K9 Dog Pack

got this for my 76# lab. Measured perfectly for girth/weight in medium. Tried in on her and it fit (or seemed to). I got sick for 5 weeks and didn't try it out for a bit after. She was very very reluctant to sit, and I could see why. She is a bit compact (unlike my leggier, deep chested older lab) and the back edges of the pack settled on floor and hind legs. Too late to send it back...thought I might try to sell it on local bulletin board, but it is $25 on Amazon, obviously in process of change. Not spending more money on a small as I concluded that the amount of water she could carry would be negated by extra panting due to overheating from the pack coverage of her chunky body, dense fur, and general heat intolerance. (For future K9 packs. include a length parameter).

On a side note, I do love the Mountainsmith lumbar packs which I have used for years, in spite of a physician's confident assertion over a decade ago that I would never be able to carry a pack again (degenerative disc disease on top of congenital issue). I guess I should balance this review by reviewing a lumbar pack...just haven't bought one for a long time. MS design has literally rescued both my sanity and physical health. I can put all my essentials in my biggest lumbar pack (including snacks, extra phone battery, first aid stuff, maps, bug dope, clothing options for changing weather conditions, enough water for me and 2 large dogs, collapse poles and put in outside back pocket if not using them, hang stuff all over, and hike 12 miles and 1900' elevation gain, and never feel the weight. I have one for school (laptop), a small one for short jaunts, and an extra just in case MS design changes and I prefer the old one. Not too bad for an almost 74 y/o lady!

I’ve been backpacking with my dog for years with an older version of the Mountainith k9 backpack. Just bought a second one (this newer version) for my second dog and it is just as greasy! Surprisingly both my 50lb border collies fit the size small packs. The packs stay in place, no hot spots, and the dogs run effortlessly with them, even when packed with all their food and gear for backpacking.

This is my second K-9 Pack from Mountainsmith. First, my boxer used it so many times, and she got excited every time I pulled it out. The pack outlived my sweet dog. Now we have a Beagle, and of course, not as big as the boxer, so we needed a smaller size. We have used it twice since receiving it. It fits him well, perhaps a little big. But he did great wearing it and carried his own water and treats on our runs. Well built and sturdy. The only brand I would buy is Mountainsmith.

My dog and I are both happy with this pack so far. It fits him well and doesn't chaff anywhere. He doesn't seem to mind it when wearing it at all. The pockets are large enough to carry several items on future backpacking trips, and the construction seems sound. I'm glad I chose this one.

I was skeptical that the medium would be big enough for my long tallish mutt, but I followed the size chart. It fit him really well! I am so happy with all the adjustment points (far better than his last pack). He happily carried all his own food, treats, toys and even a blanket on our last trip! Now we both wear Mountainsmith packs!