Day Hike Packing List: Gear for You and Your Trail Dog

Because the best trail buddies have four legs and deserve to be just as prepared.

Whether you’re chasing summit views or winding through pine forest, every great hike starts with smart packing. At Mountainsmith, we believe preparedness isn’t overkill—it’s peace of mind. Our gear is built for trail partners who know that every mile brings surprises, two-legged and four.

Here’s what we recommend you bring on a day hike with your dog and why it matters.

Day Hiking Gear for You:

Zerk 25 Backpack or Day Lumbar Pack

Choose your carry:

·      The Zerk 25 is our ultralight, vest-style pack built for fast-and-light mileage, with an ergonomic design that keeps weight close and movement fluid.

·      The Day Lumbar Pack is a tried-and-true Mountainsmith icon - modular, stable, and surprisingly spacious for its low profile.

Why it matters:
Comfortable carry = more fun on trail. These packs keep your essentials organized and close at hand, while staying stable through scrambling, jogging, or wrangling your pup’s leash.

Zerk Fanny Pack

Attach it to your pack. Rock it solo. Throw in snacks, a phone, or a roll of poop bags. This little guy does big work.

Why it matters:
Sometimes the smallest gear makes the biggest difference. Quick-access storage means fewer stops and more miles.

Andesite Trekking Poles

Lightweight. Strong. Adjustable. Featuring cork handles for sweat-free grip and flick-locks that hold tight when you need them to.

Why it matters:
Save your knees, steady your stride, and stay balanced when your dog pulls toward that chipmunk. Poles are a must-have for elevation, water crossings, and rocky terrain.

Dog Hiking Gear Essentials:

K9 Dog Pack

This saddlebag-style dog pack is padded, breathable, and adjustable. With room for food, water, waste bags, and a collapsible bowl, your dog can carry their share without being overburdened.

Why it matters:
Dogs love having a job to do. With the K9 Pack, your trail buddy stays engaged and carries their share—freeing up space (and energy) for you.

K9 Backbowl

Ultralight, collapsible, and clips easily to the K9 Pack or your pack.

Why it matters:
Your pup needs to eat and hydrate, just like you. This bowl is trail-ready, cleans easily, and disappears into your pack when not in use.

The 10 Essentials (Don’t Leave the Trailhead Without Them):

1. Navigation

Bring a map, compass, GPS, or better yet, all three. Even familiar trails can lead you astray.

2. Sun Protection

Sunglasses, sunscreen, and SPF lip balm. Clouds lie. UV rays don’t.

3. Insulation

Weather in the mountains changes fast. Pack a puffy, rain shell, and an extra layer, even in summer.

4. Illumination

Headlamp or flashlight, plus extra batteries. If the hike runs long, you’ll be glad you brought it.

5. First Aid Kit

Stocked for both humans and dogs. Include antiseptic, tweezers, blister care, band-aids, paw balm, Benedryl, and a tick remover.

6. Fire

Waterproof matches or a lighter, plus a firestarter. In emergencies, fire provides warmth, light, and signaling.

7. Repair Kit & Tools

A multi-tool, duct tape, zip ties. A little fix-it power goes a long way if gear breaks mid-hike.

8. Extra Food

Trail mix for you, kibble or freeze-dried food for the pup. Always pack more than you think you’ll need.

9. Extra Water & Water Filter/Treatment

Dehydration hits fast. Bring enough water and a way to refill safely from streams or ponds.

10. Emergency Shelter

An emergency bivy, space blanket, or tarp could save your life if weather or injury stops you in your tracks.

Other Essentials:

Because when your hours from the trailhead, your gear choices really matter.

·      Shoes: Topo Terraventure 4 - grippy, light, and wide-toebox comfort on all-day treks

·      Socks: Tough Cutie or Darn Tough - durable, breathable, blister-resistant

·      Pants: Wicking, non-cotton fabric - keeps you cool, dries fast, resists abrasion

·      Sun Hat: Outdoor Research Sun Runner - trail-tested, removable cape, full-face protection

·      Sunglasses: Goodr - polarized, affordable, built for sweat and movement

·      Sun Hoodie: TownShirt - breathable, UPF-rated, and perfect for alpine starts

·      Jacket: LL Bean UL 850 Down - warmth without bulk, packs small

·      Map & GPS: Local paper map + FarOut or AllTrails app - analog and digital backup

·      Compass: Suunto - rugged and reliable when tech fails

·      Headlamp: Nitecore NU25 - rechargeable, lightweight, long battery life

·      Knife: Leatherman Skeletool - minimal and multi-use

·      Cell Phone - emergency comms, navigation, trail photos

·      Wallet: ID and medical insurance - for emergencies and post-hike pizza

·      Rain Gear: Goretex jacket & pants - full protection for full days out

·      Water Bottles: Two 1.5L (dirty) + one 500ml (clean) Smartwater bottles - sturdy, light, fits filter threads

·      Water Filter: Sawyer Squeeze + extra O-ring - trail-standard and fast-flowing

·      Pack Cover: Mountainsmith Pack Covers - because soaked gear ruins morale

·      Toilet Paper & Wet Wipes - nature calls, be ready

·      Sunscreen: Neutrogena - high SPF, trail-tested, doesn’t sting eyes

·      Bug Spray: Ben’s - DEET-based, long-lasting protection

·      Vitamin I (Ibuprofen) & Motrin - for joints, soreness, and just-in-case pain

·      Moisture-Wicking Bra & Undies: Ex Officio or Smartwool - breathable and all-day comfortable

·      Other Personal Items: Hair ties, Flex Disc or Saalt Cup, Kula Cloth - small items, big comfort

The best hikes don’t just happen. They’re built with planning, intention, and gear you can count on. Mountainsmith’s packs and dog gear are designed by people who live for long trails, summit pushes, and off-leash joy (when allowed). When you pack well, you’re free to roam farther, stay out longer, and enjoy every moment - muddy paws, cold wind, and all.

So, grab your gear, leash up your pup, and hit the trail. We've got your back.