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I just did a 1-year search on gear and couldn't find anything on this subject (carrying dogs, yes, not dogs carrying).

I've decided that its time for my hound to carry her own weight. Two years ago I bought a dog pack from Outwardhound only to be disappointed with it. Because of my pup’s (she’s a Weimaraner) large chest size, the pack drapes over the rest of her body. She couldn't get used to the sloppiness of it.

This time I've done a little web-research and like the looks of this pack http://www.ruffwear.com/products/dayTripper/ from Ruff Wear, but I still have my trepidations.

I'm hoping someone has some suggestions or comments.

Hi Greg!
I bought the Outwardhound pack for my dog and did not have the best luck. He is a 125 lb lab/mastiff mix so I obviously had to get the extra large. I made the mistake of buying the red one so for 3 hours on the trail, every time we passed someone, they asked if he was a rescue dog! That aside, the straps kept coming loose so the pack was sliding around on him quite a bit. Needless to say, he wasn't too pleased so I'm in the middle of looking for another option as well. Let me know if you purchase a different brand and how you like it.

Good luck!

Greg Jackson wrote:...(she’s a Weimaraner)...

Greg I don't know anything about doggie packs, but it just dawned on me that we met at the Chile Shindig. You mentioned the breed of dog you owned and I asked if you hunted. I don't even remember your answer because the girl who drives the green Jeep went into the Elk hunting story, which was fascinating and it led to several great hunting stories. BTW it's good to see you and Landsinaz pictured and posting.

The story of my life, Stan.

You're the Weimaraner's dad aren't you? :rollH:

Really though, no she doesn't hunt, but we did meet at the Chile Cook Off. And, it is great to be on-line and get participation in our quests to making our hikes even more pleasurable.

Thanks for the note!

Sorry, I can't help you either. My dog thinks he is more of a police dog than a beast of burden. At 11&1/2" tall he couldn't carry packs that would hold much anyway.

I know, it's not nice, me laughing like that. He does his job I guess. I simply like having him along for just having a dog along. It would be nice if he would carry the gear once in a while but I don't think that is going to happen.

Good luck with your search. Some of the outdoor stores have these things in stock and will let you and your dog try them on. That might be easier than sending them back via UPS.

No, I have no suggestions on the dog packs either. But wanted to say Hello! to Stan and the blonde in the green jeep is Lisa. Mr. Landsinaz is Scott. Have a good one!

I too have not had the best luck with outward hound dog packs, jansport has a better version of a dog pack, but its still not great. The best luck I have had is actually with a home-made pack (kind of). Both my dogs wear harnesses instead of just collars. While at a local army surplus store I found a couple of small waist pouches that just happened to be the same length as the harnesses. I took off the vertical belt loops and repositioned them horizontaly. I put a strip of velcro on each pack, the velcro comes off the top in the center and meets the other pouches velcro in the center of the harness and keeps the pouches from sliding or shifting. It may sound a little complicated but it really works well, however the capacity is not great, the dogs really end up carrying an outward hound collapsable food/water dish, some treats, and a days worth of food. I hope to figure out how to attach a 20 or 30 ounce water bladder to the assembly. Incidentaly, make sure the treats are well wrapped in plastic, the fist time we put treats in the pack the dogs spent most of the morning tryng to get into each others packs.
Good luck

Matt has a great approach, he built his pack to fit the dog...improper sizing is often the complaint with dog packs. By making your own, you can fit the needs of your own pouch. Remember to limit the weight of the pack(loaded) to ¼ to 1/3 of your dog's weight. Anyone hiking with a pouch should use a leash connected to a harness rather than a collar (for a number of reasons). Look for a pack that allows the pack to be removed while the dog remains on leash. This will help in cooldown for the dog. Ruffwear is the brand recommended by the K9 Hiking Club of Phoenix, the president of the club did a presentation at REI and indicated that most of the club members who use packs use Ruffwear.

I have trained my dog to carry a sleeping bag, a tent, her food for 4 days and most of the food for two people. Total weight, about 25 pounds, and dont worry, if you saw her carry it, you would not call it "dog abuse".

I have trained my dog to carry a sleeping bag, a tent, her food for 4 days and most of the food for two people. Total weight, about 25 pounds, and dont worry, if you saw her carry it, you would not call it "dog abuse".

Sheeeit Sid. The way you tear up the friggin' trails I'd say if the poor mutt could stay with you it would be abuse. Let alone a 25lb pack...