Now that our pup is mostly done growing, It is almost time she start carrying some of her own gear. Starting with some water so she can get a drink while out on long walks, and eventually moving up to a bit more on actual backpacking trips.
I know nothing about dog packs other than that they exist. So who does know a bit they can share?
... And with the school year drawing close....
I have nothing helpful to add besides my smartass remarks.
The thought of using a dog as a backpack never occurred to me. 
1988RedT2 wrote:
The thought of using a dog as a backpack never occurred to me.
Nono.. I think he wanted to get a backpack for a d.....
Did this guy have a post earlier about his kids dog? 
Thanks guys... :P
Seems like it would be hot and extra heavy
There are lots of options, I know REI has a bunch if they are near you. Personally I would go with something that has a mesh back to it as it will make your pooch more comfortable and less sweaty. A hard exoskeleton is a must too, as they help distribute the weight of the pack along the spine much more evenly and lead to reduced hot spots.
I'd also spring for the Camelbak-equipped variety for ease of hydration. It will take a few tries to get the dog to learn how to properly use the bite valve without deciding it's a chew toy, but it's worth it in the long run.
Many of the new packs also have a convenient place for your dog's iPod where it has a hole that the earbuds can come through, so your dog can enjoy the tunes it likes while it hikes.
oldtin wrote: fosters & smith
The problem isn't finding them, it's not knowing what to look for in one. The individual products of course go on about why that one's good, often in contradiction to the same section about another pack.
Further, the articles at that site don't (as far as I can tell) help much either. They just say "if your dog is big enough, you can get them a pack." No kidding, she's close to sixty pounds of pure muscle. I'm pretty sure she can carry a pack no problem, I just don't want to buy one that sucks if I can help it.
How about a travois?
you could go old-school:
http://www.thegreenhead.com/2010/04/st-bernard-barrel-collar.php
Well, despite all the wonderful help here, I think I've got it figured out. (though the St Bernard cask is awful tempting for carrying a bit of water on short trips)
Now I just need to measure her before I order. If measuring her for her winter jacket is any indication, this step may prove interesting.
I have a set made by Jandd for our Husky, works great! Here's a link to their catalog: linky
She carries her own collapsible bowl, water and poop bags. 
I think it would be cool to have a back pack so my dog could ride on my back while I ride my motorcycle. Of course, he would get goggles...lol.
Ordered her one of these (Wolf Packs Banzai):
(Obviously not my dog, since we just ordered the pack)
We don't have a pack for our dog, but we did get her a nice evaporative cooling harness/vest. Same basic thing that snaps on the same way, just no pouches for carrying stuff. Our dog is a shaggy terrier-ish mutt (I say part Lhasa), and she overheats easily. So we soak the vest and she stays cooler on hikes. Really helps a lot, and I highly recommend it if you're in a warm area.
They have the same thing with pouches on the side for carrying stuff.
Salanis wrote: We don't have a pack for our dog, but we did get her a nice evaporative cooling harness/vest. Same basic thing that snaps on the same way, just no pouches for carrying stuff. Our dog is a shaggy terrier-ish mutt (I say part Lhasa), and she overheats easily. So we soak the vest and she stays cooler on hikes. Really helps a lot, and I highly recommend it if you're in a warm area. They have the same thing with pouches on the side for carrying stuff.
We do get some hot days, but being in northern MN cold is more of an issue. She has a jacket for wearing in the winter, but so far boots have been an uphill battle and so winter walks are still shortish.
Central valley CA here. Totally opposite problem. Shaggy dog likes the cold (at least as cold as it gets here) but can't take the heat.
Salanis wrote: Central valley CA here. Totally opposite problem. Shaggy dog likes the cold (at least as cold as it gets here) but can't take the heat.
plus she's not shaggy at all. Her coat is maybe 1/4" long in the longest spots. Maybe.
My friend uses these for his Belgian Shepard. First outing or two Max got wedged between two saplings, but he gets it now. Tom says it's like anything else, you get what you pay for. Check for double stitching, durability but also breathability of the material. Dogs don't want to stay wet any more than we do, air dry is good.
Max can't go camping unless he packs his own Kibbles.
http://www.ebags.com/product/mountainsmith/dog-pack-large/208552?adtype=pla&productid=10121079&sourceid=ADWPRODUCT&couponid=55583734&gclid=CLja0MaiuqkCFYEUKgod93rn_Q
Maroon92 wrote: I think it would be cool to have a back pack so my dog could ride on my back while I ride my motorcycle. Of course, he would get goggles...lol.
Don't forget the helmet
Seriously, I have a dog that is about 60 pounds of muscle...why isn't he carrying his own stuff?
pinchvalve wrote: Seriously, I have a dog that is about 60 pounds of muscle...why isn't he carrying his own stuff?
Exactly. She's solid muscle and pushing 60 pounds, now that we're out walking longer again, she'll likely build enough muscle to be over 60 pounds before the end of summer. Giving her some of my water's no big deal, but I'd like to get her carrying most of her own stuff for smallish (weekend) trips this summer, and move up to some longer ones by next year. Maybe see how much of the Superior Hiking Trail (Duluth to Canada along the north shore of Lake Superiror) we can cover.
Backpack got here today:
She doesn't look entirely happy about the new deal.
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