What I Bring to HIKE and BACKPACK with My Dog! | Miranda in the Wild

So many people have asked for a video about my dog's backpacking and hiking gear! I'm excited to finally show off what my dog uses hiking and backpacking as well as how she carries everything. Nala is my adventure dog and favorite backpacking buddy, and dialing in her gear has been just as important as working on my own kit. What will be right for you and your adventure dog will vary, and you probably don't need all the gear I use, but hopefully this video can help you decide what backpacking and hiking gear will help you and your dog on your outdoor adventures!
*This video is NOT sponsored by Ruffwear. They just make a lot of great outdoor gear for dogs!
Backpacks for dogs: 1:02
Dog sleeping bag and sleeping pad: 4:35
Dog leash for backpacking: 5:28
Cold weather gear for dogs: 6:10
Food storage and collapsible dog bowl: 8:25
Dog first aid kit: 9:25
Shop ALL of my gear: www.rei.com/s/miranda-in-the-...
Ruffwear Front Range Pack: www.rei.com/product/189519/ru...
Ruffwear Palisades Pack: www.rei.com/product/115958/ru...
Ruffwear Highlands Sleeping Bag: www.rei.com/product/170245/ru...
Ruffwear Highlands Sleeping Pad: www.rei.com/product/182028/ru...
Ruffwear Roamer Leash: www.rei.com/product/189571/ru...
Ruffwear Booties: www.rei.com/product/179640/ru...
Ruffwear Fernie Jacket: www.rei.com/product/160660/ru...
Ruffwear Collapsible Bowl: www.rei.com/product/129588/ru...
Adventure Medical Kits Trail Dog Kit: www.rei.com/product/113073/ad...
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[@genefromnc1814]

REI……if you EVER replace Miranda with anyone else, I’m going to Backcountry for all my shit. You’ve been warned! 😁

[@coryrigali4675]

Agreed

[@robopecha]

then she will have her own channel and we would watch that. and it would feel less like a commercial and she would make more money.

[@argument1582]

Agreed

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

Popping in to say - I have my own channel now! 😄

[@jimizxztheorginal]

​@@MirandaGoesOutside New channel is 🔥

[@vidchatsofrandomness]

Yes to more dog content!! Nala is such a sweetie!

[@zachzuchowicz4842]

I’d love to see a Nala cam on future videos! It would be cool to see an adventure from her perspective even if it is just for a couple shots or b-roll!

[@pamlavallee9051]

I don’t even have a dog but here I am diligently taking notes because I just love Miranda and Nala content.

[@sassytbc7923]

You put the pack on her and the look on her face was priceless.

[@camillebourne4955]

PLEASE make “Recreational Pack Mule” merch 😂🐪

[@rei]

👀👀👀 - Miranda

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

I don't even have a dog and I'm watching this. BTW, on leashing dogs, while on a day hike in the Adirondacks, I came upon a couple who lost their small dog (that was off a leash) when a larger dog chased it (that was also off a leash) and the little dog was terrified and it disappeared. It was heartbreaking to hear the owner calling for her dog in tears. I hope she found it.

[@amazon7891]

You make it sound like it was big dog’s fault when actually the owners are at fault. I hate how big dogs are blamed for anything and everything.

[@floridabowhunter]

@@amazon7891 agreed, I came across this guy with a small dog off a leash running around a trail like an idiot and he had the audacity to ask me defensively if my dog was friendly when my German shepherd was on a leash! Some people act like they own the world and they have no consequences for anything they do, hes gonna learn the hard way one day when his unleashed oversized rat dog meets another unleashed dog that's not the size of a burrito.

[@Sassa328]

I’d love to hear how you trained her, especially for hiking and adventures! She’s such a good girl ❤️🐶

[@rei]

Thank you!! It's been a process - she's a very nervous and shy dog - but being outside has actually been really great for her confidence! - Miranda

[@ewik939]

@Zach Blechner Look up cooling vests! I have a cooling vest for my dog from a brand called Hurtta - you dip it in cool water and put it on the dog and then it insulates the cool water temperature close to the dogs body (especially chest region with all larger blood vessels etc). It works SO well!!

[@chelseah27]

Yes! Yes! Yes! to more dog related videos, please! I’m new to outdoor activities and have been to nervous to take my dog with me on more than just a short hike.

[@heidih2887]

Yeay, Nala! :D A sit pad or dog bed of some kind is SO worth it! :D Along with a dedicated "blanket", dog sleeping bag or whatever. As stated, the human(s) and dog will sleep SO much better. And the human's sleep system will stay much cleaner/drier and less likely to be damaged by claws! :D

[@rei]

So true! - Miranda

[@BeeeHonest]

Watching your clip always put me in a good mood. Thx Miranda.

[@zac_in_ak]

I don't even have a dog or want one but I had to watch because Miranda is so entertaining

[@ShroomAndMoss]

Yes to more dog content ! Also I'm nerding out with all this gear and dog info 😍😍😍

[@gillyinnes]

thank you - this really cheered me up - love how real you keep it. I am a bit of a tom boy and there is literally no one around me that can get excited about this stuff so seeing a female present these things was inspirational - thankyou

[@PCL73314]

Great ideas. My dog goes with me on all my outdoor adventures, so would like to keep hearing about Nala!

[@mtnbknmichigan]

Awe 🥰 Give Nala scratches from me, great video guys!! ♥️⭐️💫

[@logancowell5858]

Heard about Nala in another video. So sorry for your loss.

[@lindamorassi4458]

Great video!

[@brittnilynn0]

I would LOVE to see you go climbing with Nala. That sounds so crazy to me! I don’t have a dog, so need more Nala content to live vicariously through Miranda

[@m.hernandez1404]

Nice that Nala takes you hiking. Now I want to see you with a cat.

[@michaelc5584]

WOW! Nala is such a good girl!! ♥

[@dunisens]

Really enjoy the content when Nala is present and to see the possibilities with dog hiking! Gives and extra extra warm feeling to your videos :-) Great content!! =)

[@rei]

So glad to hear, thank you for watching! 😁

[@coryrigali4675]

I came here to look for upgrades and instead this is just exactly what I already own for Bud lol Something something great minds, something something alike -Idk I'm not a great mind And yes, if the dog is being insane and wild and won't calm down and it's time to watch a movie or something... I take him outside for a run and then just put his pack harness on him (the Ruffwear harness sans pack) and he's just immediately chill lol The Ruffwear gear is all just absolutely game changing. The hands free leash I use every day. The pack, the sleeping bag, the pad, big time saviours. The shoes he still hates wearing, even on pine needles that he hates, we're working on it. Now, anytime I pick up his sleeping bag, he's just jumping around hoping we're going somewhere lol Also the Ruffwear Knot-A-Hitch? Amazing.

[@sarahv_l1587]

Yasss love this dog content and agree with everyone we’d love to see more! Also curious about food solutions to replace wet dog food (other than kibble) and dog first aid kits! Thank you!

[@onneloveee]

Soo Cool!

[@princenabby1]

This was just so helpful. Thanks, Miranda and Nala! Also: I think we need a spliced video of every Miranda burp on MIW!

[@jenniferrago493]

Well I don't have a back packing dog. But I do have a back packing cat. Except I carry all over her gear. And although she walks on leash for most of it. I end up carrying her as well.

[@JoelBecker72]

Cooper (my dog) and I are here for the burps but also the Nala content! She is such an influencer!

[@rei]

Nala is 100% the influencer in this family 😁 - Miranda

[@tez310574]

Hi from Australia Miranda.Buuuuurp!! Nala is so adorable GOSH DARN.

[@nickname6747]

Excellent video! So useful. Thanks for uploading and the link provided to the website article :)

[@rei]

Thanks, Nick. Sure thing!

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

Great video! You can never have enough outdoor gear and dog gear if you ask me 😅

[@hail_void8844]

My dog has the same issue with drinking water, and we've found that a doggy water bottle works miracles!

[@rebaz3596]

Love the doggie content! Would love to know more about what you’re preferred tent situation is with her. Do you opt for a 2 person tent to give her enough space? Or perhaps a 1.5? I’m concerned about easily poking holes in the tent, quilt, pad with their nails too. Looking forward to your advice! Thanks!

[@rei]

Hi Rebecca! We've slept in a 1 person tent before, but I definitely prefer a 2 person tent. I keep Nala's claws trimmed short. I used to wrap my air pad in a blanket because I was worried about her poking a hole, but haven't had an issue yet! - Miranda

[@nomnomdgair5677]

I really enjoy how you guys don't edit out some of the random ramblings :)

[@hannahcollins1816]

I love the ribbing about Miranda's "First Aid Kit" 🤣🤣 aka pile of Band-Aids

[@bevanbuckwheatshea5520]

NALA IS SUPER GORGEOUS.

[@definitelynotcarrie]

Loved this video! We have a Nala too, haha. Our other dog loves to hike and camp, and we've used some Ruffwear hiking boots for him but have had an issue with them slipping down under his dewclaw, which causes it to rub a blister. (We've used socks and vet tape with them too). I'd definitely recommend to anyone using the boots to really be sure to check every once in a while that they are still in place, especially the first couple times they use them. We love the Palisades Pack so much! The handle is fantastic for helping your dog get over obstacles. Great video, as always!

[@rei]

Nala has a look-alike! 😍 Thanks for sharing your experiences with the dog boots and pack. We agree the pack handles are really helpful.

[@katye.3795]

Thanks! Hiking the AT with my dog was a childhood dream. Turned out the dog I adopted would not have done well on trail and I didn't actually get into backpacking until I was 36, but [shrug]. Someday when I have another pooch, I'll probably try taking them out on trail. This video will definitely get a second view then!

[@LinariaFreeze]

Just ordered the Palisades pack for my labrador. We're gonna have some fun adventures :)

[@rei]

Excellent! Happy trails to you two! 🥾💚🐾

[@jen21ash3]

Such a great video.

[@rei]

Thanks for watching, Jennifer!

[@TennesseeSlim]

Ruffwear for life!

[@melissarobinson9618]

Haha, Miranda called Nala a weirdo 😆

[@mnelson929]

Mushers is fantastic! We put it on my dog's pads during the winter to protect them from salt on the sidewalks.

[@rei]

Yes! It was a huge help this past winter! - Miranda

[@spacemaster13]

I love y’all 💜💜

[@Ts7005]

Linnea and Akela, she used a sleepingbag liner and then fills it with her clothes. Awesome idea for a sleeping pad!

[@nehnehnehbatman]

She is the best thing that has happened to REI.

[@oldminer5387]

Good information. Nala has more gear than I do.

[@berkandrem]

Thanks so much for the video. I day hike with two dogs, so I am really interested in the hands free leash option! I love Nala's attitude - I wonder what she is thinking...

[@tyraphillips6762]

Love this video! My girl is just a year old and ready to start out on adventures. She’s shorter hair like Nala so I love the cold weather stuff you showed. Now let’s see if my girl will enjoy booties 😂

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

... Great video for your 4- legged family member ,, most dog's love being out on trail ,,but not everyone likes to be approached by a dog they don't know .. Nala looks like a great hiking pal.. .... More gear than what I used to use but if they don't mind carrying the pack and a little weight it helps for you.... Would suggest not attaching leash to your pack or belt ,, if a slip or wildlife become present ,, you will be pulled down and unable to deal with the situation ...

[@rildn7]

My adventure dog is getting old, 14 yo lab, weve been across the country though ! They are the best !

[@Monster1472580]

Almost thought the video wouldn’t include a burp! Thanks Editors!!! 😄

[@geemail369]

11:02 _FINALLY!!!_ ... episode would've felt incomplete otherwise!

[@puma51921]

Nala looks like my Red nose Pit. He loves backpacking.

[@LWilli5]

NALA! 🥰

[@ghost762]

Looking at the Ruffwear Approach for weekend trips for my Ellie

[@RainerGolden]

Whooo!

[@bethgentry5565]

A doggie sleeping bag is a good idea. On my last overnighter my dog didnt want to sleep in her bag instead she tried to sleep on my head, shes a pittie. Still working on her own bag thing. Great video

[@rei]

Honestly, same here. I found that wrapping her sleeping bag around me to warm it up first made her more likely to climb into her own space. I hope it works for you two! - Miranda

[@Asianlove4ever]

Yes!! More dog content please 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@amandagourdz]

I would love to see more dog jacket/sleep systems for larger dogs who are also double coat/long coat. Idk where you would find such a dog, but that’s my particular doggy needs. I want her to stay warm but not overheat at night/ during the day. Cooling vests too maybe?

[@glitterxpunk]

OMG nice to meet you Miranda ❤️ I’m Miranda!

[@waterfirecards5128]

HE HAS IT

[@argument1582]

My boston really enjoys going out. I like the idea of larger dogs having grown up with rottweilers and Dobermans, but one thing I think should be considered about dog size is ::: can you carry the dog out if need be? Mags can't carry much more than her food/ water and a coat for 2 days but since she's smaller she needs less weight,and if need be I could carry her back to the vehicle.

[@hannahheather2004]

OKAY BUT I FOR REAL DO THE SAME WITH THE PACK MULE/DONKEY VIBES. Nala is so cute!! I love all your content but I love the dog content. I miss my adventure dog, and I'm living vicariously through you and Nala.

[@projecttreecollard]

hey...i would love to know 2 more things! 1) how do you protect her food from bears if your bear canister is full? 2) how do you actually pack her pack to distribute space/weight and what just doesn't fit (dog sleeping bag?) Thanks!

[@markusschaffer9712]

Bond would happily use the Palisades pack,but God forbid he uses a sleeping bag. Doesn’t fit with his Stoic philosophy…. 😂. Miranda,you’re the best thing to happen to REI. Keep up the adventuring!

[@HOLLAitisGilanne]

the palisade draped over miranda’s leg at 3:53 looks like a dog smiling lol

[@drivingmissmolly]

I have two mini doxies that act like collies, energy for daaaays. However, I know I’d always have to carry their gear because 1) they would only be able to carry about two pounds each which would certainly help but here is where the catch is 2) their little bodies are so awkwardly shaped I’ve only ever found one harness that they can wear for long distances without any chafing so I couldn’t buy them packs because I KNOW they would chafe. Probably wouldn’t be able to find a pack small enough either.

[@alexkasacous]

Have you used or have any advise on dog GPS locators? They seem like they'd be useful if hiking with a dog off lead.

[@michaeldilillo9902]

What size is the palisades pack? Small or Medium? Thanks for the video.

[@alexandercoates4256]

"dog sleeping bag or carry a fleece blanket. . ." Dog; dogs hole in dirt, lays down. Me, here's your backpack, you can carry some of your own gear. Dog; k, I'ma go jump in that pond or role in a puddle

[@ciaramillerrocks]

Something that helps encourage our dog to eat when backpacking is adding condensed milk to her food. Otherwise she won't touch her food. It's rich in nutrients and helps convince her to eat after camp is set :)

[@Brockdorf]

What about wearing a small barrel of brandy around the neck?

[@CelebralBore]

I have like 5 beds and 5 blankets for my dog. I think I could use them for hiking xD

[@mhm015]

Curious to know what you've had to use the doggy first aid kit for. I honestly hadn't even thought of that.

[@rei]

I've used the tick tweezers, antiseptic wipes, and ointments. For me, it's mostly about having a separate kit that's stocked for her to avoid diving into my own stuff. - Miranda

[@ewik939]

Went hiking 5 days last week with my pup, I brought cleansing wipes and lotion to care for her paws each night. I also brought elastic bandage and rubber booties which were helpful since one of the days was a little rough on one her paw pads, so we took precautions and wrapped it the day after to prevent from more wear + dirt. Also obviously tick tweezers and saline solution that you can use to rinse any wounds :) and on top of that a lot of stuff from my own first aid kit works, like compresses and dressings

[@Outsideville]

My 12 year old rescue dog watched this and just sighed. I don't think he was impressed. He's hard to impress or motivate. He didn't even react to the smoking jacket or the donkey. He's a tough audience.

[@kevinlee6744]

Are you going to do a review of the Gregory jade backpack you chose in a previous video?

[@erdogg05]

Nala is the name of my dog as well. She was named by the rescue and I kept the name. She is a very beautiful German Shepherd/Pitbull/Poodle/Golden Retriever mix.

[@jjackhammer5915]

Is there a dog backpack which also doubles as a life jacket?

[@tariqalijanpk]

I like you every episode. Love from Pakistan

[@XxEvYx]

Is Nala wearing the large or medium pallasides pack?

[@mollymccann5043]

Question about backpacking on your period: I use reusable pads, and I usually just put them in with my dirty clothes and move on. In bear country, should I put them in the bear bag away from my tent? Thanks.

[@rei]

Great question, Molly. Reusable pads do not need to go in a bear canister, but some people have recommended rinsing them as soon as possible.

[@billjohnson69]

Might want to keep Nala’s first aid kit with you. If she was to get into a dust up with an animal it might be damaged or ripped from her. I’m in NorCal and have seen what mountain lions and coyotes do to even large dogs and s backpack would be no obstacle.

[@mtadams2009]

I just got off about 100 miles of the Long Trail in Vermont with 45 lbs. hound mix. I used that sleep system you have which I purchased at REI and its fine but to be honest it's pretty heaving for a tiny bag. I use all super light gear, mostly Zpacks does anyone know of a company that makes light sleep systems for dogs and for that matter packs. All of this Rough Gear stuff is fine but on the heavy side. That tiny bag and backpack weighs more than my own. my dog loves to hike and does 20 miles a day no problem. She does not carry any of her own gear. Any advice? Take care

[@jamesrodriguez3671]

Do you apply any kind of mosquito and fly repellent to her? Btw great tone (burp) at the end!! I love your videos

[@coryrigali4675]

I found an effective one that's dog safe (you cant use deet) Keeps all the flies and stuff off my guy. Vet's Best Mosquito Repellent I also take dog safe sunscreen

[@rei]

I just learned that Sawyer Permethrin is safe for dogs! I'm going to start using that on Nala. Check it out here: www.rei.com/product/751264/sawyer-permethrin-pump-spray-12-oz - Miranda More from Sawyer: sawyer.com/dogs-and-permethrin-insect-repellent/

[@coryrigali4675]

@@rei I'll have to check it out!

[@chrisduncan941]

Is there an amount of days that is too long to take a doggie out with you backpacking? Should it only be 2 or 3 days?

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I have some of this same gear for my pup! I just really wish she would let me put boots on her so she could join me for more trips.

[@madeleinebright2590]

Question about cold weather gear: Obviously this varies by breed and size, but generally, what is a good rule of thumb for deciding to equip your dog with cold weather gear? 40 degrees? 20? Is there guidance to better understand dog cold tolerance?

[@rei]

This is probably a good question to ask your vet.

[@ThisIsFiftyWithLil]

Definitely, coming back to this list for Shadow-dog & Sombra-dog after we get to Vermont. But first, and glad this notification reminded me, must find vid for people packs. I know someone who is getting all things to be prepared for hiking & fishing for his upcoming birthday... my husband.

[@Raevenswood]

An episode on dealing with poison oak/poison ivy and dogs on the trail would be awesome. Dealing with exposure and preventing transfer from dog to human.

[@rei]

Thanks for the suggestion! We hope you enjoyed the video. 😄

[@seanleal2292]

Does Nala not get tired on really long hikes with all that weight on. I know dogs can carry a good amount of weight, but in my experience once we start going alot of miles my dog will really get exhausted.

[@avrilone]

You can’t replace Miranda, this is her world! 🌍 And she’s just to darn cute and intelligent!

[@eleanorhg5848]

Any recommendations for hiking gear for a small (but adventurous!) dog?

[@rei]

Much of the same gear Nala uses comes in sizes perfect for a small and mighty pup!

[@zeyuyu8113]

Cool, but it’s like a ruffwear products introduction😂

[@calvinmonroe2408]

Hi NALA!

[@Swimdeep]

I wonder if it’s even possible to hike with my cat…prolly not. Can’t wait until I find my rescue pup.🌿🐾

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

.. Actually I have seen a number of cat's on trail ,, mostly carried in a front baby carrier but there are some that like to perch on top of the pack on a shoulder .... and they do have small harnesses for them to walk on a leash ... there are some KZbinr's that have them on video's ...

[@Swimdeep]

@@rockytopwrangler2069 Thanks for that Rocky… I have been working with him with a leash and harness but still being in a large city makes it difficult. I will have to wait until Fall when we will be making our way to Northern California.🌿

[@MrRoman0629]

Your dog has better gear than I do

[@jmason61]

This came up as a random video.. very cool, I camp but not ever with a dog. She has her own sleeping bag is that a prank?

[@jordanyoder4181]

Need more footage of Nala in her outfits.

[@thelivnded12]

more dog content!!! i have three!!