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!

Quick Guide to Old Orchard Beach/Saco area trails for vacationers

We might already be halfway through the summer but I thought I'd highlight some of the great trails in our area since the Camp Ellis/Old Orchard Beach areas are such popular vacation destinations and I see lots of pups vacationing with their humans these days!

This is not comprehensive but includes a couple of the places we're most familiar with within a 10 minutes or so drive of many of the RV parks and oceanside hotels for easy access/a quick walk with the pup.  To my knowledge, these all require a leash unless noted otherwise (although some I may just have it in my head that way for safety reasons due to their location) and I have not observed a trash receptacle at any of them except for Bayview Beach.

Cascade Falls Park, Saco

Cascade Park is an easy walk from the parking lot down to the base of a charmingly out-of-place

waterfall.  There are trails that loop through the woods but many can be impassable in high water.  In winter, it is a playground, as all the streams are frozen.  My understanding is that eventually, the trails here will be linked to the nearby Eastern Trail.  The trails are generally flat except for the broad steps down to the water.  The dogs love the water and abundance of smells.  Bring your bug spray though!

Parking: Lot parking with plenty of spaces

Directions: Rt 98, minutes from Route 1 and Old Orchard Beach.  Watch for the parking lot behind a thin row of trees; it's easy to miss!

Link:
http://www.sacobaytrails.org/cascadefalls.shtml

The Atlantic Way, Saco

I believe this one lies on Audubon land.  The Atlantic Trail is all I have ever done, takes about 20 minutes in each direction (2 mph) but there are other options we have yet to explore.  We always begin at the small pullover on Seaside Ave (Rt 9).  It's a flat, straight trail that begins with marshland on both sides then enters the forest.  It comes out on XX Rd.  The woods are pretty buggy but full of entertainment for the dogs

Parking: Multiple entrances.  We use the small pull off on Rt 9

Directions: From Main St in Saco heading north, take a right onto Beach Road.  Follow it for two miles and take a left onto Bayview Rd (at the fire station).  Bayview Rd ends at about .75 mile.  Take a left onto Rt 9/Seaside Ave and the trailhead is appx .25 miles down the road on the left.

Link: http://www.sacobaytrails.org/atlanticplymouth.shtml

Guild Park, Ocean Park

I always stop here if the beach is too busy to let the dogs chase the seagulls because it's a quick

detour instead of heading home un-exercised or driving in the completely opposite direction to somewhere else.  I have to be honest, not once have I used the map.  I've taken photos of it but mostly just wander.  It's an easy parcel to navigate and would probably be even easier if I read the map (then the blazes on the trees wouldn't look like hieroglyphs!)  On our last visit, there were a couple of spots where we extended our usual 15 minute meander and had to cross some less-than-upkept crossings over muck and one very nice bridge.  I perused the signage and did not see anything regarding leashes; however, the property is wedged between railroad tracks, roads, and private homes so keep off leashed ones close.  The forest is full of pines and the ground littered with pine needles, keeping most ferns and small plants from growing.  It reminds me a lot of UNH's College Woods but much smaller. The trails are flat with only occasional rootes (I walked this barefoot after a flip flop malfunction) and there are one or two places for dogs to dip their toes on hot days.

Parking: The pull off on Temple Ave (in front of the park sign) is where I always park.

Directions: From Rt 9 South, right onto Temple Ave.  If you go over railroad tracks, you've gone too far.

Link: http://www.sacobaytrails.org/redbluedot.shtml

Bayview Beach, Saco

A dog friendly beach at the very tip of Bayview Road in Saco.  Dogs must be leashed in the summer between the hours of 9:00 and 5:00.  My favorite thing to do is wait til it gets really quiet or in the off season and let the dogs loose to chase the seagulls (don't worry, they're far away and the plovers have moved on!!).  At low tide, it's an excellent beach to walk end to end.  To the left, we tend to have the beach more to ourselves.  It ends where Goosefare Brook empties into the ocean, dividing the Saco beaches from Ocean Park's.  To the right, gunfire can sometimes be heard from the nearby shooting range and you will eventually hit Ferry Beach, which does not allow dogs.

Parking: Summer is a toughie.  There is a very small lot at the entrance that requires a permit (after hours we have never had an issue thankfully because I don't even know where to obtain one!).  A bigger lot is on both sides of the intersection with Seaside Ave and has a pay-to-park stand.  On a summer day, you will still have difficulty finding a spot but generally, the dog-going population is there on the earlier or later ends of the day!

Directions: At the intersection of Bayview and Seaside Ave.  The main entrance and parking are at the end of the Bayview, though each side street has access.

Link: http://www.sacomaine.org/departments/parksrec/beaches.shtml

Eastern Trail, multiple towns
I know I've mentioned this wonderful trail system before but here I am, doing it again!  We have done most of the sections between Old Orchard Beach, Saco, and Scarborough.  I like to choose which section to visit based on what I'm looking for that day.

Marshes/views - Scarborough section over the Nonesuch River.  Located on Rt 9/Pine Point Rd and offers a parking lot and poop bags with trash can.  often busy with cyclists and recreational fishers.  My favorite features are the views and spots where the dogs can get to the water to cool off.  It is exposed to the sun at all times and there's almost always a breeze.

peaceful, shady -

-Across the street from the section listed above.  Parking on Old Blue Point Rd at the Scarborough Memorial Cemetery.  I tend to encounter less traffic on this section.

-Cascade Rd - heading north from the parking on Cascade Rd (right down the street from Cascade Falls on Rt 98) is a section that I don't often encounter many others on and the unofficial jogging trails bring us close to the river while allowing us to get off the main path.

socialization practice - (note - some sections receive direct sun during the day) Saco sections from Thornton Academy to Route 1 by Seacoast RV.  The trail crosses Rt 1 via bridge and at this bridge on the south side of Rt 1 is a small dirt parking area that usually only contains one or two vehicles.  Heading north from here is more shaded and usually a little less trafficked.  Heading south passes by a farm at a distance and tends to be a great section to see and encounter lots of different trail users and sights.

Parking: Varies. Refer to map.

Directions: Varies.  Refer to map.

Link: http://www.easterntrail.org/index.php/trails-a-maps/trail-guide

I'll likely add to this list as we visit new properties; I already have a running list!  In addition, I'll work making the guide more user-friendly but for now, it's start is just a place for ideas.  If you have a specific question, please comment or e-mail me!  Below are links to the organizations in the area that offer walking trails.  Happy vacationing!

Saco Bay Trails: http://www.sacobaytrails.org/index.shtml
Eastern Trail: http://www.easterntrail.org/
Scarborough Land Trust: Properties not listed here but still awesome (and allow well-mannered off leash dogs) http://www.scarboroughlandtrust.org/
Many of these also have FB pages too!

Carter Dome in the Rain

Who could turn down these faces?!

The big weekend!!! Everyone was more than ready to embark on our Bonds trip bright and early Saturday morning.  But Mother Nature cares nothing for plans and every once and awhile, the weather gods have to put me in my place after a string of sunny hikes.  Saturday was rained out and called for thunder.  The group agreed to hold off but still wanted to get out for a dayhike Sunday, which looked decent.  But of course, as everyone prepared to leave RI for our home in Saco on Saturday night, the Mount Washington Observatory and local forecasts predicted thunder.  Even Ty would turn down a hike if it includes that.  But our will to be in the mountains was strong....

Molly and her dad still needed Carter Dome for the 48's so after talking with Dan and everyone at the house, we agreed to defy the predictions and around 8:00 converged on the Nineteen Mile Brook Trail in Pinkham's Notch.

Top line: typical 19MB trail conditions for the first 1.9 miles.  Bottom line:
one of the many gorgeous views of the river from the trail.

I should introduce the "we...."  Linda, who had last done Tuckerman's Ravine and Frankenstein Cliffs/Arethusa Falls with us; my friends Liz and Shawn with his malamute mix, Pele;  Dan and Molly all hit the trail with Tybtangs, our foster Liza, and I.  Now that's a pack!!

The canine portion of the hiking party.
From top to bottom: Pele, Tango, and the dingo ladies
(Ty, Liza, and Molly)

Ty and Pele led the way, trotting through the woods with intent.  The trail was damp but the walking was easy, over mostly dirt.  The first section of 19MB is one of my favorite trails for its easy grade, okay footing, and numerous points of access to the brook, not to mention the gorgeous man-made pool.

By the time we reached the junction for the Cater Dome Trail, Molly was off leash, Tango was bringing up the rear in his Ruffwear Swampcooler, and Liza's bungee leash was dragging.  The dogs were evidently feeling like a pack and it was incredible to watch.

Left turn onto the Carter Dome Trail

Back to the trail description - the grade remained moderate and the footing was still decent.  The rocks were slick but still maneuverable due to their low profile.  We moved away from the river and onto the mellow switchbacks.  Somewhere along the longer switchbacks, the skies final let loose.  I was far behind by then with Tango and Liza.  At that point, she was leashed back up temporarily as she tried to hide from the raindrops in the bush and refused to come out.  Backpack issues unleashed themselves as I became drenched; in that moment I would've been happy to throw in the towel and I had Liza's vote.  But the group was waiting for me, donned in rain gear and the dogs varying in emotion from impatient to sulking in a self-made hole.  We asked Molly why she thought a hole would help shield her from the rain but we merely got the stink eye.  Positivity is infectious and being back with the group, I was happy to move forward.  The rain had let up by the time we reached the junction for the Zeta Pass/Carter Moriah Trail.

We still had plenty of views and sounds
of the water until just before the switchbacks.

The switchbacks were often root covered but not steep.

Between there and the summit, the grade continued to be moderate (though it seemed steeper on the decent) and the ground became more small rock than dirt covered.  Still no big knee-lifters, which I was grateful for since I'd been lax on my exercises for my knee and for Tango's level of enjoyment.  There were two more junctions where we could've made a detour to Mt High.  Had there been a chance for views, we would've done it.  Our arrival at the summit was greeted with more rain that subsided after a couple of minutes, allowing for just enough time and motivation to snap a couple of photos.

Mt High is said to have incomparable views
but we skipped it since we'd be looking at clouds

On the way to the summit

Some portions were easy, others required more careful footing

As usual, not much to report about the decent.  It's easy to go at a decent pace (2-2.5 miles an hour) without risking life and limb falling but does become rocky at times.  We stopped at the first water crossing we enountered and hung around for a bit.  The sun had come out, the humidity was starting to pick up, and it was simply beautiful.  I was as happy as I was on the ascent for the numerous water sources; reaching the warmest point of the day, the humidity was affecting Tango and I made him put his Swamp Cooler back on.  19MB Trail always seems to end abruptly and before long, Linda, Tango, Liza, and I (who had fallen behind) were back at the lot, reconvening with the rest.

To the left is the trail; the summit marker is just outside the photo.
The "trail" to the right is to an overlook (below).

The day's biggest challenge was the weather.  The route we took is, in the context of a NH 4000 footer, moderate.  The description in The Four Thousand Footers of the White Mountains is spot on.  It can be very difficult to judge something so subjective as difficulty for others' benefit.  In a lot of ways, this hike reminds me of Galehead.  At 10 miles, it is on the longer side of what we do but they're not trying, difficult miles.  I enjoyed the multiple junctions to give me markers.  Until the first switchback on the Carter Dome Trail, running water crossing or parallel to the trail is plentiful for the dogs.  It's available again at the next junction (Zeta Pass/Carter Moriah Trail) and here and there on rainy days (or in puddles on the trail) after that.  The summit clearing is broad so the dogs could spread out and entertain themselves as we took pictures.  (It is generally still wooded, which we appreciated as we waited out the rain.)  There are a couple slick sections of rock that challenged newbie Liza but no places where hoisting was necessary.  I would consider Carter Dome a great peak for those who've already built their dog up to 4000 footer-level difficulty but now want to work on distance/endurance.

The two newest trail dogs seemed quite happy with Carter Dome (minus the rain!)

While yesterday's hike was awesome and I learned my memory had not done due justice to Carter Dome, most of what I find myself continually reflecting on was the experience.  Hiking with five dogs, members of some of the oldest breeds in the country, the sense of being a pack was magnificently strong.  They stuck together, checked in, teased, deferred to, and respected one another.  I found myself constantly mesmerized watching them interact.  On top of that, I have rarely seen so many great examples of the human-dog bond that I can appreciate at a deep level.  The photos won't show that, not quite, not ever.  But hopefully they're experiences readers will pick up on when they're out there!

Most of the humans!

Sunday was also Tango's birthday.  Though I'm not sure most 8 year old's would want their birthday party to be a hike, he was as happy as I was for the wonderful company we were in with friends and family and got  cheeseburger in addition to use usual post-hike treat!  I did promise him no more 10-milers and no more humid days!