Groundbird Gear- Trekking Roll-top Dog Pack

Groundbird Gear

As we prepare for our 2,180 mile hike, one of my biggest worries has been how I am going to keep Roxy happy and comfortable. I know she loves being outdoors and hiking in all sorts of weather, but our past experience with carrying packs has been less than ideal. The packs I have bought for her in the past never seemed to fit quite right and the look of resentment I received when I tried to put them on Roxy was almost too much to handle. 

And then thanks to the wonders of Instagram, I discovered Groundbird Gear. After posting a picture of Roxy on one of our trail runs with the hashtag #AdventureDog and #AT2015, Groundbird Gear owner Marie (aka Bobwhite) inquired about our hike. I almost immediately ordered a pack from her. Marie has been great to work with and took the time to help teach me how to get Roxy accustomed to her new pack and make wearing it a positive experience. The results have been phenomenal.

Geared up and ready to go!

Here are some things Roxy and I love most about the Trekking Roll-Top Dog Pack:

• The pack attaches to a custom-made harness. This harness is created based on your dog’s measurements so it is sure to fit like a dream. The harness is soft and comfortable for Roxy and doesn’t cause any chaffing. 
• The pack stays in place. Previous packs I’ve tried were always rolling from one side to another or sliding up over Roxy’s head while we were hiking downhill. No matter the terrain, this pack stays put, and that means Roxy doesn’t even notice she is carrying it. 
• 8oz. That is all this pack weighs! Roxy currently weighs about 65lbs, so with her slender build, she has trouble carrying a lot of excess weight. The lightweight nature of this pack makes it possible to carry more food. 
• Durable construction. This pack is made from polyurethane coated and DWR treated 400 denier packcloth. Roxy tends to be very unaware of her width while wearing a pack and as a result is constantly running into rocks and trees with her pack. Not to mention the fact that rolling around belly-up is always necessary for Roxy, even while wearing the pack. This pack can take it. Despite her rough treatment, I’ve yet to find a single tear. 
• Custom color options! Ok this is something that doesn’t really matter to Roxy, but I thought it was fantastic to pick out colors that I actually like :)

 

Custom fit harness, no rubbing or chafing, pack attaches easily and stays in place.

Overall I can not say enough good things about Groundbird Gear. The Trekking Roll-Top Dog Pack is made with high quality materials and is an outstanding fit for Roxy. Marie also offers a special thru-hiker warranty to make sure the pack stays fitting great and working well for all 2,180 miles of the AT. What more could you ask for? For Roxy, this is the perfect pack.  

Pack sits perfectly on her back and distributes weight evenly, she doesn't even notice when she is wearing it.