We’re never shy about our outdoor aspirations. So, it should come as no surprise that we’re preparing to launch our Fall/Winter line of products which includes a climbing harness for dogs!
After months of research, working with our factories, and getting advice from the team at Black Diamond, we’re beginning field testing our new DoubleBack™ Harness. But these field tests aren’t for just anyone or any dog. They require the skill of our resident climbing experts, as well as a fearless dog who’s willing to be strung up like a pinata! Pictured here is Rozgo, testing the medium-sized DoubleBack™ Harness in the rafters of our office.
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September 1, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Nikki
This is just what I have been looking for. As a climber who likes to bring my crag dog everywhere, I was in sore need of a comfortable, padded harness with back leg loops to hoist my hound up and down some of the more tenuous approaches. I have some hilarious pictures of our (failed) pre-harness attempts to strap my dog on like a backpack. A few questions for you.
1) How padded is the harness? Especially around the straps that will take most of the weight (and do most of the squeezing)?
2) Have you found that it chafes under the leg loops and in the pits of the dog – some harnesses unfortunately tend to do that.
3) Do you have reinforced stitching at the tie-in point(s)?
4) Is it set up with a single tie in point or four attachement points (in a rectangle over the dog’s back) that connect above the dog into a tie in point (think an upside down parachute). Most SAR harnesses on the market now have the latter.
I will be interested in testing one of these out when they are released. When will that be and who will carry it?
Thanks!
Nikki
September 1, 2009 at 7:59 pm
ruffwear
1) There’s about 4mm of padding on the chest, back and underside. The important part is the harness is designed not to put pressure on any critical or soft points. It’s designed to support the dog on the dog’s frame. We worked with veterinarians to get the correct support. The frame takes the majority of the weight and covers the majority of the body, not the straps, so there shouldn’t be any chaffing if fitted correctly.
2) The leg loops have a soft padding added to them and we have not found them to chafe in our product tests. However, we don’t recommend use of the leg loops during long hikes. There’s a storage pocket on the back to hold the leg loops when not in belay.
3) Yes, all tie in points are reinforced. The harness is made from a single piece of webbing with reinforced stitching throughout, similar to how a human harness is made. It has been pull-tested and and strength-rated up to 2,000 lbs (8.9kN).
4) It is made with a single tie in point at the center of the dog’s frame, with two reinforcement points at the collar and tail of the harness to manipulate the angle of the dog on approaches or descents.
This harness will be available Oct. 1 through various online retailers, climbing shops and through http://www.ruffwear.com.
August 31, 2009 at 3:59 pm
On Belay? Woof! – OutsideK9
[...] is too rough? Now you’ve got another option: add your pooch to your ropeline. The RuffWear Doubleback Harness is a full, strength-rated climbing rig that cups your dog by the backs of the hind legs and [...]
August 10, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Leeloo the crag dog
has this harness been tested on long, “weiner-dog” type breeds? these pups are notoriously hard to fit, and my concern is that the additional length might alter the “butt mass effect” and make the harness uncomfortable for the spine. your pack works wonderfully for my pup on short pick-me-ups, but the harness would require longer levitation…
my dachshund/beagle mix eagerly awaits a chance to join us climbing in the red river gorge, and would also like to volunteer her services for testing if needed!
thanks!
August 11, 2009 at 11:27 pm
ruffwear
We tested this harness on a Dachshund / Boarder Collie mix. Though long breeds like this are difficult to fit, the leg loops are extremely adjustable. In addition, the harness is built to support the frame of the dog, not to exceed the rib cage of the dog where there is soft tissue and organs. Because longer breeds generally have longer frames, they are at an advantage because they have more surface area along their frame.
June 25, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Kathy
We’re very interested in hearing more about your new harness on the Yahoo Degenerative Myelopathy group. There are lots of different harnesses (and booties) being used for different sized dogs and needs.
We’re also a great source for product testing and objective feedback if you would like to tap into this FREE consumer research potential!