We are by no means expert-level hikers. We've never backpacked or camped, though I am hoping to learn this year. We have hiked quite a bit though, enough to make us fairly experienced, and with kids of varying ages. We hiked with dogs, in varying environments, and we've got stuff we like, mistakes we've made, and stuff that's lasted through thick and thin.
Daypacks. I use the Osprey Sirrus 24 Daypack, and I've got the 3L hydration reservoir in it. Key for me is the hip belt--I wanted something that would give some back support and not just a flimsy strap. This has a good, solid strap with some pockets for light storage (my phone does not really fit in there, but I cram masks and tiny hand sanitizer in there, because these are the times we live in).
My focus in buying it was the hip belt and size, but there are some features that surprised me and made themselves indispensable. The mesh backing lets my back breath, and I never really overheat with the pack. We eventually started doing enough hiking that we got trekking poles, and lo, there is a place to attach the collapsed poles when I don't need them. Never thought I would use the attached raincover until I did, and not just for rain--snow, sleet, and even the memorable times I wrapped up creek-soaked children shoes in it and transported them home for a washing. The way the pockets are arranged makes sense and works well for access. There are a few places to clip carabiners on the outside, which is where I hang the collapsible dog bowls.
EJ has a small kids hydration pack--the Osprey Moki 1.5L. She started using it around age 5, and has used it up to age 9. Now that's she's 10, she's switching to a larger daypack, and this hydration pack is shifting to JD. It's got the airmesh harness to keep them cool, and a small pocket so they can carry a snack or two.
JK uses a very old Camelback hydration pack. Sometimes he uses the actual reservoir, but more often, he sticks in his favorite water bottle. Since JK is the designated hauler of children who refuse to walk another step, he keeps a slim, light pack, and I carry the bigger pack with all the snacks, extra water, first aid, dog gear, etc.
Dog gear. We hike with our golden retriever quite a bit, and we hiked with the previous golden too, until he got too old and politely declined* anything more than an amble. Telly, our previous dog, had endless amounts of energy and was extremely athletic. Finn... well, he's an excellent snuggler. He's still a puppy (turned 1 in October 2021), so he's got energy, but he's quite lazy, and he's the most clumsy dog I've ever had. He's very sweet though, and he likes to come with us, but he's also like OMG WHY about halfway through a hike, so we are measured about the length of hike we take him on.
We keep a water bottle for Finn with us, and have a collapsible down bowl. It's the United By Blue Earth Day Collapsible Double Dog Bowl. It's easy to clean, has a spot for food and a spot for water, collapses, zips up, and comes with a hook, so I hook it on the outside of my pack. We even travel with these, and it's his car bowls. They are just fantastic.
We don't exactly live in bear country, so we also hike with dog treats for Finn. He's food motivated, and he's still learning proper etiquette, so we use the treats to encourage (bribe) him.
Finn has three harnesses, and we always hike with a harness. He's quite large and strong, and the harness gives us a better ability to control him while still being gentle. If he surges ahead, the front clip makes him turn around--so she just doesn't surge. We have a Pet Safe harness, a Ruff Wear harness, and one from Duluth Trading Company. Our favorite leash for hiking is one that we got from Target, and it has the hand loop at the end of the leash, but also a hand loop about halfway down the leash. It gives us a comfortable two hand grip on the leash, which I like.
I hike with a small first aid kit for Finn. I got mine from REI, and it's the Adventure Medical Kit--First Aid Kit For Dogs. It's small and its got all the basics I would need for him for minor injuries.
Lastly, we always keep towels and dog wipes in the car. Hiking can be muddy business, and we don't want to miss out on the fun in order to stay clean! We got WeatherTech mats in our vehicles--in part due to winter weather slush, part kid crumbs, and part dog dirt. It does make it so our floors and carpet are pretty protected, which is great.
*Telly would see us assembling the hiking gear, stare at us with a disgusted look on his face, and go lay down in his favorite spot, but with his face buried in the corner. Okay, Telly, we get the message. Though that was really only the last few months of his life--before that he still was very energetic.
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