If you spend a lot of time on the trail and you have your dogs with you a dog back pack is essential. Dog backpacks are great on short afternoon hikes, for overnight backpacking trips, or to carry a six pack of cans (for you, not the dog) to the neighborhood picnic. The GearDrool dogs use a couple of different packs – in this review we are going to focus on the Ruffwear Approach Pack.
When properly sized (see Ruffwear’s fit guide here), the pack attaches to your dog with ease, fits snug, and seems comfortable on the dog (neither Leroy nor Smoky has uttered a word of complaint). There’s plenty of room in the pack for 1 – 2 days worth of food and some water, depending on your dog’s size. Dog’s should carry only 25% of their body weight. For those not mathematically inclined, here’s a little chart:
For day hikes I use a couple of old gatorade bottles for the dogs water and put one on each side. I’ll also throw in the dog’s hiking water bowl. Depending on the length of your hike, you could store water for you, water for the dog, and throw your keys/cellphone/wallet into the pack and go pack free yourself.
For hot climates the packs are essential for summer hikes. The dogs can carry their own water without tapping into your Camelbak reservoir or forcing you to carry extra water in your hands or pack. For hyperactive dogs, the extra weight can help burn calories, even if just for a quick walk around the neighborhood. I also swear my dogs become much more business-like and serious when wearing the pack. I think dogs are somehow programmed to help humans in one way or another (hunting dogs, retrieving dogs, seeing-eye dogs, herding dogs, etc.) and the backpack gives them a sense of purpose or mission. Like the dog is thinking, “I’ve got a job to do with this pack on.”
The bag has easily adjustable belly straps with pads that connect with plastic buckles away from the dog’s skin to prevent chaffing. The chest pad also contains padding. When mounted, the pack kind of looks like saddle bags on a horse or mule. The pockets or “saddle bags” attach to the harness in a way that you can hold them up to adjust the straps and to buckle them. The pack has 4 pockets – 2 large and 2 small. The small pockets sit on top of the bigger pockets. In the smaller pockets you could fit your phone, wallet, and keys. There is enough room in each large pocket to stuff a water bottle, a baggie of dog food or trail treats, and a small towel or the collapsible water bowl. All pockets use zippers that stay closed even during rigorous hikes. Based on its construction and design, the pack is durable and should last years with plenty of use.
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