Carrying Panniers

[EllieDixon]

Hi - I wonder if anyone could advise me please? I have 2 newfies, one is a puppy of nearly 7 months (108lbs!!). I would like to start to train him to carry panniers. I fully understand that he won't be able to carry any weight for some time, but I thought that soon I could start with the harness and then empty panniers attached and then gradually stuff them with newspaper to get him used to the idea of the volume of them while he's still young, so it will take a while.

But ... there's a problem - I can't find any with a harness big enough for a newf - does anyone know where I could get them?

And when he is fully developed, and I guess I'm looking at about 20 months plus - again any advice would be welcome please, how much weight is it OK for him to carry? (Please say at least the water bottle!!)

Thank you for your help.

Ellie

 

[Angela]

Would you consider ordering backpacks from the U.S.? There are several good ones sold there.

 

[ina/puusty]

My HB carrys about 10 pounds..when doing light hikes..but could carry more..on shorter hikes. Keep asking questions here on NN..and there will be lots of experience shared by various other hikers. Have fun, ina n HB

 

[tsunami]

Ruff Wear has harnesses that will fit ... Tsunami is 180lbs and wears a Palisades II almost every day ... You are right to start with low weight but with volume to get him used to navigating with it on ... It will take him some practice (and you too -- leash handling with a dog with saddlebags on is a little different...)

Make sure as you add loads, it is balanced. Also, if you use a pack system with a lateral strap in the groin, pay attention to rubbing or chafing ...

 

[EllieDixon]

Thank you everyone, that's so helpful.

I googled Ruff Wear and found there's a UK based company called Scruff MacDuff that sells Palisades II pack so I can purchase here. Also, I hadn't thought about saddlebags and leashes - guess I'll need to get a longer one for those days!

I can just imagine Amy laughing all over her furry face when she sees Ben wearing his pack. She's semi-crippled so it's not an option for her, but I bet when he's old enough she'll expect him to carry her water bottle as well as his own!