{"product_id":"dog-hiking-backpack-saddle-bag-harness","title":"Dog Hiking Backpack - Saddle Bag Harness with Handle for Large Dogs","description":"\n\u003cp\u003eA dog on a long walk needs water, a bowl, treats, waste bags, and on a proper hike a towel and a first aid kit as well. All of that currently lives in your rucksack, along with everything you need.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003edog hiking backpack\u003c\/strong\u003e moves their share onto them. Two zipped side panniers sit either side of the spine, a padded harness spreads the load across the shoulders and chest, and a reinforced handle on top gives you close control when the path gets awkward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIt Tires Them Out - In A Good Way\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the reason a lot of owners buy one, and it's a real effect. A dog carrying a modest load works noticeably harder for the same distance. For high-drive breeds who come back from an hour's walk ready for another one - Border Collies, Huskies, working-line Shepherds, young Labradors - a loaded pack turns a walk you have time for into a walk that actually settles them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThere's a focus element too. Many dogs visibly take the job seriously and become steadier and less reactive when they're working.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eBuilt For The Trail\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwo zipped panniers\u003c\/strong\u003e that sit balanced either side of the spine\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReinforced control handle\u003c\/strong\u003e on the back - for stiles, scrambles, stream crossings, and holding your dog steady when another dog passes on a narrow path\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWide reflective panels\u003c\/strong\u003e on both sides, for early starts and late finishes\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePadded chest and belly straps\u003c\/strong\u003e, adjusted independently, with a separate padded chest piece\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreathable mesh backing\u003c\/strong\u003e along the spine, so the pack isn't sitting flat against a sweating back\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuick-release buckles\u003c\/strong\u003e throughout, so it comes off fast at a water stop\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOxford cloth\u003c\/strong\u003e construction, which takes abrasion from rock, bracken and undergrowth\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSix colourways\u003c\/strong\u003e - Black, Light Green, Yellow, Night Camouflage, Grey and Blue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSizing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeck circumference\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60–70 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChest circumference\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e65–93 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBelly circumference\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e50–87 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOxford cloth\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColours\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlack, Light Green, Yellow, Night Camouflage, Grey, Blue\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn the box\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 × dog backpack harness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is a large-breed pack.\u003c\/strong\u003e The adjustment ranges suit dogs in the Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Husky, Doberman and larger Collie bracket. Small and medium dogs won't fill it, and shouldn't be carrying weight anyway.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMeasure your dog standing: neck at the base where a collar sits, chest at the widest point just behind the front legs, belly around the narrowest part of the waist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow Much Weight - This Part Matters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe widely accepted guidance is that a healthy, fully grown, conditioned dog can carry up to around \u003cstrong\u003e10–25% of their body weight\u003c\/strong\u003e, and that most dogs should start considerably below that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn practice:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003col\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStart with an empty pack.\u003c\/strong\u003e Let them wear it around the house and on a short walk with nothing in it at all.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdd about 5% of body weight\u003c\/strong\u003e for the first few loaded walks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuild up slowly\u003c\/strong\u003e over several weeks, watching their gait and their willingness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCap it around 10%\u003c\/strong\u003e for most dogs on ordinary walks. The upper end of the range is for conditioned working dogs on flat ground, not a family Labrador on a hilly trail.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBalance both sides.\u003c\/strong\u003e Uneven panniers pull the pack sideways and force your dog to compensate, which over distance causes real strain. Weigh each side if you're carrying anything dense.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen Not To Use It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePuppies and young dogs.\u003c\/strong\u003e Growth plates don't close until somewhere between 12 and 18 months depending on breed, and loading a skeleton that's still forming is a genuine risk. Ask your vet before you start.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDogs with hip or elbow dysplasia, arthritis, or any joint or spinal condition.\u003c\/strong\u003e Check with your vet first - for many of these dogs the answer is no.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlat-faced breeds.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bulldogs, Pugs and Boxers already struggle to shed heat, and a pack over the back makes that worse.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHot weather.\u003c\/strong\u003e A loaded pack covers the surface a dog uses to lose heat. On warm days, walk early, walk light, or leave it at home.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverweight or unconditioned dogs.\u003c\/strong\u003e Build fitness first, then add load.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFitting It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe pack should sit over the shoulders and front of the back - not over the hips, where a dog's spine is least able to take load. Tighten so it can't rotate when you push it gently sideways, but leave two fingers of room under every strap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn the first few outings, check underneath at each stop: look for rubbing at the chest strap and the girth, and watch how your dog is moving. A shortened stride, a dropped head, or reluctance to keep going all mean take weight out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCare\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEmpty both panniers and shake out grit before storing - sand and small stones left in the seams are what wear through Oxford cloth from the inside. Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent and air dry away from direct heat. Check the stitching around the handle and the buckle anchor points every few weeks; on a loaded pack, those carry everything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat can I actually fit in it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFor a typical day walk: a collapsible bowl, a water bottle or two, treats, waste bags, a small towel and a compact first aid kit. Keep dense items low and balanced, and don't pack anything hard against the spine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill my dog mind wearing it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nMost take to it quickly, and many seem to enjoy having a job. Introduce it empty at home, then empty on a walk, then lightly loaded. Rushing that sequence is the usual reason a dog decides they dislike it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I attach a leash to it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nUse your dog's own harness or collar for the leash rather than pulling against a loaded pack. The handle on top is for close control at obstacles, not for walking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it waterproof?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nOxford cloth is water-resistant rather than waterproof - fine in light rain, not for a swim or a downpour. Put anything that must stay dry in a bag inside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMy dog is 20 kg. Will it fit?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCheck the chest measurement rather than the weight. At 65 cm minimum chest, this pack suits larger dogs; a slim 20 kg dog may sit at the very bottom of the range or below it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan they wear it all day?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nTake it off at longer breaks and let them move freely. A dog wearing a loaded pack continuously for hours is a dog whose shoulders will feel it the next day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA Note On Measurements And Colour\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSizes are measured by hand and may vary by 1–2 cm. Colours can appear different across phone and monitor screens depending on lighting and calibration - the item itself is the accurate reference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFind harnesses, leashes and the rest of our outdoor gear in the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dogs\"\u003eDogs collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pawbertons","offers":[{"title":"Black","offer_id":51166299357220,"sku":"CJGX173743301AZ","price":36.59,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"Blue","offer_id":51166299389988,"sku":"CJGX173743306FU","price":32.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"Dark Night Camo","offer_id":51166299422756,"sku":"CJGX173743304DW","price":32.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"Grey","offer_id":51166299455524,"sku":"CJGX173743305EV","price":32.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"Light Green","offer_id":51166299488292,"sku":"CJGX173743302BY","price":32.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"Yellow","offer_id":51166299521060,"sku":"CJGX173743303CX","price":37.41,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0801\/0717\/5972\/files\/bb322a41-9fcc-4433-99e1-8d5d71e3d300.jpg?v=1785048149","url":"https:\/\/pawbertons.com\/products\/dog-hiking-backpack-saddle-bag-harness","provider":"Pawbertons","version":"1.0","type":"link"}