I started backpacking again in 2002. After we got Sophie, our Australian Shepherd in 2001, I decided to give it another try. We have hiked/backpacked for about 150 m (242 km) since we started. My pack usually weighs in around 45 lbs (20 kg). I carry a two-person tent and Sophie sleep inside the tent with me. We normally hike from April through June and September through November. The heat and lack of water are issues in the summer and I do not have the gear for winter trips.

Product Information

Manufacturer Web site: http://wolfpacks.com
Model: Banzai™
Size:
- Medium: 1150 cu in (18845 cc)
- Length: 15 in (38.10 cm)
- Height: 8.5 in (21.59 cm)
- Depth: 5 in (12.70 cm)
- Waist: 26-34 in (66-86 cm)
- Weight: Advertised - N/A
- Weight: Measured 19 oz (540 g)
MSRP: $74.00 US
Year Purchased: 2002
Color: Red
Photo of Sophie with Pack

Background Information

I decided that if we were going backpacking, Sophie would need to carry her own weight. After reading the information on the manufacturer's web site and other reviews I settled on the Banzai™ pack for Sophie. I wanted a pack that fit her posture, had enough space for 5 days or so on the trail and allowed her to sit or lay down without the pack getting in the way. I also wanted to get her a good pack since this was her first one. We followed the training recommendations, which can be found on the manufacturer's web site, to a point but Sophie seemed to take to the pack so we opted to do a simple weekend trip. Since the first trip, the pack has performed well.

Our hikes take us to northern Pennsylvania where the elevations run between 750 to 2500 ft (229 - 762 m). We normally cover 10 to 13 mi (16-20 km) a day and are out for 3 to 5 days. Temperatures can run from 30 to 80 F (0 - 27 C) but the normal range we see is from 40 to 60 F (5 - 16 C). We can run into snow flurries but usually the nights are crisp and clear and it is sunny during the day. Then of course there are those hikes that it rains but thankfully that is not the rule but the exception. The trail can vary from woods roads and ski trails to narrow switchbacks, climbing over rocks and fording streams. On two different trips to the Black Forest Tail in north central Pennsylvania I bent a Leki hiking pole sliding down the same hill. Trip logs and photos can be found on my personal web pages at http://mywebpages.comcast.net/tnczoo/.

Product Description

The pack has two compartments (panniers), one on each side, that run the length of the pack. They contain a large inner pouch and a smaller outer one. The large inner pouches hold most of the supplies. I have tried putting small items such as maps, extra film and other small items in the outer pockets but nothing seems to "fit". I will keep playing with packing to see what works best. There is a pocket on the top that is built into the section that attaches the two panniers together. I keep duplicate identification in there for Sophie and there is not much room left for other items. I also do not want to put anything in there that might create bumps as that could cause rubbing. The pack also has compression straps on the sides which are nice to limit the movement of items as needed.

There are two plastic lashing patches, one above each pannier. They are set-up to tie items across the pack in lieu of front to back which is kind of inconvenient. The manufacturer states "lash patches are only available with slots this way from our fastener suppliers." Adding small loops would create a shoulder to tail lashing system. I'm not sure lashing items here is practical so I have not investigated further. The pack has reflective strips along each side and large plastic zipper pulls. There are two adjustable nylon straps for securing the pack onto the dog. The chest strap is 1 in (2.54 cm) and the waist strap is 1.5 in (3.81 cm) and both use standard quick release buckles and take-up sliders along with felt-lined pads that ride between the buckles and the dog so they do not rub. The main part of the pack is made of Cordura® Plus nylon while the lower and outside parts are made from Ballistic nylon. The pack has no lining.

Field Use

It took a while to get the fit of the pack adjusted properly. There is a front chest strap that goes in front of the front legs to keep the pack from sliding back and to stabilize it in the front. This seemed to work best when it was snug enough to hold the pack steady but not bunched up in the front. The back strap, since it rides behind the rib cage, was a bit harder to get the adjustment right. This strap keeps the pack steady, stops it from riding forward and needs to fit snug but not so tight that it rubs.

Another issue is weight distribution. The pack will list to one side or the other if the weight is not distributed properly. I found that once the pack is loaded, I can gauge the weight distribution by holding one pannier in each hand. With some practice I found I can get the weight distribution fairly even. It does not take long on the trail to tell if the weight is not even. The pack will rapidly start listing toward the heavier side.

The pack is roomy enough to hold six days of supplies for Sophie. I package her food in one quart (473 ml) zipper lock plastic bags and the pack is roomy enough to hold three bags per pannier plus treats, chewy, two collapsible bowls and two empty collapsible water bottles. As she eats her food I use the empty space to haul our own trash as well as the trash we find along the trail.

Conclusion

The main drawbacks I have found with this pack are that it is not waterproof and it is difficult to adjust when the straps get wet. The waterproof issue is easily handled by packing everything in zip-lock bags as needed. As for the adjusting issue, fortunately, once the pack straps are adjusted, minimal re-adjusting is necessary.

On the positive side, once the pack is properly loaded and adjusted, it rides well on Sophie and she has no problems with rubbing. It is large enough for the majority of our hikes and I can always carry more food for her if needed at the beginning of the trip. I wash it in the washer and hang to dry after each hike and it has held up well. After 3 years of use, approximately 200 miles (322 km) and probably 7 or 8 washings, it still looks almost new.

At $74.00 the pack was a bit pricey but, in my opinion, worth every penny. When we get ready to start out, I just need to ask Sophie, "Are you ready", and she will stand with her head up so I can put the pack on her.

The Bottom Line

Overall, I am extremely pleased with this pack. I could do without the lashing patches and the top pocket but they certainly are not in the way. The manufacturer's web site contains lots of information on fitting and packing their packs along with other dog related information.

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