Backpacking for dogs

[Max Carruth]

I think I might get my dog out this fall/winter for some overnight trips. Two questions for yall: What brand of dogpacks have been tried and tested? How much weight(more specific, how many cans of beer) can a dog handle? We dont get out and do record distance hikes, so I'm not that worried he cant keep up. Oh yeah, Miller is a 85lb yellow lab 19 months old. Any info will help. Thanks

[Zach]

You're probably not going to want him to carry any more than his food and a little water if he can't find creeks to drink out of. Especially at a year and a half he is still somewhat of a puppy (bones still growing, so lots of weight is probably not the best idea).

[Owl]

A general rule for both humans and canines is that maximum pack weight should not exceed about 25% of the animal's body weight. That being said, I personally don't like carrying more than about 15% of my body weight and would not impose a different standard upon man's best friend. If Miller (did you name your dog after your favorite beer?) weighs 85 pounds, 15% of his weight would be about 13 pounds. SInce beer is mostly water, if we convert the dog's carrying capacity into gallons of water (at 8.345 lb per gal of water) it would translate into about 14 beers assuming the packaging (can) weighs two ounces and the liquid content is 12 oz.

Hope this helps.

[RIORESIDENT]

mountainsmith makes great packs. Havn't seen any others that can hang with a Mountainsmith,they are the best I have found

[Michele Jackson]

15-20% of my weight in a backpack is plenty for me. And at if I'm carrying that kind of load, I'm walking of course, not running. I would think a dog may want to run, explore, maybe jump around, etc. So, I would err much lighter than heavier to allow them the freedom to run, play, etc. Otherwise I think you would risk back or joint injury.

[Jeremy M]

Ruffwear...animal tested and approved!

[Max Carruth]

Hey thanks alot for all the info, and suggestions. Since I'm getting some replies on this let me add another thought: Is there suck thing as a dogpack with a frame? I think that would help keep the load from hitting his sides if he did run with a moderate loaded (10-12lbs at 1st) pack? Or should I not even worry about that? Appreciate the help!

[Clif]

Saw THIS if you are interested... I know nothing about em.

[Owl]

I think this is what you really need:

[martinm]

I've done a bit a research on this for backpacking with my dog Angie, a 75 pound malemute/wolf/chow mix. Since dogs are four leggeds instead of two leggeds who walk upright and their spine tends to sag in the center kinda like a clohtsline instead of a flag pole, my research says the shouldn't carry more than 10% of body weight. That would be about 7 pounds for Angie.
Since a six pack weighs about 0.6 lbs, she can also carry her food on an overnight, but I just carry the food, since it is not as bulky. Be sure you get a good pack that won't get trapped in the brush and hang your dog up if she/he decides to do a little exploring on her own. Lots of parks (BNR) require dogs to be on a leash. And finally, coyotes typically gang up on a dog and will tear them to shreds, so be mindful of that.

Martin

[martinm]

Sorry about the 0.6 lbs for a six pack, that was wrong. It is actully 4.7 lbs, based on a 6 containing 72 ounces for a regular size can and water weighing 8.34 lbs. so, my Angie could carry another 2 lbs or so. Sorry about the mistake, not enough coffee yet.

[Max Carruth]

Man, Brad its hard to pass up a deal like that. He could hall a whole cooler, or my pack! Gona start looking for a reasonable pack now. Probably will end up with one of the brands mentioned earlier since there really isn't that big of a variety out there. Thanks again for all the opinions and advice.