camping with petsCamping with Pets – The only things you actually need to bring.

The next time you are thinking of heading away camping with pets make sure you pack the right equipment for your furry friend. I have seen so many different lists and pages upon pages of information on what to pack for you pet when you go camping that it is easy to see why people get so confused.

The reality is each pet and their relationship with their owner is different. You might have a family friendly dog that lives by your side all day every day, and that will need different equipment and care compared to a hunting or tracking dog.

Does you dog sleep at the end of your kids bed every night, will they end up in the tent with you when you turn in, or will they have their own dog tent and doggy sleeping bag. Do they like to sleep under the stars and keep watch over your campsite while everybody is asleep.

These things will govern what you need to bring on your next camping trip. We cover off on the basics here because our dogs are basically part of the family. They sleep wherever they want, eat when we do and are free to wander around once the campsite is safe and animal friendly.

A couple of things we always watch out for when we go looking for a camp site for where we are bringing the dogs along is – is it a safe environment for the dogs in the first place, are there likely to be any other dogs there and what rules and regulations do we need to be mindful of when we setup camp. Are there other wild animals or livestock nearby that may cause issues.

Take all of these things into consideration before you leave the house. Pack only what you need and bring along one of their favorite chew toys to keep them entertained while you are relaxing – they get bored too you know.

 

coleman-sundome

Coleman Instant Tent Review

Coleman Instant Tent Review

If you are a fan of camping, you have probably heard the name Coleman. They are one of the biggest names in camping equipment and accessories and have been offering quality items for over 50 years. These items include products such as lanterns, coolers, grills, sleeping bags, and pretty much everything in between. They also make tents, which are a necessity when you are camping.

Coleman tents are available in many sizes, colors, and shapes. They also vary in the amount of features they have and in price, and many can be assembled instantly. There are so many different items available, there is no doubt you will be able to find one that will make you a satisfied customer. Here are a few to consider.

Coleman Instant Tent Review1. Coleman Sundome Tent

The Coleman Sundome Tent is a dome-shaped tent that is designed to sleep up to 4 people and is 59 inches tall in the center. It is green in color, with light and dark gray accents. The setup for this tent is quick, due to the specialized poles and pole sleeves. It comes with a bag to carry it in and is relatively waterproof. There is also a lot of interior space so it isn’t cramped.

Pros:

  • Port for electric hookup
  • Has vent and windows
  • Easy set-up
  • Protection from rain and water
  • Has room to move around
  • Comes with a carrying case
  • Reinforced seams

Cons:

  • Poles may break
  • Tent may lose integrity with heavy winds

This tent is not only a great price, but it has reinforced seams to help keep it waterproof. Add to that the fact that it is easy to set up and offers protection from the elements, and you have a great product. However, the product may not be able to withstand heavy winds or extreme weather, so it should be used only in weather that is mild.

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2. Coleman 8-Person Instant Tent

coleman 8 person tentThe Coleman 8-Person Instant Tent is a spacious two-room tent. The base of the product is 14 feet by 10 feet, and it has many windows to ensure proper ventilation. The poles of the tent are already attached, meaning set up is painless and can happen very quickly. That also means you can’t really misplace any of the poles. It comes with a removable room divider and is able to comfortably allow for at least two queen-sized air mattresses.

Pros:

  • Room for 8 people
  • Has 2 rooms
  • Can remove room divider
  • Has good ventilation
  • Setup is quick and easy

Cons:

  • May need stronger pegs
  • Tent is too heavy to backpack with
  • Unable to stand up to heavy winds

Although this tent is easy to set up, it is over 40 pounds, making it improbable as an easily portable tent. On the flip side, it does come with its own carrying case, is roomy, and can protect you from rain and the elements. Coleman also offers a separate rain cover for this model, which may not be necessary.

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coleman 6 person tent3. Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Screened Tent

The Coleman WeatherMaster is a 6-person tent that has many cool features. It is nearly 7 feet high in the center and has a specially designed hinged door, as well as a screened-in room in the front, which can be used to eat breakfast or look outside. It also has extra protection in the floors and a sturdy frame.

Pros:

  • Can hold 6 people
  • All-weather ventilation
  • Has a hinged door
  • Easy to set up
  • Has floorless screened in room
  • Extra strong frame

Cons:

  • Stronger pegs needed
  • Tent may leak
  • Front door doesn’t zip at bottom

If you want a tent that will remind you of your home, this is a good one. The fact that it has a door and a type of porch makes this one interesting enough to look at. The fact that you may need stronger pegs and to modify it a bit to keep certain areas from leaking does not take away from its overall appeal. Furthermore, this model has great ventilation, even when it is raining.

Buy on Amazon

Conclusion

The best part about buying a tent from a large company is the fact that there are often manufacturer warranties. Each of these tents comes with a 1 year limited warranty, but that is really where the similarities end.

For the best deal, the Coleman Sundome Tent is the clear winner. It is a classic tent that weighs in at less than 10 pounds, so it isn’t hard to lug around. It also has a great price and is easy to put up and take down. The product also offers great protection from rain and is big enough for a small family to use, i.e., two adults and a kid or pet. It also has a port to allow for electricity and a special hook inside so you can use a lantern and not have to sit in the dark.

If you have a larger family, the Coleman WeatherMaster is a good choice. It has exciting features that will offer you a bit of luxury while you are camping. With all tents, it is recommended that you put a tarp down before setting up the tent. This will go a long way in making it waterproof, especially on the floor areas. If you do this, there are very few negatives about this product, and the price is pretty reasonable.

Finally, if you want a large tent where there is room to spread out, the Coleman 8 Person Tent will offer you that type of solution. Since it is heavy, you will want to be able to park near your campsite so you won’t have to lug it around. Other than that, it offers space for everyone, and the fact that it can be broken down into two rooms makes it perfect for a family with children.

the kurgo wander dog bed

Best Dog Sleeping Bags for Camping

The Best Dog Sleeping Bags

When you are packing to go camping, don’t forget about man’s best friend.

Consider all the comforts and accommodation you have for yourself and think about if your pet would like some of the very same things.

In addition to food and water, he or she will need some protection from the elements and the weather. This means that unless they sleep in the tent with you they will need their own blanket or special bed.

dog sleeping bags

These dog sleeping bags or bed come in different sizes and varieties and are made with an array of materials. Great for when you are camping or visiting friends and the pooch comes along for the ride. Some are furry and warm, while others are made of fabric that is waterproof and easy to clean. These products are also designed for different purposes; some are for extra padding and others offer a covering for the dog to maintain body heat.

No matter what type you are looking for, there are a list of things to consider, including the amount of support it offers, what size of dog it is for, and what material it’s made of. It is also important to note if the item can be used for other purposes as well. For instance, some of these bags are great for indoors or in the car. Let’s look at a few options.

Chuckit! Travel Dog Bed

This bed is shaped like an oval and looks just like a miniature version of a sleeping bag. It is designed to be put down in a crate or tent for a dog to sit on, or used in conjunction with other dog beds.

It can also be used as a blanket if a dog gets cold overnight. The product is made of a microfiber top and a nylon bottom, which is resistant to rips, even by a dog’s claws.




Rating

4.6 out of 5 stars

Features

  • Nice soft Poly microfiber top makes this extra cosy
  • Bottom nylon ripstop cover makes this bod bed super durable
  • Easy to clean – just chuck it in the washing machine and away you go
  • Double quited so it wont gather or clump after washing
  • AT 30×39 inches this bed suits both small and large dogs
  • Comes complete with a handy nylon stuff sack for easy transport
  • Lightweight – just strap it to your pack and off you go
  • Suitable for both home and travel use

Review


There has been a lot of great reviews on the Chuckit travel dog bed. Everybody says how comfortable and happy their dogs look on them – both big and small. One of the advantages of this bed is that you can machine wash it when it gets smelly. Our dogs love to get messy when they are out and about so having the ability to wash and dry it quickly is a huge advantage.

Suitable for dogs of all sizes and you could search online for quite a while before you find a dog bed of the same quality for the price.

Great quality, great price and the dogs love it. READ MORE

RUFFWEAR HIGHLANDS BED

This dog bed is another great option if you are looking for a camp bed for you dog when you hit the trails or campsite.

It is very lightweight and packs into a neat stuff-sack so easy enough to carry into the woods or pack it into the car and just unload when you get there.

Handy loops built in so you can pin this to the ground to stop pooch running off with it…




Rating

4 out of 5 stars

Features

  • Insulates dog from the ground with high-loft Thermore insulation
  • Water resistant shell
  • Quick drying and durable
  • Compresses down into supplied stuff sack
  • Secure bed with the included stake-out loops
  • Fits in all sizes of the Palisades Pack

Review


The best thing about this dog bed is the weight and size when packed. You can really compress this down into the stuff sack and if you are a fan of travelling light then this is the bed for you. Because of the weight, as many reviewers have stated you can even get you dog to carry this bed himself.

A couple of people have noted that the bed may be a bit on the small size if you have a big dog so check out the size first here to make sure its suitable for your pooch.

A quality product from Ruffwear so check it out before you head off on your next trip. Your dog will love you for it… READ MORE

Kurgo Wander Bed


The Kurgo Wander Bed is just as the name implies. You can use this bed from the house to the car to the campsite. It features a soft fleece top and a rubber bottom, which helps it not slide around, especially in the car.

It can be vacuumed off, offers a bit of support to dogs of all sizes, and rolls up just like a sleeping bag. The product is available in medium or large




Rating

4.5 out of 5 stars

Features

  • Ideal dog bed for cars, camping and traveling
  • Has a rubber bottom so will not absorb moisture from the ground
  • Roll it up like a sleeping bag during travel or storage
  • Polygo fleece top for super comfort and padding
  • 36 x 48 x 1.5 inches opened
  • 17.5 x 8 inches rolled

Review


The Kurgo Wander Bed is ideal when you travel with your dog. Stick it on the back seat on the way and use it at the campsite when you get there. The Rufftex bottom will stop it soaking up moisture from the ground at camp and if it gets dirty just throw it into the washing machine.

It has a nice thick fleece top that will make sure your dog is comfy when away from home. They even have a zipper pocket so you can pack a favorite toy for when you get there.

You can roll it up and store it in seconds when you head out walking or bring it inside when the weather turns bad and pooch ends up in the tent with you… READ MORE

  • Ruffwear Highlands Bed
  • RUFFWEAR HIGHLANDS BED
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • ✔ Waterproof
  • ✔ Suitable for Large & Small Dogs
  • ✔ Machine Washable
  • PRICE= $$

  • chuckit dog bed
  • CHUCKIT! TRAVEL DOG BED
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars
  • ✔ Waterproof
  • ✔ Suitable for Large & Small Dogs
  • ✔ Machine Washable
  • PRICE= $

  • Kurgo Wander Bed
  • KURGO WANDER BED
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • ✔ Waterproof
  • ✔ Suitable for Large & Small Dogs
  • ✔ Machine Washable
  • PRICE= $$

Final Thoughts


Our dogs take pride of place at home and yes they do get spoilt a lot…

When we started our research for a suitable camping dog bed we sort of hit a wall. There are a lot of options available and it took a while to narrow it down to the ones we picked.

There were a couple of key things we looked for in the reviews we found online. Quality is hugely important as we don’t want them to fall apart after a few trips.

This is where the Chuckit! Travel Dog Bed came out on top. It is the easiest on the wallet and also the cutest. If your dog doesn’t need a huge amount of padding or protection from the ground or likes to hide under covers, this is a great pick for them. Besides that, from what we have read it is very durable so your dog would have it chewed into a million pieces in under ten seconds, which is something that is rare in any type of dog product.

When you are searching for the right sleeping bag for your dog, there are very few things that set them apart from each other. All the products listed above are machine washable, roll up or have a carrying case, and can be used with other items.

The Ruffwear Highlands Bed may be your thing if you are looking for the greenest solution of the bunch. Some of the positives are that it dries quickly and is lightweight. The use of recycled materials and the fact that it can be secured just like a real tent may be one of the reasons why this product costs more than the others but all the reviews seem positive and many will compliment Ruffwear on their quality products so may be worth the additional cost.

These are our thoughts on the best dog sleeping bags available but please do your homework and research yourself if you have the time. If not then for value for money go for the Chuckit Bed.

If there is a camping dog bed, sleeping bag, or dog travel bed that you use we would love to hear about it in the comments below and if you enjoyed the information feel free to hit one of the share buttons to help us spread the word.

Everybody deserves a good nights sleep – even your dog – no matter where you are.

Happy Camping…

dog camping tips

Camping with a Dog

group of dogs

Top tips for camping with your dog

Camping is one of the best ways to get a break from the daily city life, packed schedules and the hustle and bustle of modern life.

It is a great way to unwind and spend a few days away from home, bond with your family and have some fun.

But in order to make the most of your camping experience, you must choose the right companion to go with you.

For many, this right companion may be their pet dog. Having your dog with you camping is a very rewarding experience. Dogs are low maintenance, good company, easy to please and pretty quiet as compared to humans.

They will keep you entertained and can truly make your trip one to remember for a lifetime. But for those who have never gone on a camping trip with a dog, some of our tips and suggestions could prove useful.

[bctt tweet=”Dogs love camping and the outdoors too!!”]

Best gadgets and tools to bring when camping with your dog.

In order to make your trip comfortable while camping with a dog, there are a few things you will need to bring along with you.

The following is a list of a few essential ones:

Leash and collar

retractable leashYou will need to carry a strong leash and collar which will help you hold your dog if he decides to lunge onto something or go for an unplanned run.

There are lots of things that will excite your furry friend when you hit the woods or trails so make sure you can keep them under control. 

On any camping trip, it is a good idea to keep the dog on a leash when not under your direct supervision to avoid him wandering off into the woods.

Pick yourself up one of these retractible leads for walking.

You give your dog room to move but you stay in control.

Dog carrier/crate

Another essential items to take with you when camping with your dog is a dog carrier or crate.  Dogs have a habit of getting themselves into mischief in the car and creating havoc while you are headed to the camping site. Its an exciting time for all involved and your dog is no different.

Mine tends to sit looking out the window with his tongue dangling in the wind and licks my ear the odd time while I’m driving but if you have a dog that does not travel well then you may want to use a crate or harness will help you keep the dog safe and give you a smooth ride.

Dog Night Light

Here is a superb option to help keep a watch on your dog when it gets dark on the camping site. These handy lights let you find your dog when it gets dark. They even give off enough light so he can see whats n front of him when walking about. These can be attached to the dog’s collar in the evening if you are out walking.

Not sure if you have ever had to go searching in the woods for an ‘escaped’ dog before but these are a great idea and let you find moggy before he does too much damage..

Remember to take them off again when you settle in for the night. Your dog will be tied up, or in my case curled up in a ball right in the middle of our tent so no need for them.

First aid kit.

Accidents do happen and caring for your pet should be treated in the same manner as caring for anybody when you are camping. Besides packing a first aid kit for yourself, you must also get one for your dog.

There are a few items in this Pet First Aid Kit which can help your dog if it hurts himself or has an upset stomach on the camping trip. 

dog camping tipsSafety and Precaution tips:

It is important to take precautions to ensure the safety of your dog on a camping trip.  It is important to check your dogs health before heading out and prepare him well before visiting the camping site. The following are a few of the most important safety and precaution tips for your dog:

Before going camping, take your dog to the vet and get a health checkup. Ensure that all vaccinations are up to date and the dog is fit to travel.

You must try and keep the stress levels of your dog as low as possible before and during the camping trip to ensure that both you and him have a good time out in the wild. If you have a god like our he/she won’t be stressed anyway but will go bananas when he finds out he is going camping. How do you say yee-haa in dog language…

Your dog must be well hydrated during the trip and for this; you must ensure that he has a well shaded rest area for nap time. If the dog appears dehydrated or exhausted, then make sure he gets a lot of water and rest.

Carry dog blankets with you while heading out for the camp to ensure that he remains warm during the night as temperatures tend to drop on several camping sites. You are snuggled up in a sleeping bag but your dog may get cold unless you look after him.

Check out where the nearest vet to the campsite is before you go camping to ensure that your dog can get quick attention if anything goes wrong. You should know the exact location and route to the vet clinic. When injured time is critical as to the outcome.

Other important tips for camping with your dog

The following is a list of some of the other effective tips for camping with your dog:

About Poop: It is important not to litter the camping site and to avoid doing so; you must carry poop bags with you. There is nothing worse than walking along a trail and planting your nice hiking boot into the leftovers of doggy dinner.

When at camp you will have the dog tethered to a tree so the potential mess area is small and easy to maintain, but when you hit the trails keep an eye on you r dog and please make sure to clean up after him.

Trail etiquette: It’s true that you love your dog but you can’t expect everyone else to do so as well. Make sure that while you are hiking or are on a trail, you make way for others rather than letting your dog keep others from having a smooth trail. You must know how to control the dog and should have him on a leash while on a trail.

Training: It is very crucial that your dog is well trained and well behaved before you take him out on a camping trip with you. For this, you must train him in advance by teaching him when to sit, when to fetch, when to get up etc. Dogs need to be trained to behave well and be in control when outdoors and all of this has to be started much before the trip.

Aggressive: Remember that if your dog is an aggressive breed or showcases aggressive behaviour outdoors, then it is better to leave him home rather than take him out on the camping trip. Most camping sites have many visitors and your aggressive dog will not be welcome.

For barkers: If you have dog that loves the sound of his own voice, one who has a loud bark, then it is important to teach him how to stop on command. The loud barking sound will drive all the others on the camp crazy and hence it is crucial that you know how to stop him quickly. They will bank a lot when out camping – there is so much excitement and they will be loving it. Thats fine, but at night time nobody likes constant barking, although it does help to drown out my snoring a bit..

Wanderers: If you have a dog that loves to wander off on little unplanned adventures then its best to keep them on a long leash while at camp. When walking you can use one of these retractable leads to give them some freedom but yet keep you in control

If you follow these tips while taking a dog on your next camping trip, then you both will surely have a great time out in the wilderness.

What are your tips for bringing the dog camping or hiking. These work for me but we are always happy to get tips form our readers. Leave a comment below to help others out.

Cheers and Happy Camping.