Thread: dog back packs

We use the ruffwear approach, Rue always tries to slink away when she sees it come out but as long as load is balanced seems to forget about it after a few minutes. Has carried her food and jacket + some water and then back steaks on way out for 3 day walks no issues. We tried to bigger model and while really liked the removable saddle bags seemed a bit big given for a 25kg pooch we were limited to around 7kg. Seems to be holding up after 2 years, biggest liability is she forgets her wider clearance and just about knocks people off the track pushing by sometimes. Pic from walk this weekend.

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

...been looking at one for Bo so he can carry his own food on a mission...

Unless it is in hermetically sealed bags that sounds like a recipe for disaster

I use a realdogcompany one. I like it because its tough, but it does have downsides. If the pack is light, strong winds can get underneath it and tip the dog over. As others have said, the dog can forget the wider clearance required.

My 34kg lab gsp can carry up to 11-12 kg pretty comfortably but I have had 14 kg in it once. I had to get him used to the pack first though.
I was always told don’t load the dog up with more than 30 percent of it’s body weight, and don’t put a pack on it at all until it’s at least 18 months old.

I have been using a realdog pack for the last few years on my GWP & DD.
Pretty basic design but well made.
Never loaded them down too heavy 1/3 of body weight max.

Don’t put anything fragile or you don’t mind getting wet… my dogs jump in every bit of water they find!


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I have a Twin needle dog pack. The dog carries it's food, and sometimes water too. I read 1/4 of their weight as a max, but it's usually less than that.

I've got a ruffwear approach as well. Definitely recommend that fits well and adjusts well. Dog seems happy as wearing it. Fitted a sika front leg in each side and the dog was still happy and carried it to the truck as if there was nothing on his back. Jumping creeks and all sorts. Plus the hi viz orange puts my mind at ease that he can't be mistaken for a black pig and shot

Just had an e-mail from Twin needle and the backpack is now reduced to $175 but you have to buy the pouches to attach to it as well. It is not on their website yet so it may be worth contacting them.

we settled on a realdog pack,Meg is fine with it....I got Mrs to order it,hmmmmm bright pink sure stands out !!!!

Originally Posted by Monk

Yip I’ve got this as well.
Well made and tough.

Plus one for real dog. Tough and durable.

Originally Posted by Ross Nolan

I have a Twin needle dog pack. The dog carries it's food, and sometimes water too. I read 1/4 of their weight as a max, but it's usually less than that.

Any chance of a picture?

Use a drizabone oilskin on my viz, hard wearing , warm, not much room in the pockets but she’s a small bitch. Really happy with this coat.

Does the realdog pack flop around? Just from the website it looks like a secure harness but with saddle bags that flop around?

They do move a bit. Because the side bags are big if they are not filled then there is a bit of movement of things inside causing the bags to 'flop' around. I tend to use the pack for bulky but light items, but beware of your dog as a real tight heal light my gsp/lab then being banged on the inside of your knee is a possibility as she walks alongside.

they do that on purpose.....I found they definately sit better if full.... my bitches completely change personality when pack is on...go from zoomies into plod mode..and plod mode is good.

Awesome - Cheers for the info