Gear Review: Mountainsmith K9 Dog Pack
After carrying Riley’s water bottles, bowls, treats, doggie bags, booties, and paw wax for many years, I had decided it was time that Riley started contributing by carrying his own weight on our hiking adventures.
Dog pack designs have developed extensively in popularity and practicality in recent years. Gear companies have recognized that their outdoor enthusiast customers are often exploring with a four-legged sidekick, and there was a need in the industry for a canine backpack. I spent days doing extensive research and analyzing all the components that I knew I wanted in a reliable and comfortable dog pack for Riley. Although Ruffwear is a leader in outdoor dog gear, they tend to come with a heftier price tag. However, I'm a firm believer that I don't have to have the most expensive gear to enjoy the outdoors and that with proper research, less expensive gear is just as comparable.
I have had a Mountainsmith backpack of my own for the past two years. I have been amazed at the durability and flexibility that the backpack has provided me throughout my various hiking and ice climbing adventures. So when I discovered that Mountainsmith had a K9 Dog Pack for an affordable price, I couldn't help but purchase it and try it out on the trails!
When purchasing a dog pack, there are some main components to consider:
Fit - Making sure that your dog is comfortable while wearing the backpack is of utmost importance. A wrong-sized pack can rub and irritate your dog while walking or running on the trail. Make sure to correctly measure your dog at the widest part of their chest. Riley is a larger dog at 80lbs, so I went with a large pack based on the sizing chart. I've included a dog sizing illustration below for reference.
Versatility & Features - Some essential features to look for when purchasing a dog pack is: adequate adjustable straps, large side pockets on each side, a durable handle on top, a metal D-ring for leash attachment, and a padded chest strap. All of these features will ensure that your dog will remain safe and comfortable while on your adventure.
The Mountainsmith K9 Dog Pack had all the qualities I was looking for. I knew that I wanted a pack for Riley that was versatile enough to use for a day hike as well as a multi-day backpacking trip. The K9 Pack consists of breathable mesh panels that ensure Riley remains comfortable. A 4-point adjustable chest harness helps secure the backpack in place and prohibits it from moving while Riley is walking or jumping. The handle is my favorite feature and has come in handy more times than I can count! When hiking slot canyons in Utah, the handle allowed me to have more control over his body and was beneficial in helping me to lift him up and over massive boulders. The K9 Pack also comes with reflective trim for safety purposes and situations where minimal light is an issue.
Essential steps to take before heading out on the trail:
Packing - The key is to have a consistent weight balance on each side. When deciding how to pack Riley's backpack, I lay everything out that I want him to carry, and I make sure to start with the heavy items first. Each side should be equally distributed, and then I add the more minor and lightweight items until I feel it is adequately balanced.
Test Run - I always do a test run in the house before leaving for an adventure. I pack Riley's pack and then let him wear it around the house for 30 minutes or so to see how it hangs and if each side is balanced correctly. If your dog is unfamiliar with wearing a pack, make sure to introduce your dog to the pack in a comfortable and safe environment first. Let them wear it around the house empty just to get used to it, and then slowly add weight to each side. Even taking a short walk around your neighborhood before heading out on that 10-mile hike can prove to be very beneficial. The worst scenario would be that you get out on the trail, and your dog is uncomfortable and refuses to carry the pack, and now you've just added that extra weight and hassle to your backpack!
Riley & I have put this K9 Dog Pack to the test over the years, from slot canyons in Utah, day hikes, and multi-day backpacking trips in Colorado, and it has surpassed my expectations! Riley has run, hiked, swam, and biked with his backpack on, and it will remain an essential piece of gear for our adventures.
If you're interested in getting your dog ready for outdoor adventures you can find the backpack here: Mountainsmith K9 Dog Pack.
