Review on 🐾 Outward Hound Quick Release Backpack: Premium Saddlebag Style Dog Backpack for Convenient Adventures! by Stacy Brooks

After reviewing all types of backpacks for my dog, I settled on this one. I recommend going up a size if your dog is skinny and mean or nearing the upper limit of backpack sizes on the size chart. Because every dog is different in size and shape, the fit of this backpack may vary for every dog. I have a Black Shepherd and as the size I received is large the straps were fully stretched at the time of purchase. It now fits perfectly and has room to extend the straps if needed as she has lost some weight. This package is very well made. The sewing is very good, the material is durable. I love that this backpack has the option to remove pockets from inside the system that fits and attaches to your dog. This makes it easier to put this pack on your dog. First you put the inner harness system on your dog and then the bags. The pouches attach to the inner harness with a quick release buckle at the top just behind the dog's neck and Velcro under each pouch. Be sure to attach the Velcro straps to the rear abdominal straps of the internal sling. When you attach the pockets to the harness' chest strap, it slides forward on your dog's neck when he puts his head down or walks down a hill. I wish there was a more secure way to attach bags to seat belts as the Velcro comes loose from time to time. Side pockets are a good size. I can store two 1/2 liter bottles of water and dog food in ziplock bags on each side. I also have two shells that collapse, one on each side. There might be enough room on each side for another liter of water, but I haven't tried it. Remember, I'm talking about a large backpack. The size of the bags surely depends on the size of the package you receive. There are mesh pockets in the pockets and on the harness system that attaches to your dog. I don't use them. Reflective tape on each side of the backpack ensures visibility in low light conditions or at night. It has a top handle and a D-ring on the back of the inner leash harness. I use my own collar for my dog when I have him on a leash. After reading some reviews I don't want to add unwanted weight and possibly damage to the backpack. Like people and backpacks, dogs have their limits as to how much they can carry. DO NOT OVERLOAD YOUR DOG! The extra weight puts stress on the dog's joints and tires its muscles. They can injure your dog, cause him to overexert himself, make him tire more quickly, or cause him to become heat exhausted. These backpacks will keep your dog warm. For those of you who have never put a backpack on a dog, I suggest the following. Start by putting an empty bag on your dog and taking him for a walk. This allows your dog to get used to the backpack. When your dog is ready for the weight, he'll let you know because he won't be breathing as much. Then gradually add weight over time depending on your dog's size. I used 1/2 liter water bottles, one on each side of the pack to keep the load even. A pint of water weighs just over two pounds. Gradually increase the weight over the summer, but don't overdo it. Most people find that carrying more than a quarter of their weight is too much, and our dogs are no exception. Now with that said, you also need to pay attention to your dog's activity level and age. My dog currently carries between 10 and 15 pounds depending on how hot it is and how long our trip is. Another thing I do to keep the weight even is to halve portions on each side of the pack when I give them to her. I put the same things on each side of my backpack as I pack it. I take a handful of food to one side and one to the other. I will also pour half a bottle of water on one side and do the same on the other side. Well, I think I've written a novel here, so I'll finish it. I hope my review will help you choose. See you and your best friend on the trail and God bless you.