Gear Review: Kurgo Big Baxter Pack

Kurgo introduced a new dog pack recently and, thanks to Backcountry K-9http://www.backcountryk9.com/Products/Kurgo-Big-Baxter-Pack, we were able to test it out.  The Big Baxter Pack retails for $45.00, carries 7.5L and comes in four colors/combos.  Timing couldn't have been better with the impending arrival of our foster dog Liza, from Saving Carolina Dogs.

Great saddlebag size! 

My first impressions were positive and I was excited to strap someone into it.  It was lightweight and I liked the shape of the saddlebags.  They seemed like they would distribute the weight well and keep gear close to the dog's sides.  The saddlebag size is also nice for the sizing/weight range suggested by Kurgo and perfect for dayhikes.  The outer pockets were a big draw to this pack, as well as the conveniently shaped zipper pulls but more on that later.  Finally, The sternum strap is not a single strip of material; there is a buckle between the girth strap and chest padding, which I accurately guessed would turn out to be very convenient.  (In total, the pack has five points of adjustment, which I see as the only way to go in pack design.)  But why stare at a new "toy" when one can take it for a test run!

Grueling first test of material
durability!

We started by very lightly packing the saddlebags (leashes, gloves) and unleashing the beast dog in a heavily wooded local conservation area.  Ty loves to get off trail there and it was a tough starter test for durability.  I heard her scrape against trees and the bark-colored streaks evidenced the abuse but the fabric wasn't damaged.  Unfortunately, her bushwhacking caused the outer pockets to be pulled open and I was glad I hadn't put anything in them.  Even still, it was a productive first outing!

Testing continued once Liza arrived (now adopted!) and we went up to the Whites for a few hikes.  My favorite qualities are the pack's durability and high profile handle.  Once she was accustomed to it, we loaded the pack down with water bottles and clothing to tire her out.  The pack handled the weight as well as it did being battered against tree trunks.  These crazy Carolina Dogs love to chase and the pack was squeezed between rocks and slammed against trees plenty for me to say that Kurgo accomplished the lightweight and hiker-tough durability combination.  Being particular about pack handles, I like that the Big Baxter Pack's is tall; it never lay flat.  That made grabbing Liza a quick, easy task.  In-hike adjustments aren't as easy as a bipedal's daypack but  not as frustrating as some others the dogs have worn over the years.  The sternum strap having a buckle is of huge convenience for tightening.  It also made getting the dog suited up easier since I didn't have to lift a leg between straps.  The saddlebag placement straps are much more difficult to adjust while on the dog and a heavier pack weight will cause them to scoot down ever so slowly.  I'm impressed by the Big Baxter's resistance to wear and functionality.

I fit a cooling vest and small water bladder in each bag,
stuff that was extra or too bulky for my pack.  Also note the height of the handle!

I'm just as happy with the pack when it has less volume in it -
no flappy excess material

Great reflective striping too

With 50 and 55 pound dogs of different builds but similar chest depths, I came to the conclusion that I love this pack... for a larger dog.  Kurgo states it is for dogs 50-80 pounds (they sell a much smaller 3.75L capacity Baxter Pack for dogs 35-85 pounds).  The saddlebag size on the Big Baxter is more appropriate for my dogs and excursions but the Big simply did not fit them unfortunately.  The chest straps had to be brought up further than designed by using carabiners (trail MacGyver, I am!) for it to be nearly snug enough.  The pack appeared to fit both girls well, but add rocky terrain to maneuver and/or realistic weight to the pack and it would go lopsided.  I made every possible adjustment and ensured the saddlebags were symmetrical in weight and weight distribution but all of that couldn't negate the fact that the fit is just not right.  Another note of caution - do not use the outer pockets if your pup is going to be off leash around any natural objects of height.  The zipper pulls are likely to snag and you'll quickly lose your gear (trust me!).  When Liza was my leashed pack mule, I loved the side pockets for easy access to poop bags.  This is a great pack for the right size dog, no doubt about that.

Our off-center issue

Our adaptation to the loose chest straps -
drawing them up tighter using carabiners and the existing saddlebag straps

I'm grateful to Backcountry K-9 for sending us the Big Baxter Pack for testing; it was nice to get away from our usual packs to discover another option I can recommend to friends and family.  The Big Baxter Pack has a great overall design, is durable, and I honestly think is the best pack for your (60+ pound) dog at the price they offer it at.  Lastly, I wanted to point out that Kurgo has a phenomenal lifetime guarantee that they stand behind and that is something I can say from experience!

From Barefoot to Booted: Reviewing Kurgo's Step 'n Strobe Boots

For all the gear we have, I have only ever used boots when Ty wrecked her paws, believing the natural instincts of bare paws on the ground are unmatched.  I feel most balanced and confident in minimalist footwear myself.  This winter helped me see another point of view; the temps were so cold, I started trying footwear for Ty so that we could go for walks and hikes at all.  Thankfully Backcountry K-9 stepped in with a set of Kurgo’s Step ‘n Strobe boots to test out. 

It was regularly in the single digits this winter and Ty was doing the back leg hippity-hop on our walks around the neighborhood.  That’s when I started jogging and taking less/shorter breaks on hikes, all to keep her body temp up and feet moving.  They still weren't ideal solutions so I considered sled dog booties.  I have no idea how folks have such success with them. Just before placing an order, I had a flashback to using them years ago and them wearing out or getting soggy quickly.  Then I tried PawZ with synthetic blend socks underneath and those did alright. They’re a decent solution for winter/snow - $20 for a pack of 12, stay on relatively well, and are waterproof, but no adjustment for tightening/loosing and trap all the moisture from the dogs’ paws as they sweat.  I know several folks for whom this setup works well for winter hiking.  Shortly after trying those, our Step 'n Strobe boots arrived!

The first week was trial week.  Turns out, despite my best efforts, I didn’t size the pups well.  Sizing is essential for the boots' effectiveness and dogs’ comfort.  They will pop off if too big or too small and it is important to remember that a dog’s paw expands as s/he pushes against the ground.  Tango high stepped his way out of having to test them but he was the least affected anyhow so I spared him and focused my attention on Ty.  On leash or in the house, she is perfectly pitiful, freezing or moving with sloth-like "grace."  Over time, she began to accept them on leashed jogs but I/ we really got to test them when she was set loose on the trail.

The boots’ design, neat features, and winter & low light applications make me a boot-believer.  Unlike any other boot we’ve tried, these stayed on, so serious kudos for that!  The boot’s sole is round but the upper tapers to go a little further up the leg than Ruffwear’s Grip Trex model (which we've had in our first aid kit for years and Ty has done four thousand footers in).  It has one Velcro strap supplemented by a cinching cord.  The tread is respectable but a little slick and the rubber is solid.  The boot in general is durable.  The only thing I question is the longevity of the cord.  The other highlight of these is the LED lights that are triggered when the boot hits the ground.  So cool!  The neighborhood we walk is depressingly tiny and some residents treat it as their own giant driveway, putting me on edge often.  I absolutely love the lights and reflective material.  The down side to the lights is that are expected to last for approximately 18 months of regular use and the batteries cannot be replaced.  There is no on/off switch for daytime use either.  So low and behold, there is a place for boots outside of the emergency kit!  For us, it’s winter.

**REVISION: Between finishing this write-up and posting it, I attempted to get a video of Ty in the boots to show them off.  We went to the beach and, while I failed to accomplish the task at hand, I did discover the boots are no match for the sand.  I’m not sure under what conditions a dog might be off leash wearing boots on the beach but, if s/he is barreling towards seagulls, boots will be airborne!  For the most part, at least one front boot would come off and the back ones would remain but it all depended on physics that are beyond my knowledge.  In the past, I took a leashed foster dog to the beach following a paw laceration, thinking that it might be better than the mud-(possibly) poop mix at the dog park and the soft-soled boot she was wearing failed miserably by becoming soggy.  I think that the Step’n’Strobes would be beneficial and do well in that scenario since the dog’s only going as fast as one can walk. (As an aside, the overall concept of going to the beach was successful.  The laceration was naturally washed out by the salt water and I wasn’t constantly worrying she would further agitate or inflame the wound running in the mud and over the rocks at our normal park and she still got plenty of stimulation.)