Recommended Dog Park Gear

Our Take

We've been using the TUG leash at Sandy River Delta and Mt. Tabor dog parks for over a year now. The 360-degree swivel is a game-changer when your dog decides to circle around you three times while sniffing something interesting. The brake feels solid and responds instantly, which matters when you're walking near busy parking lots. One downside: the tape can get dirty quickly on Portland's muddy trails after rain. Best for medium to large dogs (50+ lbs) since smaller dogs don't need the 16 ft length.

Our Take

Early morning park visits are the best in Portland during summer, but visibility matters in our overcast and rainy weather. This collar's reflective stitching is genuinely bright under headlights and phone flashlights. The neoprene padding is the real selling point though. Our Lab had neck irritation from cheaper collars after running hard, but this one stays comfortable even when she's soaking wet from the Sandy River. The quick-release buckle is secure but easy to remove. Only con is the color options lean bright, so if you want something subtle, you're limited.

Our Take

Even though Portland's climate is milder than other cities, your dog still needs fresh water during active play. We learned this the hard way during a rare hot July afternoon at Normandale Park. This bottle lives in our car year-round now. The one-handed operation actually works as advertised, which matters when you're holding a leash. The unused water genuinely flows back into the bottle, so you don't waste any. Downside: the 19oz capacity only lasts about 3-4 drinks for our 60-lb dog. Best for shorter park visits.

Our Take

These bowls have survived two years of daily abuse and still look almost new. We clip one to the leash handle and keep the other in the car. They fold truly flat, which sounds simple but most collapsible bowls don't actually do this well. The silicone is thick enough that our dog can't knock it over while drinking, unlike the flimsier versions we tried first. Only complaint: the carabiner clips are a bit small and can be tricky with thick leash handles. Best for dogs who drink from communal bowls at their own risk—bringing your own is always safer.

Our Take

After trying at least a dozen brands, we keep coming back to Earth Rated. The thickness actually matters. We've had cheaper bags tear at Gabriel Park on cold, wet mornings when the plastic gets brittle. These don't. The unscented version is worth choosing since the lavender ones can be overwhelming. They tear cleanly from the roll without the frustrating half-tear that leaves you with an unusable piece. Only downside is they cost slightly more than budget brands. Best for anyone who values reliability.

Our Take

If you want the eco-friendly option without sacrificing quality, these work—and Portland dog owners tend to appreciate the sustainable choice. We've used them through Portland's rainy winters and they hold up in wet weather better than expected for biodegradable bags. The included dispenser clips securely to standard leashes and actually stays closed, unlike cheaper dispensers. The 540-count is incredible value for daily park visitors. Minor con: they're slightly thinner than Earth Rated, so you feel a bit more through the bag. Best for eco-conscious dog owners.

Our Take

We bought this after our dog cut her paw on broken glass at a Portland park. Now it lives in the car permanently. The tick remover has been useful multiple times after visits to Sandy River Delta and Chimney Park where ticks are common spring through fall. The eye wash pods came in handy when grass seeds were an issue on the trails. The emergency blanket is sized for dogs, which seems obvious but many kits skip this. Downside: some items are small and need restocking after use. Best for anyone who wants peace of mind.

Our Take

Portland summers are usually mild, but we get heat waves that catch everyone off guard. This vest genuinely works. We tested it at Mt. Tabor on a rare 90-degree day and our black Lab lasted twice as long before showing heat stress signs. The evaporative cooling works well in Portland's moderate humidity. Just soak it, wring it out, and zip it on. The UPF 50+ sun protection matters for lighter-colored dogs prone to sunburn. Not needed most of the year, but invaluable during July and August heat waves. Best for dogs who overheat easily.

Our Take

Our dog thinks every creek and puddle at every Portland park exists for her personal swimming pool. This towel lives in the trunk. The two-pack is smart because one is always drying while the other is ready—essential in Portland where your dog might get wet multiple times a week. They genuinely absorb more water than regular towels, which matters when you're trying to avoid a soaking wet car interior. The hand pockets make it easy to really work through thick fur. After dozens of washes, they still work well and haven't gotten that musty smell that cheap towels develop. Best for any Portland dog owner, honestly.

Our Take

If you're driving to Portland dog parks regularly, protecting your back seat is essential—especially with our muddy conditions. This cover fills the gap between front and back seats, giving our dog a flat surface to lie on during the drive home. The hard bottom insert is the key feature. Without it, dogs slip into the footwell area. The waterproof material has survived muddy paws from Fernhill Park after rainstorms and wet fur from Sandy River Delta swims. Installation takes about 10 minutes the first time. Best for anyone tired of cleaning dog hair and mud off their back seat.