The Best Dog Gear of 2018

Published May 15, 2018 12:00AM

Ruffwear Trail Runner System ($70)

Ruffwear’s system is a leash, fanny pack, and hydration pouch in one. The lead is stretchy and attaches directly to the wide hipbelt, so you can keep your attention on the trail ahead.

Fishpond Bow Wow Travel Bowls ($23)

The secret to never leaving your companion’s food and water bowls in the car? Keep them in your pack. These fabric containers collapse flat and cinch tight.

L.L.Bean Ultraplush Inflatable Bed ($70)

Share the car-camping luxuries. This dog bed rolls up and straps tight via built-in belts, then self-inflates to a comfy two inches of cushion. The fleece cover zips off for washing.

Kurgo Wapple Balls and Tossing Discs ($8 and $10 each)

Dog-park entertainment gets a colorful upgrade with Kurgo’s Frisbee-worthy flat discs. (The doughnut hole makes for easy catching.) Lightweight Wapple balls resisted teeth marks for an entire summer.

Astral BirdDog Flotation Device ($70)

A must for any white-water trip, this sturdy PFD helps timid dogs stay afloat and strong swimmers paddle longer. We like the reinforced handle on top for hoisting dogs up to 75 pounds.

Flowfold Trailmate Leash ($25)

Flowfold makes its leashes from recycled climbing rope, so they have a little give and lots of strength. There’s no chance your pup will break this lead.

T3 K9 Quick Harness ($133)

Thick 1,000-denier Cordura straps are a cinch to adjust and get fastened in place with the same buckles used on Navy SEAL parachutes. In short: your dog isn’t tearing out of this thing.

Orvis Conceal-a-Collar ($25)

It ain’t pretty, but this sturdy nylon strap serves a higher purpose: beefy plastic clips let you tuck a flea and tick collar inside to keep bites at bay.

Adventure Medical Kits Canine Field Medicine ($15)

This book demonstrates how many of the supplies in your own first-aid kit can double as emergency care for your pooch.

Filson Dog Retrieving Toy ($25)

Bulky toys can make for labored breathing. Drawing on recent research, Filson’s is narrow at the waist to ease airflow.