Hello All,

I have a 4 yr old golden - he goes everywhere with me. I've always carried his food and bed on backpacking trips. In the winter, especially, the added weight of his food is an unwelcome burden since I'm already carrying heavy gear.

What recommendations do you all have about a pack? I was thinking the Ruffwear Approach pack but my reservation is how good this is year round... The dog gets heated up fast and with the pack hugging his body, will this cause discomfort or cause him to get too heated too fast.

What about swimming with the pack on? I'm not worried about the stuff inside getting wet, I'm concerned about it impeding his ability to swim safely.

Please note when we go hiking we're covering around 10 miles a trip and can be out there for extended periods of time.

Thanks!

Adam

That's why I like rafting trips, I can bring everything but the kitchen sink. And my husband handles the oars!

Do you have any stores nearby that sell packs so you can work a little on getting fitted correctly? I know weight is definitely going to be an issue. There is probably an REI store in your area. They have a very nice selection of packs, but they don't allow dogs in their stores.

Like any sport, it will take a bit for your dog to get used to something on their back and the additional weight. But if you go a lot, it shouldn't be too hard. It sounds great to have your dog help out more. I wish I could train my dogs to pull our raft off the rocks when we get stuck!

__________________

Lucy 2012
Hunter my rescue boy 2006?
Reilly CGC 2007
Tiger 1999-2012
Pennie 2000-2007

When we go canoe tripping or even up to the cottage in the summer, I switch my girls to The Honest Kitchen Dog Food. It is a dehydrated, good quality food that the dogs love, and a 10lb box rehydrates to the equivalent of approx 40-43 lbs food. At the cottage when weight is not as much of an issues they get 2/3 kibble and 1/3 THK.

Grain-Free Dog Food | All Natural Dog Food | Dehydrated Dog Food | The Honest Kitchen

What recommendations do you all have about a pack? I was thinking the Ruffwear Approach pack but my reservation is how good this is year round... The dog gets heated up fast and with the pack hugging his body, will this cause discomfort or cause him to get too heated too fast.

Any pack is going to get your dog heated up quicker than without a pack. It is water resistant, not water proof, so snow is going to soak through in the winter. But a water proof pack is going to be heavier. I do think fit is important. Goldens have a deeper chest and a longer body in proportion with say a husky. It's a fine line between too tight to move well and slipping off sideways.

Have fun out there!

__________________

Lucy 2012
Hunter my rescue boy 2006?
Reilly CGC 2007
Tiger 1999-2012
Pennie 2000-2007