Traveling with your dog is a great way to make memories. However, you will need additional supplies. You don’t have to add more weight to your hiking bag. Instead, get your dog a cute dog hiking backpack.
These backpacks are lightweight and can be worn snugly by dogs to allow them to transport food, water, and other gear. There are many low-quality backpacks on the market, which will not offer you what you need. Dog backpacks that are durable, stable, and comfortable for outdoor adventures will be the best.
This guide will show you what to look out for and list the top dog backpacks available for hiking.
The 2021 Best Dog Backpacks – Our Picks
1. Ultimate Direction Dog Vest
- Lightweight
- Bowl included
- Holds up to 2L of water
- There is no padding for the straps
Specifications:
- Volume: 5.8 L. 8.6 L. 10.3 L
- Weight: 11 oz.
Ultimate Direction, a Colorado-based running gear manufacturer, is well-known for making ultralight running packs. Dog Vest is another hit out of the park for them.
This vest is lightweight and perfect for your four-legged running buddy. This dog hiking backpack features a nylon ripstop nylon body and stretches nylon mesh.
Multipoint harness systems allow for a customized fit that ensures comfort. The top ring secures your leash.
Side pockets that are large and expandable can hold food and other accessories. Smaller items such as leashes and waste bags can be kept in the side-stash pockets. The bowl can be collapsed for a convenient fit. Zippered bottle pockets allow your dog to carry water.
Ultimate Direction’s Dog Vest is a great way to keep your dog equipped on long trail runs. The extra weight will give you half the chance to keep up with your dog on long trail runs.
2. The Trek Travel Pack
The Trek medium-sized dog pack is easy to put together and can be adjusted for the perfect fit.
- A large side pocket houses a key holder.
- Blue color with silver reflective trim
- Straps for the interior to hold your water bottle in its place
- None
KONG SPORT Trek Pack features polyester and silver PU coated Rips Stop in addition to a sturdy harness frame with large sides Pockets, including a key holder. The pack includes a key holder and pockets. Interior water bottle straps, reflective trim to improve visibility a doggie bag rubber grommet. Ideal for leisurely walks or long hikes Walks!
3. Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack
- It’s spacious
- Reflective trim
- Adjustable easily
- Accessible from the top, small pockets allow for quick and easy access
- There is no padding for the chest strap
Specifications:
- Bonus: Rufflewear offers optional core-cooling harness and brush guard add-ons.
- Volume 6 L. 12.5 L. 14.5 L. 24 L
- Weight: 12.8 oz., 1 lb. 1 oz., 1 lb. 2 oz., 1 lb. 5 oz.
Ruffwear, an Oregon-based company, is well-known for testing all products. Its effectiveness in testing the hypothesis is evident in Approach Dog Pack.
The integrated harness ensures a snug fit and maximum dog hiking backpack stability.
The five adjustment points allow for a custom fit. Radial-cut saddlebags provide a compression system that enhances the fit and makes it easier to transport heavy loads.
These lightweight materials are also durable. You won’t have to worry about your dog getting bitten or scratched when he races off to chase a chipmunk.
Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack for its simplicity and the comfort it provides, even while carrying a load. Smaller items can be easily accessed by the top pockets. The larger side pockets allow you to carry the rest of the gear easily.
You can also attach larger items, such as dog beds, to the top. The handle is padded and allows you to grab your dog like a duffel bag.
4. Doggles Dog Extreme Backpack
This Doggles backpack is stylish in pink and gray. It also has many practical features. This pack is suitable for small dogs thanks to its 2X-small size.
- Construction with tough stitching and waterproof material for durability
- For better control, use the top handle
- It is designed to be higher than your pet’s shoulders so that it doesn’t hinder their movement
- None
Backpacks are now more durable and functional. Waterproof fabric, waterproof zippers. All seams are stitched with a strong finish. Grab handle at top of saddle and D ring. All-over reflective piping, striping, and printing. Side bags can be expanded and collapsed.
The shoulder cuts make it easier for the bag to sit and ride comfortably with your hiking buddy. Extreme backpacks have many extra features to make outdoor adventures safe and fun. These backpacks are capable of handling everything, from the streets to the trails.
5. Mountainsmith K-9 Dog Pack
- There is tons of packing space
- Padded Sternum
- Many adjustments
- Water-resistant but not waterproof
Specifications:
- Volume 7 L 12 L 16 L
- Weight: 15 oz., 1 lb., 1 lb. 3 oz.
Mountainsmith’s K-9 Dog Pack is one of the best dog backpacks on the market. An adjustable back harness complements the four-point adjustable belly harness. You can adjust the fit to ensure maximum comfort for your doggies.
It is also easy to apply. It’s easy to put the pack on your dog. Simply place it on top of his head and then lift the sides to fasten it. This makes it much easier to put on an excited puppy.
The large pack can hold 16 L. You can pack almost everything you need to hike, plus extra weight to slow down your zoomer.
Reflective trim makes it easy to see your dog in low light. The handle at the top allows you to help your pet with technical issues.
6. 2PET Dog Pack
The 2Pet dog backpack is a favorite of Bullmastiff owners and Great Danes. It’s a great pick for large and extra-large dogs.
- An adjustable, one-click harness makes it easy to put on.
- Spacious detachable saddlebags
- Available in cheerful pink and blue colors
- None
A dog backpack is a great way to encourage your dog to exercise more. We’ll be reviewing today’s 2PET Hiking Dog Backpack. Let’s find out if it’s a good choice for you.
2PET is a company involved in the production of pet products.
All products are grouped into six categories: 2CHEW, 2GROOM, and 2PLAY. Each category describes the activity the product is designed to support.
Today’s product, the 2PET Hiking dog backpack, falls under the 2TRAVEL and 2WEAR categories.
7. Outward Hound Lightweight Dog Hiking Backpack
- Price
- Numerous sizes available
- Open stash pockets
- No chest padding
The Daypack Dog Pack pack from Outward Hound has a great price and is a great option for day hikers as well as entry-level packs.
The pack is extremely light and has two large pockets at the sides with smaller stash pockets on each side. This pack is very lightweight and expandable. You can zip the pockets to a smaller size if you don’t need them. The back is lined with breathable mesh, which keeps your dog cool during warm days.
The only problem is that the pockets on either side of the bag don’t have any closures. These pockets are still useful for treats and waste bags, but we wouldn’t recommend keeping your keys or wallet inside. This pack is great for anyone who wants to introduce their dog to hiking and gear.
8. OneTigris Hoppy Camper Dog Pack Hound Camping
- Options for front and rear leash attachments
- Fitting is secure
- Canvas material made of cotton
- Handle not made for carrying a dog
- No reflective material
OneTigris’ tactical-inspired Hoppy Camper 2.0 is made for rough terrain. This pack is one of our most affordable, but it’s made of cotton canvas material which makes it very durable.
The canvas construction is strong enough to withstand rocks, brush, and any other obstacles your dog may encounter on the trail. To keep your dog comfortable and cool, the interior is lined with mesh.
Two main zipper compartments can hold food, water, and bowls. Smaller side pockets can be used to store treats and waste bags. The handle at the top is great for controlling and holding your dog, but not transporting it.
We have one real complaint about the Hoppy Camper: the minimalist design. Although the black, brown, and green options are very attractive, they can be best used in urban environments. These colors blend with nature, making it difficult to locate your friend if he runs off into the woods.
9. Kurgo Dog Hiking Backpack
- Padded spine
- Large saddlebags
- It is not waterproof
- For narrow-chested dogs, straps require extra cinching
Specifications:
- Bonus: Kurgo offers an unconditional lifetime guarantee on all its packs.
- Volume 3.75 L. 7.5 L
- Weight: 14 oz., 1 lb. 4 oz.
Kurgo’s dog backpack features a highly adjustable fit, padded spine support, and is ideal for carrying heavy loads.
Two large saddlebags have plenty of space for food, treats, and toys. For smaller items such as treats or poo bags, you can access the smaller storage pockets easily.
This is one of our favorite products, thanks to its reflective strips and breathable mesh. The chest strap has a bottle opener that allows your dog to join the celebration after a hike.
Your dog can take the lead with the rear-mounted leash hook. The padded handle can be used to assist your dog in navigating difficult terrain.
10. Lifeunion Adjustable Dog Supply Backpack
- Lightweight and durable
- Affordable
- High-quality zippers
- Harnesses are not recommended for use
- Only two pockets
Specifications:
- Bonus: Four different color options
- Volume:
- Weight: 12 oz. (small)
The Lifeunion Saddle Bag backpack is the best in its class for durability. This bag is simple and easy to use for your dog’s daily adventures. Although the bag is small and compact, it has tons of storage space.
The Lifeunion pack’s exterior features 600-denier, double polyester construction. The pack’s exterior features a rubber handle with a strong D-ring attachment and excellent control over the trail and parking lot. The zippers are all high-quality, durable.
This fine piece of gear for dogs is durable, but lightweight thanks to its polyester and mesh construction. There are three sizes available, so dogs between 19-100 pounds can fit comfortably. This dog hiking backpack can be adjusted to fit very small dogs, but owners with smaller dogs may need to consider other options.
11. RUFFWEAR Palisades Dog Pack
- Water pouches that collapse easily
- Third belly strap
- Removable saddlebags
- High price
Specifications:
- Bonus: This pack includes two 1L collapsible water bottles
- Volume 12.5 L., 17.5 L., 24 L
- Weight 1 lb. 12 oz., 1 lb. 14 oz., 2 lb. 2 oz.
The Palisades was designed for multi-day, long-distance adventures. It has 24 L of storage space in the largest version. Even the smallest packs can carry 12.5 L of gear. The removable saddlebags are a great feature.
You can remove the whole harness and just unclip the storage bags. You can give your dog a break without taking off the entire set.
The third chest strap allows you to dial in the fit and reduce sliding. Cross-load compression straps are used to reduce the bulk of your bags.
Palisades puts a premium on visibility as well. Bright red is easy to see, and reflective stripes are complemented with a light loop that can be used to attach a safety light.
12. EzyDog Summit Dog Backpack
This EzyDog Summit dog backpack is a sturdy dog hiking backpack. This backpack is made from strong ripstop material and features rustproof D rings and reflective trim to increase visibility.
- A second girth strap is added to stabilize the bag when it descends.
- For controlling your dog, you can use the padded handle at the top
- There are two types of leash attachment points: front and rear
- Side pockets are awkwardly designed.
- Extra zipper opens into the main compartment, limiting small storage options.
The Summit Backpack is made with the most advanced manufacturing techniques and high-performance materials. The Summit Backpack was designed to provide the best ergonomic and comfortable fit for your dog.
The Summit Backpack is designed for comfort, fun, and function. It also incorporates the Award-Winning Chest Plate Harness design to ensure control. It is ideal for off-trail use and a must-have for service dogs.
What You Should Look for In a Good Dog Hiking Backpack
The dog backpack will be worn by your dog and you should consider other travel gear. When making this purchase, make sure to consider your dog’s health and age.
1. Size / Capacity
There are many sizes available, but your primary concern should always be comfort and ease of use. These dog hiking backpacks have capacities ranging from 5 liters up to 25 liters.
You should also consider what you will do while your dog wears the backpack. A smaller backpack may be appropriate if you are only taking your dog for a short walk in the park. It should be able to hold more supplies if you are going on a multi-day hike such as Australia’s Great Ocean Walk.
These backpacks are not universally sized so it is important to be specific about the dimensions. You can usually find the best dog backpack for your dog by measuring their girth, neck measurement, and weight.
2. Stability/Adjustability Of A Dog Hiking Backpack
The saddlebag style of best dog backpacks is different. While hiking backpacks rest on the shoulders and pull us backward from them, they can be used to carry a bag on each shoulder. They are designed to provide stability and comfort, but you need to ensure that your dog is free from any restrictions and that the weight of the bag is evenly distributed. Bags that restrict movement or aren’t balanced in weight will cause your dog to be pulled towards one side.
The fit should be snug enough to prevent the dog from sliding, but not too tight that it causes chafing. Best dog backpacks that are one-piece don’t have the best adjustability. It’s important to choose a size that is right for your dog. These backpacks still have adjustable points so don’t dismiss them. However, there are very few adjustment options. These packs are more adjustable because they have material that runs down your dog’s back. They also include straps that can be adjusted to adjust the fit depending upon your dog’s comfort level and size.
3. Weight
Dog hiking backpacks typically weigh less than two pounds. You should consider the weight of your pack, including everything you plan to carry. It’s okay to have some extra room, but you don’t necessarily need it.
Some believe dogs can carry 25% of their body weight while others say that dogs should carry 11%. When making this decision, consider your dog’s health, age, and comfort level. You may also want to consult a veterinarian. If you are backpacking or hiking, your dog will need a dog backpack that is as light as yours.
Some features, such as straps, zippers, and compartments, will influence the weight of your backpack. There are many options. Some have fewer bells and whistles, while others are more elaborate. You should ensure that the dog backpack you select has no unnecessary features. Each additional item you add to your dog’s weight will increase. For heavier loads, extra compartments may be helpful for water bottles or padded straps. However, you should make sure that the weight savings are worth it for both you and your dog.
Although cotton and canvas may look attractive, they can absorb moisture. This could lead to your dog becoming more overweight.
4. Durability
Hiking dog backpacks that are durable will last through all the adventures. High-stress areas require high-quality stitching. You should also consider whether your dog can be picked up comfortably and securely from the dog backpack.
If you are only going on day hikes you won’t need to pick up your dog. However, if your dog is required to navigate more difficult terrain, you will want to make sure the handle or leash hook doesn’t break.
5. Waterproof
You’ll get wet no matter where you go hiking. It’s important to make sure your dog’s backpack is waterproof and durable. A waterproof liner is a good idea if you plan to hike somewhere with heavy rain. Zippers with flaps can be used to prevent water seepage through the seams.
6. Value and Price Of Dog Hiking Backpack
You should shop for a dog backpack that is within your means. The more expensive backpacks tend to offer more features. There are still many high-quality packs available in the low to mid-range price range.
For a durable, comfortable pack with solid features, expect to pay between $75 and $100. You can expect to pay closer to $150 for larger, more feature-rich packs.
You can see the options below if you aren’t sure which type of dog pack to buy. Start with a cheap pack and then upgrade to get the features you need.
7. Fit & Comfort
Comfort is the first thing to consider when looking for a dog pack. You should look for features such as padded straps or mesh material. The padded straps reduce irritation and chafing during long hikes. Your dog will be protected from excessive heat by the sweat-wicking or mesh material.
You want your dog to be able to carry the load evenly, so they don’t have too much to carry on the hike. It is important to ensure that the dog’s pack fits properly.
How to Measure your Dog for a Dog Backpack
Many websites list the sizes of dogs and link them to their weight. Dogs come in many sizes and shapes. It is important to measure your dog properly in order to make sure it fits correctly.
To measure the circumference of your dog’s neck, chest, and upper neck with a string or flexible tape measure, use the following: Measure your dog’s length, from the tail to its chest.
To find the right size, compare these measurements with the dog pack you are considering. Some packs are not suitable for dogs with smaller necks or deep chests.
Once you have the pack, make sure to fit it on your dog. The two-finger rule is important when fitting the pack. It’s a good fit if the straps are tight but allow for two fingers between your dog and the gear.