A proper day out with the dog means carrying for both of us. These are the things I pack for Lake District walks, changeable weather, muddy stops and keeping the dog safe and comfortable.
Comfortable enough for a full day and far more secure than walking from a collar on rough ground. The handle is useful for a quick bit of help over obstacles.
Front Range® Dog Harness
The stretch takes the shock out of sudden pulls without feeling vague. It is especially useful when the trail opens up and the dogs can move ahead.
Roamer™ Bungee Dog Leash with Traffic Handle
Keeps both hands free for poles, gates and scrambling. The broad belt sits much better than clipping a lead to an ordinary waist strap.
Trail Runner™ Belt for Running With Dogs
Folds almost flat, weighs very little and is easy for a dog to drink from. I carry one per dog rather than making them compete at water stops.
Quencher™ Packable Dog Bowl
A tough bottle with a lid that doubles as a drinking bowl. Good for routes where natural water is scarce or questionable.
Kong H2O Stainless Steel Dog Water Bottle 25oz
Lets a fit dog carry a small amount of its own water and food. The saddlebags need to be balanced carefully and kept light.
Approach™ Dog Backpack | Pack for Dogs
Brilliant for keeping the worst wet grit and mud off on filthy days. It also reduces the clean-up when the walk ends at a pub or hotel.
Mudventure Overall ECO rainsuit for dogs
Useful for injured pads, sharp rock or very rough ground rather than something I would force onto every walk. Practise at home first.
Grip Trex™ Dog Boots | Durable Paw Protection
A lighter emergency paw boot that takes almost no room in the first-aid kit. Handy if a pad is cut miles from the car.
Non-stop Dogwear Paw Protectors for Dogs
Adds a protective layer before long days on dry, abrasive paths. I also use a little after washing and checking the paws.
Natural Dog Company PawTection Dog Paw Wax
A compact dog-specific kit with bandages and useful basics. I add tick tools, vet wrap and the dogs' own medication.
Dog First Aid Kit
Much easier and safer than trying to improvise with fingers. The two sizes cover the tiny ticks that are easy to miss.
Tick Twister
A tiny bit of kit, but a really useful one on dark walks or late finishes. It makes the dog much easier to spot without carrying another bulky gadget.
SpotLit® Rechargeable Collar Light
Extra reassurance if recall fails in an unfamiliar place. Live tracking needs mobile coverage, but it is still far better than guessing.
GPS Tracker for Dogs
Small, easy-to-carry rewards for recall and gates without filling a pocket with crumbs. I bring more than I think I will need.
