If you’ve ever camped with a Shiba… you already know—you’re not in control.
Monty and Gadget don’t just come camping with us… they run the whole operation. And over time, we’ve figured out pretty quickly that the gear you bring can either make your trip smooth and enjoyable—or way more complicated than it needs to be.
Early on, we made the same mistake most people do. We packed everything. Extra beds, extra toys, backup everything… and half of it never got used. Meanwhile, the stuff that actually mattered? That’s the gear we’ll never forget again.
So this isn’t a list of trendy products or “must-haves” you see online. This is what we actually use, what’s earned a permanent spot in our camper, and what we’ve stopped bringing altogether.
The Way We Think About Dog Camping Gear
Before getting into specific gear, this is the mindset shift that changed everything for us.
Every piece of dog gear should solve a problem. For us, it comes down to four categories:
● Containment
● Comfort
● Logistics (food, water, daily routine)
● Safety
If something doesn’t clearly fit into one of those, it probably doesn’t need to come.
Containment: The Non-Negotiable
This is the most important category—especially with dogs like Monty and Gadget.
Shibas aren’t the type of dogs you can just let roam. So having a solid setup to keep them secure at camp is critical.
We rely on tie-outs and leads that give them enough room to move around without us worrying every time something catches their attention. The biggest thing we’ve learned here is not to go cheap. Weak clips, thin cables, or anything that tangles easily just creates frustration—or worse, a real problem.
If your containment setup fails, your trip changes instantly.
Comfort: Why It Matters More Than You Think
One of the biggest differences we’ve seen over time is how quickly the dogs settle at camp.
If they don’t have a familiar, comfortable space, they stay on edge longer. That means more pacing, more alertness, and less relaxing—for them and for you.
We always bring something that feels like home. A bed, a blanket, something that smells familiar. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent.
Giving them a defined spot at camp makes a bigger difference than most people expect.
Logistics: Keep It Simple
Feeding and water setups don’t need to be complicated—but they do need to be reliable.
We stick with simple, packable options that are easy to clean and don’t take up much space. Collapsible bowls have been a go-to because they’re easy to store and quick to use.
One thing we’ve learned the hard way—always bring more water than you think you’ll need, especially in the heat. Having a dedicated setup for the dogs instead of constantly sharing yours just makes everything easier.
Setting Up Camp for Your Dog
This is where everything starts to come together.
Over time, we’ve built a simple system:
● A defined spot for them to relax
● Shade whenever possible
● Towels always within reach
● A backup leash or lead just in case
Dogs do better when they understand their space. Once they figure out where their “spot” is, everything else becomes smoother.
Safety: The Stuff You Don’t Think About Until You Need It
Safety gear is easy to overlook—but it matters.
Once it gets dark, visibility becomes a real issue. Having reflective gear or some kind of light makes a big difference in keeping track of them around camp.
It’s also about awareness—what’s around you, who’s nearby, and what your dog might react to. A little preparation here goes a long way.
The Fun Stuff (Because Let’s Be Honest)
Not everything has to be practical.
Monty and Gadget always have their favorite toys, plenty of treats, and a few extras that make the trip fun for them too. We’ve even done dog-safe versions of camp snacks so they can be part of the experience.
At the end of the day, they’re not just along for the ride—they’re part of the trip.
What We Stopped Bringing
This might be the most important part.
We’ve cut out:
● Bulky gear that’s a pain to pack
● Extra items that never get used
● Anything that looks good but doesn’t actually solve a problem
If it doesn’t get used regularly or make life easier, it doesn’t come anymore.
Final Thoughts
Camping with dogs isn’t about bringing more gear—it’s about bringing the right gear.
When your dog is secure, comfortable, fed, and safe, everything else falls into place.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s just making the trip easier for everyone.
Want to See What We Use?
We’ve got all of our go-to gear listed here:
https://linktr.ee/Campingwiththeinnies
Follow Along
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/campingwiththeinnies
Got a Favorite Product?
If there’s something your dog refuses to camp without, send it our way. We’re always looking to tweak and improve our setup.
Because let’s be honest…
Monty and Gadget are running the trip anyway.
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