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Do you like to take your dog along with you for fun, outdoor activities? If so, you know that activities, such as hiking, walking, and camping, often require you to carry certain essentials for your dog. The best dog backpack is a great way to store the items you or your dog may need when you are on the go. Backpacks for dogs not only offer storage space for things like food, waste disposal bags, and toys, but they also can provide your dog with a sense of purpose during your adventures.
But because each dog has their own individual needs, dog backpacks can have a variety of features. Materials, storage space, size, and closure type are just a few of the features that can differ between dog backpacks. With so many options available, choosing the best one for you and your dog might seem overwhelming. Fortunately, we have created a list of the best dog backpacks out there to help you make your decision.
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The Best Dog Backpacks - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Dog Backpack: OneTigris Dog Pack Hound Travel
- Best Dog Backpack For Hiking: Excellent Elite Spanker Dog Pack
- Best Dog Backpack For Small Dogs: OneTigris Dog Pack Small
- Best Dog Backpack For Large Dogs: Himal Outdoors Dog Packpack for Large Dog
- Best Lightweight Dog Backpack: Ownpets Dog Backpack
- Most Spacious Dog Backpack: Multifunctional Dog Backpack for Hiking
- Best Budget Dog Backpack: Dog Hiking Backpack with Leash
Best Overall - OneTigris Dog Pack Hound Travel
SPECS
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Weight: 19.07oz.
- Material: Cotton canvas
- Closure type: UTX-Duraflex Buckles
- Compartments: 2 main zipper side compartments
Our pick for the best overall dog backpack is the OneTigris Dog Pack Hound Travel. Available in three different sizes, small, medium, and large, this backpack is suited for a variety of dog breeds. Additionally, three adjustable straps allow you to ensure that this backpack can be as comfortable as possible for your dog. These straps, located near the neck and the chest, operate as a buckle system.
The OneTigris Dog Pack Hound Travel backpack is made with a sturdy, double-layer cotton canvas. This material, along with reinforced stitching, makes this backpack very durable and ideal for outdoor activities like hiking. Plus it’s lined with mesh for extra breathability.
What We Like
- 2 D-rings for leash attachment
- Lots of storage space without being bulky
- Durable, double-layered fabric
What We Don't Like
- Weight needs to be kept even on both side pockets
- Straps may be too long for some
BUY: OneTigris Dog Pack Hound Travel
Best For Hiking - Excellent Elite Spanker Dog Pack
SPECS
- Sizes: One size - 11" x 1.5" x 7"
- Weight: 1.37 lbs.
- Material: Nylon
- Closure type: UTX-Duraflex, quick-release buckle
- Compartments: 2 main zipper side compartments
If you need a durable dog backpack for outdoor activities like hiking, we suggest the Excellent Elite Spanker Dog Pack. This saddle-style bag is constructed with a high-quality 1000D Nylon material which is sturdy, comfortable, and easy to clean. Soft padding is used to prevent chafing from occurring during your hike. You can make sure this backpack fits snugly and securely on your dog with the quick-release buckles.
The Excellent Elite Spanker Dog Pack has two spacious side pockets where you can store items like your phone, dog toys, food, and more. These pockets have elastic bands on the inside to ensure your things will stay put as you and your dog move. There are also cross bungee cords on the outside of the pockets for carrying other items like water bottles.
What We Like
- Can be easily adjusted for optimized comfort
- Cross bungee cords for carrying more items
- Belly strap for more secure wear
What We Don't Like
- May not be suited for large dogs
- Can sag if not evenly weighted
BUY: Excellent Elite Spanker Dog Pack
Best for Small Dogs - OneTigris Dog Pack Small
SPECS
- Sizes: XXS, XS, S
- Weight: 7.04 oz.
- Material: Nylon
- Closure type: UTX D-Flex Buckles
- Compartments: 1 main compartment with interior mesh pocket
For smaller breeds, we recommend the OneTigris Dog Pack Small. This backpack can fit a variety of small dogs because it comes in three sizes: XX-Small, X-Small, and Small. UTX-duraflex quick-release buckles allow you to further adjust this backpack to fit your dog's small size and shape.
Instead of side storage like most of the options on this list, the OneTigris Dog Pack Small sits on your dog's back. The main compartment has an interior mesh pocket where you can keep items like toys and treats. Inside this backpack, there is also a waste bag pocket that makes it easy to pick up after your dog during walks. Double-layered nylon is combined with a mesh top to provide durability and good airflow.
What We Like
- Sturdy material
- Zipper and velcro on main pocket to keep items secure
- Comfortable to wear for long periods of time
What We Don't Like
- D-ring is not in the most convenient position
- Can be difficult to put on
Best For Large Dogs - Himal Outdoors Dog Backpack for Large Dog
SPECS
- Sizes: N/A
- Weight: 15.5 oz.
- Material: Nylon
- Closure type: Zipper, velcro, buckle
- Compartments: 2 main side compartments
For larger dogs, we recommend the Himal Outdoors Dog Backpack. The adjustable straps featured in this bag's design make it suitable for breeds with a 22-31.5 inch neck and a 29-35.8 inch chest. And with two side compartments, this backpack is large enough to carry the items you and your dog will need most, like food, water, toys, and waste disposal bags.
Himal Outdoors Dog Backpack for Large Dog is made with a 12-amp canvas to provide increased durability. The canvas material is paired with a soft, breathable mesh that lines the inside of this backpack. You can attach a leash to the D-ring on this backpack or use the strong handle to guide your large dog through any obstacles you might encounter.
What We Like
- Strong handle
- Breathable material
- Large enough to fit a water bottle
What We Don't Like
- Weight needs to be balanced on both sides
- D-ring may not be as strong as other options
BUY: Himal Outdoors Dog Backpack for Large Dog
Best Lightweight - Ownpets Dog Backpack
SPECS
- Sizes: Medium
- Weight: 1.21 lbs.
- Material: Oxford
- Closure type: Buckle
- Compartments: 2 side compartments
If you’re looking for the best lightweight dog backpack, check out the Ownpets Dog Backpack. This backpack is made with a durable, water-resistant Oxford material. Soft mesh fabric is used on this bag's backpad to promote airflow and increased comfort for your dog. To distribute the weight of your items, this backpack uses a Y-shape design.
Ownpets Dog Backpack was created with safety in mind. Four reflective strips are placed on the top and sides to make your dog more visible during low-light walks. The sturdy handle grip on the back pad allows you to quickly grab your dog in emergency situations. For the most comfortable and safe wear, it is important that you balance the weight being carried in the side pockets of this backpack.
What We Like
- 4 reflective strips for increased night visibility
- Sturdy carrying handle
- Waterproof
What We Don't Like
- Y-shape design may be confusing to adjust
- Weight will need to be balanced
BUY: Ownpets Dog Backpack
Most Spacious - Multifunctional Dog Backpack for Hiking
SPECS
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L
- Weight: 10.8 oz.
- Material: High density cotton, mesh
- Closure type: Buckles
- Compartments: 2 side pockets
If you and your dog need to carry a lot of items, the Multifunctional Dog Backpack for Hiking may be the best option for you. With two large side pockets, you can bring all your dog's essentials and more while hiking, camping, walking, or traveling. Because this backpack is available in four sizes, XS, S, M, and L, it can be used by a wide variety of dog breeds.
The Multifunctional Dog Backpack for Hiking can be fully adjusted with its buckles. This ensures that your dog can be as comfortable as possible while wearing this backpack. For increased safety, you can attach your dog's leash on the V-ring. Other safety features include: bright colors for visibility and reinforced stitching for structure.
What We Like
- V-ring for wide application
- Orange color provides night visibility
- Lightweight, soft materials
What We Don't Like
- Might not be as tight as other options
- Balancing weight is necessary
BUY: Multifunctional Dog Backpack for Hiking
Best Budget - Dog Hiking Backpack with Leash
SPECS
- Sizes: Large
- Weight: 1.5 lbs.
- Material: Cotton
- Closure type: Buckle
- Compartments: Side pockets
Dog backpacks don’t have to be expensive. Case in point—the Dog Hiking Backpack. This affordable backpack offers similar desired features to the other options on this list, such as storage, adjustability, and durability. Plus, it comes with a leash that you can attach to one of its two D-rings.
The two-sided compartment design of the Dog Hiking Backpack with Leash provides space to carry food, water, toys, and other essentials. To ensure a proper fit, the straps of this bag's harness can be adjusted. Durable canvas is lined with mesh for strong, yet breathable wear. The handle located on the top of this backpack can be used to grab your dog quickly if needed.
What We Like
- Comes with a leash
- Heavy-duty canvas material
- Lots of storage space
What We Don't Like
- Adjustment straps may not stay secure
- Can shift if weight is not balanced
BUY: Dog Hiking Backpack with Leash
What to Look for in a Dog Backpack
Sizes
It is important to consider the size of your dog when choosing a dog backpack. Most dog backpacks are available in several sizes or have adjustable straps with buckles to provide a proper fit for your dog.
Weight
When looking for a dog backpack, you will want to determine how many items you will need to store and how much weight your dog is capable of carrying. This can help you choose the backpack at the best weight for you.
Materials
Most dog backpacks are constructed with durable materials like canvas or nylon. Because these materials are often double-layered to increase structure, these bags are typically lined with mesh fabrics to provide more airflow to your dog.
Closure Type
Dog backpacks tend to have straps that can be adjusted for increased comfort. Adjustable straps have closure features that keep the bag securely on your dog. The most common closure type is quick-release buckles but velcro may also be used.
Compartments
The size of a dog backpack's compartments is one of the most important aspects to consider. The amount of storage space you will need depends on how many items you and your dog need to carry. Compartments are typically located on the sides or top of a dog backpack.
FAQs About Dog Backpacks
Are dog backpacks worth it?
Dog backpacks make it easy to carry items you or your dog may need when you go walking, hiking, camping, backpacking, traveling, and more. They can also increase your dog's mood by giving them a job or sense of purpose.
Are dog backpacks safe for dogs?
Features included with most dog backpacks can increase safety. Reflective strips can improve visibility during night walks and a sturdy top handle can be used to quickly grab or guide your dog in emergency situations.
How much can a dog carry in a backpack?
It is recommended that dogs not carry more than 25% of their body weight in their backpack. To distribute weight and ensure that the backpack does not shift, weight should be even between the compartments.
How to Train Your Dog to Run With You | Best Hiking Gear for Dogs | Best Dog Harnesses | Best Dog Foods | Best Dog Leashes | Best Dog Balls | Best Dog Frisbees | Best Dog Backpacks | Best Dog Toys | Best Dog Beds | Best Dog Treadmills