How to Hike Light with Your Dog
Photo by: Sasha Sashina
Hiking with your dog can be pure joy. Muddy paws, wagging tails, shared snacks, and curled-up camp moments. But when you’re chasing ultralight miles and your trail buddy has four legs, keeping pack weight low can get tricky.
The good news? You can hike ultralight with your dog without leaving behind the essentials or overpacking out of guilt. With intentional planning and a few key pieces of gear, you’ll be ready to hit the trail with a lighter load and a happy pup.
Photo by: Sean Greene
Ultralight Mindset, Dog Edition
Ultralight hiking isn’t just about cutting weight, it’s about bringing only what you need, choosing multi-use items, and letting go of “just in case” gear. Hiking with a dog follows the same philosophy.
Yes, you’ll carry a few extra items. No, your dog doesn’t need a full pack or a dozen backup toys. The goal: bring only what keeps you and your pup safe, comfortable, and trail-ready.
Top Gossamer Gear Picks for Ultralight Dog Hikers
1. Shoulder Strap Pocket: For Fast-Access Dog Essentials
Keep dog treats, a leash, or waste bags within arm’s reach. Our Shoulder Strap Pocket clips easily to your pack straps, so you don’t have to stop and dig through your bag every time your pup gives you the side-eye for a snack.
Photo by: Paxson Woelber
2. Oversized Side Pockets: For Shared Hydration
Most Gossamer Gear packs feature roomy side pockets that fit two standard water bottles. Use one for your pup’s water (we love a squirt-top lid to avoid needing a bowl), and keep the other for yourself. Easy to grab, no pack-removal required.
3. Thinlight Foam Pad: A Dog Bed That Weighs Ounces
The Thinlight Pad is ultralight, flexible, and cuttable - perfect for creating a cozy place for your dog to rest. Fold it into the tent for nighttime insulation or roll it out at lunch for trail naps. Many hikers even share theirs with their pup; just trim to the right size for your team.
4. External Mesh Pocket: The Ultimate Catch-All for Dog Gear
That big stretchy mesh pocket on the back of your pack? Use it to stash wet booties, a towel, a tennis ball, or waste bags for easy access and no mess inside your pack. Quick to reach, easy to dry out, and built for gear that gets dirty.
Photo by: Sebastian Huxley
5. The G4-20 or Mariposa: For Carrying a Few Extras Without Heaviness
These packs offer generous volume with smart, ultralight construction, which is perfect if you’re carrying dog food, a small pad, or a few pup items. Exterior pockets mean you can keep dog stuff accessible without sacrificing your personal organization system.
What to Pack (and Leave Behind)
The Essentials: Worth Every Ounce
- Pre-portioned kibble in a Ziploc or food-grade liner
- Small collapsible bowl or use your cook pot
- Dedicated water bottle with squirt top
- Paw balm or booties (if hiking rocky, icy, or hot terrain)
- 10-20 ft ultralight leash/tether (Dyneema cord works great)
- Poop bags (always pack it out)
Leave These Behind
- Toys (one tennis ball, max)
- Towels (a bandana or pack towel works double-duty)
- Puffy jackets for dogs (unless your dog is short-haired or truly cold-prone)
- Dog packs (unless your pup is very conditioned and wants to wear one)
Photo by: Slava Auchynnikau
Multi-Use is the Name of the Game
Every item should earn its spot. Here’s how:
- Your cook pot = dog bowl
- Thinlight = dog bed + pack frame + sit pad
- Bandana = towel, leash handle, cooling wrap
- Quilt = enough space for two if your pup snuggles
Don’t Skip the Essentials
Being ultralight doesn’t mean cutting corners, it means being deliberate. Bring what matters. Leave what doesn’t. And remember: your dog is counting on you to carry the right gear for both of you.
Hiking light with your dog means longer days, happier trails, and more energy for tail wags and alpine zoomies. So pack smart, go far, and don’t forget the treats.