The Best Backpack for Dogs & Puppies
Find the Perfect Dog Backpack for Your Pup
Choosing a dog backpack can be a challenge, but we made it easier for you! We have put together a comprehensive list of dog backpacks, so you can find exactly what you need for your pet.
Of course, you will need to ensure that any backpack you buy will fit your dog. Check out this handy guide on how to determine the size of your dog, so you can get a dog backpack that fits perfectly.
We’ve grouped our favorite dog backpacks into these categories based on size so that you can choose from options that will best fit your dog. Or, you can try our quiz for more personalized recommendations.
Take the Backpack Quiz
To find the best dog backpack, select to begin by breed or by size
Show ContentsHide Contents
CONTENTS
- Best Backpack for Dogs
- 1.RUFFWEAR Low Profile Singletrak Dog Backpack
- 2. EzyDog Summit Dog Backpack Breathable Small Dog Backpack
- 3. Outward Hound DayPak Dog Backpack
- 4. Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack – Pacific Blue
- 5. Lifeunion Saddle Bag Backpack for Dog, Tripper Hound Bag Travel Hiking Camping
- 6. smartelf Backpack Hiking Gear 2 in 1 Detachable Saddle Bag
- 7. Ruffwear Palisades Multi-Day Backcountry Pack for Dogs
- 8. Kurgo Baxter Dog Backpack
- 9. OneTigris Dog Pack Travel Camping Hiking Backpack Saddle Bag Rucksack
Best Backpack for Dogs
Best Backpack for Small Dogs
Our top picks by your dog’s needs
The Scoop
Pros and cons
Most Compact
A Lightweight Hiking Option
Daypak Dog Backpack Hiking Gear For Dogs by Outward Hound
The Scoop
This dog backpack offers hands-free fun because it holds hiking essentials and is constructed of breathable mesh material for refreshing airflow while you’re on the go.
Pros and cons
Daypak Dog Backpack For Dogs is lightweight and compact, which prevents it from weighing the dog down. The harness is well-made with robust buckles and closes securely to make it easy to adjust the harness. The backpack tends to fall to one side while the dog is in motion instead of sitting squarely on the pet’s back.
Bargain
OneTigris Dog Pack
The Scoop
The OneTigris Dog Backpack has proved to be one of the most useful and durable backpacks to have around.
Pros and cons
It is especially suitable for larger pets due to the adjustable straps. This system makes for a more comfortable fit, while ensuring that the weight of the load is balanced evenly on both sides. We like that you are able to use this on a wide variety of terrain and environmental conditions, and it has delivered like a champ every time. Tough and hard wearing, it is especially suitable for larger dogs that tend to be rough on their equipment. The carry handle is one of the more popular features for many pet owners, providing a quick control option and a means to assist their dog over rocky ground.
Great Storage
Offers Plenty of Compartments
Denver Urban Pack Lightweight Urban Hiking Backpack for Dogs by Outward Hound
The Scoop
This hiking backpack is useful for storing keys, cell phones and ID cards with its expandable pockets and smaller zip compartments. The adjustable belly strap offers a secure fit and balance.
Pros and cons
Denver Urban Pack Hiking Backpack is easy to adjust and offers a secure fit. The compartments and pockets are large enough to fit a water bottle, snacks and even food containers. Over time, some of the plastic clasps can become loose.
*Medium-sized dogs can carry more weight than smaller pets, but care must be taken not to overburden them.
Best Backpack for Medium Dogs
Our top picks by your dog’s needs
The Scoop
Pros and cons
Best Colors
Makes Your Pup Easy to Spot
Outward Hound Kyjen Dog Backpack
The Scoop
This removable pack is designed to take the weight off of dogs during rest stops. It has reflective accents and bright colors to ensure the dog is easy to spot while spending time outdoors.
Pros and cons
Outward Hound Kyjen Dog Backpack can hold a significant amount of items, including tennis balls, water bottles and dog treats. The included Velcro makes it easy for pet owners to remove the weight of the backpack. The material used on the backpack lacks ventilation, which can cause the dog to become overheated while walking and running around with the pack on.
Contender
Lifeunion
The Scoop
The Lifeunion Saddle Bag Backpack is a great choice for medium-sized dogs due to the ease by which the straps can be adjusted and quick-release buckle that enables secure wearing and removal.
Pros and cons
The rubber padded handle is quite comfortable to handle, and gives owners a means to control their dog in public or to help them over more challenging obstacles. Owners of medium-sized dogs find this to be a much more useful and reliable backpack than competing brands. The chest strap can be tightened for a secure but comfortable fit, and yet owners report being able to unfasten it quickly when needed.
Bargain
smartelf
The Scoop
The smartelf Dog Backpack is a safe, effective, and durable solution for pet owners that need some assistance from their pets with carrying loads.
Pros and cons
A good number of items can be carried in its four pockets, and the oxford mesh material is durable yet breathable. It can even be used as a vest simply by unfastening the plastic buckle. Those looking for an affordable backpack for their medium-sized dog find this to be a great option, citing its durability and versatility. Dogs quickly became accustomed to wearing this, and it has become an essential part of many DogGear experts' regular outdoor routine, finding this to be a much more useful and reliable backpack than competing brands. The chest strap can be tightened for a secure but comfortable fit, and yet you can still unfasten it quickly when needed.
*Larger dogs can carry more weight, but choosing the right backpack is essential for ensuring safety and comfort.
Best Backpack for Large Dogs
Our top picks by your dog’s needs
The Scoop
Pros and cons
Expert Choice
Ruffwear
The Scoop
The Ruffwear Multi-Day Dog Backpack is the expedition version of dog backpack. It is designed so your dog can carry everything he needs.
Pros and cons
Due to its easy to remove saddlebags, this is great for days hikes from your backcountry tent. Four points of attachment ensure optimal stability, and keep the weight of the load evenly balanced as well. Those of us who have struggled to find a suitable backpack found exactly what they were looking for in this multi-day backpack. Some DogGear team members simply won't go on walks without having this on their dog, and the ability to carry a considerable amount of weight makes it an essential outdoor accessory.
Contender
Kurgo
The Scoop
The Kurgo Baxter Dog Backpack offers tremendous value in a strong and durable package.
Pros and cons
The material is built for rugged use, and you could expect it to last a long time even if used regularly. There is a padded handle that you can grab when you need to control your dog quickly, and you could also use this to help your pet over rocky terrain or steep inclines. The padded spine support is one of the most appealing aspects of this backpack for many pet owners. Many have reported subjecting the pack to heavy use, and it has still held up nicely without showing signs of wear. The zippers and clasps are also of high-quality, which makes many users more confident in the reliability of the pack.
Contender
EzyDog Summit Dog Backpack
The Scoop
The EzyDog Summit Dog Backpack is ideally suited for walks on busy thoroughfares where you need to be able to control your dog quickly.
Pros and cons
The mesh design is both lightweight and durable, so you can use this in almost any weather condition. This backpack has a comfortable rubber handle that ensures total ease of use even for extended periods, which enables you to assist your dog over obstacles or rough terrain. This is a great choice for small to medium-sized dogs, although they could easily fit larger pets as well. The chest strap can be tightened to provide a secure but comfortable fit, and the material itself is built for lasting durability. The pockets are a bit too small, although sufficient for smaller dogs on short trips.
DogGear Philosophy
The best dog backpack can be a joy to have, and a good one will list you a lifetime. For many pet owners, this has proven to be an indispensable accessory that greatly adds to the enjoyment of walks and hikes.
Do check out the quiz provided on this page and fill out the answers as best as you can. This will help us give you even more amazing options in quality dog equipment and accessories.
How to Find The Best Dog Backpack For Your dog
Buying Guidelines: How To Choose The Best Backpack For Your Dogs
Do you love traveling with your furry friend? May it be strolling in the park, an adventurous trip, or hiking, we’re sure you’ve already encountered having a hard time when carrying stuff. It’s kind of burdensome if you have so many things to bring, and you don’t have extra hands to bring your pup’s utilities. Well, here’s the thing, we got a solution for that! Why not make your dog carry his stuff himself? With the use of the right backpack for your furry companion, you might just have the best trip with him!
What is a Dog Backpack?
For starters, a dog backpack is basically a bag designed for your pooch. It’s pretty similar to a human’s backpack, that keeps your pet’s accessories safe and protected with various pockets. With this product, your pup can carry his own food treats, water, and his other essentials that he needs when you’re going out together.
Is a Dog Backpack Good for Your Dog?
You might have been wondering if your dog really needs a dog backpack. Is it even beneficial? What if it would only be a burden? Don’t worry! Backpacks are actually good for active dogs. Dogs sometimes find themselves happy when they feel like they have a task to do. Your canine friend would happily wear that backpack, but you still have to consider their age and health. Dogs that are too old with arthritis, joint pains, and other health conditions like heart and breathing problems, may have special considerations. You might want to consult your veterinarian first before buying.
What are the Things I Need to Consider Before Buying a Backpack for My Dog?
- Vet-Approved
Start by consulting your veterinarian. As we’ve said, your dog’s age and health should be prioritized first before anything else. The veterinarian would give you the tips you need so you can choose the best and right backpack for your canine friend.
- Size
To get the right size of the backpack for your pup, it’s necessary that you measure the circumference of his chest. Too big or too small backpacks might cause health problems, especially if worn for hours.
- Comfort
Straps and harness that are padded would definitely give Fido the maximum comfort he would need. This would also prevent your dog from having skin irritation.
- Durability
Surely, you don’t want to waste your money on a single-used product. No one wants to use it if it would be ripped in the middle of your trip. Always check the seams and stitches. This is usually a proven indicator of quality.
- Adjustability
It’s all about getting that perfect fit! This is to make sure that it would not fall off him while on a trek. Backpacks with an adjustable chest strap are highly recommended, for it gives stability. It is also possible that you won’t have to buy new ones every time your dog grows.
- Breathable
Pay attention to the fabric type being used. Usually, cotton canvas or rip-stop nylons are the ideal fabrics. Dogs might not like it if it will cause them too much sweating, most especially when you are doing tough activities while hiking.
- Carrying Capacity
One of the major purposes of your dog’s backpack is to lighten your burden in carrying stuff. So you have to look for compartments that are spacious enough to carry the necessities you would want your canine to bring. Some have pouches that can be detached, so try to look for that bonus!
- Weight
It’s not only the size, but also the weight of the backpack. Heavy backpacks might burden your dogs when walking, so make sure to look for lightweight ones. We also suggest that you don’t put too many utilities. They can cause problems like loss of balance, difficulty in breathing, joint injuries, and many more. It is advised that your dog should only carry around ten to twelve percent of his weight.
- Visibility
The color of the backpack is also important. This is to see your dog in dimly lit places easily. You might want to choose a brightly colored backpack to keep him safe and effortlessly spotted if he ever gets lost.
- Washability
When looking for a backpack, it is also important that you consider its washability. Undoubtedly, your pooch might make his backpack dirty so choose something that can be easily cleaned.
- Price
Quality comes at a good price. You might want to save up for it and not just buy one immediately. Don’t buy imitation bags or anything from untrusted shops. Be a wise buyer, and it would definitely be worth it once you get a hold of that best backpack for your pup!
Backpacks aren’t just for us humans, dogs can use backpacks too! Choosing the best and right backpacks for your furry friend might seem confusing, but we hope that we’ve been able to help you. Now all you have to do is pick the best out of all the options and get ready to take on the journey with the best backpack for your precious dog!
Looking for another product?
Take our Quiz!
To find the best dog backpack, select to begin by breed or by size
Other Great Dog Products
