A dog-friendly hike packing list

Queensland trails ask a bit more of your kit than a suburban loop - heat, sun, longer distances between water points, and a wider mix of terrain. None of it requires overpacking. It just means being deliberate about what goes in the bag, and checking a few things before you leave the car park.

Before you go

Dog access varies a lot between parks, trails and even individual sections of the same trail, so it's always worth checking current signage or the relevant council or national park website before you commit to a route. Rules can also change seasonally around wildlife or fire management, so a route that was dog-friendly last time is worth a quick recheck.

Water comes first

In Queensland heat, water is the single most important thing in the bag - for your dog even more than for you. A folding bowl and a bottle with enough capacity for the full walk matter more than almost anything else on this list. The Sipper is built for exactly this: a full-size bottle and a foldable bowl in one, so there's no separate bowl taking up room.

Plan your route around shade and rest points where you can, and treat any exposed, open sections as the part of the walk to move through quickly rather than linger in, especially in the middle of the day.

Underfoot and overhead

• Paw protection. Sand, gravel and sun-heated boardwalks can all get hot enough to burn paw pads well before it feels hot to you. If in doubt, hold the back of your hand to the surface for a few seconds.
• Ticks and grass seeds. A quick check of ears, paws and coat after the walk is worth building into the routine, particularly after longer grass or bushland sections.
• Sun. Dogs with light or thin coats can burn too, particularly around the nose and ears.

The rest of the kit

Beyond water, keep it close to the everyday walking list: poo bags, treats, a basic first aid kit (Coconut Coast do a great one), and a secure, hands-free way to carry it all so both your hands are free for a lead and for scrambling over the odd root or rock. Worn crossbody or around the waist, the Adventure Pouch 2.0 holds the Sipper, treats and first aid basics without shifting around on uneven ground - built from water-resistant, abrasion-resistant fabric that's made for exactly this kind of trail.

Longer hike, hotter day, and don't be afraid to turn around early. There's always another trail day.