r/BackpackingDogs

I backpack with two doggies (both ~55-60lbs). We sleep together on a double inflatable pad (bc they refuse a foam pad lol) and a large quilt.

One dog is double coated so she normally just wears a jacket when it gets colder. The other dog is single coated and normally likes to tuck herself under my quilt. This is doable in the summer, but in the fall, since she moves around and pulls the covers toward her, it gets cold fast. Has anyone used individual sleeping bags for their dogs? I also saw that Ruffwear released a sleeping bag poncho- any thoughts on that?

I have an Anatolian Shepherd who at about 9 months old is already about 100lbs/45kg! He's a great dog so far, working constantly and consistently on behavior, and socialization since any mistakes automatically become REALLY BIG ones.

My kids are all old enough to start some real backpacking trips, so we're working up to that, but dang does this dog requires allot of food. He needs his own pack, but finding something that I can be certain will fit his monstrous ass right now is tricky, not to mention a year from now.

Are there any suggestions for brands that might work for him? I'd like to start training him on it now so he doesn't fight with it in the future, but he already out-sizes the majority of models I've seen. I'd like 3 or 4-point adjustments, and a durable build is a must.

Thanks!

I am an experienced backpacker but only recently a dog owner again after many years. It’s only going to be 50 where we are going but there is a chance of rain. I have a very short coat whippet so I was gonna bring him a winter jacket for camp/sleeping and now maybe a rain jacket. Plus dog food. My pack just got a whole lot heavier. Do you guys always bring both jackets for your dog?

Hot back from backpacking with my dog for the first time in years. Overall great trip BUT the bugs (mostly mosquitos with some black flies) were relentless. It’s the worst I’ve personally experienced in ages.

And I’m really not sure how to handle this situation moving forward? We were in an alpine meadow with plenty of lakes and ponds… and mosquitoes! The bugs completely cut dinner time short. Nobody was having a good time and could stand them… I opted not to use bug spray but my friend did, and I guess did a bit better but absolutely was still fighting them constantly.

I put him in the tent for a bit, which definitely helped… but it’s summer and long days, can’t just spend all afternoon and evening there! Also bear territory so can’t cook/eat at camp either.

I knew in advance the bugs would be out in the area but it was far worse than expected. I don’t want to have to choose between going and not going, and wonder if there’s actually stuff we could do to keep them at bay?

I did wonder if there was maybe some backpacking-friendly giant netting tent of sorts which would at least give us a bit more space and away from camp to cook and hang out under? But even then, prisoner to a pretty small space…