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Topic: Dog Packs< Next Oldest | Next Newest >
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punkybrewster Search for posts by this member.

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PostIcon Posted on: Jan. 29 2013, 8:34 pm  Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
Hi all -- I'm looking to get a pack for my boyfriends dog. He's a good sized bull mastiff . I was wondering if anyone has some advice as far as what to look for. It doesn't seem like there are too many companies (maybe I am wrong), the top one being Ruffwear. Are there any specifics within the pack that would be super important to look out for? I appreciate any and all advice. Thanks!
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hikerjer Search for posts by this member.

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PostIcon Posted on: Jan. 29 2013, 8:50 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
Eastpack used to make them.  That's what we have for our dog.  Always worked pretty good but I don't know if they are still in production.  Google thelm.

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"Too often I have met men who boast only of how many miles they've traveled and not of what they've seen."  -  Louis L'Amour
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ndwoods Search for posts by this member.

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PostIcon Posted on: Jan. 29 2013, 8:54 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
Couple things to watch for.  First off....less bells and whistles is better. All the extra cool straps just catch on brush and rocks. Secondly, very soft webbing. In fact I sew sheepskin on the straps as I had a dog get severely cut when a strap got wet and dried stiff! Thirdly, non solid top...ie mesh or straps is better so they don't get so hot. Lastly, pack the dogs meals in individual ziplocs....they ineveitably go for a swim or lay in a creek and it all gets soaked inside!:)

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http://ndeewoods.blogspot.com/ and Wilder Ranch State Park
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Bleve Search for posts by this member.

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PostIcon Posted on: Jan. 30 2013, 2:51 am Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
There's a Yahoo group called Traildog which would be a good place to ask and research.  I believe there's even some product development people from companies like Ruffwear among the group.  I personally have an older Mountainsmith that's worked okay.  My wife has an REI that's also okay.  Ruffwear is considered one of the best as well.
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punkybrewster Search for posts by this member.

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PostIcon Posted on: Jan. 30 2013, 8:38 am Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(Bleve @ Jan. 30 2013, 2:51 am)
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There's a Yahoo group called Traildog which would be a good place to ask and research.  I believe there's even some product development people from companies like Ruffwear among the group.  I personally have an older Mountainsmith that's worked okay.  My wife has an REI that's also okay.  Ruffwear is considered one of the best as well.

Thanks I'll definitely look into the group.

Within all of my research last night, I came upon http://wolfpacks.com/ which seem amazing. Lots of innovative ideas from this mom and pop company that's been around since 1981. I like the idea of the compression strap being horizontal and not vertical, so it shifts the weight onto the dogs shoulders which is the strongest part of their body.
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Ketoka Search for posts by this member.

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PostIcon Posted on: Jan. 30 2013, 2:27 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic.  Ignore posts   QUOTE
We have the Ruffwear Palisades which we really like because it stays true to the body when going down steap hills.  It doesn't crawl over their neck and heads the way our Wenaha Explorers do.  Unfortunately they downsized the Palisades so if you need more room your are out of luck.

We like the Wenaha because it has lots of room and can handle long trips.

Both packs come with a saddle which means you can detach the pack from the dog on breaks.  You can also put the saddle on the dog and when ready to move out place the pack on the dogs.

Because most of the weight on the dog is on the shoulders we massage those muscles and do some PT kind of stretching to avoid injuries.

Have fun, lots of fun taking the dog out on backpacking trips with you.
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