Mapping the Sheltowee

Chilton · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 5:00 pm Post subject: Dog Packs

Last Christmas I purchased a Mountain Smith large pack for my Australian Shepherd. Now that we have had it for about a year and he has used it about a dozen time it is falling totally apart. Not only is it poorly constructed, with seams ripping out everywhere, the support straps run directly under his armpits (assuming dogs have arm pits) and on long trips rubs him raw. I went as far as to get the big fluffy cotton that is sometimes on horse equipment and made pads to go on the straps so that it wouldn't be so bad. It didn't help for every long. After the first creek they were sopping wet and rubbing again.

My question is: What dog pack do you have for your pooches and how do you rate them? I am looking to get a new one for him and don't want to wait my money again... the Mountain Smith pack kit that I bought was $80.

Chilton · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 5:05 pm Post subject:

Here he is on our last trip through RRG

Chilton · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 5:08 pm Post subject:

In this one you can see the cotton strap covers I made. I know that cotton was the worst choice, but it was my only choice.

I.B.Me · Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 9:13 am Post subject:

Chilton,
You have seen the pack that Jack carries when we were cleaning the trail. It is homemade but no better than purchased ones. If you are getting rubbing, you probably have it too tight. The pack should just sit on his back and you must keep the load somewhat balanced to or it will slide around to one side.

Try to loosen both straps. The neck should be loose enough to allow the pack to slide rearward on his back. The belly should be just snug. You should still be able to put your fingers under the strap with little force.

Just start with it on his back quite loose and tighten until it stops sliding around with equal amounts in each pocket ie 1liter of water in each. Again the weight in the pack will keep it in place more so than the straps.

From the photo it may be a little too small for him. It is hard to tell from the angles.

If you are buying a new dog pack, take your dog to the store. I know J&H allows this others should too.

I have attached a couple of pics of Jack from last winter.

wornoutboots · cub Joined: 23 Oct 2006 Posts: 7 Location: Northern KY

Sorry don't have a pooch. Hope you find you answer here. I was lookng at it like the saddle of a horse, somtines they have addititonal straps that go around the front legs and clips into the center of the belly area don't they?

Enjoy! It's snowing here in NKY Very Happy