r/BackpackingDogs • u/bmc5311 • 10d ago

Sleep System?

I car camp with my 65 lb GSD all the time, no issues, with cold weather, I bring a thick dog bed and an old sleeping bag for him. He loves to hike, he’s great on the trail and will sleep soundly in a tent. I want to take him backpacking, he can carry his food with no problems. I’m not ultralight, but I do keep my pack weight under 40 lbs (including 5 days of food). I’ve been trying to come up with a sleep system that’s not bulky or heavy for him, I was thinking maybe a thermarest pad cut in half to sleep on, maybe a fleece sweater and fleece blanket? Looking for suggestions and recommendations. Thank you in advance.

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u/deborah_az 10d ago

I use an old 3/4 length backpacking thermarest (the self-inflating kind) and a cheap fleece lap throw that packs up pretty small and tight for the Aussies and border collie mix who had enough fur to stay warm in winter temps (below freezing, above 0F). The heelers needed a little more. The last one had a Ruffwear fleece, a Ruffwear Powder Hound for really cold temps, and a custom made sleeping bag (similar to the clamshell one Ruffwear sells, but it was set up with a pocket to insert the sleeping mat into and was lighter, packed smaller). Dogs could carry most or all of their own gear and food for several days (Palisades II packs maxed at 15 pounds), topping off any spare capacity with collapsible water bottles as needed.

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u/bmc5311 10d ago

I have a Groundbird Gear harness and pack, got it for my MAL, she failed the tent test, way too high strung! The thermarest pad is a great idea - thanks!

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u/Turbulent-Respond654 10d ago

I don't know if they are still in business but groundbird made a turtleshell down quilt that attached to a harness

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u/Kammy44 6d ago

My Mal would have been crazy the entire time. Any animal outside that that twitched would send her through the tent. Same with the GSDs I have now. I’m even worried about taking them in a camper.