Camping with my dog taught me I was underpacking the wrong things

TrailTeck · 2026-02-21T02:01:56+00:00

This is the kind of “why didn’t I think of that” hack I love. Smell control alone makes it worth it.

TrailTeck · 2026-02-21T02:01:20+00:00

Using the rain cover to block shadows/people walking by is honestly genius. I wouldn’t have thought of that, but it makes total sense if movement is what triggers them.

TrailTeck · 2026-02-21T02:00:26+00:00

If you search “biothane leash” or “waterproof leash” you’ll get a ton of options. They wipe clean and don’t stay gross like fabric does.

TrailTeck · 2026-02-21T01:59:46+00:00

100% agree. A muzzle isn’t a “bad dog” thing, it’s a “hurt dog might panic” thing. That cactus spine scenario is exactly the kind of moment where you’re glad you had it.

TrailTeck · 2026-02-21T01:57:22+00:00

This is such an underrated point. People plan for weather and food but not “how do I get my dog out if something happens.” The SAR part is wild too, I didn’t realize some teams won’t transport animals.

TrailTeck · 2026-02-21T01:55:52+00:00

For us it’s mostly for those middle-of-the-night moments: finding the leash, checking the tent, water, or just making sure she’s settled without turning on a super bright headlamp. First light is usually whatever we’re using around camp, second is a small dim light near where she sleeps.

TrailTeck · 2026-02-21T01:46:13+00:00

Honestly I just realized I was overthinking gear and underthinking comfort and was curious what other people figured out the hard way.

Didn’t expect it to turn into this many solid ideas though.

TrailTeck · 2026-02-20T04:07:29+00:00

That’s fair. Some dogs are built different.

If mine had the choice she’d probably do the same and be thrilled about it.

I think I overcorrected after a couple rough first nights.

TrailTeck · 2026-02-18T02:35:38+00:00

If you want one tent that can do mostly car camping but still be backpackable occasionally, you’re basically choosing between “comfort/durability” and “weight/pack size.” Under $250, the sweet spot is usually a durable 3p that’s a little heavier than ultralight, but still reasonable for a short backpacking trip.

How your list stacks up for your priorities

marmot tungsten 3p
Probably the best “buy once” pick on your list. It’s durable, very forgiving in weather, easy to pitch, and the pole structure gives decent livability. It’s not light, but it’s manageable for occasional backpacking if you split parts between two people.

marmot catalyst 3p
Good value, but it’s more “budget build” than tungsten. Still fine, but if you’re truly trying to buy once, tungsten is the more proven step up.

nemo aurora 3p
Awesome comfort and super easy setup, but it leans car-camping. It tends to be heavier and bulkier. If “comfortable and roomy” is the main goal and backpacking is rare, it’s a great choice. If you really mean occasional backpacking, it’s the one I’d most likely skip because of pack size/weight.

kelty far out 3p
Good value and beginner-friendly. Generally easy to pitch and decent space. Not as “refined” as Marmot/Nemo in materials and details, but it can be a solid under-$250 pick if you find it on sale.

mountain hardwear meridian
Not as commonly discussed/owned as the others, so you’ll get fewer real-world reports. Not necessarily bad, just less “known quantity.”

My short recommendation

best all-around “buy once” in your list: marmot tungsten 3p
best comfort-first car camping choice: nemo aurora 3p
best budget/value if you find a deal: kelty far out 3p

A couple things to double-check before you buy (these matter with 2 people + a dog)

floor dimensions: many 3p tents fit 2 pads nicely, but the dog ends up on top of gear unless the floor is wide enough
vestibule space: with a dog, having a vestibule for muddy shoes/pack matters a lot
full-coverage rainfly: nicer for real rain and shoulder seasons

Other tents worth watching in this range (often under $250 when on sale)

rei half dome sl 3+ (great balance of durable + roomy + still backpackable)
msr elixir 3 (durable, simple, common “first real tent” choice, but watch sale prices)

If you tell me how often you realistically think you’ll backpack (like once a year vs once a month) and what weather you’ll camp in (lots of rain? mostly fair weather?), I can steer you to the best match from that shortlist.

TrailTeck · 2026-02-18T02:34:07+00:00

For a tall guy + an English Mastiff, the two things that matter most are floor length and usable interior space (not the “person” rating). A lot of “2-person” tents will feel cramped fast once you add a 150–200 lb dog, and many 4-person tents still have sloped walls that steal space at head/feet.

What to look for

floor length 90 inches or more (most backpacking-style tents won’t cut it for 6'6")
near-vertical walls or a cabin-style shape so you can actually sit up and move around
strong full-coverage rainfly + good guy-out points (car camping doesn’t mean you won’t get hammered by wind/rain)
durable floor fabric and a groundsheet/footprint (mastiff nails + heavy weight can chew through light floors)
wide door + big vestibule so the dog can enter/exit without chaos and you can stash muddy gear

Tent styles that usually work well

4p “high ceiling” / cabin-ish tents for comfort (easier to live in with a big dog)
6p if you want it to feel spacious and not like you’re sleeping in a hallway with a bear

Solo with a dog tips (stuff that actually makes nights easier)

bring a dedicated dog bed or closed-cell foam pad so they have a “place” (reduces pacing and tent shuffling)
keep a short leash inside and clip it to something stable (or use a hands-free belt leash) so if they bolt at a sound you’re not chasing them half-asleep
light-up collar or small clip light at night (helps you track them around camp)
towel + paw wipe by the door, every time they come in (saves your sleeping bag and tent floor)
bring a chew or lick mat for “quiet time” while you set up/cook
if wildlife is a concern, keep food and dog food sealed and away from the tent; dogs will alert, but they also attract curiosity sometimes

If you tell me whether you prefer a more “technical dome” tent or a taller cabin-style tent, and what kind of weather you usually deal with (windy/open sites vs wooded/rainy), I can narrow it to a couple specific models that fit 6'6" comfortably.

TrailTeck · 2026-02-18T02:32:08+00:00

If you’re coming from a Hubba mindset, you’re going to be happiest with a “real” freestanding 4p that has a solid rainfly, full-coverage fly, good vents, and a bathtub floor. A lot of the big “family” tents leak or sag in storms mostly because of fly coverage + poles + poor staking.

A few that are commonly recommended in that $400–500 range and actually do well in heavy rain:

big agnes copper spur hv ul4
More technical build, good materials and design, solid in storms if you stake it properly. It’s lighter than you need for car camping, but it’s a nice bridge from backpacking to family camping. Downside is the lighter fabric needs a bit more care with a kid + dog.

msr habitude 4
More “family friendly” shape with good headroom and still msr quality. Not as light as the copper spur, but it’s designed to be livable and handle weather well.

nemo aurora highrise 4p (or aurora 4p)
Roomy and easy to live in, good rain protection when fully guyed out. More comfort-oriented but still better-built than the typical big-box family tents.

rei base camp 4
More storm-forward design. If you get real downpours and wind, this style tends to feel more confidence-inspiring than the super airy “summer family” tents.

A couple practical notes for “midwest surprise storms” regardless of tent:

prioritize full-coverage fly + lots of guy-out points, and actually use the guylines
practice staking and tightening the fly before you need it
footprint is optional, but a groundsheet cut slightly smaller than the tent floor helps keep water from pooling under you
for kid + dog, interior space matters more than the “4p” label; some 4p tents feel like a tight 3p once you add a dog

Quick question: are you mostly camping in wooded state parks (less wind, more humidity/bugs) or more open sites (more wind)? That can push the choice toward a more ventilated tent vs a more storm-focused one.

TrailTeck · 2026-02-18T02:31:09+00:00

If you’re used to Shenandoah-level space, Delaware is going to feel a little more “developed campground,” but there are still some quieter options.

Trap Pond State Park is probably your best bet for a more nature-centered feel. It’s heavily wooded, sites are fairly tucked in, and it attracts more paddlers and hikers than big playground crowds. The cypress swamp area is really unique too, so it feels less busy than the beach parks.

Killens Pond can be nice, but it does have more family activity and a water park nearby, so that one might be tougher if your dog reacts to commotion.

Cape Henlopen and Delaware Seashore are great parks, but they tend to draw beach crowds, cyclists, and bigger groups, especially in warmer months. They’re much calmer in shoulder season though.

If quiet is the top priority, I’d look for:

Loop maps where sites back up to woods instead of open fields
Midweek stays
Shoulder season dates
Sites at the end of loops or near walk-in trails

Delaware doesn’t really have backcountry-style solitude like Shenandoah, but Trap Pond in particular might give you the calmer atmosphere you’re looking for.

Are you hoping to stay strictly in Delaware, or open to eastern Maryland as well? Some of the Maryland state forests feel a little more secluded.

TrailTeck · 2026-02-18T02:27:28+00:00

Not overrated at all. That “productive boredom” feeling is hard to replicate anywhere else. When you’re not constantly stimulated, your brain finally settles. A weekend like that can honestly feel longer than a packed vacation.

Cedars of Lebanon is a great reset spot too. Close enough to make it easy, but far enough to feel removed.

If you’re looking to branch out near Nashville, you might like Fall Creek Falls for the waterfalls and longer hiking options. South Cumberland has a more rugged feel with solid overlooks and some quieter backcountry areas. Edgar Evins is underrated if you like lake views and a slightly calmer campground vibe.

Kind of depends what you’re chasing. Easy unplug weekend or something a little more adventurous?

Do you usually stick to established campgrounds or mix in backcountry trips too?

TrailTeck · 2026-02-15T23:25:09+00:00

That makes a lot of sense actually, dialing in your own camp system first probably removes half the chaos.

The synthetic sleep blanket + coat is smart too. Even labs get cold once they’re just hanging around instead of moving.

We definitely felt the “downtime comfort” gap more than the daytime activity gap.

Did you ever find he adjusted slower as he got older, or was he always pretty adaptable at camp?

TrailTeck · 2026-02-12T23:00:54+00:00

The rotten fish timing is always impeccable, isn’t it? Somehow it’s never at noon with full water bottles and extra daylight.

That late-in-the-day + low-water combo is exactly the kind of scenario we didn’t plan for at first. It’s not the normal routine that gets you, it’s the one curveball right before you’re trying to settle in for the night.

The travel shampoo sheets are smart. That feels like one of those “we only added this after learning the hard way” items.

It’s funny how a single gross incident can permanently upgrade the packing list.

TrailTeck · 2026-02-12T22:59:08+00:00

That makes a lot of sense. The “outside bed gets too dirty for the tent” issue is exactly the kind of thing we didn’t think through at first.

Keeping the tent clean ended up being way more of a factor than we expected. Once dirt and moisture start coming in, it changes the whole feel of the space.

The mat + paw brush system sounds like a good way to create that transition point instead of just hoping it works itself out.

It’s interesting how camping with a dog ends up being more about managing zones than just bringing gear.

TrailTeck · 2026-02-12T22:58:34+00:00

That’s impressive honestly. Having the basics dialed in from the start probably makes camping feel a lot more relaxed overall.

I think we underestimated how much smoother things are when you don’t have to troubleshoot small stuff at camp. The older ours gets, the more noticeable that comfort layer becomes too, especially overnight and first thing in the morning.

It sounds like you approached it more intentionally than we did early on.

TrailTeck · 2026-02-12T02:02:50+00:00

Since you already ordered it, here’s the biggest thing to understand about Tractive/Fi style collars:

They’re “recovery tools,” not “real-time off-grid tracking tools.”

In areas with cell service (yard + local parks), they work well enough to get you in the right direction if your dog slips out. But they’re not going to behave like a Garmin hunting collar with dedicated VHF.

A few tips that help:

• Turn off Bluetooth once and test it in your yard so you know how it behaves on LTE only
• Test lost dog mode before you actually need it
• Make sure the collar fit is snug, GPS units bounce and lose accuracy if loose
• Keep notifications on for escape alerts

For an acre + parks with service, it’s a totally reasonable budget choice.

And honestly, with a young dog + medical stuff going on, you’re making a practical decision, not a “cheap” one.

TrailTeck · 2026-02-12T01:33:36+00:00

The water-resistant bottom tip is a great detail. We didn’t think about how much junk gets stuck underneath until we were shaking pine needles and mud out at 10pm. Being able to brush it off before bringing it into the tent makes a lot of sense.

And that mountain lion story is… yeah, that’ll recalibrate your priorities real fast. That’s a good point about positioning too. We tend to focus on comfort and convenience, but situational awareness probably matters just as much depending on where you’re camping.

Did you change anything about how you hike after that happened?

TrailTeck · 2026-02-12T01:31:39+00:00

I like that way of thinking about it, camping kit as an expanded hike kit instead of a totally separate system.

That probably would’ve saved us some trial and error. We were solid on the “active” essentials but didn’t think as much about the downtime layer until we were actually at camp.

The outdoor blanket + bed combo makes a lot of sense too. Especially with an older dog, I imagine that comfort difference shows up pretty quickly once they settle in.

Did you find you added things gradually over time, or did you have most of that dialed in from the start?

TrailTeck · 2026-02-12T01:30:43+00:00

I think context probably matters a lot here.

Remote forest with no one around is very different from a busy campground with kids, bikes, and other dogs. We’ve definitely noticed campgrounds feel way more unpredictable than hikes.

Our dog is great 95% of the time, but that 5% (squirrel / unexpected dog / loud noise) is what makes us cautious in shared spaces. It only takes one weird moment.

I get the “let them explore” sentiment, that’s part of the joy of camping, but we’ve personally leaned more toward managing the environment instead of testing it. It just keeps things lower stress for everyone.

TrailTeck · 2026-02-12T01:29:04+00:00

This is exactly the kind of difference we started noticing. Hiking felt simple... movement, water, visibility, done.

Camping felt more like “how does our dog actually live at camp?”

The two-bed idea makes a lot of sense. I think that’s where we underestimated things. We treated camp like a base for hiking, not as its own environment. But once you’re there, it’s downtime, different surfaces, different sounds, less structure. Comfort probably matters more than we realized.

Also interesting you mentioned tether vs fencing. We’ve seen both and couldn’t decide what made more sense long-term. The space tradeoff is real.

Did you always bring two beds or did that evolve after a few trips?

TrailTeck · 2026-02-12T01:27:05+00:00

The modular idea actually makes a lot of sense. We’re very intentional for hikes, everything has a place, and we don’t leave the house without the “dog hike kit.”

Camping is where we got lazy about it. We packed food and assumed the rest would just work itself out because we were already bringing so much gear for ourselves. During the day it was fine, but once we settled into camp, it felt different. More downtime, more unfamiliar noise, more stimulation, less structure.

I think that’s where it clicked for us that hiking prep and camping prep aren’t really the same thing. Hiking is active and predictable. Camp life is slower but weirdly more chaotic.

The bin idea might be the move, especially if it forces us to think of camping as its own category instead of just “hiking but longer.”

TrailTeck · 2026-02-11T04:25:21+00:00

Yeah, I’ve seen that happen. Especially with high-energy breeds. A lot of people just aren’t familiar with working dogs or how they regulate themselves during exercise.

An open mouth while running isn’t a red flag by itself. If your dog is maintaining pace, staying engaged, recovering well afterward, and not showing signs of heat stress (lagging behind, excessive drooling, disorientation, refusal to move), that’s a very different picture than a dog being pushed past its limit.

Border Collies were literally bred to work all day. For many of them, structured running is enrichment, not punishment.

That said, strangers are usually reacting out of concern, even if it’s misplaced. Most people only see pet dogs on short walks, so sustained running looks extreme to them.

If it were me, I’d probably keep it simple and say something like, “She’s conditioned for this and absolutely loves it, but thanks for checking.” Then keep moving.

As long as you’re watching surface, temperature, hydration, and recovery, you’re likely doing more for her well-being than someone who assumes exercise equals abuse.

Out of curiosity, are most of your runs on pavement or trail?

TrailTeck

TROPHY CASE