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 About eight years ago, my 'dad', Paul Burgess initiated me into the world of mountain climbing. I was a bit nervous at first, as my master is an Ex-Royal Marine and I wondered whether my short legs could keep up with his. However, I soon realised that four-legged drive is far superior to any pair of human legs and I soon became adept on my native Scottish hills. I really enjoy chasing cats, walking on the beach in my home town of Arbroath and sleeping on the sofa but in the last few years going onto the mountains with 'dad' has been fantastic. I really get excited when he comes back after being away in Uzbekistan on his oil rig for a month because I know that very soon I'll be out on the hills breathing in all those exciting smells and seeing all those amazing things like sheep, birds and trees whcih are always useful for that three-legged operation!
 Braeriach Summit  Climbing Mayer I sometimes get strange looks from people especially when I wear my boots but I have found it gets me extra cute appeal and bonus strokes from people. Some people might think they're a waste of time, but for an old hound like me they've been a real bonus to helping me get out on the snow and ice of our great mountains. There's nothing like a wander around the streets of Arbroath or a quick chase of a cat, but I love nothing more than a long walk in the mountains with my newly acquired boots and walking kit. I really feel like a mountaineering canine when I go out - thanks a lot dad and Ruffwear! Lucy Burgess See Lucy in action with her Ruffwear gear:
I have to say I was rather sceptical about the canine gear but there seems to be a real market for it and it would seem with a rather serious aim. I think for gently sloping grass covered hills the idea of boots might seem rather extreme but for longer walks in harsh conditions some gear might be very useful.  Rachel Barstow wrote in to say that her dog Hattie sports some Ruffwear gear. Hattie swears by Ruff wear, she sports one of their collars and also owns a smart Ruff Wear lead (which she'd rather not wear!), but unfortunately her Daddy has flatly refused to buy her any boots. I'll have to get him to read the article. She also has a collapsible bowl - which is a godsend when it is really warm. There are times when even the Lake District is lacking a stream at the right moment. Hattie says, 'It is ok for you to put my picture on the site, but I hope all the boy dogs will be able to control themselves when they see how beautiful I am!' The photo was taken on the ascent of Carrock Fell last June.
This article pays no attention to other gear available but the links here access three of the main product manufacturers. Please feel free to contribute your own comments on canine gear especially if you have used any with your hound whilst out on the hills. Any kit reviews would be most welcome.
For the latest information regarding canine mountain equipment check out the following links. You would be barking not to! OFC comments:  John Paterson adds, 'For those who haven't found a stockist, the Cotswold store in Keswick (and I presume most of the Cotswold stores) sells a range of doggy related items for fellwalking although many of them are not cheap. So far Polly has not needed boots or a coat for winter but I do find a small nylon collapsible dog water bowl invaluable in the summer when some fells (especially Back o' Skidda) can be as dry as deserts. Cost just £2.50 from the local pet shop - probably the most cost effective bit of gear I have.' Jayne Hill contributes with, 'Like Hattie Barstow, Ollie's dad doesn't think the boots would be accepted by the Canine One but I think Mum might just have to go shopping without the boys and buy some anyway. As he approaches 13 years old Ollie is finding rough ground more and more unacceptable so possibly a set of boots would enable him to spend more time on the fells with us without getting sore tootsies.' Dave Leslie, 'We to have a collapseable bowl, which I haven't yet used, on the basis that my two hounds could find water in a desert anyway.'
Lesley Kemp stated, 'Our first cairn Jessie could have done with the booties, we ended up carrying her LOTS on our fellwalking jaunts in her latter years when she struggled with the rocky terrain (ahhh, fond memories). Thanks for the pointers to the collapsible water bowl, didn't even know they existed. Must get one.' Ruff Wear e-mailed to say, 'Thanks for sharing this with us, it's a great review and we love the video that you made! On the note that you mentioned of the boots flying off sometimes, are you tightening them down as tight as Lucy will allow you to? Sometimes if they are just a little loose they will come off. Have you noticed that it's mainly the back shoes that come off? Or is it front and back?' Thanks again!
Ruff Wear
Top doggy walking sites from some OFC members:
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