The pack side pack stitching wore out and came off after just a 3 day backpacking trip.

Vest is made well and uses quality materials. Good storage within the pockets, but the vest is a little difficult to put on and fit.

I have an 85 lb German Shepherd mix whose lanky frame is often at odds with the way typical harnesses fit. The Baxter backpack is extremely adjustable, and fits him perfectly. I also love the large pockets; they easily fit full size water bottles (I put one on each side to ensure load is balanced.) I also love the loops at the top. I hook a collapsable fabric water dish to one. The handle is sturdy, and allows me to control him even if he sees a squirrel or other dog. Overall, the backpack is fantastic for hiking, and I am very satisfied with the product. Because I know Kurgo has excellent customer service and they read these reviews, I'll go ahead and tack on a couple wishlist items: I would love a backpack with (1) breathable mesh top for hotter hiking weather, and (2) removable packs to allow the dog to go swimming without completely taking off the harness. But regardless of my pipe dreams, I really love the Baxter backpack, and would definitely buy it again.

I ordered two of these backpacks, in both sizes, for my two pups, 40 and 60 lbs, respectively. The smaller pack doesn't hold much, some supplies and treats. The Big Baxter I'm able to pack with a day's worth of water for both of them. I love these packs and both dogs are happy to wear them. Kurgo advertises eight adjustment points....USE THEM ALL! Backpacks should fit snug. Loose backpacks sway, which causes chafing. The bags themselves I moved up as close as I could to the dog's spine to avoid unnecessary swinging. I conditioned my dogs over the course of several weeks, increasing weight and adjusting straps as necessary to make sure both stayed well and comfortable, checking for indentions from a too tight pack and raw places from chafing. We found our sweet spot relatively quickly and we've had zero issues with several day hikes. Once it's adjusted, it stays there! They can run and also rest while wearing these packs. One of my dogs has a strong prey drive and this pack keeps her focused and on trail. And while it's important to balance the two sides, a couple of pounds difference isnt a big deal in this pack as long as it's properly fitted. I've used other packs where that wasn't the case, and also packs that needed constant adjusting. I use zip ties to secure the loose length of strap. One of my dogs is a pitbull so has very little hair, and she's had no issues with rubbing or hair loss. I keep medical tape in her pack along with a towel so I can dry her off if she gets wet to help protect her skin, but so far so good! It seems durable, I've seen no fraying or seams tearing. I'm happy to recommend this pack!!

This pack works really well for my dog. It’s easy to adjust and has ample room for his treats and dog food for backpacking. However, the straps that go across the back and support all of the weight are merely held in by threads. It looks like it would have been simple enough to have a continuous, strong strap but there are really two and they’re sewn in. This leads to a very weak, poor design. Especially considering that there is a handle made specifically to help lift your dog. This pack gave out while I was helping my dog over a boulder on our last trip. Don’t trust its strength. By simply having continuous straps, this would be fixed.

Got this pack for my boy a few months ago and the weather finally made a turn for the better and we were able to take it out on the trail. 3 days and two nights in southern Utah in and out of canyons and we really put this pack to the test. The pockets were big enough for him to carry all his food but adding anymore weight like water might have made it a struggle for him. It rode pretty balanced after some minor adjustments and didn’t seem to bother him in any way (rubbing, chaffing, sliding off). The trail was steep and rocking and he was able to rock hop as if he had nothing on. Some sections of the trail required some scrambling and bouldering, at these sections I was able to use the pack to lift him off and over obstacles out of his skill set, without him slipping out. I am extremely satisfied with this pack. I will say it took a beating after being scrapped and rubbed against sandstone for 3 days but what can handle that type of abuse?

I am loving this pack to load up and put on my dog to tire him out for short walks or long hikes.

The fit is great, our Sam loves wearing it. Only thing from keeping it from 5 stars would be that the pockets are NOT waterproof... Sam carried the mail back to the house for me, he ran into the creek and I ended up with some soggy envelopes... Live and learn. Will keep a couple quart ziplocks in the pockets for future carries and all will be good. #the moreyouknow