No Debate: Dogs Are the Best Adventure Companions

Every year we ask our Instagram followers to share the best shots of their number one adventure buddy. As our audience has grown, so has the quality of replies. Big or small, these furry friends prove that when it comes time to hit the trail, the lake, the slopes, or wherever you get outside, dogs cannot be beat. Here are 20 of our favorites.

Photo - @sam__davis: “This guy thinks #nationaldogday should be a federally recognized holiday... Also, our vet recommended that he wears sunglasses on snowfields and glaciers lol #dieseltheadventuredog”

Camp Guard

@nkqualtieri: Even giant burly dudes squeal over his cuteness. It's kinda the best @butchtheborder

Snowball Fight

@lyndsnow: The verdict is in: Summit loves snow as much as we do. #snowysummits

Adventure Trio

@kdayracing: Warning! The knuckleheads are on the loose.

Titanic Moment

@cunningham_christine: Wind in our lips and hair.

Trout Slayer

@jila_monster: While Owen spent his time bagging scree piles (O'Calkens -11,500ft), Gus and I were slaying these beasts.

Backpack Friendly

@roamrydes: Shred dog #traildog

Astro Pup

@alisontravels: Then we land on the moon...#vanlife #maxtravels

Earmuffs

@cunningham_christine: Colt’s first ride in a bush plane #birddog

I’ll Wait

@yogalifenutrition: My #bff Akasha and me on the top of the mountain for the Midnight Sun this midsummer.

Pocket-Sized

@alix_vagabond: Sparky took his first major#mountain fall yesterday...posing for this picture. "Sparkkkyyyy...NOOOOOO!" I cried aloud as I chased after him, then I held him in my arms till he regained consciousness. He's ok now. Don't worry!

Will Row for Treats

@micholascage: Dog days… #onaboat

Blanket Buddies

@landlecoq: Best Friends #wherewillwegonext

Pug Life

@pugventure_photo: This is Mack on the summit of #FirstSister with #MountChocorua in the background. #MackThePug California, here we come.

River Date

@clairecudahy: Down by the river #adventuredog

We Done Yet?

@hike.rinse.repeat: Because my dog is epic....and I really wish I was in a cold body of water right now.

Small Dog Summit

@jimmimacc: "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." True that! This 9 lbs #Pomeranian, Bailey, has summited 9 Colorado #14ers almost entirely on his own. Just thought you should know.

Peak Nap

@m1ke_packer: Since it’s national dog day and all. Looking forward to some more snowshoeing with this guy right here. This was post peak nap, then he started running like a maniac again #bestfriend

Watchin' from the Dock

@morganleealain: This one… #adventurecompanion

We Found Love

@j_watson11: I think he likes me...hanging with Moose up on #mttam with @speakingofjulia ...no dogs were harmed.