Top gear for hiking dogs

Trail’s guide to canine kit that’ll help improve your dog’s hillwalking experience.

RUFFWEAR ROAMER LEASH £39

A waist-attaching bungee leash was a revelation for hillwalking with my dog. Due to the sheer number of sheep and other livestock in the National Parks, off-lead walking is a treat, but a normal hand-held lead is a bit of a faff – what with juggling maps, walking poles and poo bags… it has the potential to go wrong, very wrong! So the Roamer Leash is ideal for liberating your hands. If you have a strong dog that pulls, you do have to be careful that he doesn’t pull you over on uneven, downhill terrain. But a very stretchy bungee section makes it comfy to wear by acting as a shock absorber, and gives my four-legged friend a little more freedom. www.ruffwear.co.uk – Find out how to win a free one, plus other dog gear, on page 98.

MOUNTAIN PAWS FIRST AID KIT £18

This compact canine first aid kit is a great idea, and actually contains everything you need to treat common injuries on us humans too – with human or dog dressings, bandages and wipes, gloves, scissors, tape, and a rescue blanket (210x160cm), plus dog-specific tick tweezers, eye-wash pods and foot pouches. It weighs 340g and is handily contained in a robust waterproof case. www.mountainpaws.co.uk

HURTTA TORRENT RAIN COAT FROM £43

Most pet dogs live in our heated homes and generally don’t spend all day out in the elements, so the mountains can be harsh places for them. It’s a good idea to pack a rainproof coat for your pooch when spending prolonged periods of time in the cold and wet. This Hurtta rain jacket is well worth the investment if you spend a lot of time in the hills with your dog. It has an opening on the back for a harness attachment, is lightweight, waterproof and breathable, has good body coverage and it’s machine-washable. www.innerwolf.co.uk

TAGIFFANY ID TAG £9

The law states that every dog in a public place must wear a collar with the name and address of the owner (including postcode) on a tag. Your telephone number is optional, but it’s a good idea in case your pet goes walkies without you. www.tagiffany.co.uk

RUFFWEAR WEB MASTER HARNESS £70

Although dogs tend to be much more stable and agile on their four legs than we are on our two, it’s vital to have good control over them near potentially dangerous drops or rocky scrambles. This hillwalking harness (pictured left) is designed specifically with this in mind, featuring a handle on the back to help support and lift your pet if required. It also has a back clip meaning the lead doesn’t drag along the ground.

EQUAFLEECE JUMPER FROM £22

These dog coats are no fashion statement; they are made from Polartec fleece used in technical outdoor clothing. The fleece is breathable and wicks away moisture and our Trail dog seemed to find it comfortable once we'd mastered getting it on him. We prefer to use the fleece for keeping him warm and to dry him off in the car after a walk, rather than on the trail, but this would work well for dogs who feel the cold when out and about. www.equafleece.co.uk

POPWARE BOWL £6

This mini clip-on collapsible silicone bowl is perfect for canine hydration on the go. Fill it from your water supply; just make sure you take enough for both you and the dog if there’s not many streams or tarns. www.innerwolf.co.uk