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.

Small
2-20 pounds
Medium
20-50 pounds
Large
50 pounds and above

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

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Best Backpack for Dogs

Best Backpack for Small Dogs

Our top picks by your dog’s needs

The Scoop

Pros and cons

Expert Choice

RUFFWEAR

Price Check

The Scoop

The Ruffwear backpack is a light and streamlined backpack that enables you to share loads with your small dog wherever you go.

Pros and cons

Designed for maximum efficiency, it has a five-point adjustment system that ensures a comfortable fit while allowing unimpeded movement. It has two leash attachments, a padded handle, and non-slip straps to help disperse loads evenly. We absolutely love how this backpack spreads out the weight evenly. Even the smallest dogs have no trouble carrying modest loads, and it is a great addition to any regular walk or hike. We also like the sizable pockets that can contain several items. It might be irritating having to adjust so many straps, but this does ensure a more snug fit.

Contender

EzyDog Summit Dog Backpack

Price Check

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.

Bargain

Outward Hound DayPak

Price Check

The Scoop

The Outward Hound Daypak is built for lasting performance, with a cooling mesh material that is as tough as they come.

Pros and cons

Despite its hardiness and durability, the material remains quite breathable, so small dogs can comfortably wear then even on longer trips. The harness construction can be adjusted to fit dogs of any size, even smaller pups that would normally be too small for such a piece of gear. The expandable pockets are super convenient. A definite pro is the reflective material, which is great for those early morning walks and hikes and at campgrounds. The padding may not be enough for some dogs.

*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

Expert Choice

Ruffwear

Price Check

The Scoop

A light yet durable backpack enables medium-sized dogs to carry loads comfortably without their movements being hampered.

Pros and cons

The Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack is clearly designed for pets and their owners who have an appreciation for outdoor adventures. The five adjustment points ensure a snug fit that isn't too constricting, and the saddlebags themselves are quite stable in use. Pet parents who want their dogs to share a bit of the burden during walks will appreciate the simplicity and effectiveness of this backpack. You can pack a surprising number of essentials on a hike, although make sure not to overburden your dog.

Contender

Lifeunion

Price Check

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

Price Check

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

Price Check

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

Price Check

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.

Bargain

OneTigris Dog Pack

Price Check

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.

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.

What Type Of Dog Backpack Should You Get?

How to Choose the Best Backpack for Your Dog

The most important factor when choosing a dog backpack is durability. Any model you choose should be able to withstand the rigors of regular use and be comfortable to wear for long periods as well.

Looking for another product?
Take our Quiz!

To find the best dog backpack, select to begin by breed or by size

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The Best Backpack for Dogs & Puppies

Small

Medium

Large

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CONTENTS

Best Backpack for Dogs

Best Backpack for Small Dogs

The Scoop

Pros and cons

RUFFWEAR

The Scoop

Pros and cons

EzyDog Summit Dog Backpack

The Scoop

Pros and cons

Outward Hound DayPak

The Scoop

Pros and cons

Best Backpack for Medium Dogs

The Scoop

Pros and cons

Ruffwear

The Scoop

Pros and cons

Lifeunion

The Scoop

Pros and cons

smartelf

The Scoop

Pros and cons

Best Backpack for Large Dogs

The Scoop

Pros and cons

Ruffwear

The Scoop

Pros and cons

Kurgo

The Scoop

Pros and cons

OneTigris Dog Pack

The Scoop

Pros and cons

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DogGear Philosophy

What Type Of Dog Backpack Should You Get?

How to Choose the Best Backpack for Your Dog

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