Panda’s Gear List

It’s that time now, late February-early March. The time that literally thousands of people have been waiting for: “official” thru-hiker season! The 2,189 mile journey that is the Appalachian Trail has begun for dozens of people, and I say thousands have been waiting for it because it’s not just an exciting time for the hikers beginning the trail, it’s also a highly anticipated time by past and future thru-hikers, gear addicts, social media addicts, critics, and readers living vicariously through others.

While each of the above-mentioned groups hold varying degrees of my interest on the topic of thru-hiker season, this post is primarily for the gear addicts (and dog lovers).

happy girl

Gear, gear, and more gear

Over the course of the last month gear lists have become more prominent in thru-hiker news, popping up left and right from anxious hikers getting ready to take their first steps on the trail, and while my gear list and pack weight are still being finalized I am relieved to say Panda’s is done. All the missing pieces have been added, wrong sizes have been swapped, and her drop boxes have begun being sorted and labeled.

Now, I must admit even though I had a lot of knowledge concerning day and overnight hikes with dogs I had very little when it came to long-term trips, so I was very relieved to find that the Backcountry K-9 staff had extensive knowledge of canine gear and could provide advice and/or suggestions as well as the gear itself for any outdoor excursion someone may need. I was also blessed in a huge way when they agreed to sponsor Panda for the trip.

Panda’s list is as follows…

Panda’s final gear list includes 8 items, all of which came from Backcountry K-9 except her bowl, which came directly from Ruffwear.

Pack & Outerwear:

1. Ruffwear Headwater Dog Collar: red, waterproof, non-absorbent and stink-proof
2. Ruffwear Flat out Dog Leash: can be hand-held, used as a waist-worn dog leash, or secured around a tree or post
3. Ruffwear Palisades Dog Backpack: removable saddlebags, two internal collapsible bottles, easy-access stash pockets, coated zippers, high-visibility reflective trim, external gear loops, aluminum V-ring leash attachment
4. Ruffwear Hi & Dry Saddlebag Cover: waterproof, low-light visibility, integrated storage bag
5. Ruffwear Quinzee Insulated Dog Jacket: integrated stuff sack, weather-resistant, low-light visibility with reflective trim, auto-lock buckles for easy on/off
6. Ruffwear Sun Shower Dog Rain Jacket: water-proof, oversized storm collar, side-release buckles for easy on/off, low-light visibility with reflective trim

Sleep System:

1. Ruffwear Highlands Seeping Bag: compressible, lightweight, integrated pad sleeve, four stake-out loops to secure bed to ground or to hang dry, water-resistant, quick-drying
2. Ruffwear Highlands Pad Portable Foam Dog Bed: accordion fold design for easy transport, weatherproof, can be used alone or with the Highlands Sleeping Bag, lightweight
   

   Quality & Color from Backcountry K-9

Miscellaneous:

1. Ruffwear Bivy Bowl: ultra-light, collapsible, integrated hang loop, low-light visibility with reflective trim
2. Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots: non-marking Vibram outsole, mud guard, adjustable closure strap

 

In addition to the above main gear list I have Rid-A-Tick patches, a new tick removal system I’m looking forward to trying out, as well as her mandatory monthly doses of Heartguard and Nexgard. Those will protect her from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms.

Baby Girl & Me