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It’s summertime in Colorado. The trails are open, the sky is a vast blue, and you and your pet are ready to get outside. We all know there’s nothing better than exploring the great outdoors with your furry friend — as long as your pet is properly equipped with the right gear.

Whether you are hiking, camping, or traveling, your pet deserves to feel as comfortable as you. That means having the right harness, clothing, and accessories. However, there’s a lot of gear out there. How should you sort out which products are important and easy to get your hands (or paws) on?

This year, avoid outdoor mishaps and misfortunes with our 2022 pet gear guide. We rounded up 12 essential outdoor pet products from six local pet stores. Hand-selected by pet professionals, this gear list is your key to having a summer of successful exploration with your pet. The Rockies are calling, and you and your four-legged companion must go! After you finish reading our guide, of course.

Harnesses

Harnesses are crucial to any outdoor adventure you take with your pet. They are comfortable, distribute weight evenly across your pet’s body, and provide a higher degree of safety and security.

The following harnesses consider accessibility, safety, and comfort to ensure your pet can enjoy the outdoors to the max.

1. Ruffwear Swamp Cooler™ Dog Cooling Harness

Dee-O-Gee 

Dogs can have a hard time staying cool in warm conditions. That’s where this Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Dog Harness comes in handy. Its evaporative cooling technology provides a six-times greater surface cooling rate to keep your dog refreshed and happy. The harness itself is also known for its durability, adjustability, and ability to put on and take off quickly. $69.95

2. Ruffwear Life Jacket

Dee-O-Gee, Struttin’ Pup 

When it’s hot out, who doesn’t love cooling off in a refreshing body of water? Bring this full-featured Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life Jacket with you, so your dog doesn’t have to miss out on the fun. Its buoyant material, handle, and reflective trim keep your dog safe while in the water. It also serves as a harness with a leash clip-in spot. $90.00

3. Kurgo Enhanced Strength Tru-Fit Dog Car Harness

Four Paws 

Being in nature is great, but sometimes you have to endure a long car ride to get there. Make sure your dog is safe during car trips with this Enhanced Strength Tru-Fit Dog Car Harness. It has been crash-tested for dogs up to 75 pounds and has steel-nested buckles. On top of that, it has five points of adjustment and a padded chest plate making sure your dog is secure and comfortable. $39.95

4. Petsafe Come With Me Kitty™ Cat Harness & Bungee Leash

Four Paws

Cats deserve some outdoor time, too. This Come With Me Kitty Cat Harness and Bungee Leash is made of durable nylon material and has a rubber stopper at the top to keep your cat snug and safe. The bungee leash lets your cat explore while also having them close to you. $16.95

Clothing

Who doesn’t love a stylish pup? Take a look at the following statement pieces that will ensure your dog is the talk of the trail — and more importantly, well-equipped to handle all weather conditions.

5. Worthydog Alpine Jacket 

Struttin’ Pup

Colorado gets surprisingly chilly when the sun goes down. This stylish, Sherpa-bonded Worthy Dog Alpine Jacket ensures your dog is warm and protected from the elements. It is fully adjustable and available in over 10 sizes, ensuring that your pup is snug and comfortable. Easily attach a leash with the jacket’s sewn-in harness hole. $39.99

6. Original All-Weather Muttluks

BlackPaw

We wear shoes, and in some conditions, your dog should too. Dog paws can get irritated from hot or cold weather and can be punctured by burrs and thorns. Keep your pet safe with these Original All-Weather Muttluks. With flexible leather soles, these boots allow your dog to move comfortably while remaining well-protected. $60.00

Other Essentials

For your pet to have the energy to explore the great outdoors with you, they must have the proper nutrition, hydration, and protection. The following products will help you have a healthy pet that is ready for adventure.

7. Sojos Complete Dog Food

Struttin’ Pup 

Dehydrated food for dogs — it’s a thing! Gone are the days of worrying about how to provide your dog with nutritious, well-rounded meals on the go. With Sojos Complete Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food, you simply add water for a quick, healthy meal. Did I add that the recipe is free of fillers, preservatives, and artificial ingredients? Your dog deserves proper nutrition, and now they can get it. $22.99 (1.75-lb bag)

8. MessyMutts Travel Water Bottle With Bowl

Dee-O-Gee 

Dog bowls are the opposite of portable — until now. The silicone bowl folds over the stainless steel bottle, making this Messy Mutts Travel Dog Water Bottle & Bowl hydrating combo a packable winner. Now, your dog will be hydrated, and you’ll have more room in your bag for dog treats. $24.99

9. Nature’s Protection™ Flea & Tick Herbal Collar for Dogs

Gigi & Co 

There has been an uptick (pun intended) in insect bites this summer in Colorado. Make sure your dog is protected with a Nature’s Protection Flea & Tick Herbal Collar. Unlike traditional collars, this one doesn’t contain synthetic chemicals, insecticides, or pesticides. Instead, it is infused with natural herbs and essential oils that are non-offensive to your dog but offensive to biting insects. $15.00

10. Nature’s Protection™ Flea & Tick Herbal Bug Spray

Gigi & Co 

No one likes bug bites, including your pet. Nature’s Protection Flea & Tick Herbal Bug Spray pairs well with the herbal dog collar for maximum bug bite prevention. Not only is it made from natural ingredients, it is also safe to use on cats and people too. $13.00

11. Pet Supplements

PCs Pantry

Photo: McDobbie Hu, Unsplash

Allergies are quite common in pets and can negatively affect their energy levels and well-being. PC’s Pantry has in-house experts who will meet with you to discuss your pet’s specific needs and provide personalized treatment. Make sure you and your pet have the summer of a lifetime by getting them the supplements they need at PC’s.

12. Chuckit! Travel Dog Bed

Gigi & Co

Last, but certainly not least, is this Chuckit! Travel Pillow Dog Bed. After a long day of adventuring, your dog deserves a comfortable night’s rest. This packable bed is made of a poly-suede quilted top to provide comfort and a nylon rip-stop bottom for durability. A nice feature is a built-in loop that lets you effectively air-dry or line-dry the bed (Goodbye odors.). $29.99