Hiker and dog silhouetted against sunset sky

Rambling With Your Best Friend.

Expert reviews on trail harnesses, rugged leashes, and natural provisions. Because the best hikes are the ones we share with them.

Browse Best Packs Latest Field-Tests

192+

Products Tested

7,000+

Combined Trail Miles

170

Articles Published

40+

Years Combined Experience

Best Long Line Leashes for Open Trail Training

We tested 10 long lines over 60+ trail hours with a 95 lb Malamute. These are the best for recall training, distance work, and off-trail freedom.

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Latest Reviews

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Kurgo Baxter Pack Review: Budget Backpacking for Your Dog

After 120 trail miles testing the Kurgo Baxter Pack with Jasper, my 95-pound Malamute, I found where budget meets capability and where the savings show.

Ruffwear Web Master Review: The Ultimate Scrambler

After 200+ miles testing the Ruffwear Web Master with Jasper, my 95-pound Malamute, I learned why avalanche rescue teams trust this harness in life-or-death situations.

Kurgo Journey Air Harness Review: Actually Lightweight?

After 150 trail miles testing the Kurgo Journey Air with Jasper, my 95-pound Malamute, I found out if the 'Air' name actually delivers on breathability.

From the Trail

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Health

Mountain Lake Swimming and Post-Swim Care for Dogs

What happens after your dog jumps out of that alpine lake matters more than most hikers realize. Here's the step-by-step routine that prevents ear infections and keeps coats healthy.

Gear

Preventing Paws From Puncturing Dog Boots

Long nails and poor boot fit cause most puncture failures. We tested nail length, trim schedules, and boot care over 200 trail miles to find what actually works.

Etiquette

Long Line Etiquette: How Not to Trip Others

Long lines give dogs freedom to explore, but that extra length creates real hazards for other hikers. Learn proper handling techniques that keep everyone safe on the trail.

Our Process

How We Test Gear

We don't just unbox products and write specs. Every piece of gear gets put through real-world testing on trails with real dogs. No paid reviews, no inflated ratings.

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Real Trail Testing

Every product gets tested on actual trails in Colorado, from easy loops to technical scrambles.

Side-by-Side Comparisons

We test competing products together so you can see real differences, not just marketing claims.

Long-Term Use

Quick reviews miss durability issues. We test gear for weeks before publishing.

Honest Assessments

We call out flaws even on products we like. Your dog deserves better than hype.

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Find the right gear for your next adventure

Hi, I'm Sara

I started Paths & Paws because I couldn't find what I needed. Honest gear reviews. Actual trail testing. My Lab mix Scout and I hike Pacific Northwest trails every week, and we put gear through real conditions before recommending anything.

This site is the resource I wished existed when I started hiking with dogs. No fluff. Field-tested reviews whether you're new to dog hiking or have logged a thousand trail miles.

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