Standing on a mountain trail looking out over the horizon while feeling your accomplishment of having hiked to that position is an amazing, life-giving experience. To many the only thing that could make that experience better would be sharing it with someone they love. Some hikers take friends or family along with them for the journey in order to share the joys of hiking. However, others do not have friends or family capable of a hike of that nature or simply want a hiking partner who’s a little quieter. Those hikers tend to turn to man’s best friend. Recognizing the unique and special bond hikers and their dog share, sports manufacturers have begun making hiking equipment specifically for dogs.
The essentials
While many dogs are trained to listen to their master’s voice and capable of walking a trail without one, most national parks require all dogs to be on leashes. Some breed of dog, particularly scent hounds, should never be without a leash anyway because their instinct to follow an animal trail can overcome even the sternest command. Good hiking collars and leashes are made of a flexible material and not leather. Good leashes for hiking...