Dog backpacks - Page 1

I am interested in getting a backpack for my 8 month old GSD that he can grow into. When going for hikes or swims in parks where he must be leashed it would be helpful to have a place to store his short and long leashes, ball, collapsible water bowl, etc. Anyone have any suggestions on a good brand, a place to purchase one, or size? I don't want to spend a lot of money on a huge backpack since it will only be used within parks and for short periods of time, yet I want one that will work and last.

Looking forward to your responses!

I don't have any recommendations from experience, but I find Backcountry K9 to be very competitive in their pricing of other products I've purchased.  https://www.backcountryk9.com/Default.aspx

Theo & I love using this backpack, it's got lots of compartments inside too, thanks for posting this, I didn't even know what brand of backpack Theo had, cause there's no advertising on the outside, you have to look inside for a very small tag.
  I purchased this in the white mountain area or NH, it was at a petshop called "For your paws only"
 Here's a link to where you can get one on line:
http://www.baxterboo.com/dogs/travel_gear/zack_and_zoey_day_trippers_green.cfm 

Great pic of your boy;  really proud to wear that pack.  Love that,  Nanci

I have the Ruffwear Approach and Mountainsmith packs for my dogs. The Approach packs are are the ones I prefer. Fit well, the Y harness works very well with no shifting and can't ride up around the neck like a breast strap can going uphill. Not as bulky as the Mountainsmith pack.

I use the Ruffwear Palisades hydration pack www.backcountryk9.com/95/Products.aspx when we hike.  We have been hiking 4000' - 5000' mountains in the Adirondacks so the dogs carry their own water (these packs come with a hydration bladder).  I love them!  The stay put and distribute the weight well.  You can also remove the pack while leaving the pack harness on the dog,which is nice when you reach the summit and want to take a break :)

Laurie

I'm thinking I'd like to try that one.  https://www.backcountryk9.com/96/0/Products.aspx

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I'm excited to start looking at these suggestions and ordering one!!

Britny fit is very important so doublecheck your sizing before you order one. If there's an outfitters shop near you it's well worth calling and seeing if you can bring your dog up and try for fit before you buy. A lot of places will let you do that. Proper loading and load placement is very important too. You want the weight over the dog's shoulders not on his back.

Daryl, that's the approach packs I have with the ruffwear safety vest underneath. I've been using these for years and love them. They do well on my week long trips out in the backcountry, hold enough food and no chafing, restriction in movement or slipping about of the pack..

Laurie, I've looked at the Palisades and been reconsidering trying one out again. The hydration system seems a nice thing to have in theory but I'm wondering how much of a pain in the you know it is to manage. Filling, dry load capacity reduction with full bladders, water capacity, cleaning and so forth. I suspect I'd end up removing the bladders anyway. I like the detachable pack feature but in my experience with those (not a Palisades) the plastic clips always break, can cause wear and failure on the pack itself and worse of all interfere with or cause chafing/discomfort for the dog. I'd be interested to hear your feedback on this since you use one.