User Review: Mountainsmith Dog Pack (III)

Reviewing a dog pack may seem a little offbeat, but with the Mountainsmith Dog Pack, my 100-pound Alaskan Malamute is able to carry 20 to 35 lbs. that might otherwise be on MY back, and that is the fastest way I've found to lighten my load.

Having tried packs from other manufacturers, I found them either unable to stand up to the rigors of heavy loads and rough trail abuse, or too small to carry anything useful into the backcountry. The Mountainsmith solved both problems. The size III (the largest) easily accommodates my two-person tent, a 100-oz. hydro-cell, and food for both of us for two days...with room to spare. The 600 denier nylon and taped-seam construction is bombproof and water resistant, and there are plenty of fit adjustments to make the long trail comfortable. There are lots of thoughtful features, including compression straps, D-rings for lashing, zipper pulls, and an "inner sanctum" pocket that keeps small items near the top.

This is my first Mountainsmith purchase, and I am a convert.

By the way, --ONCE PROPERLY CONDITIONED-- most healthy dogs can comfortably carry up to 1/3 of their weight (somewhat more for sled dogs). Start light and check with your veterinarian.