Tim Hull, Author at The Adventure Junkies

Ruffwear Overcoat

Specs

Weight: 10.7 oz
Size: XXS-XL
Waterproof?: No

Features

Lined with fleece
Water-resistant
Abrasion-resistant
Easy on/off

BEST FOR: COLD WEATHER HIKING

PROS: Easy to get on and off, warm coat for active dogs, high quality

CONS: Not waterproof, heavy

Ruffwear Swamp Cooler

Specs

Weight: 6.4 oz
Size: XXS-XL
Waterproof?: No

Features

Three layers repel sun's rays
Wicks and stores moisture
Reflective trim
Variety of sizes

BEST FOR: DAYS ON THE WATER

PROS: Easy to put on and take off, high-quality

CONS: A bit pricey

Ruffwear Jet Stream

Specs

Weight: 4.8 oz
Size: XXS-XL
Waterproof?: No

Features

Wicks and stores moisture
Reflects sunlight
Zippered closure

BEST FOR: SUMMER HIKING AND TRAIL RUNNING

PROS: Designed for athletic activities, reflects sun

CONS: Might not fit all dogs

Kurgo North Country

Specs

Weight: 4.8 oz
Size: XS-XL
Waterproof?: Yes

Features

Water proof
Lightweight
Flashing LED lights
Reflective piping

BEST FOR: THREE-SEASON HIKING

PROS: Light enough to wear on rainy spring days but warm enough for winter

CONS: Might need to layer on the coldest days

Safety Pup XD

Specs

Weight: 3.2 oz
Size: XS-XL
Waterproof?: No

Features

Tough outer shell
Reflectors
Water resistant

BEST FOR: MEDIUM SIZED DOGS

PROS: Weather-resistant, high visibility

CONS: Does not fit very small and very large dogs, need to layer on coldest days

Zack&Zoey Nor’easter

Specs

Weight: 8.0 oz
Size: XXS-XXL
Waterproof?: No

Features

Reversible
Water-resistant
Fleece lining
Reflective strip

BEST FOR: SHORT WINTER HIKES

PROS: Inexpensive, high-quality

CONS: Not waterproof, may need layering on coldest days

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST DOG JACKETS

HELPFUL OR HUMILIATING?

Perhaps you are asking yourself, “Do I really want to dress my dog in polyester and fleece?” Do dog jackets actually help or are they just about dog-lovers playing dress up?

According to Pet MD, it could be that your dog is “as uncomfortable as you would be if you went outside without clothing.” It all depends on your dog’s breed, size and age. Smaller dogs, short-haired dogs and older dogs will benefit the most from a jacket during the winter.

A jacket with LED lights and reflective stripes or piping is a good idea for dogs who like to hike in the forest, and a jacket with a tough outer shell will keep away the scrapes and stickers while you and your dog are hiking through thick brush.

So yes, dog jackets do help. They also make your dog look even cuter than normal — if that’s even possible.

HOT OR COLD?

While most dog jackets are designed for colder weather, with wind- and rain-resistant outsides and warm fleece insides, there are also several dog jackets on the market that use cooling and heat-reflecting technology. These are great options for hiker-dogs who live and play in exceedingly hot climates.

But how do you know if it’s cold enough or hot enough outside for a dog jacket? A good general rule is to put yourself in your dog’s booties.

When it’s really hot outside, humans need to cover up with a hat, a hot-weather shirt with cooling and wicking features and to drink lots of water. Doesn’t your dog, which is probably hiking harder than you are, deserve the same precautions and comforts?

The same goes for winter. If you’re feeling the cold or you’re getting soaked by a sudden downpour, so is your dog.

WATERPROOF OR WATER-RESISTANT?

Most cold-weather dog jackets are either water-resistant or waterproof. According to the experts at REI, water-resistant gear probably won’t keep out heavy, blowing rain, while waterproof gear will.

At the very least, a water-resistant dog jacket that repels water is essential if you are taking your dog hiking or camping in an area where it’s likely to be cold and rainy.

REFLECTORS

When you’re hiking in thick forest or brush, and especially during the fall and winter hunting seasons and in the evenings, it’s a good idea to dress your dog in a jacket that has reflectors or lights. It’s not easy to see dogs when they’re moving quickly through the trees and brush.

Reflectors and jackets colored bright orange or bright yellow will help you and other hikers see your dog and avoid mishaps.

SIZING AND FIT

It’s important to get the exact right fit for your dog’s jacket. Otherwise, it could do more harm than good — chaffing, sliding off, catching on trees and rocks, etc.

Also, a warm coat only works right if it fits right. It should be snug and tight but not constricting, and it should never hamper your dog’s natural movements.

Dog-jacket sizes run from small to large with a large number of variations in between. Some brands use numbers to indicate sizes, but most use letters such as XXS-XXL. You can’t find the right fit without first knowing how to properly measure your dog for a jacket.

To do this, you’ll need to convince your trail-dog to be still for a bit, while you measure its length and girth. Then, match your measurements to a size using the chart provided by the manufacturer of the dog jacket you want.

The post Best Dog Jackets of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

How to Find Dog Friendly Trails

Tim Hull — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 21:39:48 +0000

When you’re out hiking and enjoying the outdoors, do you often find yourself thinking, “My dog would love it out here?” You are not alone. After all, it’s only natural to want to share the beauty and benefits of hiking with your closest friends. But with so many areas closed to pets, how to find dog friendly trails?

Here at The Adventure Junkies, we understand the special bond you have with your dog. We have heard that same ancient whisper from deep in the mind, telling you to just let your pup jump in the car and come along.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to find the best dog friendly trails — whether you’re looking for a regular exercise hike close to home, a day on the trail in a nearby state park or an epic trip to one of the national parks.

MUNICIPAL

Your best bet for finding dog friendly trails is to start looking in your own back yard. Local trails, which are kept up and controlled by a town, city or county government, are more likely to allow dogs than trails on land administered by the state or federal governments.

Check the website for your city’s parks and recreation department to find out the best local dog friendly trails. Most local parks departments give out maps of local trails with a lot of helpful information included.

If you’re ever in doubt as to whether a particular trail allows dogs, call the department and talk to a live person. It’s better to do your research before heading out than to have your hike spoiled by incorrect or out-of-date information.

There are also several non-government websites that will steer you toward the best dog friendly trail near your home. The site Bringfido.com has an excellent list of dog friendly trails throughout the country.

Another strategy for finding dog friendly hiking trails is to join or consult your local hiking group. Most cities and towns have at least one group of trail-hardened hikers who are dedicated to the local trails.

These are typically the folks who know where you should take your dog and where you should not. A good place to start looking for a hiking group is the American Hiking Society’s list of affiliated hiking organizations.

STATE

There are more than 10,000 state parks in the U.S., and they typically protect their states’ most beautiful and sensitive lands. More often than not, they have the best hiking trails as well.

Most state parks allow dogs but have strict leash laws. Usually, dogs must be kept on a leash between six and 10 feet long at all times. However, there are some state parks that don’t allow pets at all. Meanwhile, there are others that don’t allow them in certain parts like on beaches or in wildlife areas.

The helpful website Hikewithyourdog.com has a state-by-state list of state parks with hiking trails along with links to websites where you’ll find each park’s policy on dogs. The National Association of State Park Directors also provides links to state park websites.

Generally, you’ll find a particular park’s dog policy on its website under the heading “rules and regulations,” “protect and respect” or something similar.

FEDERAL

Whether they are in a national forest, recreation area, monument or park, federal hiking trails have some of the strictest rules about dogs. While we’d all like to take our dogs on the best hikes in North America, this is just not possible in many federally controlled areas.

Before you get too upset about this, consider that no-dog rules are about protecting resources, wildlife, other hikers and, of course, you and your dog.

That said, there is no sweeping federal policy for or against hiking with dogs on public land. While the policies in each forest or park are generally similar to each other, they vary depending on the level of federal protection in a given area.

For example, dogs are allowed in most national forests. However, not all forests have the same leash policy.

There are also areas within a national forest where dogs are not allowed such as established wilderness areas. It’s best to check the rules of each forest as well as those implemented for each trail you want to hike before heading out.

The same goes for the national parks and monuments. While dogs are generally not allowed in the back country, on park shuttle buses and in park-run hotels, there are still many opportunities for hiking with dogs throughout the federal parks system. Again, it all depends on the park.

For instance, you can hike with your dog on a leash on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon but dogs aren’t allowed below the rim. It’s a good idea to check the pet policy of each national park or monument. A park’s pet policy is generally under the “plan your visit” tab.

The website Hikewithyourdog.com suggests seeking nearby alternatives to national parks, where dogs are allowed on more trails. Many national parks are close to local, state or even private lands that are just as beautiful and iconic, but have different rules about dogs.

ETIQUETTE AND THE HIKER-DOG

No matter where you’re hiking, it’s a good idea to learn the finer points of trail etiquette before you bring along your dog. You also must decide if your dog is a natural “hiker-dog.” Ask yourself if your dog has the right temperament for hiking on trails where you’re likely to run across other hikers and other dogs.

According to Lisa Densmore Ballard, the author of two guidebooks about hiking with dogs, “If your dog is aggressive or overly protective, it will not be a good hiker-dog.”

Finally, you should make sure that your dog is healthy enough to hike at your pace. Remember, if it’s a hot day for you, it’s a hot day for your dog too.

If you need water, so does your dog. While this commonsense approach will cover a good deal of what you need to know, all dogs, trails and other hikers are different. So the more information you have, the better your adventure will be for you and your dog.

The post How to Find Dog Friendly Trails appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Best Shirts for Hot Weather of 2022

Tim Hull — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 21:31:50 +0000

If there’s a general rule for hiking in hot weather, it’s this: “More coverage is always better.” You will rarely see experienced hot-weather hikers without their hats, and you’ll never see them without their shirts. The best shirts for hot weather provide coverage and comfort.

Some shirts will even cool you off as you negotiate the sun-drenched trail. Indeed, a comfortable shirt, one that keeps out the sun’s harmful rays but still lets in the cooling breeze, can be the difference between a pleasant walk in the sunshine and a march through Hades.

Here at The Adventure Junkies, we will help you choose the ideal shirt for hiking in the heat, whether you’re heading out on a day hike or mounting an epic journey. We’ve listed the 10 best hot-weather shirts out there. All of them protect against UV light despite offering varying materials, style and features.

For more of our top hiking gear recommendations, check out the Best Hiking Shirts.

Quick Answer - The Best Shirts for Hot Weather

Columbia Tamiami II
View at REI
ExOfficio Air Strip
View at REI
REI Co-op Sahara Tech
View at REI
Marmot Eldridge
View at Backcountry
REI Co-op Sahara
View at REI
Outdoor Research Echo
View at REI
Hanes Cool Dri
View at Amazon
Denali Mega Solar
View at Amazon
ExOfficio Sol Cool
View at Amazon

Comparison Table - Best Hiking Shirts for Hot Weather

For the best experience turn your device horizontally

Name	Sleeves	UPF	Style	Price	Rating	Review
Columbia Tamiami II	Long	40	Button-front	$$	4.7	Read Review
ExOfficio Air Strip	Long	30	Button-front	$$	4.4	Read Review
REI Co-op Sahara Tech	Long	50	Button-front	$$	4.2	Read Review
Marmot Eldridge	Short	20	Button-front	$$$	4.5	Read Review
REI Co-op Sahara	Long and Short	50	Crew	$$	4.0	Read Review
Outdoor Research Echo	Long and Short	15	Crew	$	4.8	Read Review
Hanes Cool Dri	Long	50	Crew	$	5.0	Read Review
Denali Mega Solar	Long	50	Crew	$	4.6	Read Review
ExOfficio Sol Cool	Long and Short	50	Crew	$$	5.0	Read Review
Name	Sleeves	UPF	Style	Price	Rating	Review

Reviews - The Best Shirts for Hot Weather Hiking

Columbia Tamiami II

Specs

Material: Polyester
Sleeves: Long
Style: Button-front
UPF: 40

Features

Venting
Big front pockets
Strap on chest
Sleeves roll up and button

BEST FOR: LONG HIKES

PROS: Lightweight, breathable, looks good on and off the trail

CONS: A backpack partially blocks the vents in back

ExOfficio Air Strip

Specs

Material: Nylon/Polyester
Sleeves: Long
Style: Button-front
UPF: 30

Features

Sun collar
Ventilation
Big hook-and-loop chest pockets

BEST FOR: CAMPING AND TRAVEL

PROS: Versatile and comfortable

CONS: Slim fit around middle could be constricting for some people

REI Co-op Sahara Tech

Specs

Material: Nylon/Spandex
Sleeves: Long
Style: Button-front
UPF: 50

Features

Long cuffs cover backs of hands
Reinforced elbows
Big pockets
Underarm ventilation

BEST FOR: MULTI-DAY HIKES

PROS: Durable and versatile

CONS: Relaxed fit may be too baggy for some people

Marmot Eldridge

Specs

Material: Rayon/Polyester
Sleeves: Short
Style: Button-front
UPF: 20

Features

Chest pocket
Collar

BEST FOR: FROM THE TRAIL TO THE TOWN

PROS: Stylish enough to wear out after hiking

CONS: Relatively low UPF

REI Co-op Sahara

Specs

Material: Polyester/Spandex
Sleeves: Long and Short
Style: Crew
UPF: 50

Features

Relaxed fit
Highest UPF

BEST FOR: SHORT HIKES AND EXERCISE

PROS: Comfortable and soft

CONS: Pricey for a basic T-shirt

Outdoor Research Echo

Specs

Material: Polyester
Sleeves: Long and Short
Style: Crew
UPF: 15

Features

Soft material
Very breathable

BEST FOR: DAY HIKES/TRAIL RUNNING

PROS: Comfortable and lightweight

CONS: Low UPF

Hanes Cool Dri

Specs

Material: Polyester
Sleeves: Long
Style: Crew
UPF: 50

Features

Highest UPF
Wicking and quick-dry

BEST FOR: EVERYDAY USE AND LAYERING

PROS: Inexpensive

CONS: Very basic and a bit boring

Denali Mega Solar

Specs

Material: Microfiber
Sleeves: Long
Style: Crew
UPF: 50

Features

Great UV protection

BEST FOR: SHORT HIKES AND LAYERING

PROS: Durable and comfortable

CONS: Sizes run big

ExOfficio Sol Cool

Specs

Material: Polyester/Spandex
Sleeves: Long and Short
Style: Crew
UPF: 50

Features

Cooling technology

BEST FOR: DAY HIKES

PROS: Durable, cool and lightweight, highest UPF available

CONS: No collar