Trail Time With My Pups: What I Wear & What I Pack for Summer Hikes

Hey Tall Girl!

Let’s be honest: hiking with dogs in the summer is one of my favorite things ever. But it’s also not just “grab a leash and go.” Between making sure my gear works for my tall frame and making sure the pups don’t overheat or run out of snacks (because yes, they’re snack monsters), there’s a little bit of prep involved.

Here’s what a typical summer dog hike looks like for us, and what I wear to stay comfortable and not look like a walking mosquito bite by the end of it.

☀️ Pick a shady, mellow trail

I usually aim for trails that are shaded and not too long (mine are puppies, and I'm raising couch dogs, not endurance athletes). Especially when the temps start to climb, remember: if it’s too hot for me, it’s definitely too hot for the dogs. Bonus points if there's a stream or a little pond they can splash in (but no rolling in dead fish, please and thank you, iykyk).

👟 What I Wear

Alta Reina base layer top – even in summer, I’ll throw it on at the start of the hike when it's cooler or breezy. It’s breathable and gives me a little protection from scratchy branches and unexpected wind.

Trail shoes – no slipping on gravel, or rock bruises.

Leggings or shorts that actually fit – because obviously. I make my own, but you know the problem.

🐶 What I Bring (for them)

Water – I always bring enough for both me and the dogs. Sometimes I pack a collapsible bowl, sometimes I just squirt water into my hand like a weirdo.

Snacks – The dogs get snacks every time. Plus, we work on training even when we are on the trail, and I'll never win if I don't have some snackages...

Poop bags – Always bring extra. Nothing worse than discovering there’s a hole in the one bag you brought. Also, if I see a random poop on the trail that someone else left behind? I’ll be a team player and pick it up. Let's keep the trails clean (I could go into all sorts of reasons leaving poop is an environmental no-no).

Leashes – Some trails are leash-only (check ahead!), and even if they aren’t, I bring one just in case. You never know when you’ll run into another hiker, horse, or an overzealous chipmunk.

🥾 What I Bring (for me)

Water - (full disclosure, I just bring a small bottle and leave a bunch in the car.)

A snack - Nothing fancy, just something to keep me from getting hangry if the hike takes longer than expected.

Phone, keys, maybe a small first aid thing - I’m not fancy, I just throw it all in a little daypack.

Final thoughts

There’s something super grounding about hiking with your dogs. Everyone is present, dogs sniffing every bush like it’s the best thing they’ve ever smelled, bouncing down the trail like it’s their personal runway, me listening to the birds, wind through the trees and always keeping an ear out for other hikers. And when you’re wearing stuff that actually fits and works with your body (instead of against it), the whole thing feels even better.

Here’s to good trails, happy pups, and never running out of poop bags. 🐾

Cheerfully, 

Suzi