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MANUFACTURER LIST
- RUGGED/CASUAL/SERVICE: Caribou, Granite
Gear, Mountainsmith, Outdoor
Products, Outward Hound, Ruff Wear, Wenaha, Wolf
Packs
- SPECIALTY: Canine Adventure Products, Cool-Paws, Neo-Paws,
Rocky Mountain K-9 Accessories, Ruff Rider,
Sylmar
RUGGED/CASUAL/SERVICE PACKS
(see Feature Comparison Table, Rugged or Casual)
- Features: one-piece harness, loose mesh saddle, two belly straps,
Packcloth, Cordura brushguards, angled bags, taped seams
- Personal Impressions:
Hits: solid entry-level pack, the
only one with brushguards
Misses: loose mesh saddle may not nold up; no buckle padding; saddle is
long and no contoured neck
- Specs and Pricing:
Woofer I (small): 600 cu in,
20-40lbs, $28
Woofer II (med): 900 cu in, 46-65lbs, $31
Woofer III (large): 1200 cu in, 66+ lbs, $34 (est.)
- Colors: Red/Black (small only), Blue/Black (med only), Green/Black
(large only)
- Sources:
Online:
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- Features: one-piece harness, padded dense mesh back, contoured neck,
adjustable bag height, one belly strap, padded chest strap buckle, 500-denier cordura,
angled bags, fleece bag padding, taped seams, leash loop
- Personal Impressions:
Hits: great price; avoids the load
distribution issues of the strap saddle with a padded dense mesh back pad; strength of
mesh isn't an issue because the bags are sewn to the straps; big beefy zippers; excellent
response from manufacturer
Misses: no padding under belly strap buckle; extra strapping on saddle is
not well retained so the ends (6 of them) flap (easy to fix with velcro spots); bag
opening is restrictive
- Specs and Pricing:
Small: 900 cu in,
30-50lbs, $45
Medium: 1100 cu in, 50-80lbs, $48
Large: 1300 cu in, over 80lbs, $52 (currently on sale
for $45 at Moosejaw)
- Colors: Red/Black, Blue/Black, Green/Black
- Other Dog Products: bowls, shock absorber leash.
- Sources/Contact:
Online: REI, EMS, Moosejaw Mountaineering, Rutabaga, Appalachian
Ski & Outdoors, Bent Gate Mountaineering, Moosejaw Mountaineering, Rutabaga, Appalachian
Ski & Outdoors,
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- Features: one-piece harness, 3-strap saddle (2" webbing),
adjustable bag height, one belly strap, 600-denier Cordura, rectangular bags, two vertical
compression straps with two keepers each, large capacity, four D-rings for lashing, taped
seams
- Personal Impressions:
Hits: beefy zippers and huge zipper
tabs; polypropelene webbing is softer than nylon and not as prone to freezing
Misses: belly strap farther forward than some models - over rib cage, not
behind; no buckle padding; metal slide adjusters for straps with no padding
- Specs and Pricing:
Dog Pack I: 760 cu in, less than 35lbs, $59 )
Dog Pack II: 1300 cu in,
35-65lbs, $69
Dog Pack III: 2400 cu in, over 65lbs, $79
- Colors: Red
- Sources/Contact:
Online: REI,
eBags, Fog Dog Sports
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- Features: one-piece harness, loose mesh back with pocket, contoured
neck, one belly strap, fleece buckle padding, 500-denier Cordura, angled bags, horizontal
compression straps
- Personal Impressions:
Hits: solid entry-level pack, the
only one with compression straps; bags open wide for accessibility
Misses: the elastic on the chest strap is inherently weaker than webbing
- may not hold up to extended wear; saddle is VERY wide (too wide for my dog); not listed
on Outdoor Products' website
- Specifications and Pricing:
Small (red only): 925 cu in,
20-40lbs, $26
Medium (blue only): 1145 cu in, 40-70lbs, $28
Large (Green only): 1145 cu in [sic], 70-100lbs, $30
- Sources/Contact:
Online: REI
Local: REI
Manufacturer: Outdoor Products,
1919 Vineburn Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, 800-438-3353, packsforlife@outdoorproducts.com
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- Features: two-piece harness, solid fabric padded saddle, contoured
neck, two belly straps, buckle padding, Cordura, rectangular bags, 4 D-rings for lashing,
leash retainer
- Personal Impressions:
Hits: features similar to the Wenaha
Explorer II at a lower price; leash retainer is handy
Misses: the sizing doesn't work well for my dog because she is right on
the split - based on my own advice, I chose the Sm/Med and it looks and feels too small;
haven't tried the Lg/XLg, but I suspect it would be too big
- Specifications and Pricing:
Sm/Med: unknown capacity, up to
65lbs, $46
Lg/XLg: unknown capacity, 65+ lbs, $53
- Colors: Black, Blue, Red, Green
- Other Dog Products: too many to list - see Kyjen
website
- Sources/Contact:
Online: PetSmart
Local: Moe's Toys
(Santa Ana, CA)
Manufacturer: The
Kyjen Company, P.O. Box 793, Huntington Beach, Ca, 92648, 714-841-1950
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The Palisades is pricey, but has an integrated
hydration system which is quite intriguing (sort of a Camel-Back for your dog). It
involves a refillable bladder with a spigot similar to those used on boxed wine, and a
zippered access at the back of the pack (not unlike a fly).
- Features:
Palisades: two-piece harness, dense
mesh saddle, contoured neck, two belly straps, buckles padded by harness, fleece padded
straps, Cordura, 1000-denier brushguards, angled bags, vertical compression straps with
one keeper each, laced shock cord for lashing, reflective trim, taped seams, leash and
harness loops, grab handle to assist dog, integrated hydration system
Approach: one-piece harness, dense mesh saddle, contoured neck, two belly
straps, fleece buckle and strap padding, 600-denier Cordura, angled bags, reflective trim,
taped seams, grab handle to assist dog
- Personal Impressions:
Hits: Palisades: the hydration system
is very clever, and avoids the weight and hassle of plastic water bottles; heavy-duty
construction; handle on saddle is nifty; bags open wide for accessibility. Approach:
solid features in a mid-range pack.
Misses: Palisades: pack itself is heavy. Approach:
no two-way zipper.
- Feedback:
Ruff Wear
Working Dogs
- Specs and Pricing:
Palisades:
Small: 672 cu in, 15-45lbs, $105
Medium: 950 cu in, 45-80lbs, $115
Large: 1276 cu in, 80-120+lbs, $125
Approach:
Small: 390 cu in, 15-45lbs, $62
Medium: 819 cu in, 45-80lbs, $66
Large: 1085, 80-120+lbs, $70
- Colors:
Palisades/Approach: Red, Green
- Other Dog Products: bowls, bait bags, boots, jackets, life vests, gear bags,
flying disks, shampoo, first-aid kits, collar light, stuffed toys.
- Sources/Contact:
Online: Gear 2 Go (discounted
prices),
Altrec.com, eBags, Colorado Petfitters
Local: Ruff Wear Dealer Locator
Manufacturer: Ruff Wear, P.O. Box 1363, Bend, OR, 97709,
888-783-3932, luckydog@ruffwear.com
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- Features:
Explorer II and Standard: two-piece
harness (Explorer II), one-piece harness (Standard), padded fabric saddle, contoured neck,
two belly straps, neoprene buckle padding, 500-denier cordura, ballistic nylon
brushbuards, bags padded by harness, D-rings available for horizontal compression strap, 6
D-rings for lashing, taped seams, harness loop, 10' gear strap
Top Pouch: add-on accessory that connects to all three models using
D-rings for added capacity.
- Personal Impressions:
Hits: sturdy and well constructed;
many lashing options, especially w/ Top Pouch; padded saddle; bags open wide for
accessibility; designed for hard-core and competition packdogging
Misses: large capacity bags are designed to meet loading requirements for
pack dog certification, but may tend to encourage overloading by casual users; company
does not maintain website because all sales are through distributors
- Feedback: "I love it, and so do they...holds a large
amount...packs easily...easily adjusts...very durable." "Well-balanced...quite
roomy...I have not been disappointed."
- Specs and Pricing:
Explorer II: $28-70,
depending on size and source
Mini: unknown capacity, 5-15lb,
XX-Small: unknown capacity, 15-35lb
X-Small: unknown capacity, 20-40lb
Small: unknown capacity, 40-70lb
Medium: unknown capacity, 70-100lb
Large: unknown capacity, 100+lb
Standard: $40-$55, depending on size and source
Small: unknown capacity, 40-70lb
Medium: unknown capacity, 70-100lb
Large: unknown capacity, 100+lb
Jogger: $31-$57, depending on size and source
Small: unknown capacity, 40-70lb
Medium: unknown capacity, 70-100lb
Large: unknown capacity, 100+lb
Top Pouch (fits all three models): $15
Small: fits X-Sm, Sm, Med
Large: fits Med, Lg
- Colors: Red, Green
- Sources/Contact:
Online: Chinookwind Outfitters
(discounts),
Perry Greene Outfitters (discounts),
Nordkyn Outfitters, REI
Local: REI
Manufacturer: no web site
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- Features:
Banzai and Reflector: one-piece
harness, fabric saddle with zipper pocket, contoured back, one belly strap, fleece buckle
padding, 1000-denier Cordura, angled bags, lash tabs, reflective trim
Banzai adds ballistic nylon brushguards, zippered outer pockets,
horizontal compression strap
- Personal Impressions:
Hits: Banzai: nicely-designed,
full-featured, light-weight unit; love the pockets in the saddle and the brushguards. Reflector:
many of the same features and quality of the Banzai in a mid-range pack.
Misses: I can't find anything not to like in this line.
- Feedback: "I looked at several brands...and chose these because
of customer service and durability...seem to have been designed with the dog's comfort in
mind." "quality and fit are phenomenal...lots of pockets." "extremely
well made ...stood up to many years use by our [Canine Companion] graduates...company was
very responsive to our requests...well made and thoughtfully constructed dog packs."
"extremely well constructed, holds a lot of stuff and is very durable." See also
Wolf Packs Testimonials.
- Specs and Pricing:
Banzai: $74, Reflector $59
Small: 650 cu in, 30-50lb
Medium: 1150 cu in, 50-85lb
Large: 1600 cu in, 85-120lb
X-Large: 2200 cu in, 120+lb
Saddle Bag: $45
One-Size-Fits-Large: 140 cu in (est.), 50-100lb
Colors: Red, Blue and Green; Orange and Camo as supplies last
- Other Dog Products: ID capes (for service/therapy dogs), collars, boots,
first-aid kits, books, pet ID, bowls
- Sources/Contact:
Online: Chinookwind Outfitters
(discounted prices), Alpine
Outfitters, Nordkyn Outfitters
Local: Wolf Packs Dealer Locator
Manufacturer: Wolf Packs, 1940 Soda Mountain Rd, Ashland,
OR, 97520, 541-482-7669
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SPECIALTY PACKS
- Cool Paws Day Trekker Clip-On Dog
Pack (made in Mesa, AZ)
The Day Trekker is unique because it clips on to
any standard harness. This would be really convenient for those who already use a harness
for walking or protection in the car.
- Features: Cordura, padded bags, heavy-duty webbing brushguards, clips
on to any standard harness, places weight over shoulders instead of back outside zipper
pockets
- Personal Impressions:
Hits: simple attachment - the
attachment clips snap onto your existing harness, then the bags clip on directly; great
design, especially if you use a harness for walking or driving with the dog; small
capacity is not a disadvantage for this application because it extends the range of dog
sizes that can use it.
Misses: none
Overall: I consider this pack an excellent dual-purpose, light-duty pack
- if you walk or drive your dog in a harness and want to occasionally add carrying
capacity, this is a great solution. Terrific for service dogs.
- Specifications and Pricing:
Medium: unknown capacity,
20"-28" chest, $30
Large: unknown capacity, 28"-36" chest, $32
- Colors: Blue, Red, Green, Purple
- Other Dog Products: booties, travel bowls, travel tether
- Sources/Contact:
Online:
Valley Vet (discounts)
Local: None known
Manufacturer: Cool Paw Productions, 1829 S. Horne,
Suite 7, Mesa, AZ, 85204, 800-650-PAWS, coolpaws@earthlink.net
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The Neo-Paws product is unique in that the bags are
made of neoprene rubber (wet-suit material). They are also the only ones to use a velcro
closure on the belly straps.
- Features: mesh saddle, wide mesh belly strap, neoprene pockets,
reflective tape, hook-and-loop closure.
- Personal Impressions:
Hits: lots of reflective tape; soft,
stretchy saddle conforms well; simple velcro attachment on belly straps makes it easy to
put on.
Misses: none, for what it is designed to do.
Overall: the Neo-Paws isn't a heavy-duty outdoor pack because the bags
are too small and the mesh straps may not hold up to abuse; but it's a nice day-hiker or
night-hiker, with all the reflective tape.
- Specifications and Pricing:
Medium: unknown capacity, unknown
weight, $46
Large: unknown capacity, unknown weight, $50
- Colors: Black
- Other Dog Products: shoes, jackets, life vests, seat belts, glow and reflective
collars.
- Sources:
Online: Manufacturer
only
Local: None known
Manufacturer: Neo-Paws,
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The Trailblazer has a modular design with add-on
accessories. The main pouch is on the dog's back with insulated water bottle holders as
panniers, so the load sits high on the dog's back and doesn't interfere with the elbows.
The Trailblazer also includes two water bottles, a spare leash, a collapsible water bowl
and a pouch for carrying out the dog's waste.
- Features: Cordura, V-type chest strap, two belly straps, insulated
water bottle holders, fleece buckle pads, collapsible water bowl, canine waste pouch.
- Specifications and Pricing:
One-size-fits-large: unknown
capacity, 40-140lbs, $89
Add-on accesories: K9 Oacis (extra water) $59; K9 Adventurer (first-aid
kit) $79
- Colors:
- Other Dog Products:
- Sources/Contact:
Online:
Colorado
Petfitters
Manufacturer: Rocky
Mountain K-9 Accessories, Boulder, CO, rockymtk9@earthlink.net
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The Ruff Rider Roadie Series is a a car-restraint
harness with detachable packs. I can't speak for the quality of the seat belt, but the
concept is intriguing for a versatile, multi-purpose safety item.
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- Sylmar Deluxe
Dogpack
 (photo to
come)
The Sylmar Dogpack made it into the Specialty
section because of its unique pocket design. Rather than using two large pockets (one on
each pannier), Sylmar has an underlying fabric framework with four tailored pockets sewn
on. Imagine a fishing vest and you'll get the picture. They claim it prevents sagging, and
it obviously lets you separate and distribute the load.
- Features: mesh top with attachable fabric cover, multiple tailored
pockets, D-rings for lashing or pulling, wide chest band, 1000-denier Cordura
- Personal Impressions: Just
Received Pack! Review to come.
Hits: .
Misses: .
Overall: .
- Specifications and Pricing:
Medium: back length
16"-22", 35-65lbs, $60
Large: back length over 22", over 65lbs, $60
- Colors: Green, Flourescent Orange, Camo
- Other Dog Products: reflector vests, several styles of booties, chest and body
protector, protection suit
- Sources/Contact:
Online: Search Gear
Local: None known
Manufacturer: Sylmar Dogwear, 4154
148th NE, Bldg I Unit A, Redmond, WA, 98052, 425-558-4108, info@sylmardogwear.com
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Last updated
11/07/2010
© Holly Newman 2000-2016. All rights reserved.
Photos for owner's use only. Reproduction or commercial use allowed only with permission
of both owner and photographer.
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