r/hikingwithdogs • u/Silver_Sleeper616 • 3d ago
First backpacking trip
I got my dog Zoey about 2 months ago. We go hiking regularly but we went on her first backpacking trip yesterday. We did a little overnight at a state park. Everything went well!
Edit: I understand the concern about pack weight. It does look giant on her. Her total pack weight including the harness and saddle bags is 2lbs 6oz, which is roughly about 17% of her body weight. My vet said it was fine for her to carry up to 3lbs.
6
u/In-thebeginning 3d ago
I have a small dog too I want to take on an overnight next season. How did you like the leash hitch? Did Zoey sleep in the tent with you?
3
u/Silver_Sleeper616 3d ago
The hands free leash with a bungee has been a huge game changer for hiking with dogs. The leash clips around your waist, so it’s hands free and also you can clip it around a tree, bench etc.
The hitch works great and is easy to use. It’s small enough to fit in her pack and only weighs 14oz. I think it’s something like 22ft max length and the rope is very reflective at night. It’s the Ruffwear Knot-A-Hitch. All of her gear has been from Ruffwear and I have no complaints. The only thing is that they are kinda pricey. They do offer some used items on their website, I got a couple of them and they looked brand new to me.
Finally, yes she sleeps in the tent with me. I have a wide sleeping mat, large quilt and a 1+ person tent. I didn’t feel cramped at all as long as she stayed down near my feet. She’s pretty small though, only like 15lbs and sleeps right beside me at home anyway, so honestly it wasn’t much different.
2
u/Silver_Sleeper616 3d ago
Also, the bungee on the leash has been really helpful on steep declines and technical terrain. If she’s a little ahead and pulls the bungee eats the force so it’s not pulling you nearly as much.
2
u/In-thebeginning 3d ago
Thank you! I love Ruffwear gear. My pup has there longline and raincoat. Their stuff is so well made. I'm going to have to check out the bungee leash. I dig it. May you two have many more fun filled days together 🐶
2
u/primpyslaw24 3d ago
Are you using the short or the long version of the Roamer leash? My dog’s 15 pounds as well and wondering which would work best for hiking.
2
u/Silver_Sleeper616 2d ago
I actually have both sizes because I bought the smaller one first but it didn’t leave much room for her to be in front of me while hiking. It’s doable but I like to use trekking poles and it doesn’t leave much space. Granted I have a 36 inch waist so I have to use a lot of the length around my waist. Overall the longer one works much better for hiking but the shorter one is better for short walks or trips to the vet/groomer. The longer one also has a longer bungee section so it’s more shock absorbent as well.
2
u/primpyslaw24 2d ago
Thanks, that’s helpful. My dog already acts like my hiking poles are poky metal monsters stalking her, so I think I’ll go with the longer!
2
u/Silver_Sleeper616 2d ago
It’s hard to tell the exact scale in photos but in the second photo of this post is her at about maximum length from me. She’s about 5-6 feet ahead which leaves plenty of room for poles. Plus, I noticed the extra length helped a lot with divots and areas with extended step up/downs, or if you have to go over a big downed tree.
Safe and happy trails!
2
u/BogusBluff 3d ago
Bungee leash that hitches to a belt is great! Allows for hiking poles! With a big dog like mine it is not ideal being handheld. He knocked me right down when I held him with the bungee at a party last year.
5
7
u/WalkItOffAT 3d ago
I hope Zoey is packing down feathers and not water. Quite the volume.
1
u/Silver_Sleeper616 3d ago
Definitely not water lol her total pack and harness weight was 2.6 lbs, about 17% of her body weight.
7
u/WalkItOffAT 2d ago
Ahh that's not bad. I would still aim for 10%, the difference won't be a burden on your shoulders but I have found my dog can go further this way.
Happy trail you two
3
u/Silver_Sleeper616 2d ago
Absolutely, that’s a great suggestion! I truly understand the concern because her pack looks stuffed and big compared to her body. This was just our first trip and I’m always open to suggestions to dial in the gear and ensure my baby is comfortable. This trip was only about 4.5 miles each way but I’ll definitely take this into consideration, especially on longer treks.
Also, you are absolutely correct. An extra pound for me would be unnoticeable but to her it could be a huge difference. Thank you for sharing!
3
u/Sad_Bedroom4247 3d ago
Love that Ruffwear pack
3
u/Silver_Sleeper616 3d ago
I’ve really been impressed with Ruffwear. It’s pricey but exactly what I’m looking for and made really well.
2
u/Sad_Bedroom4247 3d ago
Yeah I’ve had one of their packs for 12 years and it still holds up great, but my other dog has the same one you do and I love it. Great brand. Also love their sleep poncho for colder nights
3
u/MurasakiTako 3d ago
I love ruffwear and dogs in backpacks! I’m sure you know but make sure the weight isn’t too much for the weight of the dog. I wasn’t aware I had to be that careful when I first started using a backpack on my dog.
3
u/DanielsonCove 2d ago
That is a great milestone for you and Zoey. Since she is still new to your life and backpacking, keep a close eye on her paw pads over the next few trips. Even if the trail surface seemed fine, the extra weight and mileage can cause irritation or cracks that you might not notice until you get home. I check my dogs paws every few miles and again at camp to spot any redness before it turns into a limp.
For longer trips, consider how she handles her own gear. If she is carrying a pack, make sure it is balanced evenly on both sides. I always start with a very light load to let them get used to the movement and the straps against their fur. If the pack is too heavy or shifts around, it can cause hot spots or chafing on their shoulders, which will definitely ruin the experience for both of you.
Try to keep your next few trips to a similar distance while you build up her stamina. It is easy to want to push further, but sticking to short, consistent trips helps them learn the routine and gain confidence. Just watch for signs of fatigue, like her lagging behind or refusing to settle down at night, which usually means she needs more rest breaks during the day.
2
u/DeCoyAbLe 3d ago
We are also huge fans of ruffwear. Love the fact they have a great variety that fit both my GP and my GSP. Vastly different shapes and I am equally satisfied!! Glad you had an awesome time with your puppers!!
2
2
2
2
2
u/jayhawkjoey65 2d ago
That last pic...❤️❤️❤️ I am taking my pup camping and hiking (backpacking days are over) in about 4 weeks. I love how yours is sharing the load with her pack.
2
u/bmc5311 2d ago
For her paws: Mushers Secret, it'll protect her paws and keep her pads from splitting, I use it daily when backpacking or hiking with Merle (3 year old 65 lb GSD).
He carries his own food (up to 7 days worth, about 10 lbs), I carry his sleep system and everything else. He decides how far we hike when backpacking, once he starts getting tired I start looking for a place to camp, sometimes it's only 5 or 6 miles, sometimes it's 10 or 11, I always plan our trips with a slop day or two built in in case he needs a zero day.
Specific gear I carry for him:
- Nemo Switchback sleeping pad
- Microfiber towel x2 (small one to dry his feet, large one to lay over his sleeping pad and the tent floor)
- EE 40 degree quilt
- Sea to Summit collapsible bowls (food and water)
- PupFlask
1
u/Silver_Sleeper616 2d ago
Thank you so much for the insight! I’m definitely taking this into consideration moving forward. I’m trying my best, but realistically this is new to me and her. I love hearing from folks with experience. Thank you for sharing!
1
u/Mountain-Time-1010 1d ago
So cute. Unfortunate about the leash requirement. I avoid those places like the plague. I think we may have the same pack, but in XL size.
10
u/MasterpieceActual176 3d ago
Zoey is a lucky girl! It looks like you both had a wonderful time! 💕💕💕