Dog backpacks

[5kidsnadog]

Now that spring is here (finally), I'm not wearing a coat anymore on our walks or runs. That's a good thing, except that now I don't have anyplace to carry anything! My shorts are being dragged down by my cellphone, keys, treats, etc.! I would also like to be able to go on longer walks or runs where I would need to be able to bring water. Sooooo, I'm wondering if any of you have any experience with dog backpacks. I'm thinking I would need one big enough to put enough water for both Finn and I, my keys, wallet, cellphone, treats, and maybe a light jacket (like my micro polar fleece). I'm also thinking that by carrying weight, Finn might get extra exercise out of the deal. Does anyone have anything they can recommend?

[Macawpower58]

Backpacks are great. Most dogs enjoy wearing them, once they get used to the feel and weight. It gives them a job to do, which helps to develop their confidence, and strengthens your bond, as the dog feels it's working with you.

If you google it, tons will pop up.

Be certain to buy quality though. A cheap, ill fitting backpack, will cause sores, be off balance when packed, and plain uncomfortable.

[lindsayanng]

i use the belt clips for water bottles just because i like to have one for the dog and one for myself.. I also used to use them ALL THE TIME when i was a stagehand.
Here you can see one (http://www.whistlecreek.com/watbotclip.html)

But the backpacks are awesome too, it just depends if your dog will allow it.

[Shockadine]

I have a backpack for Foxy. It only took a few minutes for her to get used to it and she doesn't mind me putting it on her at all now. I can fit 2 water bottles in it, one for each of us. I think it's great since I don't carry a purse or anything. She's also an extremely high energy dog, so it helps with that too.

[Julia423]

My brother's two dogs used to pack-in all of their camping gear. My brother and his wife would camp in very remote places and take the dogs (lab & lab mix). The dogs would carry the doggy sleeping bags and their own food and water. They all loved it!

I agree with the recommendation to buy the best quality you can in order to fit the dog properly.

[Julia423]

I just noticed that there is a huge ad for REI.com on this forum. That's a great place to get doggy backpacks. They have a large selection and have a reputation for good quality.

[5kidsnadog]

No brand recommendations? I've seen lots of them online, but am reluctant to buy yet another doggy item without someone telling me their experience (you're talking to someone with a very impressive collar collection for only having a dog for seven months!). The problem is, when I googled dog backpacks, too many came up for me to be able to use any kind of judgement!

Also, it's really not much of an option to try putting something around my waist to hold water bottles and such as it would make running really uncomfortable, I think. Thus the backpack idea. Right now when I do a trail walk, I leave my valuables in the car, which I think any self respecting criminal will figure out in a heartbeat - trail, parking lot for trail, people walking without places to put their purse and valuables, voila -- broken windows and missing wallets!

Finn loves having a job and also could use some wearing out. I think he could easily do a few more miles than I can!

[Macawpower58]

When you want quality, look for sites that cater to 'working dogs', not pets.

Here are a couple:

http://www.ikonoutfitters.com/ (click on backpacks)

http://www.wolfpacks.com/

http://www.altrec.com/pet-gear/dog-backpacks/

This last link goes to a site that reviews the best packs.
It is worthwhile reading. I like it enough, that I have bookmarked it for later research.

http://www.agilepooch.com/dogstuff/dogpacks/dogpacks.html

[5kidsnadog]

Thanks, Becky -- you always seem to have the right answers! I'll look at those sites!

[Julia423]

:( I feel invisible...(not really;)) ...I recommended the REI store site. They carry terrific quality products.

[Macawpower58]

:( I feel invisible...(not really;)) ...I recommended the REI store site. They carry terrific quality products.

lol.........I noticed your suggestion. I'd have added that site too, but you were ahead of me. They also have some nice packs.

[5kidsnadog]

Sorry about that :D -- I had looked previously there (at REI and other places), but need to be able to narrow it down some -- I find that there's never a shortage of products to choose from, but finding out which ones are junk before you buy them is often the problem. I don't need a backpack that slips around his middle or rubs his skin raw, which was what I saw mentioned about some of them. I really want to be able to use this, and not spend the money twice or three times before I get something that suits us (ask me about my collar and leash collection!)

[Macawpower58]

lmao...........if you want to talk about leash collections.....

I bet I have most here beat. I have leads from 1 inch long, to 33 feet long. I have them with handles, without handles, with quick release, spring, scissor, and claw snaps. I have them in leather, horse hair, nylon, synthetic leather, and chain. I have plain, braided, and woven ones. I even have a bungee one. I also have those automatic ones.

Shall we go on to collars???? Harnesses???? Muzzles????? Toys?????

I'm a dog equipment addict. Welcome to my club.

[5kidsnadog]

I have a set of school lockers at the back door that I use for the five kids, and one for Finn's stuff - leashes, collars, poop bags, etc. Lately I've been thinking of taking over one of my older boy's lockers because they never put anything away anyway, and Finn needs more space to hang things!