BACKPACK TYPES

• Rugged: specifically designed for hard-core outdoor enthusiasts or working dog activities - backpacking, skijoring and other long-distance or strenuous activities; features may include heavy-duty materials, brush guards, compression straps, excellent ergonomics, lashing options, various types of padding. Prices range from $48 to $115. See Feature Comparison Table, Rugged.
  • Granite Gear Ruff Rider, Mountainsmith Dog Pack, Ruff Wear Palisades, Wenaha Explorer II/Standard, Wolf Packs Banzai

• Casual: well suited for day-hiking, dog shows, and other outdoor activities, but lack some of the higher-end design features of the Rugged packs. Prices range from $28 to $70. See Feature Comparison Table, Casual.
  • Caribou Woofer, Outdoor Products, Outward Hound Quick Release, Ruff Wear Approach, Wolf Packs Reflector
• Service: very small capacity and more suited for service/therapy dogs and urban walks. Because these packs are not the focus of this summary and most of them are made by companies that produce other packs, I have not separated them out, nor have I done a Feature Comparison Table for them.
  • Ruff Wear Day-Tripper, Wenaha Jogger, Wolf Packs Saddle-Bag
• Specialty: fall into one of the above categories, but have interesting characteristics that make them unique and worthy of consideration on their own merits. The uniqueness of these packs makes side-by-side comparison difficult, so I haven't done a Feature Comparison Table for them.
  • Cool Paws Day Trekker,  Neo-Paws, Rocky Mountain K-9 Accessories Trailblazer, Ruff Rider Roadie Series, Sylmar Deluxe
• Limited Distribution: these are packs that I found during my searches, but I couldn't get enough information to give them a meaningful listing. It's not at all a statement of their worthiness. I'm listing them here with links so that you can investigate further if you'd like.
  • Adventure Gear Chief and Rover Dog Packs: Cordura, mesh saddle w/ pockets, large capacity, $33-$47; also at Search Gear
  • Bison Designs Long Haul: bags seal with drawstring and buckled flap, brushguards, elastic harness, optional fleece lining
  • Caddis Pet Products: brushguards, mesh saddle, $28; available at Pets.com
  • Dog Scouts of America: V-chest strap, velcro closure, two-piece harness, 6 sizes, $30-$65
  • Lazy Pet Products Pooch Pack: sheepskin liner, $38-$61; deep discounts at Pets.com
  • Nordkyn Traveller Plus, Traveller, Day Pack: similar to the Wenaha line;  also at Moore Pet Supplies and Dog Works
  • Raven's Watch Backpack: custom pack made by a dog sled touring company
  • Generics: Some of the on-line pet stores list backpacks without brandnames. I've confirmed that most of them are made by one of the above manufacturers. Examples: J.B. Wholesale (Lazy Pet Products), R.C. Steele (Wenaha Standard), Drs. Foster and Smith (Black Sheep), and Great Companions (brand not yet confirmed)