Give a working breed a job on a walk and the walk does more for them. A dog carrying their own water and poo bags is doing something purposeful with their head as well as their legs, which is why owners of collies, spaniels and shepherds often find a loaded pack takes more out of a dog than an extra mile would. It also means you are not the one carrying four bottles of water up a hill on a hot Saturday, which is a smaller argument but a real one.

The bag sits saddle-style over the back with a pouch on each side, and balance is the thing that makes or breaks it. Weight split evenly between the two sides sits over the dog's spine where they can carry it, whereas an uneven load pulls the harness sideways and rubs within a mile. A padded grab handle on top gives you something to take hold of at a road or a stile, the side pockets zip closed, and the straps adjust so the pack stays put over rough ground.

• Saddle-style pack with a pouch on each side
• Padded grab handle on the top
• Zipped side pockets
• Adjustable strapping
• Sizes M and L
• Army green or brown
• 680g to 790g depending on size

On loading and fit. No maximum load is published, so start with an empty pack, let your dog wear it on a few ordinary walks first, and build the weight up gradually. Fit is set by chest girth measured behind the front legs, and there is nothing here for a small dog or a puppy still growing.

Who it's for: Owners of medium and larger dogs who hike, camp or want more out of the same walk.