Comments From Wolf Packs® CustomersBelow you will find customer comments about our Trekker™ dog packs. If you wish to contact the authors directly, please feel free to do so if a link is provided. Messages are organized by their last names for convenience. You might also be interested in reviewing the FAQ page, which might answer your questions about our dog pack designs. Oscar's Pack is Perfect by Bruce Aldridge, USA Date: Tue, 03 Aug 1999 144130 -0600 Dear Linda, Just got back from a five day hike in the Flat Tops Primitive Area here in Colorado. Oscar's Trekker pack fit perfectly and worked wonderfully. He was able to pack his own food and a bit of our food. He zipped up the steep trail and acted like the pack was not even there. Thanks, Bruce Aldridge Date: Tue, 08 Jun 1999 220350 -0600 Our packs arrived today and we can hardly wait to try them out. Since it is pouring rain, we have had to make do with putting them on the dogs and letting them walk around the house in them. They wore them like they had been born with them. (I think they just thought it was a glorified sledding harness which they are very familiar with.) The US exchange and duty, GST, PST, shipping almost doubled their US listing price, but they're worth it. Will send a picture of our group soon. Moira V. Towriss-Smith Date: Mon, Aug 3 1998 5:05 PM
Dear Linda, My name is Aspen. You really made my first backpacking experience dog gone special. You helped me size a perfect fitting pack and it is certain to last me many more trips. I CAN'T WAIT TILL NEXT TIME !! I just wanted to send you my picture (my owners Kevin and Jennifer took it) of me getting prepared to tackle Pagosa Peak. I am from Kansas and did I ever enjoy the cool weather of the mountains. I got to carry all kinds of really cool stuff in my pack too. Aspen. Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 213016 EDT Linda, We will be thru-hiking the AT next year (starting in March). I will take pictures during our training hikes--we have several planned between now and then. Took our dogs on their first hike with their new Wolf Packs this weekend. No chafing!!! (a problem we have had with other packs). The fleece buckle pads seem to do the job. Also, Elvis and Myrtle got lots of attention from the other day hikers out there, and we were able to do lots of advertising for your website from interested folks who had no idea that dog packs even existed. Kathy Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 173042 -0500
Here are the photos of our boys at last. These were taken on our holiday to Wales this summer and the boys got their first taste of trekking with their new Packs. We have been showing our packs to our friends and we even take them with us to races now as everyone wants to try them on their dogs. Hopefully there will be lots of Brits after your packs! Do you need a UK agent !!!!!!! Reasonable commission!!!!! We could even wear Wolf Packs baseball caps when we get photographed at events, Elaine Burroughs and Laura Wade. Date: Tue, Aug 4 1998 4:53 PM RE: Buster's Pack Yippee - it arrived (in the 100+ degree heat). He looks adorable & loves it already. We've had a hectic day - so just greetings, we love it, fits great & more later - we hike on Thursday - so hope to get a great pic or two! You sew so beautifully - how do you do it? Hugs! Buster & Linda & Mario Editor's Note: This message arrived a few days later, along with photos & a story. The reference to "the Fairies" was due to a previous message in which I shared our secret of how we sew such nice gear - the Fairies help us out while we sleep... Date: Fri, Aug 7 1998 12:16 PM Dearest Linda, I wish we were girlfriends. Your emails regarding progress of the pack and all your help and input and your desire to get the "perfect" fit is above & beyond normal good service. I loved having all the color choices (so many choices, so little time). I would happily & honestly recommend your company (& the fairies) to any and all. We tried several packs on him before yours - I became very fussy & critical about fit, and yours is the perfect one - it fits wonderfully & he is obviously very happy with it. He truly transforms when he wears his Wolf Pack. Our best wishes for your continued success and if we can help in anyway, please feel free to ask! I will miss our correspondence! Love & Luck & Bless the Fairies! Date: Fri, 29 Nov 1996 15:52:45 +0000
Hi Linda, Just wanted you to know that I received the Trekker dog pack exactly one week after I ordered it. Thanks for the prompt service. A picture with your product on the trail will be sent as soon as we hit the trail come spring. Shan Do ------ Date: Mon, 26 Apr 1999 203102 -0400 Dear Linda, I promised you a picture 2 years ago, but here they are at last. The Trekker pack is one tough piece of equipment, in fact its the Terraplane of doggie packs! Incredibly none of the stitching has frayed yet, despite the hard use we have put the pack through. I generally throw the pack into the washing machine after a trip, no problems yet so I guess its alright. Thank you for a well made product. Shan and Zion Date: Sat, 29 Jun 1996 16:18:32 est
Now that it is finally summer for most of us I'd like to share a tip I use to help keep my dogs from over-heating during summer walks. Both of my doggies have backpacks (made by Linda von Hanneken-Martin of Wolf Packs). When I plan to take the doggies for long walks I place "Freezepaks" (wrapped in hand towels) in the sides of their dog backpacks. "Freezepaks" are a brand name for re-usable ice substitutes used in beverage coolers, you know, the blue things you put in your freezer and then use instead of ice. Both of my dogs (a Greyhound and a Labrador Retriever) seem to be much more comfortable during summer walks since I've been doing this. My Greyhound, especially, seemed to overheat on walks when it was hot and this really has helped her feel more comfortable. Also, it keeps the water that they carry cold (Wolf Packs also sells a collapsible water bowl and a floppy disk you can use for both play and drinking). By the way, I don't work for Wolf Packs, I get no commission from them but they make darn good products and anyone who hikes with a dog should check out their catalogue. Among other things, they sell Summer Pad Protectors for us urbanites who have to walk our dogs on hot concrete. You can see their catalogue on-line by accessing their website at: http:wolfpacks.com. One final thing about Wolf Packs: they really do stand by their guarantees; I know this from personal experience (no, they never sent me defective merchandise but they repaired some dog chewing damage for a very small fee and got my pack back to me very quickly). Forest Godsey Date: Mon, 3 Jun 1996 20:58:27 -0600 The packs arrived today and they are great! Suzi and Stansi wore them around empty. Stansi was thrilled for some reason (maybe because I told her she was beautiful) and Suzi, the puppy, couldn't move for awhile, since something was on top of her. In a few minutes, however, she came trotting along. They are very well made, fit very well, and the colors are nice. I will send you pictures from the trail :-) Thanks again! Laura K. Hein Flambeau Kennels "Responsibly breeding quality siberians"
Boarding - Grooming - Training
Board Member: Marshfield Area Kennel Club
Member: International Siberian Husky Club
Assoc. Member: S.H.C. of the Twin Cities
Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 010025 EDT Hi, I'm just writing to let you know that I got one of your Trekker packs for my dog, a German Shepherd mix, and we absolutely love it!!! She took to it right away, and loves to wear it too. Whenever she sees me pick it up she gets all excited and knows we're going somewhere. I took some pictures of her wearing it and if you could send me an address, I would love to send them to you. Thank you, Abby Hurst Date: Tue, Jul 14 1998 8:46 AM Greetings, I just had to write and say how impressed I was with the dog pack. After some initial skepticism by my dog (and wife) we strapped on the empty pack and went for a long walk. At first my poor dog looked considerably beat down by the empty pack, but soon he realized it was no problem and was chasing after the local squirrels and rabbits. I am completely amazed that the pack is able to stay put even with a beagle whose nose is on the ground constantly. Heck, even after a long rolling session in the grass to cool off, the pack remained centered on his back. We are really looking forward to using this in the mountains. Thanks again for a great product, David MacAlpine Date: Thu, 11 Apr 1996 09:58:00 E Hi there, My brother, returned to Melbourne from the States yesterday morning. He brought with him the most fabulous Wolf Pack in the world. He told me how when he ordered it that you only had Camouflage in stock and made up a Red one for me especially. I wanted to write and thank you for your efforts. The pack is beautiful and so well made. The rain proofed zips and fleece around the buckles are excellent details. Our dog Treacle, a Rotweiler cross, loves it. She accepted the pack straight away, showing no discomfort at all with wearing it. She still doesn't quite understand her new width but this will come in time no doubt. The red looks brilliant on her and will be easily seen when we go hiking in the bush. I hope to send you a photograph of the proud beast wearing her Wolf Pack soon. I really cannot thank you enough for your efforts in accommodating our rather rushed order. Hopefully we will be able to send a few more orders your way as people see Treacle's pack. Unfortunately we have nothing like this in Australia at the moment, despite so many people enjoying hiking. There does not seem to be so much of a culture of hiking with dogs here as in the States but perhaps this shall be the beginning. Thanks again, Rebecca Marsh Date: Fri, 19 Feb 1999 210635 +1300
Hi Linda and Paul, My dogs name is Keg. He is a pure bred golden Labrador 2 years of age and was a long awaited 21st present from my parents. Everywhere I go he goes and I have never known a dog as loyal as he is. By the way I think that your packs are awesome! Keep up the good work. Glen & Keg Date: Fri, 21 Mar 1997 01:12:38 +0930 Dear Linda, IT ARRIVED!! The pack bags are everything we had hoped for and more. They are fantastic!! I don't know how many compliments I can bestow upon you and your company but you deserve them all. From what we can anticipate from the quality of your bags, you can expect a rather large order hopefully around mid-April. Happy Trails, Bryn Rhys Odermatt Date: Sat, 23 Nov 1996 14:32:35 -0500 (EST)
It's great that Laika can now help carry our gear when we hike. There's less weight for me, and I swear Laika acts more responsible when she's "working." Now we both feel like part of the team! Thanks again, Date: Wed, 03 Jun 1998 153702 -0700
Hi there. To find a retailer near you, or to order on-line, visit wolfpacks.com. Linda explains all of the models, and how to measure your dog for the right size pack. I love my pack. It gets used quite a bit and is now showing some signs of wear. Almost time for me to get another one. Good luck and have fun! Sheldon Pineo & Ice Editor's Note: This paragraph was later added by the author to further explain the following message: I ordered a purple Trekker pack for our Akita, Pingo, but was unsure of the size, as Pingo was right on the dividing line between a Medium and a Large. Linda answered my questions quickly via email, and even had the pack ready to go while she was waiting for the credit card number to arrive via snail mail. I also really appreciate Linda taking the time to ship by Parcel Post rather than UPS, a considerable savings when shipping to Alaska! Date: Wed, 15 May 1996 11:04:09 -1000
The pack arrived and indeed looks and fits well. I'm glad we went with the Medium instead of the Large! Haven't had a real workout yet, but hopefully this weekend. Pingo seems to think that the pack is "just another one of those strange things they keep making me do." Thanks again. Ken Severin Date: Sun, 5 Oct 1997 13:37:18 -0500
On our big trip to the mountains of Wyoming and Montana, my dogs Kiska and Nika wore Trekker dog packs, in Burgundy and Blue with matching collars and collapsible dog bowls. The dogs had no trouble adjusting to their packs. They appear to be comfortable and well-fitted. As we hiked on the various trails on our trip, the packs proved strong and durable. They dried quickly, and cleaned off easily by brushing when the mud dried. The dogs had no places where the straps rubbed or created sore spots, something I watched for and was pleased not to find. Because the dogs were just 1 year old, I did not fill the packs with heavy equipment, but our experience was that the packs did not slide around (we hiked in some steep places, both up and down), and the dogs had no problem running around and cavorting with packs on as well as off. They also were able to sit and lay down comfortably in their packs. The dogs and I both love these packs and we had a great time on our trip. Date: Wed, 21 Oct 1998 172128 -0700
Well, with about 750 miles of backpacking behind us now, I guess I can make an objective assessment of Sally's Wolf Pack. In a word, I'm very pleased. This puppy (the Wolf Pack, not Sally) is tough as nails, and has held up under all conditions. I like these zippers (I added string pulls though - just one on each side, which makes getting into the bags and closing them much easier on the trail). I like the fact too, that the Wolf Pack can be cinched up higher on the dog's shoulders, where a canine is more comfortable carrying a pack than when the saddle bags are flopping down around their bellies, or under their bellies, as is the case with many of the cheaply made dog packs I see on the trails. Don't buy cheap dog packs!! Wolf Packs are a well made American product and deserves a hearty endorsement. Tom Sweetnam (and Sally the Wonderdog) Wolf Packs vs Others, by Creese Syred - Australia
Editor's Note: The following was submitted in a letter with photos from the author... 7 July, 1998 Dear Paul & Linda, After a long wait for what I thought was going to be your product, I was let down to see someone in Australia was copying (crudely I might add) your packs. In letting you know about this, you kindly sent over some Wolf Packs equipment for myself and Czar - my 10 month old tracking and trainee search & rescue German shepherd. What a delight to see authentic caring people making authentic gear for exceptional dogs...after all, we both have the same goal in mind: to have fun, care for and appreciate our dogs. There is not a day that goes by that Czar is without his ID Cape, as often he is tracking and off-lead. I have made an ID card to go in the zipper pocket, so if he finds someone or becomes list, he will not be written-off as another stray dog. As for his backpack, he loves it!! After a few close calls with trees and my legs, he has worked out it is for carrying gear, food, water, etc. and he has slowed down on his cornering and close passes of my wife's and my legs. I can only say my business will definitely be yours, because as he grows so will my needs for more Wolf Packs equipment. Well done on a greatly made original product. Yours faithfully and thankfully, Creese Syred Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 150003 -0800
Blazer was a huge help on our trip, as he has been many times before. I've never weighed his pack, but he had at least 20 lbs. in it and it didn't slow him down a bit. It contained 6 days worth of dog food (for him and our two little dogs), plus over one liter of white gas for the stove, three sets of dog boots (some of which we used on sore feet during the trip), my Tevas, plus a few other small items. As the dog food is used up, we add more things from our packs. I don't think he minds. In fact he gets happy and comes right over when I pick his pack up. He loves having a job to do. That pack has been on over a dozen multi-day trips and is still in perfect shape (although it has taken on more of an earthtone color scheme). Jeff & Barbara Date: Wed, 23 Jun 1999 140253 -0600
Just got back from another great hike with the dogs. It is so much fun for owners and dogs alike. Our Sams go crazy when they see me reach for the packs, just like they would if I were taking out their leash. Have had wonderful weather for packing and the hills are so beautiful with their cover of pink, purple, yellow, orange and blue flowers. Moira V. Towriss-Smith Date: Sat, 3 Jan 1998 08:23:42 +0200
Blaze, our crazy ten month old male Golden Retreiver, has had his very snazzy Burgundy Trekker™ dog pack for a couple of months now. It took a bit of getting used to. At first he looked at me like I was mad and refused to move. Somehow the pack seriously affected the use of Blazes legs even when being enticed by a biscuit! But then all of a sudden voila! He could walk again, all be it a little off balance but he managed :) Now Blaze wonders what all the fuss was about. As soon as it's on and I give
him the all clear, he's off - no stopping him! Well in just one afternoon Blaze
managed to prove Wolf Packs correct. While he's wearing it he can walk, run,
sit, lay down and even 'Oh boy there goes a squirrel, it's running through the
bushes, I don't care come on let's chase it!' He gets even more attention from
people when he wears his pack. We often hear comments like, "Look at the
dog, he's so cute!" Jenny and Blaze Date: Wed, 28 Jul 1999 221620
-0700 (PDT) Received the Trekker pack this week for our border collie cross "CD" (Cow Dog). She loves it. It's got dry dog food packed in it for practice weight and she actually has played Frisbee catch and gone on short treks. She even wags her tail and looks very dressed up in the Teal pack. Thanks so much for your quick sewing job!! They leave for PCT this weekend. Karen Williams Date: Sat, 14 Sep 1996 16:22:39 -0400 I purchased a pack from you about a year ago. I love it; my dog loves it; and we are always being asked where we found a pack with such quality. Jessie absolutely struts when she wears the pack. She is very proud of herself. Thanks, Date: Wed, 25 Feb 1998 202229 EST
Linda and Paul, Murray's Teal Trekker pack arrived yesterday, right on schedule. I must say, I am impressed! The pack is top quality, and rides so well on my dog that he can carry twice the load with half the effort then with his old pack. In fact, he had no trouble leaping 4 feet in the air to catch his Frisbee with a fully loaded 12 lb. pack. The small trail near my home really put the pack to the test today! Murray's pack didn't snag on thorns, rip from branches, or get wet inside from splashing through streams or mud puddles (and there was plenty of mud on that pack!). He carried the pack up steep inclines without it shifting back, and it didn't weigh him down on the way back down the hill. His shoulders weren't sore or worn, and his coat didn't clump or mat. He ran, walked, trotted, and laid down to rest without any discomfort at all. Kudos! I hope you'll keep up the great work, and keep making quality backpacks. We'll be spending lots of Murray's life out in the forests, and I have a feeling that I won't ever need to replace this pack. Thanks. Best, Jenna Woginrich and Murray CGC [Editor's Note: When Jenna sent us her marvelous drawings & photos of Murray (see links above), she included a nice letter. Here is a brief excerpt from here letter.] Here are my promised snapshots & drawings of Murray. I'm impressed with your product, and after two weeks of being banged, bumped, soaked, and slept in it's still looking brand new.
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