Whether you’re new to the world of outdoor travel, just starting to include your pets in your outdoor adventures, or looking for ways to improve your overall experience, we’ve got you covered!
From pet-specific gear designed to keep our furry pals safe and comfortable on the trails to general outdoor travel essentials that make our adventures a breeze, this curated list includes all our favourite tried-and-true items.
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Kuma Outdoor Gear Bear Den 5 Tent
After making the switch in 2025 to the Kuma’s Bear Den 5 Tent, we quickly became obsessed. This stretched dome-style tent offers a great balance of space and weather protection. We especially love the large, covered vestibule at the front of the tent, which we use as a dedicated gear storage area, creating more room for us and the pets in the main sleeping area. It has kept our tent bone-dry even in some pretty wild storms. Check it out HERE.
Dining/Bug Shelter: Kuma Outdoor Gear Bear Den Gazebo
Not only are bugs annoying for us, but they can also pose serious health risks for our pets. For example, mosquitoes can transmit the worm responsible for Heartworm Disease with a single bite! The Kuma Outdoor Gear Bear Den Gazebo gives us a safe, comfortable, sheltered, and bug-free area in all situations. Check it out HERE.
Dog-Specific Outdoor Travel Gear
Wingo Outdoors Trixie Dog Pack Bed
With water-resistant ripstop polyester on one side and cozy polar fleece on the other, this bed is a great option to give you pup a comfortable place to rest in any environment. When not in use, it packs into a small stuff sack for easy travel. For Lucifer, it also serves as a portable “place.” Check them out HERE.
NOTE: Use code KASPACK25 for 25% regular-priced orders
Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket
Our dogs love spending time on the water, but safety is always a top priority. Even the strongest swimmers could be in trouble in an emergency. Our rule is that if we are expected to wear a life jacket, so are they. We love how adjustable this life jacket is, allowing it to comfortably fit Willow’s tall, long, narrow body. It’s a staple when we plan canoeing or kayaking adventures. Check it out HERE.
RC Pets Momentum Control Harness
The RC Pets Momentum Control Harness is our go-to harness for adventures, walks, and daily use. We appreciate its comfortable mesh design, which keeps them cool on hot days and dries quickly after swimming. It has both front and back attachment points, reflective features for nighttime safety, and five adjustment points, making it easier to ensure you have the perfect fit. Check it out HERE.
- Mysfit Mutt Biothane Collars & Leashes: These custom biothane collars and leashes are built to handle everything from muddy trails to rainy campsite mornings. They’re waterproof, easy to clean, and don’t hold onto that “wet dog” smell, which makes a huge difference when you’re camping! We also love that they’re made by a local small business.
- MidWest Homes for Pets Foldable Metal Exercise Pen: Create a safe, contained space with these folding pens. Our current setup combines our Kuma Outdoor Dear Bear Den Gazebo mentioned above with three pens.
- Kuma Outdoor Gear Lazy Bear Dog Chair: Available in two sizes (the Lazy Bear and the Little Lazy Bear), this chair is Willow’s go-to, keeping her cozy and off the ground. The removable cushion and mesh base make it easy to keep clean.
- WagAround Town Dog Travel Mat: When we need a more portable option, Willow also LOVES this packable travel mat. It gives her a clean, comfortable place to relax by the fire or when we’re visiting a local brewery. It’s lightweight but still durable enough to handle dirt, sand, and damp ground (basically everything campsite life throws at it).
- Ruffwear Confluence Dog Life Jacket: Finding a life jacket that fits Lucifer’s hard-to-fit build wasn’t easy, but this one checks all the boxes. It offers a secure, adjustable fit that stays in place even when he’s launching himself in and out of the water. The low-profile design gives him full range of motion for swimming and shoreline zoomies.
- Nite Ize NiteHowl LED Safety Necklace: Keep an eye on your dog at night around the campsite or increase visibility on your night walks with these LED collars. They are a one-size-fits-all product that is easily cut to size, accommodating all our dogs, from little Lucifer to Dav’s larger neck size.
- Shedrow K9 Chinook Dog Coat: Our youngest pup Lucifer is more sensitive to cold temperatures than the other dogs but still wants to be out playing with them. This coat from Shedrow K9 fits him well, is adjustable, and stays put (no sliding around) despite his high-energy personality.
- QUMY Waterproof Dog Boots with Reflective Strips: In addition to a coat, Lucifer wears boots to stay warm and comfortable in the winter. These boots are one of the few brands that actually stay on his feet when he’s running and playing.
- RC Pet Products Baseline Fleece Pullover: When the weather is a little cooler but not quite cold enough for his full winter coat, Lucifer rocks his cozy fleece pullover. We love that there are no zippers, buttons, or other elements, making it comfortable for all-day wear and even to sleep in
- Friendwolf Dog Car Seat Cover: Our dogs ride in the backseat, seatbelted in, but that means there’s nothing containing their mess. From muddy paws and beach sand to excessive fur during shedding season, this car hammock protects against it all while offering a comfortable surface for the pups to relax on during the ride.
Cat-Specific Outdoor Travel Gear
Churu Lickable Puree Natural Cat Treats for Skin and Coat
One of the challenges when adventuring with cats is to keep them properly hydrated, as cats don’t often drink water as reliably as dogs. This lickable-style treat is favourite of our two, as they come running the second we touch the package. Check it out HERE.
Another option we love is the Caru Daily Dish Smoothies, but they are harder to find in our area.
The Kylo Leash from KittyCatGo
Just like our dogs, our cats (especially our adventurous little girl, Theia) can get dirty when they are out exploring outdoors. As a result, so too does their gear. This leash is waterproof, stink-proof, and easy to clean. We have one basic leash, as well as a convertible, ensuring we will always have what we need in any setting. Plus, we love all the colour options to suit each pet’s personality. Check it out HERE.
NOTE: Take 10% off your order with our discount code: THEKASPACK10.
The Navigator Convertible Backpack
This is the first backpack Theia has truly fallen in love with. It serves as her go-to for trails (when she’s not paws on the ground), road trips, and even as a cozy bed at the campsite. The spacious design supports up to 25lbs and features strong mesh windows on three sides for plenty of airflow. The backpack opens both on the top and the front, depending on your needs. In addition to keeping her comfortable, it offers several pockets to carry all her gear. Check it out HERE.
- RC Pets Adventure Kitty Harness: Theia’s go-to for day-to-day adventures. The breathable material and adjustable straps offer a secure, comfortable fit, while the reflective binding helps add visibility for evening walks.
- Travel Cat “The True Adventurer” Harness: Our top choice for high-security situations like camping in busy parks. The combination of Velcro and secure clips ensures a snug fit that greatly reduces the risk of escape, giving us peace of mind on our adventures.
- Travel Cat “The Day Tripper” Harness: This lightweight H-style harness is perfect for sweltering hot days for exploring at home on the property. It’s fully adjustable for maximum flexibility and comes with a bungee leash that lets Theia roam freely.
- Tailtastic Pet Playpen with Surround Tunnel: This packable playpen is our go-to for keeping Theia safely contained at the campsite. It includes a secure tent-like space and a mesh tunnel, giving her a space to play, watch the wildlife, or sunbathe without needing a leash.
- X-Zone Foldable Metal Pet Playpen with Top Cover: Like the dogs, we prefer to give our cats a little room to move about at the campsite. This secure pen offers plenty of room for two cats, and the top cover keeps them safely contained.
- PawHut Soft Pet Playpen: Another option for containing the cats, this playpen is smaller than the pen mentioned above but perfectly sized for inside the tent. It folds flat with a convenient carry bag, making it easier to travel with. You can also remove the bottom and peg it down to let your cat enjoy the feeling of their paws in the grass.
- HiCaptain Cat Travel Litter Box with Lid and Handle: This travel litter box is convenient for road trips and camping, zipping up to keep the litter (and smell) easily contained. We do use litter box liners with it sometimes to make it easier to clean.
- Nature’s Miracle Jump Disposable Litter Pan: If we plan a quick weekend trip, we love how easy these disposable litter pans are to change out and dispose of.
Other Travel & Camping Essentials
Erickson Cargo Carrier
Transporting 2 people, 3 dogs, 2 cats, and all our gear in an SUV can be challenging. This cargo carrier easily hooks up to the back of the vehicle like a trailer and can carry up to 500 lbs of gear. When we’re done, the sides fold flat so we can easily store it until next time. Check it out HERE.
Jackery Power Station & Solar Panel
Whether you need power to work from the campsite like we often do, run a necessary medical device, or simply enjoy some of the “creature comforts,” the Jackery line of products has proven to be a reliable solution. They are available in various sizes depending on your power needs, and the solar panel makes charging on longer trips a breeze. We currently use a Jackery Explorer 500 + 100W SolarSaga Solar Panel. Check it out HERE.
Everbeam H6 Pro LED Headlamp
Trying to walk or clean up after the dogs at night is challenging enough without fumbling with a flashlight. This headlamp is comfortable, waterproof, easy to adjust, and rechargeable. It offers us plenty of light and keeps our hands free. Check it out HERE.
- Coleman Skydome 8-Person Tent: For years, this was our go-to tent for camping with our pets. This budget-friendly option is spacious, accommodating two people and five pets comfortably throughout our travels. With regular seasonal maintenance (waterproofing/seam sealing), it lasted several seasons, even during intense storms, without any problems.
- Kuma Outdoor Gear Lazy Bear Heated Chair: The Bluetooth-controlled heating is a total game-changer for colder trips. It’s sturdy, well-padded, and large enough to accommodate both Lucifer and I (Britt). The included power bank charges quickly, keeping the seat warm and comfortable for hours.
- Coleman 2-Burner Propane Stove: John LOVES cooking directly on the fire, but we always pack a stove to ensure we have a cooking solution regardless of the weather. This is our go-to stove because it’s simple, with no unnecessary frills, easy to use, and reliable.
- Redcamp Heavy Duty Folding Camping Cots for Adults: For the 2023 season, we switched from an air mattress to camping cots, and we will never go back. They are bulky, but they offer a sleeping surface that is so comfortable that we bring them on every car camping trip.
- KingCamp Aluminum Portable Folding Camp Table: A great solution to offer added table space for cooking, dining, or playing cards. It’s tall enough to sit up to with a standard camp chair. We use this table on every car camping trip.
- Amacool Portable Batter Camping Fan with LED Lantern: If you have ever camped in a tent during the hottest days of summer, then you know a fan can significantly impact your comfort sleeping at night. We love this fan because it is rechargeable, hangs easily in our tent, and can be directed wherever needed to create airflow.
- Tenacious Tape Clear Repair Strip: Regardless of how well you treat your gear, accidents happen, and repairs are needed. We always reach for Tenacious Tape if we notice a small hole or tear. It’s easy to apply and holds up well over time.
- Ohuhu Portable Camping Hammock Stand: While this is bulky and only suitable for car camping, it’s a must-have for hammock lovers. By packing this when we head out, we no longer cross our fingers, hoping there is a suitable place to hang a hammock at each new campsite.
Blogging & Social Media Tools
Are you interested in starting a blog or levelling up your social media game but aren’t sure what you need to make that dream a reality? Here is a list of tools, subscriptions, and supplies that we use to make The Kas Pack happen!
- Website Hosting | Lyrical Host: With a portfolio of websites, we have had the opportunity to test and experience several hosting companies. We have found several companies that offer solid hosting services, but Lyrical Host went above and beyond. In addition to reliable hosting, they offer unmatched customer service, a passionate community, valuable resources, and more. Use the code THEKASPACK10 for 10% off your first hosting payment.
- WordPress Theme | Kadence WP: We are currently using a free version of the Kadence theme to build our website and highly recommend it for anyone using the WordPress content management system.
- Legal Page Templates | ASelfGuru.com: One aspect of running a blog or website that is often overlooked is the importance of proper legal pages. These are designed to protect you against potential legal action, which can become costly for people I have connected with in the blogging world. The templates are easy to use and written by Amira, who is both a lawyer and a blogger allowing her to understand both sides of the equation uniquely.
- Graphics & Design | Canva: Creating eye-catching graphics for the website, YouTube channel, and social media platforms is outside my skill set. Luckily, Canva offers easy-to-use templates, graphic elements of many different styles, stock photography, and more.
- SEO Keyword Research | KeySearch: There are many different keyword research tools available, spanning different budget points, complexity, and features. Personally, I use and trust KeySearch to identify keyword opportunities, do competitor analysis, and more.
- Email Marketing | MailerLite: Building an email list and creating an ongoing newsletter is a great way to build and connect with your community. MailerLite makes it easy to customize and send emails, leverage personalization, and track email stats all in one simple dashboard.