The SunTrip Samoyeds

hiking the Jones Creek, White's Creek trail in northern Nevada

Webster carries a pack made especially for dogs by Wolf Packs. Web's is a size medium Banzai^tm pack. Weighing between 53-55 pounds, Webster usually carries 12-14 pounds in his pack. One of the features on the Banzai pack that I really like is the pair of compression straps on the panniers. These straps help keep the load from shifting during the hike.

Most people we pass on the trail are surprised to see a dog carrying his fair share of water and trail snacks. A well conditioned, healthy dog can carry part of the load. Most medium to large sized breeds should carry no more than 25% of their body weight, though Alaskan malamutes in good condition can carry 30%. Webster's load always includes water, water and more water. He also carries his water bowl (that's the little blue thing hanging from his pack you may see in some of the pictures), snacks, a water purifier, an extra collar and leash, booties (in case of pad injuries), a first aid kit, snacks for his human hiking partners, and many other things.

Webster crossing a creek with Ann trying to keep her feet dry!

More Info On The WWW

Check out Terri Watson's Hiking/Backpacking page or the Camping with Your Dog page for tips on having a safe and fun time on the trail with your favorite canine.

If you live on the west coast, check out the California Canine Hikers or the Cascade Canines if you'd like some company on the trail.

Please send me URLs for other canine hiking organizations, to add to my page of links.

If you need equipment for your dog, check with these outfitters:

If you need help deciding which pack is right for your dog, check out Holly Newman's very comprehensive site, which which details her exhaustive research of most of the dog packs on the market today.

Please obey leash laws wherever you are walking or hiking. Unfortunately, many parks and trails are being made off limits to dogs.

This is often because irresponsible dog owners choose not to leash their dogs. These unleashed dogs harass wildlife, other dogs, and people (not everyone likes a big hairy, wet face right up in theirs!). Almost every unleashed dog we've met on the trail has raced right up to Webster and gotten right in his face. Fortunately, he's a friendly dog and likes most dogs he meets. The owners of these dogs are usually somewhere behind the dog calling and yelling for it to come back. This IS NOT a dog that is under control of it's owner!

Another reason park and land managers are saying no to dogs is because of all the mess they leave behind. It takes very little effort to clean up after your dog. If you're in a city park or on a well used trail, just carry a few ziplock baggies with you and pick up anything your dog drops! If you're out on a remote trail, simply move your dog off the trail and/or bury what s/he leaves behind.

Other dog owners who enjoy the same trails and parks will thank you for being a responsible, conscientous dog owner!

Webster and Chris looking for the best place to cross.

Webster has had virtual trail buddies since 04/17/03.