Great that you are hiking with your pup -- I think they all tap their inner wolf when in the woods.

I started hiking a decade ago with a friend who was preparing for a Himalayan trek. We learned so much the hard way and we laugh about those early hikes now (we were prone to overpack).

I hike or go bikejoring with my dog every weekend in the winter. Both entail carrying a backpack and mostly the same needs -- especially water for the pup.

So I keep my backpack permanently packed with the essentials, including my dog's titanium drinking cup (from REI), dog booties (in case she injures a paw), dog treats, poop bags, pepper spray (to protect her from dogs off leash and me from creeps who belong in jail), emergency whistle, space blanket (Adventure Medical Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy), knife, cash, etc.

All I have to remember to grab for a hike -- besides my backpack -- is water.

Have fun!!