Snow from a March blizzard lingered on the trail, making the path a slippery, wet obstacle course. We were tired and sore, both of us. We couldn't wait to get to our campsite each night and collapse in our tent. But still, we were on the Appalachian Trail and had more than five months of outdoor adventure lying in front of us like a red carpet leading to some special, magical place. Despite our discomfort, we really couldn't complain.
Most dogs can carry their own gear.
Select a pack that is properly sized to fit your dog, and let it get used to it on short day hikes before embarking on a long trek. Never allow your dog to carry more than a quarter of its body weight. In general, take a break at least every two hours. Carry plenty of water. Dogs get dehydrated, too.