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There’s nothing better than spending quality time in nature with your dog as they make a fantastic company for longer hikes and backpacking trips. Instead of hauling everything yourself, a backpack for your dog can help you share the load.Â
Whether you’re taking your dog on a shorter hiking trip or you plan to conquer a long trail, the best backpacks for dogs makes your pup equipped for anything. Backpacks for dogs are conveniently designed so the dog can carry some of its gear – food, water, and toys (among other things). The best backpacks for dogs are comfortable too, so your furry friend can enjoy wearing them.Â
To help you out with your decision, we have gone through several dog backpack reviews and compiled the best dog backpack list to allow you and your pup to conquer any trail with ease.
OUR TOP PICK
Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack
- What Makes This Stand Out
- Features five points adjustment system for free movement
- Padded handle and girth straps for comfortable lifting
- Stash pockets and external gear loops for easy access
- High-capacity form-fitting side pockets
- Perfect to keep you dog engaged
Best For: Long and Hard Terrains
Chest Size: S:22-27 inches; M:27-32 inches; L/XL:32-42 inches
Gear Capacity: S:12.5 liters/762 cubic inches; M:14.5 liters/885 cubic inches; L/XL: 24 liters/1,465 cubic inches
Dimension: S: 21.3 x 11.8 x 1 inches; M:23.2 x 12.6 x 1 inches, L/XL: 25.4 x 15 x 1 inches
Material: 420-denier ripstop nylon
Number of exterior pockets:Â 4
EDITORS CHOICE
Kurgo Dog Saddlebag Backpack
- What Makes This Stand Out
- Features both, a dog harness and backpack
- Includes padded handle and reflective strip
- Incorporates a D-ring
- Reinforced padded handle for lifting the dog
- Water resistant
Best For: Multi-day Hiking Trips
Chest Size: 30 – 48 inches
Gear Capacity: 7.75 L
Dimension: 20 x 10 x 1 inches
Material: Mesh
Number of exterior pockets:Â 4
BEST VALUE
Outward Hound Lightweight Dog Backpack
- What Makes This Stand Out
- Breathable mesh for refreshing airflow
- Adjustable straps for stability
- Explicitly fashioned to fit all dogs
- Available in Brown, Green, and Blue
Best For: One-day Hiking
Chest Size: 21 – 77 inches
Gear Capacity: Not available
Dimension: 3.75 x 13 x 2.88 inches
Material: Mesh, Nylon
Number of exterior pockets: 4
OneTigris Mammoth Dog Backpack
- What Makes This Stand Out
- Breathable mesh lining for breathability
- Incredibly large storage room
- Extra-tough 1000D nylon construction
- Hook-and-loop belly strap for stability
- Water resistant
- Can also be used by small dogs
Best For: Hiking in Rainy Weather
Chest Size: 25-30.5 inches
Gear Capacity: 3 L (pouch)
Dimension: 10.63 x 7.87 x 2.56 inches
Material: Mesh, 1000D Nylon
Number of exterior pockets: 2
- What Makes This Stand Out
- Webbing loop and anodized aluminum V-ring create 2 leash attachment points
- Features two 0.6-liter collapsible bladders
- Reflective trim to enhance your dog’s visibility
- BPA-free hydration bladders
Best For: Hiking at Night
Chest Size: 22-27 inches(S)/32-42 inches(L/XL)
Gear Capacity: 3-4.7 L
Dimension: 14.37 x 12.01 x 1 inches(S)/17.72 x 16.15 x 1 inches(L/XL)
Material: 420 denier nylon ripstop, closed-cell foam, nylon webbing
Number of external pockets: 2
Outward Hound Kyjen Dog Backpack
- What Makes This Stand Out
- Features easily accessible pockets
- Reflective strip for high visibility
- Incorporates interior water bottle holder
- Removable sacks (without removing the harness)
Best For: Hiking with Small Dogs
Chest Size: 12-25 inch
Dimension: 7.50 x 14.00 x 9.00 inches
Material: Mesh (pockets)
Number of external pockets:Â 2
Lifeunion Adjustable Supply Backpack
- What Makes This Stand Out
- Features 600D double polyester material
- Incorporates adjustable straps and soft-mesh lining
- Includes a built-in rubber handle
- Convenient SBS zipper closure on the pockets
Best For: Comfort
Chest Size: 22.8-25.2 inches(S)/27.6 – 31.9 inches(M)/31.0-35.0 inches(L)
Capacity: Not available
Dimension: 9.45 x 8.7 inches (Medium)
Material: 600D double polyester
Number of external pockets:Â 2
- What Makes This Stand Out
- Removable saddlebags that take the load off on breaks)
- Web Master’s harness with 4 attachment points
- Two 1-liter hydration bladders
- Excellent stability and weight distribution
- Water resistant
Best For: Multiday Backcountry Trip
Chest Size: S: 22 – 27 inches, L/XL: 32 – 42 inches
Capacity: S: 12.5 liters, L/XL: 24 liters
Material: 420 denier nylon ripstop/closed-cell foam/nylon webbing
Dimension: S: 12.6 x 7.48 x 2 inches, L/XL: 15.0 x 9.84 x 2 inches
Number of external pockets: 6
- What Makes This Stand Out
- Highly adjustable harness with EVA foam padding
- Two zippered pannier-style pockets on the sides
- Ergonomic shape approved by veterinarians
- Reflective trim for night visibility
- Can also be used by a small dog
Best For: Winter Wilderness Pursuits
Chest Size: S: 20-30 in, M: 24-40 in, L: 32-44 in
Capacity: 5L
Material: 420D Nylon
Dimension: 12.25 x 8.25 x 3 inches
Number of external pockets: 2
EzyDog Summit Dog Backpack
- What Makes This Stand Out
- Soft cotton lining keeps the doggy comfortable
- Fully adjustable padded chest strap
- Incredibly durable
- Two roomy securable compartments with waterproof zip closures
- Water resistant
Best For: Cargo Capacity
Capacity: 14L
Chest Size: 34-55 inches
Material: Polyester Shell, cotton lining
Dimension: 15 x 10 inches
Number of external pockets: 2
How To Choose A Dog Backpack – Buying Guide
Related Post:Â Buying Backpacks
Size and Strength of the Dog
Depending on the breed, dogs come in various sizes. Luckily, most packs for dogs we have reviewed come in various dimensions so finding the right fit won’t be hard.
Besides the size, you should also consider the strength of your dog. Some breeds are naturally stronger than others. To get the right size, make sure you measure your dog before ordering the backpack.Â
Related Post:Â Hiking With Dogs
Fit (Strap Adjustability)
Even if you measure the dog, you still have to do some fine-tuning when you put a dog pack for backpacking on. This is why we put a big accent on strap design and adjustability. A dog day pack should come with plenty of buckles so you can tighten and loosen when needed.
Related Review:Â Adjustable Length Backpack
Harness Comfort
Dog backpacks need to fit well, otherwise, your dog will get tired faster and might even get hurt. Badly-fitting straps can dig into the skin after a couple of hours of non-stop use especially if it has sharp corners and abrasive edges. To eliminate the problem, dog backpacks hiking come with EVA padding on the inside surfaces, usually in the shoulder, armpit, and chest areas.
Balance
Most doggy backpacks come as a saddlebag design, with equally-sized storage compartments on both sides of the body. This also allows you to pack the dog backpack for hiking evenly, so your pup won’t lose balance when walking or running. The best hiking packs for dogs have a snug and tight fit against the body so the pockets won’t move too much.Â
Related Reviews: Women’s Hiking Backpack & Kids Hiking Backpack
Storage Capacity
Depending on the dog day pack you pick, the dog saddlebag storage capacity can vary significantly – from 3 liters (small dog models) to well over 14 liters (models for large dogs).
Pockets and Compartments
The pockets and compartment of hiking backpacks for dogs should be spacious enough to hold your pup’s gear but not too large that your pup struggles to carry it. Most backpacks for dogs come standard with two zippered side pockets, but some also have additional pockets and compartments inside.
Related Post:Â How To Pack A Backpack
Additional Features
Some extra features that will make using a hiking backpack for the dog even easier for both you and your pup are:
- D-rings: Attach a leash to the backpack and control the dog
- Grab handles: Safely pick up the dog and move it without hurting it
- Reflective patches: Significantly improve the dog’s visibility in low-light conditions
- Hydration bladders: The pup can conveniently carry its water
Safety
Make sure that packs for dogs are strong enough to withstand the strength of your pup. Look at the stitching, webbing quality, and buckles. AÂ dog day pack should have strong stitching throughout, but the most important points are the leash attachment ring and the chest area.
Material
The best dog hiking packs always come with a high Denier rating. Three of the most common materials used for dog day packs are nylon, polyester, and canvas. When it comes to construction quality, you should pay attention to the stitching, zippers, and buckles, as well.
FAQs
Q:Â Are dog backpacks cruel?
No, they are not. A dog backpack gives your dog a sense of purpose. Make sure it fits your dog perfectly and isn’t over-burdening it.
Q:Â How does a backpack help a dog?
Dog backpacks massively aid your dog in building muscles as they are a source of a well-balanced workout. They also give your pet a sense of purpose and feel that they are helping tangibly.
Q:Â What age can a dog wear a backpack?
If you own a medium or large breed dog, then you should wait a year and a half before you mount a load on it. Giant breed dogs mature slowly; thus, it is recommended that you wait at least two years before it carries any weight.
Globo Surf Overview
When it comes to packing and managing your gear, your pup can be of great assistance and help you carry small items on long hikes with a top rated dog hiking pack. With the most excellent dog backpack, you and your doggy can happily explore the woods and hike the trails with all the outdoor gear you need.
More Backpacking/Hiking Reviews:
- Winter Hiking Boots
- Rain Pants
- Garmin Watch
- Survival Kit
- Hiking Baby Carriers
- Survival Books
- Bug Out Bag
- Gore Tex Jacket
- Drone For Gopro
- Backpacking Sleeping Pad
More Backpack Reviews:
- Camera Backpack For Hiking
- Camelbak Backpack
- Osprey Backpack
- Roll Top Backpack
- Hiking Backpacks Under 100
- Budget Hiking Backpack
- Solar Backpack
- Patagonia Backpack
- Under Armour Backpack
- Ventilated Backpack
- Black Diamond Backpack
- Columbia Backpack
- Picnic Backpack
Do you own one of the dog backpacks that made it onto our list? Let us know how it has worked for your outdoor needs in the comments section below.