Sleep System for your Dog?

[ben h]

I'm with Mad Mountain Mike on this one, your dog probably doesn't care what he/she sleeps on, but just wants to go. They'll curl up on just about anything, so there isn't a real need to get them something particular unless you want to. I tried a pack on my Labrador and bought one way too big and he hates it. If anyone wants it, you can have it.

 

[Violent Hippie]

My dog seems just happy to go and snuggles his way near or onto my sleeping setup soon enough.I dont mid since sharing body heat is nice. I usually drape a puffy jacket over him if its much below freezing and all has seemed well on the dozen or so trips Ive taken him on.

 

[Josey D]

I highly recommend a z lite pad for the dog, it will help keep him off your pad or if there are two people & one get pushed off their pad you still have the z-lite covering the hole & you can sleep on it. Also if weight isn't a concern bring along an extra 40 degree bag, a Mtn Searape, or a dog coat for the days when you are weathered in or its cold. Our weimaraner had multiple coats made by my wife as she would get cold. We saved one that is a double sided fleece one & bring it for our D.D. now. Like someone says when the dog is wet it helps absorb some keep it off your bags & works well to keep them warm if needed.

 

[Qfrog]

I bought my pooches wiggy's dog jackets. Pretty light and compact down into their packs with food on the other side. If it's cold they wear it and sleep on the ground. If it's warm enough they just use it as ground pad. My Rottweiler never seems to need it but my pit bull won't let me take it off her until we are moving on the trail again.

 

[couesbitten]

I purchased the Chuckit! bed on Sierra Trading Post for my dog, couldn't pass it up, with the code they emailed me, it was $18.71. It'll be here in a couple of days and I'll write a review on my initial thoughts.

 

[bpotter]

Dogs usually don't need much if it is dry. Mine all have been experts at digging a shallow bed if sleeping on the ground.
If they get wet and it is cold, I think the the dog will be better off if they have something to hold heat until they can dry off.

I once had a lab that loved to swim through icy water just for fun. He darn near went hypothermic on an early September trip that saw rain for three days and temps that hung near freezing. I wasn't much better but I had rain gear and kept under cover part of the time; the dog did not. This was one time I was glad I had a synthetic sleeping bag and so was the dog. Foot of snow and sun on the way out. Much more comfortable.

 

[MuleyFever]

Some good info and ideas here. I am looking forward to getting a back country hiking buddy when my Great Dane passes. She turns 8 this year and probably doesnt have much left in the tank.