Dog Hiking packs
Java doesn’t have much gear in general so we can’t do a ton of gear reviews as he doesn’t own much outside of his pack, collapsible bowls, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, blanket, bandanas … okay, maybe there will be more gear reviews! However, for now, I will concentrate on the never-ending search for Java’s perfect pack.
Java has now officially gone through 6 different packs! So, needless to say, I think we are almost experts in the dog pack world.
Here are some tips we’ve learned through our dog packing challenges:
How Much Weight Can your pup carry?
For the most part, I keep Java’s pack at 10% – 25% of his body weight. Most dogs can carry 25% of their body weight. If I know it’s going to be a long and difficult hike, I try to keep his pack weight rather light. If we are just doing an easy day hike he can easily carry 12lbs (he weighs almost 50lbs so 12lbs is about 25% his weight) in his pack without it slowing him down at all.
For backpacking trips his pack is usually about 8lbs.
- two 16oz water bottles – 16oz of water is about 1.04lbs each so both bottles of waters are about 2lbs for him.
- Collapsible food and water dish – 4.8oz
- Treats – 8oz
- His food – 4lbs (this is about 2 days worth of his food)
- Poop bags – .01oz
- His pack – 1lb
Total weight = ~8lbs
How to Fit a Pack
Most packs come with a guide on how to fit the pack to your dog. The most important measurements are the circumference of your dog’s chest, waist, and neck.
Getting the straps so fit perfectly is often a very complicated science for Java. Any strap that is too tight will rub his skin leaving marks and too loose and the pack never stays on evenly.
I’ve found that if I can get the strap that goes around the circumference of Java’s chest to be the perfect fit the rest are very easy to adjust. That also seems to be the best strap for keeping the pack even on his back. I do try to keep even weight distribution to prevent the pack from leaning one side over the other but having the correct fit allows some wiggle room.
Types of Packs
Java has two main packs I use for him. He has a daypack that has smaller pockets on the side and just used to carry small things like water and treats for him. Sometimes, if it’s hot enough out, I’ll put some ice packs in it to help keep him cool.
Then he has his overnight backpacking pack. This one has larger side pockets that can fit all the items mentioned above. I try not to overpack it or make it too bulky as the sides to start tearing from rubbing up against rocks.
Reviews
Through all the wear and tear that Java has caused on his packs, we have two favorites and some less than favorites.
My absolute favorite pack is the Outward Hound Daypack. It’s absolutely worth the money and hasn’t failed us yet. The pockets are bit small but perfect for day trips. It also fits Java really well and you don’t have to spend hours adjusting straps.
My second favorite and one we use for longer trips is the Wellver Dog Backpack on amazon. It lasted the longest and probably gave me the most bang for my buck out of all the packs Java has owned.
He enjoyed his Ruffwear Approach Pack but for the price, it isn’t always my top choice. We’ve gone through 3 Approach packs from Ruffwear and every time the bottom ends up tearing and the material doesn’t hold up very long on our New Hampshire adventures.
In last place is the Kurgo Dog Saddlebag Backpack which just didn’t fit Java well. It ended up always being lopsided and causing the pocket to tear and drag all over.
Summary
At the end of the day, you’ll have to find the pack that best fits your pup’s body and doesn’t cause any harsh rub spots. Java gets his rub spots under his armpits a lot which I’ve had to look into packs with longer chest room to prevent but every pup is different so be patient with finding the right one. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new brands and styles as some packs seem to really unique and may just be a great fit for your pup!
At the end of the day, the pack is supposed to help you get out more with your pup and enjoy the great outdoors so I hope you find the right fit! Happy Packing!
