May 28, 2025

What I Learned Bringing My Dog on Long Hikes

Taking my dog, Bailey, on hikes has been one of the best decisions I’ve made as a dog owner. Watching her explore trails, sniff every interesting patch of dirt, and trot ahead with pure joy—it’s the kind of bonding experience you don’t get from regular walks around the block.

But as I quickly learned, hiking with a dog isn’t quite as simple as just grabbing a leash and heading out. After a few sweaty, unprepared adventures, I started building my go-to list of dog hiking essentials. One item in particular turned out to be way more helpful than I expected: a dog water dispenser.

1. Dogs Get Thirsty Fast (And Bowls Are a Pain)

At first, I thought I could just bring an extra bottle of water and pour it into my hand or a collapsible bowl. That worked for about two hikes—until I realized how much water Bailey needed, and how messy things got when I tried to do this one-handed on a trail.

That’s when I picked up a large-capacity dog water dispenser, and it honestly changed everything. It holds enough water for the whole hike, even in summer, and the one-button release makes it super easy to give her a quick drink on the go.


2. No Spills, No Waste

One thing I didn’t expect to appreciate so much was how leak-proof it is. I’ve had enough water bottles spill all over my backpack to last a lifetime. This one doesn’t leak at all—even when it’s bouncing around in my hiking pack. And if Bailey doesn’t finish what I pour out, I can just tilt it back and the water flows right back into the bottle. No waste, no mess.


3. Hands-Free Matters More Than You Think

Most hikes, I’m juggling a leash, some treats, my phone, and my own water. Having the dog water dispenser hanging from my wrist or clipped to my bag frees up my hands and makes everything feel more manageable. It sounds like a small detail, but on a steep trail or when your dog suddenly sees a squirrel, trust me—it helps.

 

4. Other Essentials I Always Pack for Dog Hikes

Besides the water dispenser, here are a few things I never leave home without:

  • Poop bags (biodegradable if possible)

  • A lightweight leash or hands-free belt

  • Treats or kibble for energy

  • A small towel (especially for muddy paws)

  • Tick remover (just in case)


Hiking with your dog is incredibly rewarding, but a little preparation goes a long way. If you're just getting started, make sure your pup has access to clean water throughout the hike. A dog water dispenser might seem like a small thing—but for me and Bailey, it’s become one of our most-used, most-loved hiking tools.

Happy trails!🐾