Wenaha Explorer and Explorer II Review

"The Explorer II is a superb pack. I use it daily as it is essential equipment for my mobility Service Dog whose job is to carry what I can not, ie: anything over 5 lbs, after a permanent shoulder injury. His current pack has been in non-stop use for 2 years and has held up like new. In the summer, we hike the beach 3-4 times a week on a round trip of 5-6 miles with him carrying all the beach things.

Many dog packs have the packs permanently attached to the harness. This is a serious mistake. You can not remove the pack so the dog can rest without having to get down and undo all the harness straps which is a great nuisance. "

"These are dog packs. Wenaha makes a two part pack, a harness for the dog upon which the pack sits and is held by Velcro. To my mind that is the only safe pack. Had my pooch Bailey swim a creek at full spring flood. Always before he waited for me, I took the pack across myself. This time he didn't wait, was swept past usual landing and couldn't get out. He swam back and got caught downstream in aspens. Pack broke away, and was gone, dog was safe. Had he been locked into the pack he would have drowned. Or I would have trying to save him. Sturdy, well made, easy to use and dog friendly packs. Would never repeat never use any other type pack."