Backpack

[lkcheertex]

My trainer suggested I get a backpack for Harley to help wear him out more on our walks and to give him a "job". She suggested REI where I see they have a couple different Ruff Wear Versions. Any suggestions or tips would be appreciated.

[ShenzisMom]

I went to Petsmart and bought an Outward Hound one. I LOVE IT. Shenzi seems comfortable, she carries our water and snacks. A friend of mines dad got one for his lab, they use it to carry speakers, Ipod and disks for when they go disk golfing. The dogs love it

[DJEtzel]

Frag has the Ruff Wear Approach pack and it's a very reasonably priced pack for the quality. I wouldn't go into the palisades or higher versions if you don't plan on doing heavy/frequent hiking. The Ruff Wear is a good quality hobby- intermediate pack imo.

[Chicagocanine]

How much are you going to be using the pack? Is it just for walks or are you planning to use it for major hiking?
If it's just for short hikes/walks and you just want to add some weight for exercise but don't need a lot of space in the packs, I think I heard that the Ruffwear Singletrak packs are like half off right now.

[lkcheertex]

Originally Posted by Chicagocanine

How much are you going to be using the pack? Is it just for walks or are you planning to use it for major hiking?
If it's just for short hikes/walks and you just want to add some weight for exercise but don't need a lot of space in the packs, I think I heard that the Ruffwear Singletrak packs are like half off right now.

It would just be for short walks and hikes. An hour at the most probably. Where are they half off?

[Cassidy's Mom]

Previous discussions (with pictures!) of Ruffwear packs: Hiking pack for dogs

[AbbyK9]

As always in backpack threads, here's my link with reviews of various types and models -
Dog Packs 101 Dogs for Defense K-9

That said ... RuffWear makes very nice, high-quality packs that are priced reasonably for the quality that you are getting. But they are really not meant for quick walks around the neighborhood - they're more for serious hikes. The Approach, which is the smaller full-size pack they make, is meant for extended weekend hikes. Their smallest pack, the new Singletrack, is designed to just hold some small stuff (like two bottles of water).

I am assuming that your trainer wants you to pack some weight into the pack to help wear out your dog, so the Singletrack would probably be too small for your purposes but the Approach may be too big and/or you might think it's too expensive for the use you'll be putting it to. A slightly smaller and cheaper alternative is the Kelty K-9 Chuckwagon, which you can usually get for under $50. I have had one of those and it's a very nice pack, well made, a little smaller than the approach.

I'd stay away from the ones the Outward Hound brand just because they're not that well designed from both a quality and dog anatomy point of view.

[Cassidy's Mom]

I use both the Approach and Palisades for day hikes of 3-8+ miles and they work fine. They are definitely larger than I NEED, but in warm weather I like to have plenty of water for both me and the dog, and that's mostly what they carry in the pack, in addition to a collapsible water dish, my keys and cell phone and a few other incidentals. Keefer has carried my full sized (not pocket) digital camera in his pack, and I could pack a light jacket or sweatshirt in the pack too, although I usually tie it around my waist if I need to bring one. The Ruffwear packs are not cheap, but they are so well made and the fit is great, so for me they're well worth the money. It's an investment that will last for many, many years.

[ShenzisMom]

Chris, please explain the dog anatomy part. I wouldn't want Shenzi wearing something that would hurt her.

Edit: I should not be allowed to post without coffee. Thanks Debbie!

[Cassidy's Mom]

Shenzi, she explains it on her blog. Did you check out the link she posted?