This outdoor gear buying guide is all about adventure dog gift ideas for the dog, or dog-lover in your life. If your dog fancies him/herself as a bit of an adventure dog (perhaps they love hiking, trail running, paddling, or simply spending time out exploring), then there’s something for them on this list.
We’ve selected some of the best dog hiking gear and outdoor adventure accessories and clothing to help you and your dog make the most of your time adventuring together – and they can look pretty damn cool at the same time.
From dog coats, clothing, booties and goggles to GPS collars and gift ideas to help them relax after a tough day of running, sniffing or playing frisbee like our trail dog, Kepler, this list shares some of the best gear currently available when it comes to outfitting your adventure dog.
1. A GPS Dog Collar that tracks your dog’s location, steps and sleep
The Fi Collar is the smartest smart collar for dogs. Chew-proof, water-proof (even the ocean), and generally dog-proof. It’s Bluetooth enabled to track doggo’s walkies and activity and to keep your dog in good shape.
Our dog Kepler wears his Fi collar every day and has thoroughly field-tested it in everyday life and off-leash trail adventures together.
This smart dog collar has a ton of clever features including:
- Create safe zones and be notified if your dog escapes
- Activity and sleep tracking for your dog
- It’s waterproof
- Long battery life (an average of 3 months between charges under typical usage)
It costs $149 at the time of writing – that includes either a grey or yellow collar and the main matchbox-sized GPS device mounted on it, together with the base station that you plug in at home. If you’re considering getting one for your dog, use our exclusive coupon code TK25 via the link below to get $25 OFF your Fi Collar order.
To learn more about the key features, read our Fi GPS dog collar review.
2. A warm dog sweater to stave off the cold during winter walks and trail hikes
If you like to take your dog out hiking or on trail adventures in cold weather, then you may have asked yourself the question, should my dog be wearing a coat?
Well, yes, dogs, especially short hair dogs (who feel the cold more than long-haired breeds) can benefit from wearing warm layers in winter, for everything from their everyday neighborhood walks, to mountainous trail adventures.
Plus, who doesn’t like it when their dog wears a sweater? One of our favorites is the K9 Core Sweater from Kurgo, which is made from knitted fleece, comes in a range of great colors with reflective details, and features an athletic cut for full freedom of motion when on.
This warm winter layer looks great on its own, and also pairs really well with Kurgo’s popular Loft Jacket, which is also available in a wide range of color options. We’re particularly digging the red and blue color options!
For more dog coats and sweaters, read our dog jackets buyer’s guide.
3. Dog goggles to protect your dirt or snow-loving adventure dog’s eyes
Apart from these Rex Specs dog goggles looking adorable, they also help protect your dog’s eyes from debris, environmental hazards, and sun damage (especially so, in snowy environments where the light bounces into their eyes). They are stable and secure while still allowing for full jaw motion and field of view.
Reasons you may want to get goggles for your dog are if they are spending time in environments where there is a high risk of debris or environmental elements affecting their eyes, such as dusty, dirty trails (especially on windy days), when they may run in and around lots of undergrowth at eye level, or really bright conditions on trails, snow or the water.
All lenses are rated UV400 – blocking 99.9% of UVA and UVB rays and the strap system is fully adjustable to accommodate a range of shapes and sizes. Make sure you buy the right size for your dog, Rex Specs’ website will help with that.
Rei.com
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$79.95 | See Deal |
Amazon.com
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4. A dog hiking backpack so they can carry their own hiking gear… and poop 🙂
This dog backpack from Ruffwear is an everyday dog pack, ideal for all-day adventures where you’re going to need accessories and food to make your pup’s time out there even more enjoyable.
It allows your dog to efficiently carry a load, including all their trail necessities, so you can use it for everyday hikes as well as overnight adventures.
It’s currently available in green, as pictured, and orange (which is the color our adventure dog Kepler has).
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Amazon.com
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$79.95
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Backcountry.com
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$79.95 | See Deal |
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Rei.com
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Ruffwear.com
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$79.95 | See Deal |
For more dog backpack ideas, read our dog hiking backpacks buyer’s guide. Also, remember, before asking your dog to wear a backpack, it’s worth checking with your vet, especially if you have any concerns about whether your dog’s age, weight or fitness may affect their ability to safely carry a pack – they’ll also be able to suggest how much weight they can safely carry.
5. A comfortable bed for those post-adventure naps
If you’re an active person or into sports then you already understand the value of a good night’s sleep when it comes to helping you relax and recover after a tough workout or activity. Why should our dogs be any different, especially when they can spend all night and many hours of the day napping?!
We are big fans of the washable Buddy Bed from Toby & Ace, which our trail dog Kepler loves snoozing in.
It’s made with orthopedic memory foam and features sturdy bolsters – ideal for chin resting and stopping him from rolling off the bed when he falls asleep. We don’t mind if he gets into it while still muddy from his trail adventures, as the cover is easy to remove and wash in the machine when it gets dirty.
The bed costs between $80-250 depending on size, and if you decide to treat your dog to a Buddy Bed, make sure you get 20% off that price when you use our code TRAILANDKALE20 at checkout:
For more about the bed, read Kepler’s Toby and Ace bed review.
6. A dog hiking harness for adventurous dogs of all ages
The Ruffwear Web Master Harness is a secure, supportive, multi-use harness built for manoeuvring and assisting dogs up and over obstacles as well as for designated working dogs.
So, if the trail gets a bit too gnarly then you can easily lift up your pup with the handle on top, don’t worry, it’s a very comfy way to be picked up, from your dog’s perspective. It also makes lifting older dogs into the car much easier.
The thin, durable foam on the straps provides support without hindering range of motion and a platform for attaching patches and signage for working dogs. There are 5 points of adjustment to create a secure fit, while padded chest and belly straps make the Web Master comfortable for all-day wear.
The Web Master is a great collar alternative and ideal for hiking, trail running, scrambling, and mobility assistance.
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Amazon.com
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$59.95
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Rei.com
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$59.95 | See Deal |
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Backcountry.com
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$59.95 | See Deal |
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Ruffwear.com
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7. Dog bootie shoes to protect paws from hot, cold, icy and rough terrain
These water-resistant dog boots from Ultra Paws come in a pack of four and are ideal for protecting your dog’s paws from outdoor elements, including hot pavements and gravel in summer, cold snow and ice in winter, and harsh, rough or spine-strewn trails at any time of year.
Dog booties can also be a great choice if your dog has difficulty walking on slippery surfaces at home, such as tile and hardwood flooring.
If you want them to look more stealthy, they’re available in black, but for real fancy paws may we suggest the bright red booties – especially great if you like wearing red trail running shoes (like Salomons) and you can match your dog’s footwear on the trails 🙂
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8. A 5 star crash-tested dog travel crate from Gunner Kennels
The Gunner Kennels G1™ is the only double-wall rotomolded dog box on the market and the only crate with a 5 Star Crash Test Rating from the Center For Pet Safety. So if you travel a lot with your adventure dog, this is his/her safest way to go.
A recessed floor makes sure your dog isn’t sitting in water or mud on the trip home, while the oversized, removable drain plug makes for easy cleaning. The crate also has a wider base to prevent rollover and any unwanted movement during a drive.
Engineered for your dog, designed for travel and built for your peace of mind, the G1™ has set a new industry standard by offering a list of exclusive patented features that make it Man’s Best Kennel®.
Be sure to check the website for the crate which best fits the size of your dog (and your vehicle!) – prices vary depending on size. Read Kepler’s full Gunner Kennel Review.
Gunner.com
9. A dog bungee leash for casual hikes and trail runs
The Ruffwear Roamer Leash is an adjustable stretch-webbing running leash that can be hand-held or worn around the waist for a dynamic hands-free leash experience. This is great for those that like to run or hike with their dogs on-leash. Having the leash attached at your waist frees your arms up for other things.
The stretch webbing in the leash keeps humans and canines connected while allowing for an extended range for roaming and exploring. Ruffwear’s unique Talon Clip offers a strong and secure leash-to-collar attachment which can also be used to attach the leash to a harness if you’d prefer.
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$39.95
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Backcountry.com
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$31.96
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Rei.com
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$39.95
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Amazon.com
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If you’re interested in exploring more dog leashes (and harnesses) that are suitable for running with your dog, visit our dog leash and harnesses buyer’s guide.
