There's nothing like taking your dog on a hike and enjoying the outdoors together. Many dogs love the adventure and can even help by carrying some of their own gear in a specially designed dog backpack. 

We recently went on a backpacking hike along the Gower Peninsula section of the Wales Coastal Path. Our rucksacks, with our tents, sleeping bags, and food, weighed in at about 22lbs, so although we carried some of our Lola's kit we felt it was only fair that she helped lighten the load by carrying a few items of her essential kit in her Ruffwear rucksack. It's taken some time and training to get Lola ready for a lengthly hike so we wanted to share some top tips and recommendations so that you may wish to introduce your pup to backpacking.

How much weight can a dog safely carry?

A good rule of thumb is that a dog can carry 10-15% of their body weight in their backpack. This can vary based on the dog's size, breed, fitness level, and experience. For example, a 50 pound dog of good fitness should be capable of safely carrying 5 - 7.5 pounds, while a 30 pound dog should carry no more than 3 - 4.5 pounds. Larger breeds, like German Shepherds or Labrador Retrievers, can often handle more weight, while smaller breeds may need to carry less.

Packing a rucksack for your dog, whether for hiking, camping, or daily walks, needs some thought about your dog's size, weight, and health. The goal is to make sure your dog carries a comfortable load that is balanced to avoid strain or injury. 

Choosing the right rucksack

• Size and Fit Pick a rucksack made for dogs that fits well. It should sit comfortably on your dog's back, with straps that don’t rub or restrict movement. Adjustable straps around the chest and belly help keep it secure.
• Weight Capacity As detailed above, a dog should carry no more than 10-15% of its body weight. Smaller breeds may carry less, while larger breeds can handle more.
• Pockets and Compartments If possible look for a rucksack with several compartments to help spread the weight evenly.

What can dogs carry in their backpack?

Dogs can carry various lightweight items they’ll need during the hike, helping to lighten your load and giving them a sense of purpose. Some common items include:

• Food Pack your dog’s meals in resealable bags to prevent spills.
• Water Bowl A collapsible water bowl is lightweight and great for hydrating your dog on the go.
• Hydration Sachets In hot or dry climates, include canine hydration sachets to keep your dog well-hydrated.
• Poo Bags Bring enough bags to clean up after your dog along the trail.
• Tied Poo Bag After picking up your dog’s waste, you can tie the filled bag to the outside of their pack.

These items are usually light and easy for most dogs to carry. Just be sure to consider the weight of each item and keep it within the recommended limit.

Additional essentials for your hiking trip

These are all the items we took along with us, carrying the heavier items in our packs and the lighter gear in Lola's.

• Water Bring a collapsible water bowl and enough water for the trip. A portable water filter is great if you’re near natural water sources.
• Treats Pack enough treat for the trip, they'll love you for it, including high-energy snacks. Store food in sealed bags to keep it fresh.
• First Aid Kit Include basics like bandages, antiseptic wipes, tick removal tweezers, and dog-safe pain relievers.
• Towel A small, lightweight towel like a microfibre towel is handy for drying off your dog after a swim or rain.
• Leash and Collar Bring an extra leash or collar just in case.
• Identification Make sure your dog’s ID tags are up to date, and consider packing a copy of their vaccination records.
• Lightweight Jacket or Blanket If it’s cold, a lightweight dog jacket or blanket might be needed.
• Toys A small toy can keep your dog entertained during breaks.

Packing the rucksack

Weight Distribution

• Even Weight Pack the rucksack evenly on both sides. Uneven weight can make it hard for your dog to balance.
• Center of Gravity Keep heavier items close to the dog's shoulders, which helps maintain balance and reduces strain.

Layering items

If your dog can safely carry more heavier items then it's important to ensure the weight is distributed efficiently to keep your dog comfortable throughout the hike.  

• Base Layer Pack heavy items like water and food at the bottom and closest to the dog's body.
• Middle Layer Place medium-weight items like the first aid kit, towel, and dog boots in the middle.
• Top Layer Lighter items, such as waste bags, a leash, and a jacket, should go on top or in side pockets.
• Compression Use compression sacks or roll items like the towel or jacket tightly to save space.
• Secure Pockets Make sure all zippers or closures are secure to keep items from falling out.

Training your dog to carry a rucksack

Like yourself, carrying additional weight on your back is tough so it is vitally important to get your dog associated with the additional weight, ensuring their safety and building them up to the challenge before any planned hike. 

• Start Light Begin with an empty rucksack so your dog can get used to it.
• Gradually Increase Weight Slowly add weight, starting small and increasing as your dog gets comfortable.
• Monitor Your Dog’s Behaviour Keep an eye on your dog during the hike. If they seem tired or uncomfortable, lighten the load or take a break. Their well-being is the top priority.
• Short Walks Start with short walks and gradually make them longer as your dog builds endurance.

Final checks

• Fit and Comfort After packing, put the rucksack on your dog and check the fit again. Ensure the straps are snug but not too tight, and watch how your dog moves with the load.
• Adjustments Walk with your dog for a short distance and adjust as needed to keep the load balanced.
• Monitor During the Walk Regularly check your dog for signs of discomfort or tiredness. If the load seems too heavy, lighten it by removing non-essential items.

Conclusion

Hiking with your dog is about balancing their comfort and safety with what you need for the trip. By choosing wisely what to pack and how to pack it, you can ensure your dog has a fun and enjoyable experience carrying its own gear. With the right preparation and attention to weight limits, your dog can be a helpful hiking companion, carrying their own supplies and making your adventure even more enjoyable. Remember to start slow, monitor their comfort, and keep the experience fun for your furry friend. If you have any doubts please check with your vet who will be able to offer some helpful insights as well as give you additional information should your dog have any underlying health issues. It's also a good idea to book your dog in with a vet for a health check before any long walk. Happy hiking!