Your dog can be your best camping companion. Before you set yourself and the little paw pal on a trail, you need to have a few things in mind when it comes to a trip that requires backpacking and bringing the needed gear on your camping trip. Dogs can be excellent company for your outdoor adventures, so here are some tips and tricks on what to bring, know, and avoid in order to make a safe and the best trip of your life.
Choose The Right Gear For Your Camping Trip
If a regular plane or car trip requires you to spend time and organize your stuff, prepare your suitcase and backpack, a camping trip has a bit different rules and requirements. Scrutinizing what type of sleeping bag, tent or pack you need for this trip can be a challenging task. Rainfall and humidity are the biggest factors for choosing a proper sleeping bag, so make sure you choose synthetic sleeping bags for backpacking that will provide protection, comfort, and warmth.
It’s recommended to bring a sleeping pad at the same time because you’ll want the bag and the pad to provide the maximum protection and commodity during your trip. The pad is an essential gear because the ground is hard and bumpy, so you’ll need a soft pad for better posture and comfort. Additionally, it will keep your body warm and cozy.
Check The Weather And Get Active
One thing to remember is to check the weather conditions for the area that you will do your camping in, so you go with the maximum equipment and gear. Unpredictable weather can always play a role in changing your plans or bringing additional items to your trip.
And the most important part; ! If you are a person that hasn’t been much active lately, start by walking the distance. You need to also prepare your dog and yourself for the mileage that will be expecting you on the trip. Tackle the walking trail, start hikes for an hour or so, and pay attention to your dog’s breathing to make sure they are not exhausted.
Prepare The Dog Pack
It’s very important to bring all of the dog’s essentials in their dog pack. Putting all of their stuff, like a first-aid kit, medicines, wool socks, dog towel, booties, nail clippers, dog coat, cooling collar, and safety lights is required. You can even have a smaller tent for your dog or it can sleep with you. Since a vet will not be accompanying you on the trip, you need to have the knowledge to use the first-aid kit in case it is needed.
Another essential item in the dog backpack is the water container. As a dog owner, you may have your dog trained to drink water from a dish or a bottle, so carrying one water container item is also important. Keep in mind the fit and size of the pack, measure your dog around its chest and choose a pack according to those measurements. Practice the walks before going hiking with the dog pack on to make sure it’s not causing any discomfort or problems to the dog and that it’s the perfect fit.
Plan Your Meals
You will be walking a lot and often you’ll find yourselves tired and hungry; moreover, this will happen most of the time. Always have in mind that you’ll need to carry more food and water than your daily food consumption. Create a meal schedule; will you eat in the morning, after you’ve hiked for a while, will they be short and multiple meals or larger and fewer? The amount of food also depends on the type of your dog. If your dog is of a larger size, you may consider bringing bigger meals with a higher caloric intake.
Identify The Trail Hazards
Before setting up the calendar and advancing towards the preparations of your trip, make sure the area you are planning to do the camping in is safe and your dog is allowed there. For example, some national parks have rules and regulations where only in certain areas dogs are allowed. Wilderness areas and trails are also off-limits.
Avoid steep trails, cliffs, and unstable terrain because it might be difficult for the dog to climb and handle with a backpack on. Rough terrain and sharp rocks may cause some injuries to the dog’s paws, like scrapes and cuts, so bringing a pair of booties is a thoughtful idea. Identify the plants that might be poisonous in the area you’ll go and make sure you don’t take your eyes off your dog in a place where these types of plants exist.
Drinking water from rivers, streams, or lakes can be dangerous because it might be infected with some pathogens and bacteria that can make your dog sick. Get familiar with the potential hazards and you will be good to go!
Find dog friendly campgrounds in the U.S.
