Camping with your dog

I just got back from a weekend camping trip with my dog. We spent three days and two nights hiking in the mountains. It was a first for both of us. We usually do day hikes , but never a multi-day trek on our own.

I wanted to share my experience because it was magical for both my dog ​​and me. I had never dared to sleep in the wilderness before , but accompanied by Musher, I took the plunge. I felt an immense sense of freedom; we were alone with the marmots, the chamois, and the shooting stars. A word of caution before heading out on your adventure: be sure to check that your chosen "playground" allows dogs. Some mountain areas only allow them on a leash or even prohibit them altogether.

Here are some tips for hiking with your dog in the mountains and trying out bivouacking.

What is the bivouac? It is the fact of pitching your tent where you are at the end of your day, in the middle of nature. For my part, I camped by a stream and by a mountain lake the next day.

After a few hours of hiking, kilometers and elevation in the legs, it was time for us to pitch the tent. What a pleasure to put my bag on the ground! As it was the first time I went like this, I took lots of useless stuff in my bag. I paid the high price: my bag weighed a ton and my back was mush. When you're a novice, you often get cluttered with little gadgets that you don't really need...

Musher also wore a dog backpack . Of course, before putting it on her back for a 3-day hike, we went through an adjustment period. First, she carried the empty bag on a short walk. Then, still empty, on a longer one. Gradually, we started filling the bag. Keep in mind that depending on your dog's health, physical condition, and mental state, you can load the bag with a maximum of 10% of their weight. To learn everything about dog backpacks, I recommend reading or rereading this article: My dog ​​also has a hiking backpack!

In his bag, I had slipped his equipment: first aid kit for dogs , kibble, towel , bowl ...

For a successful bivouac with your dog, there are 3 rules to follow:

• Having the right equipment is essential: a special bivouac tent that can shelter you and your dog. Mine is a Husky Fighter tent . A tent that can withstand rain if the weather changes…

Having the right gear means having equipment that's easy to use, very lightweight, and compact, but above all, easy to pack away. If it takes you two hours to pitch your tent and another two hours to take it down, choose a different model. And don't go camping with a 2-second tent; you won't be able to carry anything else on your back but that tortoise shell… unless you're camping next to your car ;) Opt for freeze-dried meals so you don't have to carry a ton of food on top of your dog's kibble. You'll need to bring a camping stove. Campfires are generally prohibited in the wilderness for obvious safety reasons… Water is often the weak point, as it's not always easy to gauge the right amount to take for drinking, giving water to the dog, and cooking… Always remember to pack some water purification tablets in your bag. Essential! It transforms river water into drinkable water… A vital Plan B when you're out of water. Personally, I opted for an even simpler solution: the LifeStraw water filter straw . You drink from the river as if it were a glass, thanks to your straw, and it instantly filters the water. Magic!

I preferred that Musher could sleep in my tent. So I'm sure she won't be tempted to follow a scent or run after a bug that might pass nearby in the night. And then, in the mountains, the nights can be terribly cold and humid. Musher usually sleeps in our house, so sleeping outside in 2 degrees was hard on her too. She was happy to sleep warm, tight against me. I had chosen an area near a lake. As soon as night fell, I realized my mistake: it was infested with mosquitoes. Luckily Musher could sleep protected in the shelter with me. And then, we were surprised by a colony of ants who were determined to eat Mush's croquettes...

As for equipment, you'll also need a warm sleeping bag for cold nights and something to protect your dog. Musher ended up in my sleeping bag… We kept each other warm. For subsequent camping trips, I brought a dog sleeping bag that includes an insulating mat, the Ruffwear Highlands Sleeping Bag , or a dog coat.

Remember to bring a headlamp for yourself and a light-up collar for your dog. There are no streetlights in the wilderness! As soon as the sun sets (even earlier behind the mountains!), it's not easy to see anything… or to spot your dog in the dark.

• choose the right location

You need to choose a flat spot, not too windy, not too close to the path, not too near a water source (if there's a storm and the water rises quickly, I'll let you imagine the consequences...), and not near a flock of sheep to avoid disturbing them and avoiding the Pyrenean Mountain Dogs (Patous )... This short video is quite good for learning all about Pyrenean Mountain Dogs . Also, you should know that you can't just camp anywhere. There are rules to follow: times, designated areas... Check the regulations in force in the area of ​​your hike.

• do not leave traces of your passage: you are surrounded by nature. Respect her! and leave with all your waste… Remember not to make too much noise so as not to disturb the animals that live here and tie up your dog so that it does not damage their nests or burrows. Moreover, on the waste side, remember to protect them well at night so that wild animals do not smell them and do not have access to them. It would be a shame to attract a horde of boars attracted by the smell of leftovers...

I loved this experience. We were alone in the world. Hiking with your dog is an amazing experience. Three days of tranquility, pushing our limits, watching the flowers and the clouds, breathing in the fresh air, and scanning for marmots with binoculars. Three days of peace and quiet, just the girls. You don't need to go far to try bivouacking ; you can do it close to home. It's a wonderful experience to share with your furry friend. For hiking enthusiasts, read Hyna and Marion's article on the Tour du Mont Blanc or the adventures of Diablo and Thomas who hiked the GR20 together.

Musher who is usually unprotective proved to be much more attentive to me. She even scared me in the middle of the night. She started to growl like never before. I didn't have the courage to go out to see what was going on but his growls deterred the curious… Thank you my beautiful Musher!

I hope I've convinced you to go on an adventure with your dog. If you do, share your photos with us on Instagram using the hashtag #emmenetonchien! Happy holidays!