I plug this thing every time a subject even close to Skijor or canicross is mentioned, so I decided to try a review.
I first started to cross-country skiing back in the late 1970's (yes a time that really did exist, not just on television). Equipment at the time was the waxed or "new no-wax" ski's, bamboo poles, three pin boot bindings, and dress was layered sweaters, wool knickers, and thick wool knee socks; not much different than Sweden a hundred years earlier. Of course people like myself wore denim jeans so as not to look silly and ended the day soaking wet and frozen, but not silly looking:facepalm: . Sometime about 1988 the idea of Skijor was introduced to me; presented as a way to exercise a dog and still enjoy some skiing. The problem at the time was finding dog harness, there wasn't the internet yet and the mid-west wasn't exactly the hub for sled dog supplies, but two suppliers were found, Konari out east (I think Vermont) and Ikon in Lodi Wisconsin. Belts at that time were...belts you know like one would use to keep there pants from falling down, and a rope tied between you and the dog, no shock-absorb-er.
Well things have improved. The internet opens a treasure trove of equipment suppliers, ski's have improved, poles have improved, clothing is not only warmer it's lighter in weight and moves with the wearer, tug lines have bungee's to smooth out the pull and belts are wide and padded. They are all an improvement over what I started with. The belt I ended up choosing was from Ultra Paws, the advertised features were no leg straps but also no riding up of the belt, wide lumbar padding but not too bulky, and the best feature was a quick release system that had no metal parts and was to be less likely to have an accidental release. At least for me, they made good on all the above statements.
This is the quick release system. The inside webbing attaches to the outside web with Velcro. The rope is whats pulled to separate the two.
And this is what it looks like when it's together.
This is the outside and inside of the belt. The inside is a rubbery kind of stuff, really keeps the belt in place except for the most extreme side ways pull.
A view from the back at approximately the right position, granddaughter Brittney is not quite as fat as Grandpa!
This is a side view and the middle is removed again, mysterious arm belongs to grandson Russel. Keep in mind this is a size large so it looks big on the smaller kids.
Had to include this one, Payton was my first "model" until her sister got out of bed.
Anyway, this is how it looks and functions. The only real setback for this belt is the price if ordered on the internet, it is pricey. I bought mine at a brick and mortar store and paid about ten dollars less and no shipping. I'd still pay the higher price if I had to replace it, I really like it that much. That is important also, this is what I like,it's not "the best"; best hasn't been invented yet. Many different types and styles out there, some may prefer the belts with leg straps or the kind that are worn like bikini undies, but there is a choice and you should be able to find the one that suits you.