The Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Dogs (And Their Humans)

From sleeping bags to toys, gifts for your best friend who likes to “ruff” it.

Emily Pennington| Maren Horjus| Updated October 14, 2024

27 reviews with an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars
A dog snuggles in for a nap in a sleeping bag at camp in front of a tent, where a human and another dog watch food cook.

You have good gear, why shouldn't your best friend?

From leashes and harnesses that keep them by your side on the trail to sleeping bags and storage (for their favorite squeaky toys, obvi) that keep them comfortable in the tent: Upgrade your four-legged adventure buddy's kit this year with any of our favorite gift ideas below.

Why shouldn't your loyal companion share every adventure? This cozy canine cocoon with its lightweight synthetic insulation from Ruffwear gives furry friends a spot to stay warm and snug during chilly outdoor nights. The bag compresses into a stuff sack to eliminate unnecessary bulk, and it's easy to clean thanks to its quick-drying polyester fabric shell. A zippered opening helps your doggo get in and out easily, and pets who prefer not to be covered can use the bag as a bed. If your pooch loves sleeping in the lap of luxury, consider adding the matching outdoor dog pad (not included). Buy here.


A person walks their white dog with brown spots, who is wearing a blue harness.
Photo courtesy of Ruffwear

Ruffwear Flagline Dog Harness

A good harness reduces strain on your pup's neck and shoulders, and can discourage pulling. The Flagline Dog Harness from Ruffwear checks those boxes and more. This durable, customizable harness is relatively low-profile and so lightweight it feels barely there for Fido, with six adjustment points for maximum comfort. A foam-padded construction and a streamlined back handle make it easy to give your dog a lift or boost them up over obstacles and into vehicles. The Flagline is a breeze to put on and take off, and three points of attachment help your pup stay secure on a leash in any environment. There's even a loop to add a small light or an ID tag for additional safety. $59.95

This ultralight, convenient-to-carry dog bowl from Ruffwear makes our list as the practical pet present of the year. The Trail Runner Bowl collapses down to pocket size or clips onto gear or a pack, making it an easy reach when your best furry buddy needs water on the trail or a snack at camp. (It works best for smaller or medium-size breeds, as the opening can be too tight for big muzzles.) And, its durable polyester fabric is quick-drying and easy to clean, making it an instant essential. Buy here.


A person in a striped shirt walks their dog, who's wearing a blue jacket.
Photo courtesy of Ruffwear

Ruffwear Stumptown Dog Jacket

You have your go-to extra layer when temps turn chilly. Shouldn’t your four-legged fellow adventurer have one too? The cozy Stumptown dog jacket from Fido-approved Ruffwear is just the thing. The relaxed-fitting vest sandwiches 120 grams of recycled polyester insulation between a rugged, 300-denier ripstop shell fabric and 30-denier polyester lining, all in a handsome, quilted package. The dog jacket’s bluesign®-approved, nonfluorinated durable water repellent (DWR) finish keeps raindrops at bay, while reflective trim simplifies spotting Spot in low-light conditions. Side-release buckles ensure an easy on/off process for getting out the door before those earlier and earlier sunsets. Available in XS to XL doggo sizing. $79.95


Unleash a world of wagging tails with the Bark National Park Plush Dog Toy, a chew toy collaboration between Bark and the National Park Service. The plush stuffies are made with 100% recycled materials and offer long-lasting entertainment for medium to large furry friends (20 pounds or larger). They're the primo gift for squeaking, chewing and endless games of tug-of-war. The best part? Bark donates a portion of the profits from each sale to preserving our national parks. Buy here.


A dog stands outside in dusk wearing a Nite Ize Nitehowl LED Safety Necklace
Photo credit: Andrew Bydlon

Nite Ize Nitehowl Rechargeable LED Safety Necklace

Keep eyes on your best friend after the sun goes down with this light-up collar. Three colorful LEDs (red, green or blue) or optional Disc-O mode illuminate a lightweight polymer tube that you snip to fit around your pooch's neck. It's great for campsite hangouts and after-dark walks or runs to keep your doggo visible to drivers. Micro USB rechargeable battery is ready to go after about 1.5 hours plugged in, and Nite Ize claims a run time of 5.5 hours. $20


From the dog park to the trail, Wolfgang Man & Beast lets furry friends show off their wild side with colorful, psychedelic collars like this bright print. The ShatterShapes collar is abrasion-resistant and long-lasting, with extra durable polyester webbing (pull-tested at over 800 pounds, or about 40 French bulldogs) and equally strong hardware, including a black powder-coated steel D-ring and curved release buckle. Got a pup who likes to slosh around in every puddle? No problem. The collar’s print is fade-resistant for long-lasting, hardcore use. Buy here.


Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots - Pair

A dog in a green bandana laying down is wearing Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Booties
Photo credit: Andrew Bydlon

Shield your pooch's paws from granite, spiky desert floor, snow, ice, melt chemicals and more with the Ruffwear Grip Trex booties. They slide on easily with a hook-and-loop closure and boast a tacky Vibram® outsole that's on par with what's likely on your own shoes. There's a learning curve for the first-time wearer, but it tends to result in a funny video, so keep your phone handy. Note: The Grip Trex are sold in pairs because your dog's front and back paws may be different sizes. $39.95


The term "waterless bath" is music to the ears of any pets (and pet parents) with an aversion to the tub. This sulfate-, paraben- and cruelty-free waterless dog bath product from kin+kind includes calming vanilla and almond essential oil as well as coconut and olive oil that are gentle on skin. Simply rub the cleansing soap foam into your pup's coat and let it air-dry. No wetting, rinsing or hosing-off required. Buy here.


A chestnut colored dog wears a green collar that has small icons on it, including a tent and compass
Photo courtesy of Wild One

Wild One Leash and Collar Flair Camp Package

Let’s be real: A lot of us fur parents make stockings for our doggos each year, filled with loads of small gifts. It’s how we show our love—and a great excuse to bedeck our pal in adornments like this camp-themed kit of flair charms for your pup’s leash and collar, courtesy of Wild One. The silicon campfire, tent, compass, mountains and backpack show off their love of the great outdoors, even on pavement-bound city strolls. Arrange along a nylon collar or leash (not included), and when they invariably get mucky, simply pop the pieces into the dishwasher for a quick rinse. $20


Any outdoorsy animal-lover likely knows the eternal headache of packing, organizing and repacking their pup's gear, whether it be in a car trunk or in the musty hall closet. The toys alone, never mind the leashes and water bottles and sweaters! A portable organizing system like these Trailgate Gear Cubes from REI Co-op can serve as an antidote to that headache. Made with tough, 300-denier recycled polyester fabric, the soft but structured cubes make sorting everything from Fido's camping collection (or snack cabinet) a cinch. A nonfluorinated DWR finish means you can pack up when it’s soggy at camp, and zippered mesh tops make it easy to see what’s inside each box. They come in three sizes (10, 15 and 25 liters) that fit compatibly inside the Trailgate Gear Bin (sold separately). Buy here.


A hound dog holds onto a dog medical kit with a paw, in front of a waterfall.
Photo courtesy of Adventure Medical Kits

Adventure Medical Kits ADS Me And My Dog First Aid Kit

Experienced adventurers know to expect the best but plan for the worst—that's why every furry fam needs the Me And My Dog First Aid Kit from Adventure Medical Kits. This kit has you covered with supplies for both humans and canines, including self-adhering bandages that won't stick to fur, a tick and splinter remover, hydrogen peroxide, a pet first-aid manual and more. It's cleverly organized with separate compartments, making it easy to find what you need for the right species of hiker, even in stressful situations. Now let's hope you never need it. $56.95

Shop All Gifts for Pets


Need more inspiration? Check out our Best Gifts for Less Than $50, Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Kids, Best Gifts for Runners, Best Gifts for Campers, Best Gifts for Skiers, Best Gifts for Hikers, Best Gifts for Climbers and Best Gifts for Snowboarders.

Authors

Photo of Emily Pennington

Emily Pennington

Emily is a freelance writer and journalist with a special focus on the outdoors, national parks, adventure travel and solo female travel. REI member since 2015.

Photo of Maren Horjus

Maren Horjus

Maren Horjus is a former associate editor for Expert Advice and Uncommon Path, presently chasing powder and a humidity-free lifestyle in Boulder, Colorado. REI member since 2012.