Dog Pack

This is a Mountainsmith dog pack that makes Jake feel like he is stylin'. Jake carries much of his own gear as long as things do not get too heavy; for example, we carry all of his water. This pack is good for many reasons. We especially like the "handle" that is sewn on to the back (received a great deal of use when helping Jake over some huge boulders that would have otherwise been impassable for him). One drawback to all the packs is when traveling down steep terrain (ladders), it has flipped over and off his head. Overall, however, we have had good luck with this pack.

Packing Comments

Blinky Light

Exactly what it says it is. If Jake was to ever get separated from us, we would be able to keep track of him in the dark.

Dog Tag

This is a large, bright luggage tag that is attached to Jake when we have to temporarily leave him at the bottom of a climb. It explains we will be back soon.

Small Towel

To keep mud out of the tent.

Gulpie

This is a doggie version of a water bottle with a foldable drinking reservoir for those thirsty, canine tongues. We have tried several different types but this works the best. When full, one of us actually carries this to keep Jake's pack weight down.

Water Bowl

From which to drink - obviously. We use the Ruff Wear collapsible version because it is light and flexible for packing.

Food Bowl

Another Ruff Wear product that has a cinch cord opening so we can store his food in it and leave leftovers if he does not finish all of it. Also light and flexible.

Food

We buy the highest energy dog food available. Ask your local pet food supplier; she should be able to steer you in the right direction.

Snacks

Again, high energy but also something we know he really, really likes so he will eat them even if he is a bit hot or tired. It is amazing how a snack will re-energize Jake on a really long hike.

Tie Out Line

This is a length of wire with a lightweight carabiner on one end that we use at camp (or other significant stopping points). Wire, so the marmots will not gnaw through - which has actually happened. Not only does it give Jake a little breathing room to move around on his own but also complies with dogs-on-leash regulations.

Leash

We made our own leashes using shock cord and webbing with a small, light weight carabiner on the end that attaches to the collar or pack.

Gentle Leader

The best collar, hands down, for controlling a dog on a leash - and truly gentle (even though we are often stopped and asked why our dog needs a "muzzle"). We really only need to have it on when we first start out, Jake is really excited and wanting to move to quickly.

Socks

Ruff Wear has socks that fit inside their dog boots. If you get the boots, we recommend the socks. The whole system just seems to work best that way (think about your own feet and that dog feet sweat even more).

Boots

Ruff Wear, again. Unless your dog has particularly tough feet and has proven their resilience, you should take them with you when the terrain gets tough. Just be sure to give the paws an occasional break. Remember, the pads of the paws are one of the only areas through which a dog can sweat and keeping the boots on for extended periods of time can cause obvious issues.

Post-Trip Comments

Blinky Light

We did not use it, he was always on a leash or lead.

Dog Tag

We did not use it, though we thought it was a good idea.

Small Towel

A must have.

Gulpie

Great to give him sips between streams. It was wet enough for him to almost exclusively use the streams.

Water Bowl

Used, naturally.

Food Bowl

Worked well, wish we had gotten a bigger size.

Food

He ate it.

Snacks

We do not know how it worked, but he had a lot of energy.

Tie Out Line

A light line to tether the puppy.

Leash

We unintentionally left our primary leash at home. The others did fine, but they took a while to get used to using

Gentle Leader

The primary leader that we used.

Socks

The socks helped keep the boots on his feet.

Boots

By toughening his feet we did not have to use the boots as often as we thought. We also tried to give Jake a day off when we could. We had to use duct tape to help secure his boots.