Pack Like Alma: Essential Gear for Mountain Adventures

When you’re a trail dog in British Columbia, the mountains demand respect. Steep singletrack, surprise rain at the summit, and long days out with your human mean you’ve got to be prepared. Here’s what I (Alma) never leave the trailhead without.

1. My Adventure Harness

I rock a sturdy Ruffwear harness that’s more than just a fashion statement. It gives my two-legged hiking buddy a safe handle to help me up steep scrambles or across tricky logs. Think of it as my built-in belay system.

2. Water & Collapsible Bowl

Exploring burns energy fast—I need water stops often. My human carries a collapsible trail bowl so I can sip creekside or at the summit. Bonus: it tucks into the side pocket of a pack with no fuss.

3. Carry-Your-Own Pack

Some days I strap on my Ruffwear Approach Pack vest and haul my own water. Dogs like jobs, and my job is hydration mule. Just don’t expect me to carry your snacks, Alan.

4. GPS Tracking Collar

With my Tractive GPS collar, I can explore off-leash while my human chills out knowing I won’t disappear forever. BC trails are wild—I say wander free, but track responsibly.

5. Rain & Warmth Jacket

At sea level it’s sunny, but at the summit it’s socked in and freezing. That’s why I bring a light jacket for rain and warmth—perfect for keeping the zoomies alive even in gnarly weather.

6. Poop Bags (Leave No Trace)

Adventure rule #1: take only memories, leave only paw prints. Poop bags always ride in the pack. Nobody likes surprises on the trail.

7. Extra Battery for Photos

Because let’s be real—half the point of hiking is the photos. An extra battery pack keeps the camera and phone alive to capture my best angles.

8. Gondola Pass

After tagging the summit of the Chief in Squamish, sometimes my legs prefer a scenic ride down. Yes, I’ve got my own gondola pass. Trail dogs ride in style.

“A prepared pup is a happy pup. Pack light, pack smart, and always pack snacks.”

—Alma, Chief Exploration Officer