Trail-focused guides and gear notes for day hikers and weekend backpackers. Routes to better kit without the gear-snob tax.
Last updated: June 2026 | By GearHound The Numbers Most trails require a 6-foot leash, not a retractable one Bury dog waste 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites Keeping your dog on the trail tread solves 90% of the travel-on-durable-surfaces principle Pack double the waste bags you … Read more
Tick and Flea Prevention for Trail Dogs: A Trail-Tested Guide July 2026 | By GearHound Summer is peak tick season, and if you are hiking with your dog, that means peak risk. Ticks do not care how tough your dog is or how many miles you have logged together. They care about warm bodies moving … Read more
<!– king safety, dog paw first aid, cracked paw pads, dog boot fitting, paw inspection –> Your Dog’s Paws Are the Only Gear That Can’t Be Replaced Last updated: June 2026 | By GearHound You can replace a torn jacket, … Read more
Dog Trail Etiquette: Hiking Manners That Keep Trails Open for Everyone Last updated: June 2026 | By GearHound Every Closed Trail Started With a Bad Dog Owner Let’s get one thing straight right away: trails don’t ban dogs because of dogs. They ban dogs because of us — the owners. Every time someone lets their … Read more
Bear Country Is Dog Country — Know the Risks If you hike with your dog in the western US, you are hiking in bear country. Black bears range across 40 states, and grizzly populations are growing in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington. Most bear encounters end without incident. But a dog changes the equation. Dogs … Read more
Expert Reviewed · Last updated June 23, 2026 · This article is regularly updated with the latest information and recommendations. Why Your Dog Actually Needs Boots (No, It’s Not Just for Looks) If you’ve ever watched your dog do the “hot pavement hop” in summer or refuse to walk because their paws are packed with … Read more
Shop This Post Adventure Medical Kits Trail Dog First Aid Kit — Search on Amazon Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Dog Vest — Search on Amazon K9 Chill Dog Cooling Collar — Search on Amazon Tick Twister Tick Remover Set — Search on Amazon Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots — Search on Amazon Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle … Read more
Why Your Dog Needs a GPS Tracker on the Trail If you have ever felt that knot in your stomach when your dog bolts off-trail and vanishes into the trees, you already know why GPS trackers exist. The Fi Series 3+ Smart Dog Collar (search Fi Series 3) and its competitors have turned what used … Read more