[kbigge]

I'm looking for a good backpack that Kodee can wear when we go walking, or hopefully hiking. We don't need one til spring, but I was thinking about ordering one now - I may get a discount shopping after the holidays.

(I realize he'll grow between now and then ,but I'd still like to go ahead and look - he's pretty big already.) Anyway, I would like one that is comfortable, doesn't chafe him, and doesn't shift to one side or the other if there's a tiny weight difference between the two sides.

Any suggestions?

 

[Guest]

My dogs have packs from Ruff Wear. I really think they make great products. Odin has the older Palisades I and Frigga has the newer Palisades II.

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

They also make a smaller pack called the Approach II.

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

 

[Kayla's Dad]

Here are links to a previous threads related to backpacks. There were some real good pointers about fit made in the thread (by Historian)

http://www.germanshepherds.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=476963

I had initially gotten a pack by Outward Bound - I am not thrilled with the fit so I am also looking to get something else for Kayla.

 

[AbbyK9]

The Pallisades packs are excellent quality, but it really depends on what you're going to do. If your main goal is to do day hikes, and maybe the occasional weekend overnighter, you would do better with a smaller pack like the Kelty Chuckwagon or the Ruff Wear Approach.

I have a Chuckwagon that I modified and I've been very happy with that, even for weekend trips. I haven't had a chance to test it for several days but I think it would have enough space to accommodate kit for a week, as the panniers expand. The modifications I've made are adding cinch straps to the outside of the panniers and adding web across the top so I can tie down a blanket or other small items.

Here's a pic of that pack, fitted properly and with the mods. The cell phone holder at the top is just to show how things can be attached to the web.

Most hiking and outdoor stores, like REI, carry the Kelty pack as well as the Ruff Wear packs, so you could go and compare them. The stores here no longer allow dogs inside, since April of 2007, but the store staff will bring packs outside for you to try on your dog. It's always best to try a pack to make sure the fit is great. Even the best pack may not work well on a dog that falls into an in-between size, for example.

REI also recently started putting out its own line of dog packs, the OllyDog Dog Pack. http://www.rei.com/product/759314 for info. I have not had a chance to look into that one personally, but it looks similar to the Uhlr Gear packs that allow you to lower the panniers on the dogs' side. I used to have an Uhlr pack - you can get them for about $10 on eBay, or new for about $25 - and they're a good starter pack if you need to get your dog used to a pack for the first time or if you need a cheap pack just for around town / exercise, etc. I used my Uhlr pack to get Abby used to it, then got the nicer Kelty one to replace it.

My next project will be making a completely custom pack for my dogger. A friend of mine gave me a rather torn up South African military load bearing vest and I'll be using the pouches and some of the webbing from that.

Just for fun ... trying to see if I can improve on backpack designs.

 

[Guest]

Nice post, Chris. I look forward to seeing the result of your new project.

 

[3K9Mom]

Abby has her own cell phone? Wow!

Lucky girl!

Then again, Abby always has custom designed gear too. My poor dogs have to wear off-the-rack.

I'm with the others. Camper has a Palisades pack. But it's pretty big for around-town use. But we toss a couple small water bottles in it and it gives him a good workout.

I do like the fact that the Palisades pack has its own water bladder (which is great for cooling off on a hot day. Or if you have a dog that always runs warm, like my guy does). And the pack can be removed from the harness, which can be fitted really well. Those were definite selling points for me.