claw.
The talon claw is by far the best leash attachment device I’ve ever used. I don’t have to fidget with a tiny trigger release when it’s cold or stuck after a trip to the beach. The Flat Out Leash, also by Ruffwear is almost identical, but does not come with the adjustment pull. I love it almost as much.
Another favorite hands-free leash is the Quantum Leash from Kurgo. This handy leash converts to a variety of different sizes with a simple clip to one of the loops on the leash.
I also have a detailed review for this leash on the blog.
See current prices for the Slackline Leash on and the Quantum Leash on Amazon
Don’t forget to check out my favorite hands-free leashes for running (which also transfer very nicely to hiking.)
Dog Camping Bed
I have a slight problem with dog beds, in that I have several and we love them all for different purposes.
The key to picking a good dog bed for your camping gear collection is to find one that is:
- Water resistant
- Rolls into a compact size
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight
Since I can’t pick just one, I wrote an entire post dedicated to the best dog camping beds.
A few favorites include:
Ruffwear’s Highlands Bed
The Highlands Bed weighs practically nothing and rolls up into a compact sack, just like a sleeping bag, only it’s about the size of a camping pad. The insignificant weight makes it easy for most dogs to carry on their own by attaching to their backpack.
It’s probably best for warmer months or for dogs with thicker coats, as it’s thin, but the portability makes it an excellent option when camping with dogs.
See current prices for the Ruffwear Highlands Bed on Amazon.
Ruffwear Mt. Bachelor Pad
For something a bit thicker from Ruffwear, the Mt. Bachelor Pad is a great choice for your furry friend.
It rolls up into a compact size and the microsuede surface is easy to clean and soft. I can easily attach it to my bag or a larger dog’s backpack with the Velcro straps for easy carrying.
The base is waterproof and keeps water from seeping through to the bed layer.
See current prices for the Ruffwear Bachelor Pad bed on Amazon and REI.
Whyld River Doggy Bag
Designed after a mishap on the trail when her dog experienced extreme cold, founder Rachel Bauman of Whyld River created the Doggy Bag so her pup, River would never be uncomfortable again. The Doggy Bag is one of our favorite dog gear items, period.
The thoughtfully-designed bed acts includes a number of innovative features, such as plastic snaps that make the bag convert from travel bed to sleeping bag, DWR treatment to keep your pup dry and warm, a draft sleeve liner on the inside to keep out the cold, and reflective logos for easy location at night.
If you’re still not convinced, Rachel donates one bag for every 10 sold to charity.
See current prices at whyld-river.com.
Kurgo Wander Loft Travel Bed
Soft, fluffy, and packs down to a transportable size. We bring the Kurgo Wander Loft Travel bed camping, on the plane for Sora when we fly, and line her trailer with it for comfort. Heck, we even make her share with us sometimes because it is that cozy.
It’s fairly thick, so adds a nice cushion when camping on harder surfaces. Plus, the bottom is waterproof, which comes in handy if your camp spot is wet. Additionally, it comes with a stash pocket to keep a few essential items in easy reach.
To see more about what we think of this bed, check out our review.
See current prices for the Kurgo Wander Loft Travel Bed on Amazon.
Rex Specs Dog Goggles
Like humans, dogs need eye protection too, to prevent against sunburn or diseases, such as Pannus.
If you plan to camp in high altitude, at the beach, in the desert, or lake time or about anywhere else where there is a lot of bright sun, consider getting your pup a pair of Rex Specs dog goggles
Not only will your pup look pretty rad in these goggles, but you’ll be doing them a favor in keeping debris, grasses, and harmful UV rays out of their eyes.
Add this item to your dog camping gear collection and as a bonus, people love seeing your dog wearing goggles.
Check current prices for Rex Specs on Amazon or REI.
Dexas Collapsible Dog Bowl
Whether we’re running, traveling, flying, in the car, or out to eat, I always have a collapsible bowl with me. Our favorites are the Dexas collapsible travel cup and the Collapsible Travel Feeder (see why in my review here).
They come with a carabiner, so I can clip it to my bag and have it at the ready for a water break. They’re super durable and an important piece of outdoor dog gear. Dexas makes a ton of items that make it easy to pack food when traveling with a pet.
It also doubles as a water dish, which I just leave out at camp during the day, filled with water.
See current prices on Amazon.
Ruffwear Knot-a-Hitch
This ingenious tether system is a game changer for those of us who camp with our dogs.
The ends can be secured to two trees or a post and the zip line allows your dog to roam somewhat freely without you having to check in on them every second to make sure they haven’t snuck away from the campsite.
Designed using a tension system inspired by rock climbing techniques, the Knot-a-Hitch is a must have camping accessory for wandering pups!
Compare prices of Treat Dispensing Toys on Amazon, REI and Backcountry.
Treat Dispensing Toy
Sometimes when we’re cooking or setting up the tent, we need a babysitter for a short period of time. Enter the Gnawt-a-Rock by Ruffwear. This is a multi purpose treat dispensing toy that is perfect keeping your pup busy when you need a moment.
This fun toy holds plenty of dog food or treats and bounces around in an erratic manner, making it fun toy that dogs love. In fact, Ruffwear makes a whole series of fun, durable toys for adventure dogs.
See current prices on Amazon, REI, and Backcountry.
Cooling Vest
For hot weather camping trips, a cooling vest will be an essential item to keep your dog comfortable. I kinda wish they made them for humans. A cooling vest is simply a light-colored vest you get wet, squeeze out, and put on your dog to keep them cool.
They are especially handy if you’re camping near a lake or river, so you can wet and wring whenever it dries out from the last round.
Since dogs can’t sweat, this is one way help them prevent overheating during the summer heat. We’ve used both the coolers made by Kurgo and Ruffwear and are happy with each product.
Compare prices for the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler on Amazon, REI and Backcountry.
See prices for the Kurgo Core Cooling Vest on Amazon.
What are the dog camping gear essentials you can’t live without?
What do you always bring for your dog when you camp?
Related Reading
- Travel with a Dog Gear Guide
- How to Pick the Best Tent for Camping with Dogs
- All the Backpacking Gear You Need for Your Dog
- 52 Week Adventure Dog Challenge
- How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather
PIN FOR LATER!
Need a travel bed for Honey so I’ll definitely look at the two options you shared.
Wondering if you might do a post someday in how you pack gear to make it compact and easy to carry? Do you use stuff bags, bungees? Because lately it feels like every time we getting the dinghy for a day off the boat I’m schlepping so much “stuff.”
And do you have any favorites that serve two uses?
We use the Ruffwear double back harness to get Honey safely on and off the boat at anchor. But when we travel in rough conditions, I’ll sometimes vote for using her life jacket instead because the risk of going overboard is greater than the risk of being hurt getting on or off the boat. I wish I could persuade Ruffwear to create a safety harness that incorporates removable flotation.
Oooh, a packing post. I like it! Are you talking carrying around town or transporting in, say a car? Since you’re on a boat, I imagine you don’t use a car all that often.
As far as favorites with two uses. The cooling vest works as a jacket for the cold. That’s all I can think of for the moment that we use for double duty. I’ll have to think about it some more because that’s a great question and as people who have little extra space, this would be super helpful to consider!
Such great tips! Zuke’s treats are the best and that dog collar is so cute! 🙂
Sora goes craaazy for Zuke’S! The dog collar is great and comes in several different colors!
We bought a Kurgo bed based on your review and to be honest it is absolutely lovely. Thank you! I have a rather large GSD called Ace and struggle to find beds that are big enough for him. We ordered the large which is perfect.
We actually purchased a beach tent similar to option 4 on this list:https://www.camp4.com/best-pop-up-tents
The plan was to use it as added shade during hot days and a place to keep him at night – He had other plans and has chewed a hole in the tent. What can you recommend as a holing area for dogs? or sleeping arrangements at night? He is not keen on being tied up and I do not trust him to stay in the campsite and not go walkies by himself at night.
Thanks in advance 😀
Elnore
I’m so glad that you like the Kurgo bed! We love it and have been known to lay on it ourselves from time to time. 🙂
As far as where to keep your dog at night. Ours sleep in the tent with us, so we haven’t tried other alternatives. Ruffwear just came out with a tow that might work for you: The Knot a Hitch. https://ruffwear.com/collections/camping-gear/products/knot-a-hitch. He’d still be tied up, but have more freedom. Good luck!
Well, it finally happened. One more sad, mangy, street pup crossed my path. The straw that broke my resolve. I adopted a three footed puppy from India. Oy! Now what? Been travelling by bike for almost three years. The thing that scares me most is the dogs safety in a trailer. Thoughts, suggestions, comments?
Aw, yay! We know the feeling. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to bring any along with us, though we gave them as much love as we could. We used the Burley Design Tail Wagon and D’Lite for Europe and South America, respectively. We have reviews on both on our blog!
Hi, your post was really helpful. I was wondering what you (the humans) use gear wise with a dog? I have nice, light-weight, expensive, backpacking gear that I use alone. But i feel like one paw inside the tent and my pad, tent, and bag will be ripped. I think my biggest problem would be a decent sleeping pad that wont tear from my 70 lbs lab stepping on it!
Thank you in advance!
Funny you bring this up, Roy! I’ve actually been thinking that we should add what the humans require for such trips as well. I’ll be amending blog posts over time to address these questions, but for now, we have a Big Agnes Copper Spur 3 person tent, and the Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro sleeping pads. The pads have lasted us since 2015 and we’ve had hundreds of sleeps on them.
I wanted to ask a question about traveling with your dog. My wife and I always wanted to have a dog but we do love hiking and camping and also traveling to different countries. I always wondered if it’s possible to have your dog with your traveling to other countries without going through too much stress for your dog and yourself. From the beginning of this article, I imagine you travel with your dog abroad and you also fly? We’d love to take our dog everywhere with us. Knowing that someone does it would mean a lot. Let me know! 🙂
I mean, we did it, so my answer is yes, you can! Peruse through the website and you’ll find a lot of information about traveling internationally with dogs. 🙂