“TAILHIGH continues its journey of creating innovative outdoor experiences with you as a companion dog outdoor brand.”

Today, we’re documenting the prototype field test of the Hik-end Modular Backpack. This product is designed to be used in conjunction with our popular Hybrid Harness for hiking.

Product Development Background

When hiking and backpacking with a companion dog, there’s inevitably a lot of gear to carry. It’s often challenging for humans to carry all the luggage due to weight and space limitations. As dogs grow larger, so do their food and supplies. We needed equipment that ensures comfort and safe travel for both dogs and humans.

Thus, we developed the Hik-end Modular Backpack, building on the stability and comfort of the Hybrid Harness, providing additional storage functionality and modular expandability.

[Field Test] Modular Backpack: Prototype

Test Version: V0.1.2 Prototype
(A test version with only the necessary elements for defined testing, without design and material reflections)

Test Purpose

To verify the attachment method with the Hybrid Harness and the backpack’s storage method and capacity.

Test Items

A. Ease of Detachment:

• Confirm the convenience and inconvenience of the harness attachment method.
• Test the firmness of each attachment point.
• Check for damage or detachment of attachment parts.
• Verify any interference with the Hybrid Harness or handle leash use.

B. Durability:

• Check durability against various terrains (forest, sand, gravel, rocks).
• Observe any fur loss due to friction on parts in contact with the dog’s body.
• Check for sagging when items are stored.

C. Storage Method and Space:

• Analyze pros and cons of the roll-top opening structure.
• Verify the size of two 10-liter bags (W 32cm x H 22cm x D15cm each).
• Check the limit and adequacy of 20-liter bag storage.

D. Wearing Stability:

• Check bag stability during intense movements like uphill/downhill running and sudden turns.
• Observe backpack condition during collisions with other objects or people.
• Check for backpack tilting due to weight differences between sides.

Test Participant Model

Name: Amon
Breed: Border Collie
Gender: Male
Age: 2 years
Weight: 13kgBody measurements:
🅐 Neck circumference: 30 cm
🅑 Back length: 45cm
🅒 Chest circumference: 45 cm

Field Test: Muuido (Murenggeti) Backpacking

Course and distance:
1/16 | Green Cafe — Murenggeti Park (2.4km)

Weather / Temperature / Wind Speed:

We tested the Hik-end Modular Backpack’s performance on a 2.4km trail course from Muuido Green Cafe parking lot to Murenggeti point. The test was conducted in various terrains (flat land, forest path, rocky path, steep slopes, sandy beach) under cloudy weather conditions at 2°C.

Test Results Summary

A. Ease of Detachment:

• Shoulder buckle attachment is convenient. The side harness webbing penetration and buckle locking method needs reconsideration.
• No damage or detachment occurred during the two-and-a-half-hour journey to the destination.
• No interference with harness leash handle use.

B. Durability:

• Slight contamination and scratches on the bottom and lower left in rough terrain. No tearing or ripping of the 420D nylon fabric.
• Fur adhesion due to friction observed inside the backpack after return. Need for lining improvement identified.
• No sagging or deformation of the backpack bottom when carrying about 2kg of weight.

C. Storage Method and Space:

• The roll-top design of the upper opening structure was very convenient for storing large items and easily adjusting capacity.
• The height at maximum roll-top storage is an adjustment and determination factor.
• The rubber string securing the roll-top showed very stable fixing power despite being a single line.
• The width of the bag is deemed appropriate for the model dog, but the depth needs to be reduced.

D. Wearing Stability:

 Nickname ‘Milk Delivery Patrasche’ testing the prototype in various terrains.

• Provided stability beyond expectations when combined with the Hybrid Harness.
• Did not restrict the dog’s intense movements.
• Left-right swaying was also stable, but slight tilting occurred depending on the slope of the path.
• Harness position displacement actually decreased when wearing the modular backpack.

Future Improvement Summary

• Optimize detachment method: Apply and test additional harness webbing penetration method.
• Reflect optimal backpack structure and size design for each harness size.
• Lightweight backpack material and minimize friction.
• Develop additional accessories.

Based on the data obtained from this field test, we are developing the Hik-end Modular Backpack into a more complete product. This product will be the best companion for dogs’ hiking activities.