What to Pack for a Day Walk with Your Dog

A well-packed bag makes the difference between a brilliant day in the countryside and a frustrating one. Whether you are tackling a moorland fell or a gentle canal towpath, having the right kit for both you and your dog keeps everyone comfortable and safe.

This guide covers everything from the essentials to the nice-to-haves, organised by priority so you can pack light for short walks and load up for full-day adventures.

Essential Kit (Every Walk)

These items should go in your bag for every walk, regardless of length or weather:

For your dog

• Water and bowl: A collapsible silicone bowl weighs nothing and packs flat. Carry at least 500ml of water per dog for a half-day walk, more in hot weather.
• Poo bags: More than you think you need. A roll of biodegradable bags takes up no space.
• Lead: Even if your dog walks off-lead, always carry a lead. Livestock, other dogs and road crossings all require it.
• Treats: High-value treats for recall and rewarding good behaviour. Something smelly works best in distracting environments.
• ID tag: A legal requirement on the collar. Check it is readable and the number is current.

For you

• Waterproof jacket: Always. Even in summer the weather can turn in minutes, particularly in hill and coastal areas.
• Phone: Fully charged. Carry a portable battery pack for long walks. Essential for emergencies and navigation.
• Map/route: Phone GPS is great, but a paper map or downloaded offline route is a reliable backup.
• Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, fruit. Walking burns more calories than you think, especially with the constant bending to throw balls.
• Small first aid items: Plasters, antiseptic wipes and a tick remover cover most minor emergencies.

Half-Day Walk Additions

For walks over 2 hours, add these to your pack:

• Dog first aid kit: Conforming bandage, wound pads, saline solution, tweezers. See our Dog First Aid Kit guide for the full list.
• Extra water: At least 1 litre per dog for a 4-5 hour walk. Dogs drink more than you expect, especially in warm weather or on hilly terrain.
• Warm layer: A fleece or insulated jacket for rest stops. You cool down quickly when you stop walking.
• Lunch/flask: A proper meal and a hot drink transform a long walk. Sit on a hilltop with a sandwich, a flask of tea and a happy dog. Perfection.
• Spare lead: A lightweight spare lead weighs nothing and could save the walk if your main lead breaks or you lose a clip.
• Dog towel: A microfibre towel for drying off after river crossings or rain. Also useful for wiping muddy paws before getting back in the car.

Full-Day and Mountain Walk Extras

For walks over 5 hours or in mountain/remote terrain:

• Waterproof trousers: Essential in upland areas where weather changes rapidly.
• Navigation: Compass and OS map (1:25,000 for mountain areas). Do not rely solely on phone GPS in areas with poor signal.
• Head torch: Even if you plan to be back before dark. Winter daylight is short and delays happen.
• Emergency shelter: A lightweight bothy bag (from 30) provides life-saving shelter if conditions deteriorate on exposed hills.
• Dog coat: Short-coated and lean breeds (Whippets, Greyhounds, Vizslas) may need a warm waterproof coat in cold or wet conditions. Even thick-coated dogs benefit from a coat during long rest stops in winter.
• Dog boots: For rough, rocky terrain or hot tarmac. Not all dogs tolerate them, but they protect pads on sharp ground.
• Dog food: For full-day walks, carry a meal or high-energy snacks for your dog. They are burning serious calories too.

Choosing the Right Bag

The bag itself matters more than you might think:

• 15-20 litre daypack: Big enough for a full day's kit, small enough to not encumber you. Look for a pack with a hip belt to keep weight off your shoulders.
• External mesh pockets: Ideal for water bottles and dirty poo bags.
• Waterproof or with rain cover: A dry-bag liner or integrated rain cover protects contents in heavy rain.
• Multiple access points: Top-loading and front-zip access lets you reach items without unpacking everything.
• Lead attachment point: Some dog-walking specific packs have lead clips, treat pouches and bag dispensers built in.

Do Not Forget the Car Kit

Keep a permanent kit in the car for post-walk comfort:

• Large towel or dog drying coat
• Boot liner or car seat cover
• Spare water and bowl
• Change of socks (pure luxury after a wet walk)
• Carrier bag for muddy boots
• Dog treats for the journey home