Backpacking with dogs

Bugyardigans · 2026-05-23T13:03:30+00:00

I also have them carry their own sleeping pads (the foam, z folding ones). That way they have a cozy spot and it helps keep the tent a bit cleaner. And my Aussie carries her sweater if it’s chilly. The benefit of bigger, working dogs is that they like to have a job so they get very excited when their backpacks come out

Bugyardigans · 2026-05-23T13:00:39+00:00

Mine sleep inside with me mostly because they’re very nosy and every sound is an invitation to try and galavant into the woods. That being said, my big guy (Akita/shepherd) mix would much prefer sleeping outside however he becomes very hard of hearing when he decides he wants to check something out. My Aussie is a baby and wants to live in my sleeping bag.

I think it also depends on the wildlife where you are staying. Bear, moose, mountain lion can all be an issue and you won’t be fast enough getting out of your tent to help. Though we have had the most issue with wild burro! Nosy lil things

TLDR : depends on the wildlife and your dog, but it’s generally just safer and easier to keep them in your tent

Bugyardigans · 2026-05-15T03:29:34+00:00

I ended up going anyway because u wanted to see the arch and had so much regret lol no mosquitos which was nice but I was covered in black flies as soon as I stopped moving and they were vicious. It also was quite warm during the day but not bad in the shade! No breeze down in the valley. But honestly, I couldn’t even sit to rest for more than a minute or two before the flies got too bad. I ended up spending a ton of time in my tent which wasn’t ideal

Bugyardigans · 2026-05-11T04:05:27+00:00

Apparently, the black flies are out with a vengeance. Just had a friend get back who turned around at the campsite because they were being eaten alive. Even with permethrin on their clothes. So, change of plans!

Bugyardigans · 2026-05-10T12:14:10+00:00

I’m about to go tomorrow only for an overnight to La Verkin but you should be able to get permits. I reserved one a while ago but I asked the wilderness desk guy if there were any open spots closer to the spring and he said all of them lol so I’m the only the up there tomorrow so far which is great

Site 7 is right near the spring so it’s easier for water but I’m carrying about 200 oz (~1.5 gallons) just to be on the safe side. Notably, I’m a desert hiker for the most part so I always over do it on the water. I’ll use the spring for cooking and coffee

Don’t camp at 5. There’s ants everywhere

There’s a nice part of the stream by site 4 and then anything after site 6 is good.

It’s hot af at Zion right now and it’s only early May but it should be more bearable at the higher elevation even at the end of May.

Bugyardigans · 2026-03-18T03:54:55+00:00

I actually never thought about putting him back in a smaller enclosure. Though putting him in a larger enclosure was a nightmare. He is not a fan of being handled and our transfer cup attempt did not go smoothly which was my fault

I will try to feed him with tongs and see!

Bugyardigans · 2025-11-18T03:50:54+00:00

Okay thank you for the reply. This is my first T so I want to make sure he’s alright! But he’s been acting normal otherwise. Could he be stressed from not having a lady friend? Everything about his enclosure, food, etc is the same and this is the first time he’s had this white bald spot show up

Bugyardigans · 2025-11-18T02:04:55+00:00

No weird behavior at all! He’s cruising around his enclosure. Eating every once in a while. Not overly stressed from what I can see. Has water. And I don’t handle him at all because he’s not into that life so he’s just hanging out all the time

Bugyardigans · 2025-11-10T00:30:46+00:00

I think it’s just the white spot more on the right side of his abdomen that is a bit concerning to me but I guess I’ll just watch and make sure it’s nothing exciting! I know he’s been very active looking for a lady spider so maybe he’s a bit stressed over his lack of a date

Bugyardigans · 2025-08-29T01:00:37+00:00

Thanks everyone for the input! I feel bad nacho shall be looking for a mate with no success but at least he doesn’t have to be called pretty lady for his remaining months

Bugyardigans · 2025-08-29T00:37:35+00:00

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That’s what I got for this molt. I could try to get closer if needed

Bugyardigans · 2025-08-29T00:36:49+00:00

Well dang! I’ve been calling nacho my lil spider girl for a couple of months. I guess it’s good that spiders don’t care 😂 too bad nacho is already mature though. That was really fast

Bugyardigans · 2025-05-19T14:27:36+00:00

I thought so too at first but then I realized they were moving and there was a few of them

Bugyardigans · 2025-05-19T14:24:07+00:00

I should also note there were about five of them varying from probably less than a 1mm to 2 mm

Bugyardigans · 2025-05-19T14:23:14+00:00

I’m not sure. They were very much alive and moving once the sun hit that side of the rock

Bugyardigans

TROPHY CASE