So we do a lot of day trips/half day trips to different nature escapes in the Midwest. We now have a solid packing list while going on a short list and a few items are must haves if you are traveling with your pup!
1. Backpack. You need something that will be comfortable while walking/hiking, but large enough to hold all the necessary items for a successful day.
Olive’s Backpack Choice – This one from north face, I’ve had this for about 5 years now and it barely looks used. It’s easily washable (I’ve made quite a few falls into the mud and it always comes clean).
Fern’s Backpack Choice – Whichever backpack you can get on sale at T.J. Maxx. I love a good bargain.
2. Water bottle. Hydration is our answer to everything. If you have a headache, drink water. If you are tired, drink water. If you are going for a walk/hike, drink water.
Olive’s Water Bottle Choice – I love my Yeti Rambler. I recently bought a straw cap as well and it’s been life changing. Yeti’s are expensive, I got mine in a holiday grab bag. So if you need a grab bag gift idea, I highly recommend a nice water bottle!
Fern’s Water Bottle Choice – My ThermoFlask that I bought from Costco. They never leak and always stay cold.
3. Pen and/or highlighter. This is always nice to have when going to a state park or a new nature escape. We love to use the physical map provided at entry and highlight the trails we are hoping to go on.
Olive’s Pen & Highlighter Choices – I am a bit picky about my office supplies. I love the zebra sarasa fineliner pens and the zebra midliner highlighters.
Fern’s Pen & Highlighter Choices – Whatever I can find in the bottom of my backpack or the center counsel in the car.
4. Snacks. If you asked Fern, she would say that Olive is always planning her day around food. So snacks are a must for her and she usually tries for something easy to eat on the go + something to give some extra energy.
Olive’s Snack Choice – Costco trail mix – so good. Put them in a stasher bag and you are set for your snack breaks.
Fern’s Snack Choice – Glazed nut mix from Sahale Snacks. So delicious!
5. Layers. Fern is great at this, she is a true over packer and always has at least three jacket options, a few sweatshirts and extra pants to layer. Me not so much, it’s a good thing we are usually traveling together and I can mooch off Fern.
Olive’s Layer Choice – I’m still working on this. Got my eye on this windbreaker from REI.
Fern’s Layer Choice – Fern believes that if your feet are warm, you body will be warm! Her sock of choice is Smartwool socks. They are thin but warm!
6. Dog water bowl. Whenever we travel with our dogs, we want to make sure they stay hydrated as well.
Olive’s & Fern’s Travel Dog Water Bowl. This is great because it folds up and can click onto our backpacks using the attached carabiner.
7. Dog seatbelt. Our dogs seatbelts have been a game changer when it comes to driving day trips. They easily connect to the collars and makes sure the dogs are safe during the traveling portion of the day.
Olive’s Seatbelt – I have the Vastar 2 Pack Seatbelt and it works well! I can tighten and loosen it as needed so my dog is as comfortable as possible.
Fern’s Seatbelt – I prefer the iBuddy Dog Seatbelt that wraps around the headrest and uses a carabiner to connect to the dog’s collar. It is a flexible seatbelt so she can move to get comfortable, but cannot make it to the front seat.
8. Fanny pack. Even though I typically have a backpack, I love having quick access to a few things while walking/hiking which is why a fanny pack is a great addition to a trip.
Olive’s Choice – I splurged on this lululemon one and it’s been a great investment. I usually don’t leave the house without mine and it fits my wallet, cell phone, hand sanitizer and whatever else I walk out of the house/car with.
Fern’s Choice – I usually just look for leggings with pockets and ask Olive to hold onto my stuff in her fanny pack.
9. Sun Protection! This is a must for us, I always want to protect myself from damage to my skin, cancer and wrinkles!
Olive’s Choices – Another sister of ours recommended the BeautyCounter sun screen line. I currently use their tinted moisturizer with spf and really like it. Also, I just got this adorable hat with a little dachshund (looks like my dog) on it and love it! Can’t wait to wear it on my next trip.
Fern’s Choices – Fern prefers a bucket hat. She has a favorite one from about 7 years ago. It is green.
10. Bug Spray! You never know how long you’ll be enjoying nature and you never want to be without bug spray when they start to come out.
Olive’s Choice – I’m about to snag a bottle of this spray.
Fern’s Choice – Fern is a fan of Thistle Farms and their mission of giving jobs to women survivor of sex trafficking. They have a natural bug spray.
Use this list when planning a day trip. Here’s list of day trips we recommend in the Midwest:
Bringing a highlighter is such a great idea. Something else to add to my backpack from now on.
I also love the Sahale snacks. Aren’t they the best?
handy list
I never would have even thought of a dog water bowl… I don’t have dogs but that is a good idea!
Great and comprehensive list of day trip essentials. I love that you include your dog essentials as well. The dog seat belt is a must for my pups travels, too.
Thanks for sharing this list! My husband and I want to start hiking and I’m definitely going to use this checklist to prepare. The more prepared you are, the more enjoyable the experience I believe. Thanks again for the tips!
Thank you for such a helpful list.
One thing I find absolutely indispensable is my journal and pen (I prefer Pilot BPS series, as the ink is water- and light-resistant), as I never know when inspiration might com.