The DOGPAK Blog

Keep in mind that dogs aren’t meant to carry heavy loads, and their physique and preference for trotting/running gaits already put them at a disadvantage. With that in mind, anything that I cannot fit into my pup’s pack, I will happily pack myself. I would much rather take the added weight myself than risk hurting Thunder dog, especially now that he’s getting up there in age.

Camping with your favorite canine can be an amazing experience for you both, but it’s important to know the basics before you hit the trails. Now that you know what you need to do, you’re ready to explore the great outdoors together. Enjoy!

Before beginning, remember that if you find yourself in this situation, it is extremely important to remain calm and cerebral—your dog’s life might depend on your ability to stay lucid and work your way through these steps.

A person who weighs 150 pounds (68 kg) will stress over the addition of even a few ounces here or there. Your average sized dog is only about a third the size of a 150 pound person. To a 50 pound (22 kg) dog, those extra few ounces here and there count for three times as much as a percentage of their overall size. If anyone should be hauling the extra weight, it’s the human. 

It is necessary to properly assess whether it is ok for your dog to wear a backpack and how much weight they can safely carry. In this article, we outline a few important considerations to consult with your veterinarian about.

Dog backpacks offer a range of utility both in and out of the backcountry. Working dogs, service dogs, military, law enforcement, and rescue dogs, and even farm dogs frequently wear backpacks that allow them to transport the supplies needed to do their jobs or to help their human counterparts do theirs. The applications of use vary widely and the list seems to be growing each year. Some common uses for a dog backpack are to carry medicine and medical supplies, camping equipment, snacks and food, extra water, clean-up bags, a leash, a light, and maybe a coat or blanket. Some inventive new uses I have seen lately include scattering seeds across a freshly harrowed farm field or to regenerate forest growth after a wild fire, and using as a pillow to cushion a fall and prevent injury for someone who might have an epileptic episode.