Traildog Essentials

In the 1930’s a group of experienced hikers and climbers, called the Mountaineers, began somewhat of a revolution in wilderness safety and preparedness.  Their simple idea, known today as “The 10 Essentials”, is a list of items one should never hike without no matter the length or difficulty of the journey. Their list was not intended to be a complete gear inventory but a base set of items that in theory would give any outdoor enthusiast what they need to stay safe in the field and, if need be, handle an emergency situation. Here is a run down of the “Ten Essentials” from the Central Arizona Mountain Rescue Association.

  1. Water and a method to purify more
  2. Extra Food
  3. Shelter – Space blanket, poncho, two heavy trash bags
  4. Fire – Waterproof matches or lighter and fire starter
  5. First-aid – Including personal medications, bandages and tape
  6. Insulation – Extra clothing, rain gear
  7. Sun Protection - Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat 
  8. Navigation - Map and compass
  9. Light – Flashlight with extra batteries and bulb, chemical light sticks
  10. Knife or Multi-tool

Obviously all of these human essentials will benefit our dogs by keeping us, the “brains of the operation”, safe and alive so we can care for our pooches if a situation where to arise.  Additionally, our dogs will profit from this human gear because it has many of the indispensable items a canine also needs to stay safe and alive (i.e. water, food, shelter, first-aid). While there is little argument this list covers pretty much all the basics for any human hiker, even with the shared items, it falls a bit short for those of us who travel into the wilderness with our canine companions.  Therefore, I felt it was necessary to create a second list of “must have” gear just for them.

The “Traildog Essentials” have been compiled from my own twenty years of outdoor experience, interviews with canine search and rescue professionals and various individuals who are avid dog hikers. It is based on two important givens. First, any dog owner who ventures into the wilderness will already have the traditional human version of the “Ten Essentials” with them and second, the dog owner will have added to his human list more of the items necessary to meet the needs of his four-legged partner (i.e. more water, more food, etc.).  The first three items are carry over from the human list and should be appropriately modified with the dog in mind.

  1. Water and a way to dispense it to your dog (a BASIC rule of thumb is twice as much as you carry for yourself)
  2. Food – Dry kibble , high energy treats or bars
  3. Shelter – This is just as important for your dog’s survival as yours so make sure the shelter you bring will work for both of you.
  4. Collar or non-restrictive harness – Should fit properly and be in good condition.
  5. Leash – A standard length is 6 feet but any leash in good condition will work.
  6. Identification – Tags (one rabies and one with YOUR contact information. If hiking out of town, a second tag with an alternate contact’s information or your cell phone number)
  7. Protection – From the elements (sweater, rain coat, jacket) AND for the dog’s feet (booties, Vet Wrap self-adhesive wrap)
  8. Pliers or Tweezers – If your human knife or multi-tool doesn’t already include one of these. Used for removing cacti, quills, ticks, etc.
  9. Veterinarian Info. – Phone number and directions to the closest veterinarian to your outdoor destination.  A back up or two is also a good idea.
  10. First-aid supplies -Septic Powder, Benadryl (or other antihistamine), Eye Drops, Bandage Material, a muzzle or material to make one in the field, and Pain Management (such as buffered aspirin). Medication or other special needs items should be included as well. *(Note: The above items are meant as suggestions and are not intended to be a complete first-aid list. Contact your Veterinarian for more individual advice and to find out what medications cannot be used for dogs.)

There are also a few items, while not essential, are just so darn handy it’s really a good idea to bring them along as well. 

  1. Picture identification – It’s a good plan to keep a current, clear photo of your dog either on your person or in your vehicle.  If your pet is lost it will speed up the search efforts.
  2. Poop bags – Not vital to survival but they sure make picking up after your pup a million times more enjoyable!  Most trails require owners to pick up after their dogs.
  3. A bandanna – In a pinch will work great as a make shift muzzle, a first-aid item, a way to cool off an over heated dog, a collar or leash, a towel, etc.
  4. A backpack – Let Fido share the load.  It’s important to make sure the pack fits properly, does not rub or restrict the dog and doesn’t contain more weight than he/she is conditioned to carry.

More than seventy years ago the Mountaineers inspired two-legged hikers to put a bit more thought into their personal gear.  I hope the “Traildog Essentials” helps inspire dog hikers to do the same for their four-legged counterparts.

Written by Jamie J. DeBenedetto, © 2004

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