Gear I Used to Thru Hike With A Dog (or Two) on the Continental Divide Trail

Planning a thru hike with a dog can add a lot of extra stress and logistics to a thru-hike. Fortunately, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to things like what gear to bring for your dog!
In this video, I go over all the gear that I ACTUALLY USED to thru hike with a dog (really two dogs) on the Continental Divide Trail. Not only so I lost the gear used, but I explain why we used this gear on our CDT thru hike and what I would do differently in the future.
Looking for something specific?
Our complete gear list:
themostimporta...
Find it in the video:
Intro 00:00
Big Three 00:31
~Tent 00:37
~Sleep System 02:55
~Pack 05:18
Foot Care 06:47
Food & Water 11:26
First Aid 14:24
Miscellaneous 15:57
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Website: themostimportantstep.com
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[@tribequest9]

We need more camping and hiking with dog videos, loved this!!!!

[@TieWolf]

Okay, great info and content, but lord can we talk about that bear hang clip - that was a GORGEOUS HANG. Nicely done!

[@TheMostImportantStep]

Thank you! Definitely more fool proof than a traditional hang, especially here in the Rockies!

[@SwimDeeep]

I LOVE seeing your dog sleep on it’s back belly up while y’all are camping. Shows how comfortable they are.

[@rmoran113]

Amazing journey! I did CT with my Malinois..amazing 23 days.. definitely plan on cdt sobo! Best hiking partner could ask for! Now off to check out your other cdt vids

[@Burner62984]

I bet your dog loved that hike!!!

[@TUPELO_HUNNY]

Looking forward to hiking with my rescue Malinois ❤❤❤

[@hikesome]

Thank you very much Bailey, very valuable Infos, as I always hike with my dog and it can be challenging sometimes, especially as he gets older now ;) Have a great res of the week and stay safe out there, Mario

[@ThanatosWings]

I made a lightweight down puffy pullover for my dog out of a jacket I wasn't using. It's for cold weather and is his sleeping bag. It's about 4 oz. If anyone wants one made, DM me.

[@joyrenenardozzi6226]

Best tip I’ve heard for using an umbrella is to use it for privacy while going to the bathroom.

[@CFSORENSEN]

Best hiking with dogs video I’ve seen. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise and insights.

[@mtadams2009]

Lots of great information, thank you. I have hiked about 1,000 miles with my 50-pound hound mix, and I have never had any issues with her nails ripping my DCF floor in my Duplex. I was concerned about that. You are correct on having the correct pack and size for hiking with your dog. My dog also does not wear a pack, she did but it caused issues and to be honest she is much happier without the pack. I just went from a Zpacks 55 L pack to a Waymark 60 L it's not only bigger but meant to carry more weight. I am not sure if Ground Bird Gear is still around, her web site comes back with a 401 error. Garage Grown Gear has those DCF bowls, but they are kind of small. I also carry on some trips one of those bottles that have a bowl on top and if they did drink all the water the water goes back in the bottle. No wasting of the water. Paw care is my biggest concern and the number one reason I have seen others get off the trail with their dogs. Again, thanks so much for sharing your wealth of information, take care.

[@randysmith6493]

Wow. Great job , thorough over view of dog care. Impressive all the gear you carried and focused care attention. Glad they made the trip okay. Tough Alaskan gal.

[@richardnagri9198]

Those are two lucky dogs! You’re awesome. I’m looking forward to your next adventure.

[@bluefire025]

im just starting out with my puppy. he is a 9mo. old boxer. im going to start slowly and see if he enjoys backpacking as much as i do. i really enjoy your videos for things that i never thought of. thank you!

[@TheMostImportantStep]

Glad to help! Hope you you both have fun backpacking!

[@ChucoHiker]

Nice video and great tips! I want to start taking my dog with me on backpacking trips, and this is super helpful. Also, love those Organ Mountains in the background :) That ridgeline has such a distinct and recognizable ruggedness.

[@TheMostImportantStep]

Glad to help! It’s definitely an incredible area! I took tons of pictures of the same view over and over as it was just so scenic!

[@adogandhergirl19]

So grateful I found your videos! Thank you

[@middleearthchronicles2269]

Its been 2 years and countless miles. I'd love to see an updated dog gear load out video of how your your kit has evolved over all of this experience.

[@TheMostImportantStep]

I have been thinking about making a few updated dog videos now that we have more experience. Good to know there is interest!

[@middleearthchronicles2269]

@@TheMostImportantStep not sure I've seen any thruhikers with more trail miles with their dogs. That's a wealth of knowledge gained.

[@RobinEsch]

Thanks for the suggestion to have photo of rabies tag etc. !

[@drezdogge]

I'm a dog groomer who hand straps terriers and your dog looks amazing for a owner stripped bt. I am.looking I into through hiking with my hairless dogs and this was a great video.cheers.

[@TheMostImportantStep]

Awe, thank you! Good luck on your future treks!

[@J.fromtheNati]

Just found your channel and subscribed Thanks for sharing your experience and gear. Are there sections of the CDT that dogs cannot hike with you? National Parks? I know the PCT, AT, and AZT all have sections that dogs cannot hike and assume it’s the same for CDT.

[@jacobtosczak7636]

hello. I loved this video. lots of helpful information in this. One thing I might add due to your food situation when you have to pack it out of a community like a purse. You mentioned possibly obtaining a new pack, I switched to a eberlestock modular pack. Having small amounts of molle on a pack gives me the option to fasten extra empty dry bags or storage bags in a organized fashion when I must add more gear. There are many good brands of packs that accommodate molle i just went with eberle. Hope this helps or gives you some ideas and thank you for the wonderful video. :)

[@TheMostImportantStep]

Hey thanks for the suggestion! It sounds like these packs are super versatile which is awesome. The only thing is it looks like they can be quite a bit heavier. I’m curious if you know how much they typically weigh? My current pack weighs 1.88 pounds empty for just under 50L of volume and if I went up to ~65L it would weigh 1.98 pounds

[@TheMostImportantStep]

Here’s our full CDT gear list for those who are interested: themostimportantstep.com/index.php/cdt-gear-list/

[@bilzill1]

Good information - Thanks for sharing

[@katharinaweigel7299]

Loving it, first of all thank you! One question remains tho: looking at your tarp setup, how did you deal with the ground being wet at times? I imagine it becoming much more important where you camp when nothing shields you from wet-ish grounds below. This has always kept me + dog from going only with a tarp as I’ve not wanted everything to get wet during rainfall, or from below. Could you elaborate that specific part a bit more? :)

[@TheMostImportantStep]

Definitely! I try to pick campsites that aren’t lower than the surrounding area, that way if there is significant rainfall we won’t get flooded out. I also use a painter’s drop cloth as a ground sheet for added moisture protection. The only times I’ve had problems have been when it snows, then melts just enough to make everything soggy and when we’ve had to camp in top of snow. Those events were pretty rare though, only 2-3 the whole trip

[@katharinaweigel7299]

@@TheMostImportantStep Thank you!

[@NewbieNikki]

Thanks for the video!

[@danielcurtis1434]

For some reason it’s actually easier to control 2 or more dogs versus 1? Although they can feed off each other if their not trained and poorly socialized

[@TheMostImportantStep]

In my experience, it depends. Overall, I think having one dog would be way easier from a logistical, cost, and behavioral standpoint. Trying to manage both dogs, especially with one being large, can be a handful at times. That said, I wouldn't change our situation.

[@TeddyBearFarmer]

Thank You for the video. Do you have a Wish List for gear/things you would like for your upcoming hikes ?

[@TheMostImportantStep]

I don’t currently, but that is a great idea and I can make one pretty easily!

[@brandonstone1358]

The link to your gear only takes me to some "contest winner" screen where they want me to sign up to claim my rewards.. might want to check the link.

[@davidpayne1519]

Hey Bailey, what's going on, how u doing these days, good info with experience to back it up ,spring is round the corner, whatcha thinking

[@TheMostImportantStep]

Hi David! I’m doing okay, just trying to get things in order for that warmer spring weather! Should be an announcement soon...

[@bubbalovesoatmealadventure108]

Oatmeal was wondering...how did you buy these dog bowls from Groundbird Gear? Are they still in business?

[@TheMostImportantStep]

Hmm, it looks like maybe they aren’t taking orders right now. I bought those bowls a few years ago so I guess things have changed. I have also used the bigger ruffwear bowl and am now using a brand called mobowl

[@bubbalovesoatmealadventure108]

Thank you 🙏

[@turkeywalker7046]

Did you bring your dogs for the entire thru? If so, how did the little one do?

[@TheMostImportantStep]

Yes, both dogs completed a continuous, border-to-border thru hike. Skittles did great! She is honestly the best hiker out of the three of us. She had a few foot problems between Lincoln and Butte, but no other issues the rest of the hike.

[@turkeywalker7046]

@@TheMostImportantStep could I ask you some questions from time to time? My dog is similar in size to Skittles and I didn’t bring her on the AT, but sometimes I wished I did. I’ve got a CDT 2024 coming up and am deciding about my dog again.

[@TheMostImportantStep]

Absolutely! You’re welcome to email me at [e-mail]

[@larryrush3414]

Fantastic video!! You completed the CDT with both dogs. That’s amazing and congratulations!!