Sew Your Own Dog Pack

By The Mother Earth News Editors
Published on January 19, 2013
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Cut one flap piece from 36-oz. canvas or Cordura.
Cut one flap piece from 36-oz. canvas or Cordura.
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Cut one saddle piece from 36-oz. Cordura or canvas.
Cut one saddle piece from 36-oz. Cordura or canvas.
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The completed dog pack in use.
The completed dog pack in use.
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The final product: the padding in front and the saddle/flaps piece behind.
The final product: the padding in front and the saddle/flaps piece behind.
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For the padding, cut two pieces from 13-oz. nylon.
For the padding, cut two pieces from 13-oz. nylon.
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Cut two pouch extension pieces from 13-oz. nylon.
Cut two pouch extension pieces from 13-oz. nylon.

When Julie and Miki Collins sent MOTHER their story on dog packing, they enclosed a drawing–with suggested pattern pieces and dimensions–of what they considered to be their “dream” dog pack. Well, a few MOTHER staffers were so intrigued that we tried the sisters’ instructions ourselves. Sure enough, we came up with a truly nifty dog pack (with a big capacity) that you can duplicate yourself for about $20 or $30, if you’re handy with a sewing machine and have a half-day or so of unallotted time.

First, consult the materials list below, which itemizes the expenses involved in constructing a plain or a deluxe dog pack. (We didn’t skimp on the hardware.) At the suggestion of the folks at Mountaineering South, an outdoor outfitter in nearby Asheville, we substituted Fastex brand quick-release buckles far the suggested O-ring buckles. These fasteners work well and might come in handy in the event you need to unhook a dog from its pack quickly. We also used sliders with the Fastex buckles to make the harness adjustable.

Materials List

  • 1 1/2 yards 60″-wide, 36-oz. Cordura or canvas
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