Carrying Your Dog Gear

Were fanny packs ever cool? I’m pretty sure they weren’t. (The French exchange students who stayed with us in middle school mocked my mother’s, and the word “fanny” never fails to make Brits giggle like schoolchildren.) And those cheesy mini backpacks? They make me feel sad for people wearing them. So, I’m always plagued by what to use to carry my stuff when I take Riley on walks. You know, a place for my keys, Blackberry, extra dog poop bags, treats, balls, extra cash, a collapsible water bowl, etc.

A month or so ago, I found something that I thought worked well: The Kinetic II lumbar pack by Mountainsmith. It looks a little crunchy and sporty, but it has changed my life.

I keep hearing people rave about the “Doog,” but it looks suspiciously like a fanny pack…just one that’s rotated to your front. (The Doog—which stands for Dog Owners Outdoor Gear—retails for about $35.)

What do you guys use?