Make the Most of Your Hikes With the Best Backpack for Dogs
Dogs love to take a stroll and stay outside, so hiking is becoming a popular trend as it strengthens a dog's bond with its owner. Hiking can only be fun if you are comfortable on your journey, so it is best not to carry heavy loads. However, if you are going to take your best friend along with you for hiking, you will have to keep water and food for him. Whether you're just going on day trips, short hikes, or long hikes, finding the right dog hiking pack is a great idea. They can even be great for casual use, like on short walks. We went above and beyond to come up with the leading dog backpacks of 2024 in the market. You can carry your backpack with all your essentials, while you can make your dog bring their own gear! Let's take a look at some of the best options.
Finding The Next Backpack For Your Dog: A Buyer’s Guide
Your dog can be your partner and the most loyal friend you can ever have! If you’re fond of little trips around the block or weekend hikes, you’ll need to carry your canine’s essentials. A good way to do that is by carrying their things in your backpack. But you know what’s even better? Having your dog transport their own essentials in their dedicated dog backpack. Sounds tricky? Well, it’s not – you don’t have to be a certified dog trainer to accomplish this. Let’s dig into how to find the best dog backpack for you and your pup!
How to Choose a Backpack for Dogs
Breed of dog
Before you jump into searching for that ideal backpack for your dog, you need to consider some basic things like your dog’s breed. It is best to look for shallow saddlebags for a small breed, such as Pembroke Welsh Corgi. If you’re working with medium sized dogs or large dogs, then you can move to other options available in the market. The weight of the bag and the dog’s size should be considered side by side because if you have a small breed with light weight, you need a light bag that they can carry easily. For medium dogs and big dogs, this may be a simpler choice to make. The best dog backpack will be the one with the exact right fit for your pup.
Weather conditions
The climate and weather conditions determine the type of backpack that you need for your dog. If you prefer going on a walk in the summer, you will need a backpack with great breathability so your dog does not feel too warm. For winters, you need a dog backpack that has thicker material and is water-resistant.
Weight
Weight is a highly essential aspect of a dog backpack. You don’t want your dog to suffer under the weight of heavy loads while he is trying to catch up with your pace on hiking. It is best to choose a backpack with the lightest weight because the heavier the bag, the more your dog will be fatigued. Secondly, if you plan on walking a lot or are looking forward to hiking on rugged terrain, don’t overload the backpack with additional weight.
To ensure that the weight of the bag is appropriate to the dog’s weight, you should look for a bag that is 25% of your dog’s weight. There might be extreme consequences if the bag is heavy for your dog, like tiredness and injuries. You should also be careful with using backpacks if your dog has any health conditions.
What Features Are Essential To Look For in a Backpack?
Padded handles
A robust and padded handle will help your dog in rugged terrains, and it also helps the dog’s owner carry him to cross some obstacles. The pad in the handle makes it easy for the owner to grab and hold the dog without getting their hands wounded. It may cost you some extra bucks to get a good quality padded handle, but in the end, it’s all worth it. Experts say that you will need to hold your dog during hiking quite often, because sometimes they will not be able to manage the terrains themselves.
Water-resistant
You are not aware of the weather conditions approaching you while hiking, so you should get a water-resistant backpack to make yourself ready for any circumstances. This type of dog backpack will keep all the food and treats safe inside the bag and keep them dry so your dog can enjoy them later. However, keep in mind that water resistance does not mean that the bag will be 100% waterproof, so you can expect a few rain droplets to make it through the bag. The bags resist water to a certain level, and these are your best choice if you are not hiking in the summer. One setback of these bags is that they are slightly heavier and less breathable than the non-water-resistant options – the key is to find a good balance of protection and breathability.
If you’re curious about how to pack your pup’s backpack and the best dog supplies to include in it, this quick video from Sunset can help:
Here are Our Favorite Dog Backpacks of 2024
Outward Hound Dog Backpack
– Best Overall
Choosing a lightweight backpack is highly important, and the Outward Hound understands this necessity. This lightweight and adjustable dog backpack is truly adorable, allowing your dog to comfortably wear it for a long time. The best part is that it can withstand various weather conditions. Another reason for its immense popularity is its low price point and breathable mesh, along with its adjustable straps to ensure it’s the right size. The saddlebag in this dog pack is also spacious and easy to use!
- Provides excellent breathability and is lightweight
- Spacious, adjustable, and easy to use
- Available in three beautiful finishes; blue, red, black
- The saddlebag’s handle is not so comfortable
OneTigris Dog Backpack
– Most Comfortable
If you plan to hike on rough terrain, you will need a tough backpack that can bear the conditions. This one has multiple available sizes. The cotton canvas material gives this dog pack a high-quality build that makes it one of the most durable on the market. The canvas is also sturdy enough to withstand bushes, rocks, and anything else that your dog comes against on the trail. The interior of this dog backpack is lined with mesh, and it keeps your dog comfortable and cool. It has two zippered compartments, and these large pockets can hold a collapsible water bowl, water, food, and even a first aid kit. For additional storage, you can use the side pockets that can carry small poop bags and treats.
- It has a secure fit
- Comfortable to wear and excellent durability
- Available in three sizes and four colors
- The thread used in sewing on the loops could have been of better quality
Kurgo Dog Backpack
– Best for Large Breeds
Next in line, we have an easily loaded and highly comfortable backpack designed for withstanding tough terrains. This dog hiking pack has all the essential features to ensure comfortable hiking for your furry friend. It is important to note that this backpack is slightly heavier than other options available, so it is not suitable for a smaller breed of dogs. But for large dogs like the Labrador, you can buy this hiking pack and enjoy its larger size safely. It does come in two sizes – Baxter and Big Baxter. The perfect weight of a backpack for dogs should never be more than 25% of your dog’s body weight. The saddlebag is spacious and has an exterior zipper for additional storage as well. An extra feature of this backpack is the reflective trim that helps with your dog’s visibility in low light. It also has adjustable straps.
- Includes reflective strips
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Highly spacious and has an exterior zipper as well
- Not suitable for smaller dogs
Excellent Elite Spanker Dog Pack
– Most Storage
This dog hiking backpack gives a completely military aesthetic look and is an excellent option for rugged landscapes and daring dogs. This dog pack is perfectly fit for camping, traveling, or enjoying a long hike, as it is made from high-quality nylon and has sturdy zippers with reinforced stitching. Its adjustable straps ensure that you find the right fit, and it’s a great choice if you need extra storage space.
- Extremely spacious with additional storage options as well
- The back and straps are lined with mesh padding
- A high-quality bag that is long-lasting and durable
- Not suitable for small pups, as it weighs over a pound
Wellver Dog Backpack
– Best for Small Breeds
The Wellver backpack is a roomy and spacious hiking pack for your furry friend. The straps are lined with mesh padding to make them comfortable for your dog. Furthermore, to ensure a good fit, the straps are kept adjustable and loaded with on and off buckles. The bag is sufficiently spacious and has two side pockets for additional storage. The material is highly breathable and comfortable as it is made from polyester fabric and mesh. The company has considered customer satisfaction because they offer a complete money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied. The best thing about the bag is that it weighs only 9.6 ounces, which is the lightest on our list. This makes it a great choice for small dogs, but there are also a few different available sizes.
- Extremely lightweight
- Comfortable and breathable
- Highly professional customer care service
- You’ll have to make sure it’s a good fit for your pup – could go both ways, too bulky or small
People Also Asked
A: The most ideal dog backpack is comfortable, lightweight, has the perfect fit, is adjustable, and is easy to use. Ample compartments with a good design are also just as important!
A: It is recommended to keep your dog's backpack light, so only add the essential items like food, water, and waste bags in the bag.
A: It depends on the breed and size of the dog, but a general rule is that you should not make your dog carry more than 25% of its weight.
A: The best dog packs are intended to be both safe and comfortable for your dog to wear. Each one is different, and you can choose the most effective dog backpack for you based on your needs and the attributes that come with it.
A: In many cases, yes – this is especially true of working breeds. Dogs often love being given a job to do, like carrying a pack. Just be sure not to overload the dog backpack and keep the experience comfortable for your best friend.