No matter how many trips around the sun your pup has taken, we know one thing’s for certain: Being an explorer has no age limit.

We have a few extra experienced pups as part of our Pack, and we chatted with their humans to get the lowdown on what senior dog gear they dig most. From supportive harnesses to versatile leashes, here are our top picks for senior dogs.

Senior Dog Essentials

1. Hitch Hiker™ Dog Backpack Carrier

Key Features:

• Dual locking zippers open pack wide for easy loading and unloading of dog
• Air mesh side panels at the base create air flow and temperature management
• Integrated adjustable harness and cinch straps keep dog comfortable and secure in pack

The Hitch Hiker™ Dog Backpack Carrier is ideal for senior dogs who may tire easily but still love to be part of the adventure. The wide, dual-zip opening makes it easy to load and unload your pup between trail time and rest time, while the integrated harness keeps them secure and comfortable inside. With its lightweight, breathable, and ergonomic design, it’s an ideal way for your aging explorer to hitch a ride when they need to.

For pack member Vita, the Hitch Hiker™ Dog Backpack Carrier made it possible to keep exploring with her pup through every moment they shared.

“I waited for so long for the pack and I still can’t think about this without weeping,” Vita says. “This pack literally helped us to continue to explore in all sorts of different ways right up to my sweet boy’s last day. Thank you Ruffwear from the bottom of my heart.”

2. Flagline™ Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Lightweight design with high adjustability and a debris-resistant liner
• Balanced and comfortable lift-and-assist with padded handle and load-dispersing chest/belly panel
• Three leash connection points: Aluminum V-ring on the back, and two reinforced webbing loops – one on chest for dogs that pull, and one on back

The Flagline™ is another Pack favorite harness for senior dogs. It’s a great option for pups who need a little more structure and support.

Pack member Nicole’s dog Brewster, a 10-year-old golden retriever, frequently sports this harness, whether he’s on a morning walk or playing at the beach.

"We love the Flagline™ because of the handle and front leash attachment. Brew is a big golden, so the double buckle is a must!" Nicole says.

Another Pack member, Monica, says the lift-and-assist feature of the Flagline™ made caring for a senior pup much easier for her family.

“The Flagline™ saved my parents with their old pup,” Monica says. “He was 70 lbs and they’re getting older, so lifting him wasn’t easy. He needed a ton of help getting up stairs and around the house, and the Flagline™ is light enough to just leave on so the handle is there when you need it. They just kept it on him all the time later in his life because he even needed help getting out of his bed toward the end. Awesome product.”

3. Web Master™ Harness

Key Features:

• Anatomical design and padded handle provide balanced lifting
• Four points of adjustment create an optimal fit
• Three leash attachment points: aluminum V-ring and reinforced webbing loop on the back, and reinforced webbing loop on the chest for redirecting dogs that pull on leash
• Reflective trim for visibility in low-light conditions and light loop for attaching The Beacon™

Another harness for senior dogs that topped the list is one that’s been tried and trusted by senior dogs, service dogs, and adventure pups alike. The Web Master™ Harness offers a secure, adjustable fit with padded support and a lift-and-assist handle that makes it easy to help your dog navigate stairs, get into the car, or cross uneven terrain with confidence.

For Ruffwear pack member Chris, the Web Master™ Harness carried his dog Tanner through every stage of life, helping them keep exploring the trails that meant the most.

“Tanner’s Web Master™ Harness was one of the first pieces of gear I got for him when he was younger, and it stayed with him through his whole life across countless adventures,” Chris says. “As he got older, the extra support and handle made it possible for us to revisit our most cherished trails together, places and memories I’ll always hold onto.”

4. Powder Hound™ Jacket

Key Features:

• High-loft recycled polyester insulation provides warmth
• Four-way stretch sleeves and lower panel allows for full range of motion
• Sleeved style for core heat retention

Vita explains that since Lucky struggled with temperature regulation, the Powder Hound™ Jacket was a lifesaver during cold Bend winters.

“Lucky loved his Powder Hound™, and because he was sensitive to the cold but loved the snow, the jacket provided the warmth and comfort he needed to bury his snout, romp around, and play without having to abort adventuring prematurely,” Vita says. “I also used this jacket to keep him warm and cozy when we were just out and about in town and he was accompanying me on my errands and day-to-day to dos.”

5. Float Coat™

Key Features:

• Strong, low-profile handle to help dogs out of water and back on board or in the boat
• Secure, permanently attached telescoping neck closure fits a range of dog sizes
• Strategically placed foam panels support a natural swimming position

During the warmer months in Bend, you could find Lucky sporting his Float Coat™ Dog Life Jacket.

“This is a clutch item for any pup, but especially for my older guy,” Vita says. “Lucky was not particularly fond of water, however, he was always adamant about coming along for the adventure regardless of the medium, so I needed to make sure that he and I were set up for success. We always enjoyed SUPing together - the Float Coat™ served several purposes: swim assistance, warmth, and peace of mind.”

6. Hi & Light™ Leash

Key Features:

• Webbing is light, strong, and colorfast
• Lockable Crux Clip™ for a light, strong connection
• Lightweight and packs down small for easy stowing in a pocket

As far as leashes go, a strong connection is a must, and the Hi & Light™ is an ultra-strong, ultralight leash with a minimalist design.

“The Hi & Light™ Leash connected to Lucky's Hi & Light™ Harness was our go-to combo,” Vita says. “It is such a sleek, compact, simple, convenient, and dependable combination of gear…I love the fact that the Hi & Light™ Leash has a convenient little pocket in the handle to stow one/two pick up bags. I never had to worry about having more than the harness and leash, as I knew that I would always have a bag handy in case I needed one.”

7. Hydro Plane™ Floating Throw Toy

Key Features:

• Buoyant and floats on top of the water and snow for increased visibility
• Confidence-inspiring and easy on dog's teeth and gums
• Flexible build maintains its shape

Pack member Nicole says this is Brewster’s go-to toy. This is a great toy for a senior pup because it’s soft on their teeth and gums, yet holds its shape when they’re playing fetch or tug o’ war. It floats on water and snow and its oversized-ring design is easy to pick up (or sport around the head as you can see Brewster frequently does!).

8. Summit Trex™ Dog Shoes

Key Features:

• Weather-resistant and lightweight polyester upper
• Non-marking rubber outsole provides traction and protects paws
• Hook-and-loop cinch closure for a secure fit

One final senior dog essential we heard a lot from our pack about was the Summit Trex™ Dog Shoes. As dogs age, they can lose some traction on their paws, making it difficult to get a good grip while they’re walking or adventuring. The Summit Trex™ Dog Shoes are a great everyday paw wear option that protect paws from hot pavement, rough surfaces, ice, rain, snow, and snowmelt chemicals. Lucky paired these with our Bark’n Boot™ Socks to enhance their fit, performance, and comfort even more.

Ultimately, whether your senior pup is still conquering rocky terrain or they prefer to sniff in their own backyard, making sure they’re properly geared up is key to keeping them happy, healthy, and ever-exploring.