Their walk. Their water. Their bag.

Poo bags, a bottle of water, a bag of kibble, your phone. On a long walk it all ends up in your pockets. The Trail Dog Backpack puts it on the dog instead, in two roomy pockets that sit either side of their back like panniers on a bike. Most dogs seem to like having a job. Most owners like having their hands back.

Two pockets, with windows

Each pocket is about 18 x 23cm, with a zip across the top and a clear panel in the front so you can see what's in there without unpacking it. One side for their things, one side for yours.

Built for a British walk

The outer is a water-repellent Oxford fabric that shrugs off showers and wet bracken, and the straps are lined with sandwich mesh so air gets through on a warm climb. Reflective strips on both pockets catch headlights and torches once the light goes.

Fits like a harness

A padded neck strap and a wide chest band with quick-release buckles, all adjustable with slider buckles, so the bag stays put rather than sliding round. There's a rubber grab handle on top for steadying your dog over a stile, and a metal ring beside it for the lead.

Four colours

Camo, grey, green or yellow. The yellow is the easiest to spot across a field.

A quick word of honesty

This is a day-walk bag, not an expedition pack. The fabric is water-repellent, so it handles rain, but it isn't sealed, and a dog who lies down in a puddle will get the contents damp. Keep the load light: a bottle of water, a snack and the odds and ends you'd otherwise be carrying. And if your dog's never worn a backpack, start empty and let them get used to it round the garden first.

Specifications

• Fit: neck 60–70cm, chest 65–93cm, belly 50–87cm (one size)
• Bag: approx. 46cm wide × 31cm deep; pockets approx. 18 × 23cm each
• Weight: approx. 750g
• Outer: water-repellent Oxford fabric; sandwich mesh lining on straps
• Details: clear window pockets, reflective strips, rubber grab handle, metal lead ring, SBS zips, quick-release buckles, padded neck strap
• Best for: medium and large dogs, adult, fit and used to a harness
• Colours: camo, grey, green, yellow

How to measure
Neck: around the base of the neck where a collar sits. Chest: around the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs. Belly: around the narrowest part of the waist. If your dog is between sizes, measure again rather than guessing; the chest number is the one that matters most.

Safety and use
Only for adult dogs that are fit and healthy, not for puppies, older dogs or any dog with joint or back problems. Keep the load light and balanced between the two pockets, and build up gradually. As a rule of thumb, many trainers suggest a dog carries no more than around 10% of its own body weight, and your vet is the right person to ask for your dog. Check the straps aren't rubbing after the first few walks, take the bag off for rest stops and swimming, and never clip a long line or extending lead to the ring on a loaded bag.