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Anyone use a pack on their dogs?

Mark Nelson

Mark Nelson

Joined
Feb 21, 2003
Messages
1,487
Was wondering if anyone uses a pack on their dogs when they are out and about? Have a new hiking partner, Newfoundland/Saint Bernard, and it was recommend that I consider getting a saddlebag type pack for her. Figured someone here might do it and be able to recommend a brand. Gonna need something in a XL size, not amount of weight it can hold just a big size. Maybe something cheap to get her used to it now and something nice once she is full grown. Don't want to weigh her down to much but as long as she has no signs of hip problem she will be able to maybe carry water for herself. Thanks all.
 
Don't know too much about pet gear, but I used to hike with a buddy that swore by Ruff Wear......a bit pricey though. He did start them out with a cheaper variety to see how they reacted and once they were used to it, upgraded to a nicer piece. Probably not much help, but I am sure you could find info on the net somewhere.....do some searches or reviews. Good luck, JT
 
My Aussie has a backpack. Here's a picture of him and my girlfriend.

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He carries his water and food and some extras sometimes. Or just rocks if we wanna make him tired. :p He likes it, his breed is always looking for a job to do, so it makes him happy to haul it around.
 
umm, I tried, but a naked pita girl told me I should put packs on naked women instead of animals. So I switched from using a dog as my pack animal to a naked woman. No arguements there.
 
I asked this question awhile back: link.

I did get a pack for him but it was a spontaneous purchase while I was at Campmor and they only had one brand, not even sure what it is. He doesn't mind wearing it but it doesn't fit very well and needs to have the load precision balanced or it droops to one side. He's worn it on a few camping trips during cooler weather. Dogs have such a hard time dissipating heat, I just can't see it being a good thing for him to wear in the heat of summer.

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The carrying capacity for dogs as a percentage of body weight is much lower than it is for people. I believe they shouldn't carry more than around 20% of their weight.
 
theonew said:
I asked this question awhile back: link.

I did get a pack for him but it was a spontaneous purchase while I was at Campmor and they only had one brand, not even sure what it is. He doesn't mind wearing it but it doesn't fit very well and needs to have the load precision balanced or it droops to one side. He's worn it on a few camping trips during cooler weather. Dogs have such a hard time dissipating heat, I just can't see it being a good thing for him to wear in the heat of summer.

dsc2857v.jpg


The carrying capacity for dogs as a percentage of body weight is much lower than it is for people. I believe they shouldn't carry more than around 20% of their weight.
Click to expand...



Thanks for the links guys. Looks like some great packs. Thanks for the link to your thread Theonew. 20% of their body weight? Hmmm full grown she may be carrying more then I do :D She already hates the heat so it would be a fall early spring thing I think. Thanks again all
 
Mark I would wait until your dog has physically matured. I know that for dressage horsed, trainers wait until the horse is about 3 before starting to ride them.

God Bless
 
My buddy bought one to put on his boxer so she could carry her own food and water on trips. When he put it on her, her eyes opened really wide, she sort of squatted down a little and just started shaking. She wouldn't move an inch. No dice! :)

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
any good tips on how to keep it balanced?

I've used multiple difft types of dog packs and they always droop.

Have yet to find any good cat packs

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Get a Ruffwear Palisades. I have owned and used several packs over the years for my mutt, and the Palisades is by far the best one out there. They are pricey, but if you keep an eye on REI, Steepandcheap.com, etc., you can find one 50-60% off.

The Palisades is very well constructed, has good adjustments, and is well thought out. I have my mutt carry his water, food, and water and food bowls. He's a big sissy and hates rain, so he has his own rain jacket as well. A buddy from Alaska even sent me some booties from Iditarod dogs for rocky terrain that can tear up his paws.

I don't know about other dogs, but putting a pack on mine also helps with his behavior. He is kind of a spaz normally, but putting a pack on him turns him into work dog mode, which is a big help on trails.
 
Ill try and find out what pack a few of the other SAR guys use, they usually just carry water on them, but the dogs food is usually stuff in there too.
 
Remember, dogs wear a fur coat all sumer, and cool off by evaporating water from their tongues. They produce heat by working their muscles. A heavy pack = more work = more heat. I wouldn't worry about the insulating nature of a dogpack, but the weight. When the dog, or you, starts panting heavily, take a short break.
 
theonew said:
I asked this question awhile back: link.

I did get a pack for him but it was a spontaneous purchase while I was at Campmor and they only had one brand, not even sure what it is. He doesn't mind wearing it but it doesn't fit very well and needs to have the load precision balanced or it droops to one side. He's worn it on a few camping trips during cooler weather. Dogs have such a hard time dissipating heat, I just can't see it being a good thing for him to wear in the heat of summer.

dsc2857v.jpg


The carrying capacity for dogs as a percentage of body weight is much lower than it is for people. I believe they shouldn't carry more than around 20% of their weight.
Click to expand...

if i packed 20% of my weight. i would die but i weigh 285....
 
some dogs, like wolves for example, have been used as working dogs for pulling sleds and hauling gear for a LONG time. I should hope my future wolf pup can carry his own food and water...
 
I don't make our Doberman carry her water because she can drink from creeks, rivers, etc. I make her carry some of our water or the bourbon :). Usually the food for both dogs and the collapsible bowls. Just make sure the load stays balanced.
 
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