The best way to make dogpacking a regular, enjoyable habit is to simplify the process and remove anything that feels like a hassle. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started right now:
Tip 1: Start with an activity you already enjoy

Pick something you and your dog already love doing—no new skills or complicated setups required. The easiest choices are likely going for walks or swimming, and since it’s an activity you’re already doing, you likely already have the basic gear. Begin with what you know, and you can always expand to new activities later. This approach will get you and your dog out the door without delay.
Tip 2: Stay local

Choose a destination within 30 minutes of your home, or even right in your neighborhood. This reduces the time commitment and makes it easier to fit into your schedule. There are probably plenty of parks, trails, or ravines nearby where you and your dog can explore and enjoy some local adventures.
Tip 3: No fancy gear needed
Don’t let a lack of expensive gear hold you back. Get started with what you already have. As you grow to love the activity, you can decide whether to invest in more specialized equipment. Affordable options include borrowing from friends, buying used from online marketplaces or consignment shops, or choosing budget-friendly brands like Decathlon.
Here are some basic dogpacking items to consider (some are affiliate links):
- Bungee leash
- Vest or harness such as Ruffwear Trail Runner Vest or Julius-K9 IDC Harness
- Life jacket
- Dog coat
- Pet water dispenser
- Collapsible food and water bowls
- Drybag for dog food
- Poop bags
- Sleeping pad/bike basket mat
- Dog first aid kit (we’ll address a list of these contents soon) including a Tick Key
- Dogpacking bag
- Ample water for drinking and to wet your dog’s fur if warm weather
- Enough dog food until next resupply (2-4kg is probably reasonable)
- Dog-friendly snacks
Tip 4: Keep it short and sweet

Leave both you and your dog wanting more by keeping the adventure short and easy to plan. This makes it more likely that you’ll stick to it regularly. Even a 15-minute outing to play frisbee at the local park counts! The goal is to get you both outside together on a consistent basis.
For cool ideas on short adventures to do, check out Microadventures.
Tip 5: Mix it up
Add variety to your routine by changing up familiar activities. Walk around the block in the opposite direction, or explore a different park or trail each week. This keeps things exciting and fresh for both you and your dog.
Tip 6: Practice overnighters

If you’re new to overnight adventures with your dog, a great way to start is to do a dry-run in your own backyard. If you don’t have a yard, maybe a friend’s yard or a local campsite can work. The following works for any hiking, paddling, biking or car-camping dogpacking trip and let’s your dog get used to an overnighter while you get to see what gear you do and don’t actually need:
- Pack your and your dog’s gear including camping gear.
- Head off on a day adventure of the chosen activity and duration, carrying all your gear including what you’ll need for camping.
- Finish the day in your backyard camp site. Pretend you house isn’t right there.
- Enjoy your overnight adventure with your furry friend!
- Rinse and repeat the following day if desired.
- Take note of what gear you needed, what you can leave behind next time, and whether you forgot any essential items. Note: you’re more likely to have brought too much stuff than not enough stuff.
- You’re all set to make next time an away-from-home dogpacking adventure!

When River and I were training for our first bikepacking trip, we did a 3-day, 2-night shake-down ride using my yard as our campsite. This let River get used to camping and allowed me to dial in our gear. I initial brought along way too much stuff on the bike, so I was really glad we practiced before the actual trip.
Tip 7: Stay motivated
Whenever you feel busy or unmotivated, remember why you started dogpacking in the first place. Whether it’s to strengthen the bond between you and your dog, enjoy some exercise and nature, or learn something new together, keep your main reason in mind. Even a few minutes of dogpacking can make a big difference.




John and I believe the best way to start dogpacking is to start dogpacking. Make a habit of getting out the door. Keep it simple and fun, and let it become a regular part of your routine with your furry friend. From there, you can lengthen your adventures, explore new places, and even try new dogpacking activities together.
Happy dogpacking!
I’ve been dogpacking for a few years now, but my beloved copilot walked the path of souls last June. I now have a puppy that is not acclimating to the bike very well. Could use some in depth tips.