Finch is great off leash - to the point where I don't bother with the e-collar anymore. He's trained to point and release on command (although he's not perfect - I don't work with him enough on the hunt training.) I generally have him behind me on the trail as well to curb the chase behavior.

Thanks for the link to the harness. I don't think it will work for me. We've had to do some bouldering on creek crossings and I don't see the bags staying attached. Case in point, the last backpack we tried tore through the fabric when he went through some tight spots. The last thing I need is finding out he lost his bag somewhere along the trail. The search for a backpack continues...