Camping with your dog: what to pack in the canine bag
Going camping with your dog is one of the best plans there is: nature, the outdoors and your best companion enjoying it by your side. But a good adventure starts with good preparation, and your dog's bag deserves as much attention as yours. From water to technical clothing, by way of the bed and the first-aid kit, there's a list of essentials that make the difference between a perfect weekend and one full of surprises. In this guide we give you the complete checklist of what to pack in the canine bag to go camping without forgetting a thing.
Before you leave: the basics you can't miss
There's a block of must-haves that go in the bag no matter what, whatever the weather and whatever the destination.
The first is hydration and food: enough water, a portable bowl, their usual food (camping is no time to change the diet) and a few snacks as a reward. The second is rest: a bed or blanket that feels familiar will help them sleep in a new environment, and a towel to dry them off never goes amiss. And the third is safety and identification: a lead (better if you have a long one for moments of controlled freedom), a comfortable harness, an ID tag with your phone number and bags to pick up their waste. That covers the essentials; from there, it all depends on the destination and the weather.
What clothing to pack for camping with a dog
Here's one of the points most often forgotten and most appreciated. If you're wondering what clothing to pack for camping with a dog, the answer depends on the weather, but there are two garments that solve almost any camping scenario.
The first is a raincoat. Out in nature the weather changes without warning, and a soaked dog gets cold and takes a while to dry, which is especially uncomfortable when you don't have heating to hand. A good, well-fitting raincoat keeps the chest and back dry, and saves you the problem of a wet dog inside the tent. If you're unsure whether your dog needs one, we clear it up in does your dog need a raincoat?.
The second is a hoodie for cool nights and mornings. In the countryside temperatures drop a lot at nightfall, even in summer, and a layer of warmth makes the difference so your dog rests well. It's especially important for short-haired breeds, small or older dogs, who feel those changes more. You can see our hoodies designed to move freely.
That said, with judgement: double-coated breeds like the husky have plenty of natural insulation and probably don't need to add clothing except in case of rain. As always, watch your dog and don't over-dress them.
Adapting the bag to the destination's weather
Camping in summer by the sea isn't the same as in a mountain forest in autumn. Before you pack, check the destination's forecast and adjust.
For summer camping, the priority is protection from the heat: plenty of water, guaranteed shade, walks in the cool hours and, at most, a light layer for the nights. For mid-season or mountain camping, warmth gains weight: a hoodie for the evening chill and a raincoat in case the weather turns. And for a destination where rain is likely, the raincoat goes from optional to essential. The rule is simple: dress your dog for the destination's real climate, not for the one at home.
The canine first-aid kit: small but key
A mini first-aid kit takes up little space and can save your weekend. The essentials: gauze and a bandage, saline solution to clean wounds or eyes, tweezers for ticks (common in the countryside), their usual medication if they take any and the phone number of the nearest vet to the destination. You don't need to set up a pharmacy, but do bring just enough for a minor mishap while you reach a professional.
💡 FARA 961 tip: pack your dog's bag the night before and keep their technical clothing (raincoat and hoodie) within reach, not at the bottom. In the countryside the weather changes fast and you'll want to be able to warm them up or protect them from the rain in seconds.
Making sure the clothing fits well: comfort in full adventure
There's no point in bringing the best technical clothing if it fits badly. On a camping trip your dog is going to move a lot —walking, running, exploring—, so the fit matters even more than on a normal walk. A garment that squeezes the chest or rubs the armpits becomes a problem within a few hours of activity.
Before putting any garment in the bag, make sure it's their size. You only need their chest girth and back length; compare them with our size guide and, if you've never measured them, follow the step by step in how to measure your dog. Comfort guaranteed so the adventure is pure enjoyment.
Conclusion: a good bag, a better adventure
An unforgettable camping trip with your dog is cooked up in the preparation. With hydration, rest, safety, a basic first-aid kit and the right technical clothing for the weather, you've got everything important covered so your dog enjoys it as much as you do. The key is adapting the bag to the destination and not forgetting those two garments that save the day: a raincoat for the rain and a hoodie for the chill.
Planning your next getaway? Kit your dog out for adventure in our shop: technical clothing, comfortable and stylish, for camping without limits. Comfort first, attitude second.
📸 Show us your dog camping on Instagram: @fara961dogwear.
Frequently asked questions
What clothing does a dog need for camping?
It depends on the weather, but the two key garments are a raincoat (the weather changes without warning and a wet dog gets cold) and a hoodie for cool nights, which in the countryside drop a lot even in summer.
What's essential to pack in a dog's bag for camping?
Water and a portable bowl, their usual food, a bed or blanket, a towel, a lead and harness, an ID tag, waste bags, a basic first-aid kit and technical clothing for the destination's weather.
Can I take any dog camping?
Most dogs enjoy camping, but adapt the plan to their age, fitness and breed. Puppies, older dogs or short-haired ones need more care with temperature and long exertions.
How do I stop my dog getting cold at night in the tent?
With a bed or blanket that insulates from the ground and a hoodie if they feel the cold or are short-haired. Keeping them dry during the day (with a raincoat if it rains) is also key so they don't get cold when night falls.