You may not be thinking of camping as we start December and head into the winter months, but we are! Earlier this year, we made the move from Virginia to Colorado. The last few months for us have been super busy with trying to settle into our new home and traveling all over the place. While we have been able to hit the trails a few times in our new home state, I want even more! I cannot wait to do more exploring in Colorado this spring and am excitedly waiting for our first camping trip next year.
Springtime may be a few months away, but if you need something new for an upcoming camping trip why not ask for it for Christmas? That’s why I’m sharing the top items any pet parent would need when planning a camping trip with their dog for our very first Stocking Stuffer Giveaway this year.
Our Stocking Stuffers Giveaways are an annual celebration that I created as a way to say thank you to all our dedicated readers who’ve stuck with us through the good and bad all year long. I’ve worked extra hard this year to bring in some amazing sponsors that produce some of the best pet products currently on the market. If we’re giving it away as part of this festive celebration, then you should know we absolutely LOVE it!
Today marks the first day of the our 2017 Stocking Stuffer Giveaways and a great one. I don’t generally pick favorites on things – I don’t have a favorite movie, actor, song, or even color (just not navy blue – blah!), but this brand is hands down one of my favorite pet brands! We’re all so lucky that alcott has generously agreed to sponsor this giveaway!
Top 5 Camping Essentials for Dogs
Quality Made Leash and Collar
Investing in a quality dog collar and leash is important for any pet parent, but even more so for those who love outdoor adventures! If you are going to spend a decent amount of time outside, then you definitely want a leash that is going to hold up to the elements and everything that mother nature throws your way.
When looking for a quality leash and collar set, look for one that is comfortable for both dog and human to use. Also, take a look at how well the leash is made by inspecting the thickness of the material (nylon or otherwise), the regularity of the stitches, and any imperfections. It’s also great if your leash has a warranty against defects! Don’t forget to also inspect buckles and enclosures. The last thing you want is your leash to disconnect from your dogs collar because they caught a glimpse of a wild animal or someone else’s tasty campfire meal!
Our go to collar and leash over the years has been the Adventure Collar and Leash line from alcott. The collar itself is padded and the leash features a padded handle, which is great if you have a dog who pulls a bit. I love the fun bright colors they come in and the reflective stitching is a major plus, especially when you do any walks (or hikes) at night. We generally use alcott collar and leashes and nothing else. I may switch up the colors or get a new set just to make them look a little fresher, but I have never had an issue with the collar or leash breaking over time.
If you are looking for a new collar and leash for 2018, I highly recommend you pick one of these up for your pup! If you have multiple dogs, you could also give their braided rope leash + coupler a try.
Reflective or Light Up Gear
When you’re out camping there are no streets lights to help you see and see your dog at night. You just have the light of your lanterns, flashlights, and the fire. It’s great because you get an amazing view of the stars, but unless you constantly keep a light pointed at them, you may lose track of where your dogs are (even with them tethered). To help keep an eye on Ralph & Luna, I always clip on a light to their collar. Two good options include Nite Ize SpotLit Clip-On LED Light and the KRUUSE B’Seen 360.
Not only with these lights help you make sure your dogs aren’t getting into too much trouble, but it will also help others see them and keep them safe. If you are staying at a campsite, there will be still be some car and RV traffic and it’s always a good idea to make sure your dogs are visible.
Lights may also be handy if your dog gets loose or lost. Though eventually the battery will die, they may be able to help you spot them sooner. Another great option is a collar and/or harness with reflective stitching. No batteries are required there, but it will still help you locate your dog and improve the visibility of them to others. In addition to all their other benefits, alcott collars and leashes feature reflective stitching!
Somewhere to Retreat
After a long day outside full of hiking and other adventures, I bet you’d want somewhere to just chill out for a bit. Your dog probably does too! If you go glamping like me, then you probably bring along a folding chair or something else a comfortable to sit on and rest your feet. Sure, you could let your dog go in and out of your tent, but keep the entry open may also invite unwanted creepy crawlies inside and no one really wants to share a bed with a spider or tick. YUCK!
Instead, we bring along a smaller tent for the dogs. It allows them to curl up and get out of the sun (or rain) while we are hanging around our campsite. The pup tent also provides them a special place where they can feel safe while they are away from home and in an unknown place. Even dogs that love to explore want somewhere they feel safe!
In the past, we had a smaller tent for the dogs but we just upgraded to the Explorer Pup Tent from alcott! It’s a bit bigger at 28″ L x 45″ H x 35″ W and a great fit for both Ralph & Luna, but still only weighs 1.5 lbs! I think that is actually lighter than the one we used before. Though alcott only has one size, it is designed to fit most breeds and their beds (for extra comfort). Just like a human tent, it has ventilation panels for optimal air flow (4 in fact). I’m also obsessed with the bright green color. It makes for some super cute photos!
To go with the Pup Tent, we also have alcott’s Explorer Sleeping Bag. If you don’t want to bring along your dog’s regular bed, this is a great camping alternative. The new design (as of 2017) features a waterproof base to keep your pets protected from any moisture in the ground or spillage! The sleeping bag can be used as a floor pad in the tent, unzipped fully for more coverage, or used as a standard sleeping bag. My favorite thing about it though is that when you roll it up, it actually fits back in the travel bag unlike any other sleeping bag I’ve ever had!
If you don’t go camping, both the Explorer Pup Tent and Sleeping Bag from alcott can be great for indoor use! Have you ever made a blanket fort and wanted your dog to join? Now they can have their own tent! It’s also a great pop up way to contain a dog or provide a safe place. Any dog (or cat) that loves to snuggle would also love the sleeping bag as they can slip inside and stay extra warm!
First Aid Kit
You can predict when accidents will happen, but you can probably know that when you are out on an adventure they are more likely. Any time we go camping we are sure to include a full first aid kit in the car. You can find what we put in it here. This kit is super handy because most items can be used for BOTH humans and dogs. While there are a few specific items that you can’t use for both, it’s good to be prepared for injuries or illness for both you and your pups.
We also generally bring along a smaller, more compact first aid kit when we are hiking and far from the car. If you don’t want to put your own first aid kit together, you can search for one on Amazon or pick one up from alcott!
Also, don’t forget to bring allow your flea & tick preventative or at least treat your pets ahead of time. We use natural flea & tick options in our house, but whatever you use in yours also works!
Food and Water
Of course, you can’t forget to bring along food and water for your pup! If you won’t be doing much backpacking and will have regular access to your car, you can probably just bring along whatever they regularly eat. If weight is an issue, I’d recommend checking out a dehydrated food option. We love the recipes from The Honest Kitchen and they’ve even started offering Single Serve Cups which are perfect for travel! If you are interested in having your dog try dehydrated food, you can save $8 off a 2 lb box (affiliate link) of dehydrated food from The Honest Kitchen with our promo code AMBBGJS7123.
Pack a collapsible bowl like one from Dexas Popware for Pets to take along when you’re hiking and make sure to offer your dog water often. For your campsite, I’d recommend a more sturdy bowl that with keep dirt and bugs out and prevent your dog from flipping it over. Our go to is the Yummy Travel Bowls from Sleepypod!
More About alcott
If you want to learn more about alcott, be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
And if I’ve convinced you to check out one of my favorite brands, then don’t forget to join alcott’s Rewards Program! Plus, if you use my link then you get 500 points which is worth $5 towards your purchase!
THREE lucky Beagles & Bargains readers will receive an alcott Prize Pack!
Residents of the United States are eligible to enter via the Rafflecopter below. Entries must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on Friday, December 22, 2017. The winner will be notified via email within 48 hours of the giveaway closing and will have 48 hours to respond and claim his or her prize.
The alcott Prize Pack will contain one (1) Explorer Sleeping Bag and one (1) Explorer Pup Tent. Winners will be able to select the size of the sleeping bag depending on availability. Estimated value is up to $80.
Don’t forget to check out our Holiday Guide!
And don’t miss any of the 14 Stocking Stuffer Giveaways!
Have you ever been camping with your dog? What is your must have item to bring along?
Want to save these tips for later (when the weather is a bit nicer)? Save Top 5 Camping Essentials for Dogs by pinning the image below on Pinterest!
Disclaimer: alcott provided product free to review. I am being compensated to help spread the word about alcott. I received no other compensation or additional benefits for mentioning the brands or products in this post. The opinions and ideas in this post are my own and are uninfluenced by any other person or business. alcott is responsible for all giveaway prizes including shipping.
Affiliate links are used in this post and I may receive a commission if you click and/or purchase from the link to help support this blog. Do not worry, these links do not affect the price of products.
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