Mountainsmith Dog Trippin' Kit - 2008 BCS

I got the small size for my 5-month old 50 pound Pyr, and it fit him well. The small size also adjusted well to my buddy's lab/basset mix. The pack holds enough food for a couple of days, and the leash attachment right on top is very convenient - you can just reach right down and hook him up instead of fumbling for a collar while wearing your pack. The collapsable bowls worked well, but I didn't even bring the "sleeping pad" - it's tiny. It might have fit my dog's @ss.

The pack wobbles a bit side to side when the dog walks, but I think any of them would do that. It never slid side to side or front to back, and the dog didn't even know he was wearing it. It's really easy to adjust.

I'm going to get the same thing in a larger size for next year. If you have a larger, lab-sized dog, I'd probably get a medium, despite what that review above says. The extra pack space for more food would be great. I'm going to buy the large and medium in the spring, and return whatever one doesn't fit him as well - Backcountry has a great return policy.

First... If you have a medium sized dog about 50-80 pounds.. the medium is going to be too large.
I was glad I asked prior to purchase. Online help told me he had an 85 pound lab, and used a size small. The size small fits both of my dogs perfectly. The packs size may be smaller, but it doesn't overwhelm my dog, like the medium did. She is a Medium sized labxchow 55 pounds.
My other dog is a 40 pound Staffie. Both are muscular, and young! No, they have not figured out that it makes them wider. I use the packs to help drain the energy out of them every day.
They carry 10-13 % of their body weight only. Water bottles on both sides are perfect for them both.
Even with the beds, the pack could handle food, and water.
I returned the single packs I bought at a local store, and purchased the whole Trippin" kit. It was cheaper than what I paid for two packs with nothing else! :)

The pack I would recommend.
As far as the softly padded straps? They are not long enough, and slide to one side... so they are of no use.
I could do a better job sewing Shearling around each one, and it would do a better job, or a piece of terry cloth towel for that matter!
Otherwise, everything works perfectly!

I bought this for my 3yo chow mix mutt. she's about 60 lbs, very muscular and no fat. she falls perfectly in the sizing for the medium, but when i got it i almost cinch the straps all of the way to fit her. while i can still adjust it a little just be aware. i didn't want to go down a size because the packs volume decreases to about half the size.
on the positive side, she seems to like it. the bed sealed the deal for me, i was looking into buying the components separate and the bed led me to this kit. she has used all of the components and i have no complaints.
i have also noticed that she hasn't figured out how much wider she is with it on as she's constantly running through bushes and dragging on trees. i expected to see some wear on the pack but it's holding up extremely well so far.
bottom line - if you take your dog hiking or camping, have they carry their own stuff. everyone is happy then.