Backpacks

[sjdavenport]

Our Outward Hounds dog backpacks got here today, L on Atlas, and XL on Rhaegar. We're planning on a backpacking trip next month, so I wanted to give them some time to get used to them before we go (and I certainly didn't intend to carry all three of the dogs' things!). I love all of Ruffwear's stuff and really wanted their backpacks, but they're just too pricey for us right now, so I went with Outward Hounds. I think they'll work well, but I'm concerned about the straps rubbing uncomfortably. I may have to attempt to get crafty and sew on fleece or something to make the chest strap more comfortable.....attempt being the key word, lol.

 

[Hector]

Problem with ruffwear packs too is that the straps are too thin for mastiffs.

 

[Max's mom]

If you are a no sew kinda gal, try soft extra long tube socks. cut out the toe and slip over the straps. they'll bunch up on one side till you get the strap clicked, then you can straighten out the sock.

 

[DDSK]

Duct tape and pipe insulation, problem solved!

 

[Hector]

swimming noodles

 

[sjdavenport]

Lol, all great ideas! Thanks guys! All I have is suture material, so I was just going to try to make the best of it, but I think I'll give some of yall's suggestions a try instead....

 

[DennasMom]

We have a ruffwear pack for Denna - it came with fleece covers for the belly strap.
We need to get out and use it more.

I like the idea for using tube socks!!

Some pics of it are on her FB page: https://www.facebook.com/3036612063...0.1442259788./484046158339241/?type=3&theater

 

[Nik]

I love the idea of backpacks for the dogs. It's always such a chore doing beach or hikes and having to carry all their stuff lol


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[EverythingEnglishMastiff]

How are they doing with the packs? Do they seem to like them?

 

[sjdavenport]

I've had them wear them around the house a little just to get used to them, but they haven't actually had any outings with them with any weight in the packs. I was waiting until I was able to modify the straps going under the armpits to prevent any rubbing. I finished that up tonight (with those soft fuzzy microfiber socks that I kind of sutured around the straps, lol), so we will be taking them to the national park for a day trip tomorrow to try them out. I'll probably just put a couple water bottles in them to start out. I'll let you guys know how it goes! And post pics of course, lol.

 

[sjdavenport]

We have a ruffwear pack for Denna - it came with fleece covers for the belly strap.
We need to get out and use it more.

I like the idea for using tube socks!!

I probably should have just splurged and gotten the ruffwear packs (especially considering that immediately afterwards I ordered their quinzee coat, k9 overcoat, and sleeping bag for Mazey, lol). But hopefully my modifications will be sufficient!

 

[Hector]

I probably should have just splurged and gotten the ruffwear packs (especially considering that immediately afterwards I ordered their quinzee coat, k9 overcoat, and sleeping bag for Mazey, lol). But hopefully my modifications will be sufficient!

Can you give the links to the items you purchased? lol

 

[sjdavenport]

Can you give the links to the items you purchased? lol

Sorry I'm so slow.
Here's a link to the quinzee coat (the red one that Rhaegar is wearing): Ruffwear Quinzeeâ„¢ Insulated Dog Jacket

And to the k9 overcoat (the green one Atlas is wearing): Ruffwear K-9 Overcoatâ„¢ Cold Weather Utility Dog Jacket

And then to Mazey's sleeping bag. It's way overpriced, but I'm a sucker then it comes to buying crap for Mazey, lol. It only comes in one size, which is for like medium sized dogs: Ruffwear Highlands Sleeping Bagâ„¢

For the coats, I just bought the "older" models off of Amazon for like half the price. Both the boys are wearing larges, and the coats come in up to xl.

 

[Hector]

Thanks, no worries. I think it's messed up when xxs is the same price as xl. I think that's how ruffwear likes it....

 

[sjdavenport]

Well, we finally got to give our packs a test run. We went on about a two hour hike this morning. I posted a bunch of pics and how the packs were on Rhaegar's thread. I'm too lazy to post it twice, lol.

Rhaegar, Rhaegar, and more Rhaeger! - Page 7 - Mastiff Forum