Detailed Specs
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MANUFACTURER LIST



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)      Cool Paws

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      Sylmar (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.