Doggie backpacks/saddle bags....

[ACooper]

I'm not talking about loading the dog up with tent/groceries/camping supplies for the week, LOL but I've been thinking about a backpack or saddle bag size/weight appropriate that can hold (speaking for Orson) a couple water bottles, wallet, spare leash, maybe a snack, and/or bandaids-first aid stuff for a hike.

Get more doggie bang for his buck on the hike.........a bit more workout.

Do you have an opinion about them?

Have you used them?

Any advice in general?

Perhaps a view point I haven't considered?

 

[ruffiangirl]

I have this one for Gage and I really like it http://www.campist.com/archives/outward-hound-dog-excursion-backpack.jpg

I also have this one and I HATE it! We only use it to pick up empty bottles and cans on our walk (we collect them for ALS and they go to our team contributions) because anything with any weight on one side and it slides down so dont get it!
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nXBWpHmruIA/Ts7BKetTOTI/AAAAAAAAAmE/h6pEToKDv_I/s1600/doggie-backpack.jpg

 

[Julee]

Ruffwear is the only brand I'd even consider. Outward Hound is crap, most other packs aren't built to distribute the weight properly.

Expensive, but very very worth it and will last for years to come.

 

[xpaeanx]

Ruffwear is the only brand I'd even consider. Outward Hound is crap, most other packs aren't built to distribute the weight properly.

Expensive, but very very worth it and will last for years to come.

This. I researched packs a lot before deciding to buy one. Ruffwear is the clear winner. Also, fun fact: other than REI brand dog packs the only other brand they sell is Ruffwear. Likely a reason for that.

 

[CaliTerp07]

I don't use them, because we generally hike in the summer, and I don't like the extra heat on her. I want air to circulate to her back. Also, the few times we've tried I've found that:

a) I cannot walk her on a harness with a backback, and she pulls too much on a collar while hiking
b) if I fill each side of the backpack with a bottle of water, I need to use each side evenly when using said water...otherwise it's extremely lopsided.

 

[meepitsmeagan]

I don't use them, because we generally hike in the summer, and I don't like the extra heat on her. I want air to circulate to her back. Also, the few times we've tried I've found that:

a) I cannot walk her on a harness with a backback, and she pulls too much on a collar while hiking
b) if I fill each side of the backpack with a bottle of water, I need to use each side evenly when using said water...otherwise it's extremely lopsided.

^This evening out water is my ONLY complaint with Harlow's backpack.

We have the Ruffwear Singletrac Pack for Harlow. I'm absolutely in love. It's held up great, even got snagged by barbed wire (little brat slipped under a fence) and no scratches or tears at all! I'm saving up moneys to get Rider one as well. Perfect as it isn't too much weight, but just enough to make it a little more work. It's not bulky or floppy at all, which was one of the worries I had. Surprisingly, the fit is pretty good even with the deep chest of the Boxer. You can't fit a whole lot more than a collapsible bowl and leash in there though with the water bags full.

I did a lot of research before our purchase as well, and Ruffwear was hands down the best choice and way worth the money.

http://www.ruffwear.com/Singletrak-Pack?sc=2&category=13

Photo credit Zoom.

Photo credit Zoom. EVEN HOLDS UP TO AWESOME AUSSIE PLAY!

 

[xpaeanx]

I just want to point out the water issue is not "dog pack" specific. It is defiantly more pronounced in dog packs, but weight distribution is an issue for people packs as well. I love my platypus water bladder bc it maintains weight distribution, but the dogs can't drink out of it. LOL. I keep nalgene bottles in the side pockets of my pack and I have to use them evenly as well or else I can feel the uneven pressure. It's common practice while hiking to keep your pack as even and center weight loaded as possible.

 

[Fran101]

Merlin has a ruffwear and I really love it. It holds quite a lot, and while it needs to be reasonably "even" , it doesn't slide about and it holds a lot. It's really well made, adjusts nicely and you can lift him by the handle! lol

 

[ACooper]

Yes, keeping it even on both sides would be annoying. That is definitely one thing I've thought about and doubt I could handle, LOL I can't stand it when his harness gets wonky or his collar slides to one side.......we must stop and fix it!

Hmmmmm, I don't know if I want to invest in a ruffwear.....they are quite a bit more expensive and we don't hike enough to spend that much. OTH, wasting money on a cheap one that will drive me crazy isn't a good plan either.

ARGH......I was really hoping this thread would shine a clear beacon towards a decision!

 

[MicksMom]

I don't use them, because we generally hike in the summer, and I don't like the extra heat on her. I want air to circulate to her back. Also, the few times we've tried I've found that:

a) I cannot walk her on a harness with a backback, and she pulls too much on a collar while hiking...

I've been wondering about the harness thing. I was thinking of putting Caleb's harness on under a pack, but wasn't sure if that would work. I think I'll just stick with the fanny pack I have.

Yes, keeping it even on both sides would be annoying. That is definitely one thing I've thought about and doubt I could handle, LOL I can't stand it when his harness gets wonky or his collar slides to one side.......we must stop and fix it!...

OMG, me, too!!

 

[Toller_08]

I had an Outward Hound one. Definitely do not recommend! Not at all.

I have last year's model of the Ruffwear Approach Pack and really like it. It seems to fit Journey well, but I can't really comment on the packing part yet because she's too young to put a whole lot in it IMO. It kind of goes off centre a bit when she moves around a lot, but not anything major.

They definitely are pricey though. Worth it I think if you're going to use it a lot. I paid barely anything for mine, which is why I bought it... I probably wouldn't have if I'd had to pay full price, just because I know I likely won't use it a ton. But it'll be nice to have on those days I want it.