Real Dog Company Backpacks

Shout out to Nigel and Rose at Real Dog Backpacks out of Ranfurly, Otago. I've been running one of their regular dog back packs on Kai my vizsla/gsp cross for the last 4 years. Here's a link to their packs. https://www.realdog.co.nz/shop/dog-b...Backpacks&gp=1

Kai is 29kg, so the regular is the perfect size. Weighs about 730g (I've removed the stainless steel d loops at the top so a bit lighter than standard). It has two heavy duty 1000d cordura paniers (side pockets) with hard wearing/heavy duty zips, and two straps that clip together under the dog. I typically use his pack when on mountain adventures, as it allows him to carry his food, puffer jackets, tent fly and inner, and light items I want access to during the tramp in or out. It really helps with reducing bulk in your pack, and also keeps him tidy and within range than when he is running free, which is nice. I limit weight to around 10% of his body weights, tops. This is a really manageable weight for Kai and he's still got his "zip" when out front.

Although you can go over, his purpose is indicating/and being a dog, not a pack horse, so this ensures I'm not wearing him out. One of the things you really want to do is weigh items and balance the load. I pack his dog biscuits in day serves zip loc bags, and know the weights of various items, so weight is balanced and off set on each side. You'll notice if the weight is out, as it will drag to one side. It's a great place to store your wet gear. My tipi tent and fly are about the same weight, so they often get packed in their separate sacks on either side. It's also a great place to store your empty water bladders, that you might want to fill up before climbing high.

It's incredibly tough and well built. I use it to store food in the tent when out hunting, and nothing is getting in without a fight. One thing for those running a pointer which have single coats and often limited/no hair under their leg pits (vizsla/gsp/weimeraner) is that the buckles can cause chaffing in the under leg pit area. I use a $9 temu dog light fleece top which provides abrasion resistance during a hike, and another layer when in camp/sleeping. On the tramp out if I'm packing meat on my pack, I'll biff light gear like puffer jackets in his empty pack for the carry out. Pretty nice.

A couple of other tips. You don't want to start using a pack till the dog is past 16 months, as at about this point their bones have finished growing and hardened sufficiently. You also want to build up their strength with a pack, just like you might yourself with training walks. It's also a good idea before summer as pads out on the pavement in the earlier morning or evening will help toughen them up for big hikes later. Like anything, a dog will get hot, like we will when under work, so make sure you pack a water container and water. I use the lower half of a two little pliastic milk container for him, weighs nothing...

If you have any questions, let me know.

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