Guest Author: Cassie Markham (Peak Experiences Blog)
Adventure dogs make everything better—more excitement on the trail, more silliness at camp, and more memories packed into every outing. But just like with kids, having the right gear ensures your pup stays safe, comfortable, and ready for whatever explorations come your way.
Our Australian Shepherd, Summit, is an adventure partner through and through. With a ton of fur, boundless energy, and a love for long days outside, he’s put a lot of gear to the test over the years. These are the pieces we trust the most for everything from hot summer summits to trail runs to lake days.
Here are my top gear picks for exploring with your dog.
1. Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Harness
The ultimate hot-weather essential for furry adventurers.
Summit has a lot of fur, and staying cool can be a challenge on hot summer hikes. The Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Harness has been a game-changer—it’s simple, effective, and designed for dogs who spend long days under the sun.
We just soak the harness before we head out, and the evaporative cooling keeps him much more comfortable on the trail. It’s durable, easy to adjust, and makes a noticeable difference on warm days when we still want to keep exploring together.
2. YETI Boomer Dog Bowl
A near-indestructible camp and home staple.
This bowl is an absolute tank—in the best way. The YETI Boomer is durable, stable, easy to clean, and keeps water at a great temperature whether we’re at home or spending a weekend in the mountains.
It’s dishwasher safe (a huge win), built to last, and you can even get it engraved for an extra special touch. Summit’s has definitely become part of the family gear lineup.
3. Ruffwear Trail Runner Bowl
Lightweight, packable, and perfect for summits.
We take the Trail Runner Bowl on every outing—hikes, trail runs, road trips, everything. It packs down tiny, weighs almost nothing, and makes it so easy to keep Summit hydrated or fed on the go.
It tucks right into our pack and is especially handy on longer adventures where water stops matter.
4. Ruffwear Trail Runner Belt & Leash
A must-have for hands-free trail running with dogs.
For trail runs, this setup is unbeatable. The Trail Runner Belt has small stash pockets for treats, poop bags, keys—whatever essentials we need—and the hands-free leash keeps Summit safely by our side without pulling us off pace.
It gives him freedom to move while keeping the run smooth, safe, and structured. It genuinely makes running with a dog so much easier.
5. Dog PFD
Because even strong swimmers deserve extra safety.
A dog PFD is a non-negotiable for us. Summit loves swimming—even a little too much sometimes—and while he’s a strong paddler, long distances can tire out any dog, especially if they jump off a paddleboard in the middle of a lake (which… yes… happens regularly).
We trust the PFDs from Red Equipment and Ruffwear. They’re well-made, highly adjustable, and give us the peace of mind that Summit is safe on the water—whether he’s exploring lakes, joining us on paddleboards, or swimming for shore with a little too much enthusiasm.
Why the Right Dog Gear Matters
Just like with kids, quality dog gear ensures your adventure buddy stays comfortable and safe so they can truly enjoy the experience. For us, the goal is always the same: make memories, keep Summit healthy, and create adventures we can all love together.
These pieces help us do exactly that.
About the Author
Cassie is our Social Media Manager here at Valhalla Pure Outfitters and the founder of the Peak Experiences Blog. An avid hiker, adventure photographer and mother of two who loves sharing mountain moments and everything in between. From epic travel destinations, to off the beaten path adventures and all her favourite gear picks.
Cassie and her family prioritize travel and adventure as often as they can; checking off over 300 hikes and 15 national parks across 2 continents in the last couple years! They want to inspire families to get outdoors and explore while showcasing that adventure doesn’t have to end with young kids!
Read more about her experiences on the Peak Experiences Blog