An intrepid spirit is all a good adventure dog truly needs—but having the right gear can help pups and their guardians enjoy the journey. Canine hikers can’t always advocate for themselves, so we prioritized products that put safety, comfort, and function at the forefront. For all the joy they give us, our favorite companions deserve the best.

　　At a Glance NiteIze Rechargeable Safety Necklace ($25) Orvis RecoveryZone Couch Dog Bed ($298-$449) Skida Dog Bandana ($26) Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Harness ($90) Ruffwear Trail Runner Dog Running Vest ($90) White Duck Outdoors Dog Bed ($96) Wilderdog Backpack ($69) Wilderdog Sleeping Bag ($59) OllyDog Flyer Disc ($17) How to Shop for Your Dog How We Test Meet Our Testers (and Pups) All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

　　NiteIze NiteHowl Max Rechargeable Safety Necklace Disc-o Select $25 at REI $23 at Amazon

　　Sizes: One size (fits 12- to 27-inch neck diameter)

　　Pros and Cons

　　⊕ Great visibility at night

　　⊕ Rechargeable

　　⊗ Once you cut to size, there’s no adjustability

　　The best pet products give loving owners peace of mind, and this luminescent collar accomplishes that. Whether your dog likes to explore the campsite after dark or stroll the neighborhood before bed, the NiteHowl Max allows you and others to see your pet from a distance.

　　Whereas smaller collar lights might get lost in your dog’s fur or be invisible from certain angles, the NiteHowl Max’s wide band is designed to stay on top of especially fluffy fur, completely encircling your dog’s neck in colorful light. Set the light to one of three glowing colors, or turn on Disc-o mode if you want to get the campground party started. The 10-hour runtime was sufficient for weekend trips, and the light is rechargeable via micro USB.

　　The cut-to-fit band is durable, weather-resistant, and can accommodate dog necks from 12 to 27 inches in diameter. But if your pup is still growing, take note: Once it’s cut, the collar’s size can no longer be adjusted.

　　Orvis RecoveryZone Couch Dog Bed $298-449 at Orvis $298-449 at Scheels

　　Sizes: S, M, L, XL

　　Pros and Cons

　　⊕ Supportive, recovery-optimized foam

　　⊗ Pricey

　　After a long day exploring the mountains, your dog deserves a comfortable place to rest his head. Our pick for active and old pups: The RecoveryZone Couch Bed, boasting four inches of medium density solid foam topped by a 1-inch-thick Serene Foam layer to cradle weary joints and muscles so dogs can rehabilitate faster.

　　Bolsters on three sides give your pup a place to rest his head (it also comes in lounger style without bolsters), and a recycled polyester cover is easily removed for machine washing. Though it takes a while before it needs to be washed. “I have a wet and often muddy dog, and dirt just fell off this bed,” reported one tester.

　　When our furry tester tore his meniscus playing ball, the RecoveryZone provided the perfect landing pad while he healed from his third surgery.

　　Skida Dog Bandana $26 at Skida

　　Sizes: S, M, L

　　Pros and Cons

　　⊕ Easily slides onto your dog’s collar

　　⊕ So cute

　　⊗ Can interfere with ID tags on your dog’s collar

　　Skida’s new line of dog bandanas brings the colorful prints the brand is known for to your pup, with a handful of dog-specific design features. With a channel sewn into the top of the bandana, the fabric slides right onto your dog’s collar, eliminating the need to tie it around their neck. A reflective, high visibility patch also adds a layer of safety when playing at night.

　　The quick-dry polyester fabric with a water-repellent finish stood up well to all varieties of puppy romping. “It shed sand and water as my dog ran, rolled, and dug in a sandbar on Oregon’s Columbia River,” said one tester. “Even when she splashed after sticks the water-repellent coating held up, and the bandana was dry by the time we made it back to the car.”

　　After weeks of continuous wear, it still hasn’t required a wash. Best of all, it comes in many of the same prints as Skida’s human hats, neck gaiters, bandanas, and headbands, so you and your best friend can match on your adventures.

　　Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Harness $90 at Atlas Pet Company

　　Sizes: S, M, L (fits dogs 15 to 130 lbs)

　　Pros and Cons

　　⊕ Minimalist yet tough

　　⊕ Quick to fasten

　　⊗ Hair can collect on the nylon webbing

　　⊗ Harness doesn’t always sit centered

　　Atlas Pet Company’s simple, durable harness had a grip on every single tester. (Their dogs, who would rather have been cruising leashless, thought it was just OK.)

　　With its tough magnetic buckle and range of reflective colors, the Lifetime Harness pulled the most praise for its tug-discouraging design that loops around the torso and over the chest. “It was super easy to use, and looks great, too,” said one tester, noting that the lightweight, minimalist design saved her thick-coated dog from overheating (and cut down on uncomfortable rubbing points) on long hikes.

　　Testers liked that the sturdy nylon webbing was supple right out of the box and, combined with the ability to adjust all four straps on the harness, moved right along with their dog.

　　Ruffwear Trail Runner Dog Running Vest $90 at REI $90 at Amazon $90 at Ruffwear

　　Sizes: XS, S, M, L/XL (fits dogs with chest girth from 22 to 42”)

　　Pros and Cons

　　⊕ Adds just enough control in a lightweight design

　　⊗ Testers with squirrely pups wished for a front leash connection for extra control

　　Ruffwear’s canine vest, with room for two included 500 milliliter water flasks (360 milliliters in the XS size) and a collapsible bowl (not included), saved human testers from carrying extra weight and made their dogs look like furry ultra-marathon competitors.

　　Those with less experienced pups praised the vest’s secure, highly-adjustable fit, which provided much-needed control when Fido spotted a bunny on one jaunt. (We do wish it also had a top handle for lifting our dogs in emergencies.) Breathable fabric kept dogs cool on hot days, and a loop to attach a light offered security for post-sunset runs. Neon colors are a bonus safety feature for those who like to take their jogs to the sidewalk, though testers who did more trail running would’ve liked more color options.

　　The complete Trail Runner system—sold separately—includes a stretchy leash and pared-down belt for humans, with space for a water flask, keys, and phone. “Super comfy and functional,” one regular trail runner said. “A really excellent design.”

　　White Duck Outdoors Dog Bed $96 at Amazon $96 at Walmart

　　Sizes: L (36” x 27” x 4”), XL (40” x 28” x 4”)

　　Pros and Cons

　　⊕ Roomy and sturdy

　　⊗ Two available sizes are too big for really small dogs

　　There was something about this humble bed that acted as a doggie tranquilizer. “My dog has never been a big bed user, but as soon as this arrived, she curled up and took a nap,” said one Washington-based tester.

　　Maybe it was the cushiness that also offered a little give—courtesy of a polyester fiberfill that repurposes plastic bottles—for dogs who like to burrow. Dogs seemed to like the supportive cotton-polyester blend fabric, while humans appreciated the removable cover with its water-repellent coating for its grime- and claw-resistance. “One of the better beds for outdoor use,” another tester reported.

　　Wilderdog Backpack $69 at Amazon $69 at Pet Co.

　　Sizes: S, M, L (fits dogs with chest girth from 17-34”)

　　Pros and Cons

　　⊕ Roomy

　　⊕ Accommodates dogs of many sizes (even a Great Pyrenees)

　　⊗ Dogs may need time to get used to it before hitting the trail

　　Testers were jealous when their pals donned Wilderdog’s jewel-toned backpack, made of water-resistant cotton-poly fabric in four shades. “It’s so pretty. The design and aesthetics are top-notch,” a New Mexico-based tester said.

　　It’s got all the bells and whistles of a top-tier pack: velcro tabs to keep straps from dangling, a handle on top for emergency lifting, aesthetically pleasing patterned accents, and a poop bag dispenser.

　　But it’s what’s on the inside that impressed us the most: seemingly bottomless space. Testers managed to stuff all their pooches’ backcountry needs within: kibble, treats, collapsible bowls, several water bottles, and layers for chilly nights. Despite its size, testers reported no slippage or awkwardness thanks to four easy-to-dial-in adjustment points.

　　Wilderdog Sleeping Bag $59 at Amazon $59 at Wilderdog

　　Sizes: One size, 36” x 28” when zipped shut

　　Pros and Cons

　　⊕ Lighter, warmer, and less pricey than competitors

　　⊕ Stands up to even the stinkiest of dogs

　　⊗ Just one size (won’t fit large dogs)

　　We would do anything for our dogs, but we simply refuse to share a sleeping bag with them after they’ve spent a long day hiking, crossing creeks, and rolling in suspicious substances. But testers were pretty sure their pals didn’t mind snoozing solo when they rolled out Wilderdog’s bag.

　　This cocoon is stuffed with synthetic fill to a pleasingly chunky thickness, and with a cozy, quick-drying cotton lining, our California-based tester confirmed her dog was “snug as a bug” within. Its hefty water-resistant polyester outer makes it a no-brainer to lay out as a campsite resting pad too. (Our Great Pyrenees tester was too big to get inside, but happily lied on top.)

　　At 1 pound 13 ounces, it’s certainly not for ultralight hikers, but it’s lighter than other brands’ more expensive offerings and rolls down to the size of a large loaf of bread in its included stuff sack. For the peace of mind that our dogs weren’t shivering all night in alpine environments, we found it more than worth any extra pack space.

　　OllyDog Flyer Disc $17 at Amazon $17 at OllyDog

　　Sizes: One size, 8.25” diameter

　　Pros and Cons

　　⊕ Packable without sacrificing a satisfying glide

　　⊗ Your dog might want about 50 of them

　　Dogs love a classic frisbee for a reason: it catches some sick air so they can live out their Air Bud fantasies. But the discs’ rigid materials aren’t very packable and can be hard on dogs’ teeth over time. Softer discs are usually weaker fliers, but not so for the OllyDog Flyer Disc, our testers reported.

　　The lightweight and packable circle comes in 11 colors and is easier on the gums after repeated chomps and games of tug-of-war. Constructed of repurposed plastic bottles, it floats on water for dogs who like to do a good lake leap.

　　And it may be soft, but it’s durable: “It’s holding up impressively considering the abuse it gets,” says one tester. Two New Mexico-based testers said it “flew very well” and let our dogs “leap high in the air.” Just like Air Bud would have wanted.

　　How to Shop for Your Dog Before you go on a dog gear spree, grab a tape measure and jot down these key numbers for your pal: weight, length from neck to the base of the tail, neck circumference so you can still insert two fingers’ width under the tape, and circumference of the widest part of the chest. Sizing varies widely among canine brands so you’ll always want to vet your choices alongside actual measurements.

　　A lot of the rest is highly individualized. Ask yourself about your dog’s unique needs and pain points. Has your dog yet to master the art of walking normally on a leash? Look for harnesses with the option to leash on the front of the chest, which offers more control. Do they love getting in the water or the mud? Water-resistant and quick-drying materials are your friend. A lot of dog gear is made of polyester or a blend, so you’ll want to read the description to make sure a water-repellent coating or waterproof outer is included.

　　For leashes and collars, fastening points are key: Do you find the leash clip or collar buckle easy to use and secure? We’ve found that leash clips sometimes play better with certain leashes and harnesses (and the rare few come unclipped!), so give new combos a test run in an enclosed space.

　　For new harnesses or backpacks, pay attention to potential irritation spots; we’ve found that a harness with too much material near the armpits is a no-no for a lot of dogs.

　　Along with the right sizing, designs with multiple attachment points should also help avoid slipping and rubbing. A good dog pack should have those points at the neck, chest, and belly.

　　If there’s one thing all our testers took from the process, though, it’s that good poop bag holders and dispensers are worth their weight in gold. If you find a poop bag holder design that you love (or, say, a backpack that comes with one built in), grab it and never look back.

　　How We Test Number of products tested: 15 Number of canine testers: 4 Breeds represented: 4 Ages of dogs: 11 months to 8 years Miles hiked: 400+ Nights spent camping: 24 Our test focused on products that would help adventurous dog owners and their best friends enjoy nature together, from essentials like leashes and harnesses to accessories like trail booties and car seat covers. In order to choose our favorite pet products, our canine testers and their owners took to the parks, trails, lakes, and campgrounds and played hard.

　　Dogs are great durability testers—they roll, dig, chew, zoom, splash, jump, and nap more in a day than their human counterparts can fathom. Any product that broke, appeared to make our pets uncomfortable, was ill-fitting, or failed to prioritize safety was eliminated from the test. Items that offered peace of mind, held up to hard use, and maximized fun got the final tail-wag of approval.

　　Meet the Testers Zoe Gates is a senior editor at Backpacker where she specializes in skills and survival stories. An avid hiker, skier, and mountain biker, Zoe has recreated across the U.S. and beyond, often with Juno, her three-year-old border collie mix, by her side.

　　Erin Berger is a writer and contributing editor at Outside magazine. She lives in Seattle, Washington, with her partner and an Australian cattle dog-Chihuahua-pug mix named Henry who looks like the dog a child would draw if you asked them to draw a dog. Henry has an esteemed history of testing for Outside Gear Guides and most loves doing zoomies at the park or splashing in backcountry streams.

　　Meet the Pups Lilo is a one-year-old golden retriever. She loves chasing balls and swimming near her home in Portland, Oregon. She frequently gets the zoomies at every campsite she visits. Her favorite treat is cheese sticks.

　　Juno is a three-year-old border collie mix who is happiest chasing a mountain bike or sniffing wildflowers along the trails near Bellingham, Washington. She loves her human friends more than anything, especially if they’re throwing a frisbee.

　　Moose is a two-year-old chocolate lab who lives to chase leaves and sticks while hiking near Washington, D.C. But nothing gets his tail wagging like a delicious bone treat!

　　Murphy is an eight-year-old lab who loves hiking, canoeing, and paddle boarding around Maine and New Hampshire. He has had three knee surgeries which allow him to keep doing the fun outdoor activities that he loves.