Safety Hiking Gear

When you are out hiking, especially on long hikes, you definitely want to be prepared for any accident that may occur. It is hard to know what to expect and unfortunately a lot of gear is acquired when you go through something and don't have that necessary tool. Also, when hiking with dogs they have their own safety things that may be needed. It is always better to be over prepared than under.

This guide covers the essential gear you need for hiking with huskies, focusing on

practical, reliable items that suit the dogs' needs. Whether you’re planning a short day hike or a longer trek, this post will help you prepare effectively.

#1 Safety Essential

Water! While this isn't necessarily safety gear per se but it is 100% essential!! I don't think anyone would argue otherwise. There have been times where I do hikes and it may only be 2kms, so relatively short and I have chosen to forego carrying water. Wrong! I've done this enough times to learn my lesson. Whether it's winter or summer, when you are exerting yourself you really do need water. I'm sure we have all been there when you are thirsty and have no water at all, it's uncomfortable, so let's avoid that. I own a water bladder that goes into my Osprey hiking backpack so I always have it filled to the max (3L) and then I have separate water bottles for the dogs that I can easily access. It's always better to have way more water than necessary, especially when hiking with dogs. Oliver tends to drink a lot of water, I would say likely more than myself and Mia. Also, if your hike were to go sideways and you're stuck in a spot for a long period of time, you want to make sure you have water to sustain yourself.

Safety Gear I Carry

1) Bear Spray. I hope to never run into a bear but in case I ever do, I'd rather be prepared. So I have bear spray in a holster that is easily accessible. In certain areas where bears do not live, I won't bring it.. However, a friend has suggested I always take it in case I run into a different type of animal so then I have a backup regardless. I feel like the majority of the Bruce Trail, you don't have to worry about most animals (even bears). Feel free to read my blog Black Bear Safety when Hiking with Dogs to make sure you are fully prepared.

2) Power Bank. When you are doing long hikes, this is a good backup tool to have. It can charge your phone, just be sure to pack the cord with it! While my phone has always been able to last my entire hikes, even with the AllTrails App and the Bruce Trail App both running and tracking me. If I ever run into the situation where I'm stuck and can't move then having a charging device would definitely be essential.

3) Pliers. Since having to pull out porcupine quills that one day (Beaver Valley and Hiking with a Porcupine) we added it to our hiking backpack right after that.

4) Duct Tape. While this may come in handy for many reasons, my main reason is that if the dogs collar, harness, leash etc broke, I need some way to still have control to keep them safe. However this could come in handy even for my clothing, if my boot gets a hole, clothing rips etc.

5) Whistle. I have this on the outside of my hiking bag. This is in hopes that if I ever injure myself and can't move then hopefully someone nearby hears my whistle and can come help me.

6) Flashlight. I personally pack a headlamp because I need my hands free while hiking with the dogs. Definitely need this in case you are stuck on the trail when it gets dark.

7) Food. Not necessarily safety gear but I carry food for myself and collagen sticks for the dogs. I actually think I should start carrying maybe some Kibble for them in case we get stranded somewhere, then they have some food as well.

Safety Gear Oliver Carries

1) Fido Pro Airlift. This is a backup safety gear I hope I never have to use. This is essentially a harness that has straps so I can wear the dogs like a backpack. This will likely only ever be used if one of my dogs can't walk. While I believe I would be able to carry Mia whatever distance back to the truck because she is around 50 lbs, Oliver is a different story. He weighs in around 70 lbs and I don't see myself being able to carry him in my arms for a far distance.

2) Water bottle and Collapsible Dish

3) Collar. I have him carrying an extra collar that fits both himself and Mia. This is in case one of theirs breaks however you never really know when a collar will come in handy for other purposes. It could be used to secure their leash around a small tree or similar object, in case I need them to remain in one spot for a short period.

4) Bear Bell. I don't always have these out on their harnesses because honestly, they're annoying! However, when Im in bear country its easy enough to pull it out and place it on their harness.

Safety Gear Mia Carries

1) First Aid Kit. This includes Bandaids, gauze, tape scissors, tweezers, Polysporin, Sterile wipes etc. As I'm typing this I realize I should add a doggy bootie to this kit. If they step on something or something happens to their paw and I dress it, the dressing wont last long if we still have to keep hiking back to the truck.

2) Tick Remover. Chances are we won't have to ever use this, since we are hiking in cold weather but the off chance we ever have an encounter with these gross little guys, we have a remover to get rid of them. The dogs are also on a tick medication so they should be covered, this is more so if I happen to get one on me.

3) Waterbottle, bear bell and poop bags.

Closing

It does take a while to acquire all the essential safety gear and equipment. I also feel like this list is always growing too. These things are so essential to ensure your safety for if your hike goes sideways then you are prepared. I never hope to use any of these things but at least I have some comfort in knowing that they are on me.

Did I miss critical safety gear? Please let me know in the comments if I should add something to my list.

Thank you as always for reading!

Kendal

Get out there and Start Your Adventure!