- Volume: Not listed.
- Weight: 10.9 ounces.
- Number of colors: Two.
- Dimensions: 3.75 inches x 13 inches x 2.88 inches.
- Pockets: Four.
- Price on publish: $32.99.
If you’re looking for a backpack to give to your dog this summer, you’ve landed on the right page. Dog backpacks can make great gifts for dogs, especially if they enjoy staying active and are self-sufficient.
“A pet owner would want to invest in a dog backpack if they travel often with their dogs, especially with outdoor activities, because they allow a dog owner to have their dogs carry their supplies,” explains Dwight Alleyne, DVM and veterinarian expert for JustAnswer. “Because dogs carry their own supplies, it can help add physical exercise into their routine and provide great health benefits, in addition to the sense of purpose carrying a dog backpack allows.”
To find the best dog backpacks, I consulted with Alleyne and other veterinarians to learn more about dog backpacks, focusing on their features, safety aspects, pockets and dimensions, plus their top dog backpack recommendations.
While some of the best dog crates and even your best dog stroller can also help store your pet’s belongings, a dog backpack gives your dog a sense of purpose wherever they are. Here’s what to look for.
Before purchasing a dog backpack for your pet, you’ll want to ensure it has the necessary features. Sara Ochoa, DVM at The Animal Hospital of West Monroe and co-founder of Howto-pets.com, notes that comfort features, including padded straps and ventilation, are essential to ensure a secure and pleasant fit. Alleyne adds that a leash attachment and water resistance features are key, especially if you plan on having your dog wear their backpack outdoors.
When it comes to safety features, “these backpacks should be made out of very sturdy material that doesn’t rip easily, because some dogs may be rough with the backpack,” notes Alleyne. “They should also have reflective material to allow for easy visibility in low light, in addition to easily adjustable buckles or straps.”
Pockets are an essential part of a dog backpack because they can provide places for your (but mostly your pup’s) belongings. “The ideal backpack should have multiple pockets with different sizes to accommodate the essentials,” says Alleyne. Ochoa notes that you should consider what your dog will be carrying and ensure that the backpack’s pockets accommodate those items. For example, if you plan on having your dog carry their toys, you should opt for backpacks with bigger pockets, whereas if you’d like them to carry their treats or waste bags, the pockets can be smaller.
If you’re looking for a dog backpack for medium breeds, Ochoa recommends the Outward Hound DayPak Blue Dog Saddleback Backpack. “An excellent option for medium-sized dogs, this pack is well-balanced, features expandable pockets and is easy on your furry one’s back,” says Ochoa. With four pockets (two expandable) and a D-ring leash attachment, this brightly-colored dog backpack offers water resistance and generous space for medium-sized dogs.
For a dog backpack suitable for hiking, the Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack is a solid pick. “This backpack is rugged, durable and has convenient storage options that are perfect for those long hiking adventures with your furry friend!” says Ochoa. Whether you and your dog are headed on an extended hike or a short hike, the polyester saddlebag design keeps belongings stored without restriction. It can also be adjusted at five points for optimal comfort.
Despite its thin material, this dog backpack from Ruffwear offers a saddlebag design that keeps belongings secured and close to your pet, without keeping them down.
Get here: Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack
Shopping for a dog backpack for a larger pup? Don’t rule out the Mammoth Dog Backpack from OneTigris. Since larger dogs can typically bear heavier weights, this nylon and polyester fanny pack is equipped with four pockets (two have a 6-liter capacity). It also has some hidden zippers to prevent fur irritation.
For a dog backpack for large dogs, try this one from OneTigris, which has large pouches, semiopen and zippered pockets and adjustable straps.
Get here: OneTigris Mammoth Dog Backpack
The best high-end dog backpack is Ruffwear’s Palisades Pack — and for good reason. Ruffwear remembered the importance of hydration when creating this backpack: It has two hydration bladders so your dog can take some water when needed without having to carry an additional bottle. Once you (and your dog) get to where you’re going, you can take off some of the saddlebags to lighten the load — your dog will thank you.
For $113, this lightweight dog backpack delivers on quality — its saddlebags can be removed and its color is made to last.
Get here: Ruffwear Palisades Pack
The last thing you want when out and about with your dog is to not be able to see them, especially at night. That’s where the PetAmi Dog Backpack comes in. With reflective stripes on both sides of the bag, it’s unlikely that you’ll lose sight of your dog while they’re wearing this bag. Plus, its four available colors are bold and vibrant, which also helps dogs to be noticed.
Made with reflective stripes and vibrant colors, this dog backpack will keep your dog in sight with each wear.
Get here: PetAmi Dog Backpack
For a dog backpack for pups who spend lots of time outdoors, consider the Mountainsmith K9 Dog Pack. Designed to fit comfortably around the torso and approved by veterinarians, this backpack was made to fit your dog comfortably without any unnecessary pulling and tugging. It also has a couple of smaller pockets with zippers for holding any extra accessories, in addition to its two main pannier pockets.
Although the saddlebags cannot be removed from this dog backpack, its harness sits comfortably and buckles are padded for a pleasant wearing experience.
Get here: Mountainsmith K9 Dog Pack
Small dogs will appreciate Ruffwear’s Front Range Dog Day Pack because of its padded belly strap and harness. Even the tiniest dogs can comfortably wear it, since it’s available in size extra-small, which is smaller than many other dog backpacks on the market. Regardless of which of the five colors of backpack you choose, their reflective accents will ensure you (and others) see your dog, especially during those nighttime adventures.
Available in sizes as small as extra-small, this dog backpack is a particularly viable choice for smaller dogs and it’s padded for optimal comfort.
Get here: Ruffwear Front Range Dog Day Pack
For a dog backpack that won’t break the bank, consider the Hoppy Camper 3.0 Dog Saddle Bag Harness. Despite its lower price tag (just under $50), this backpack does not miss out on quality. Made with cotton canvas and a Y-shaped chest piece, your dog will be helping you carry their belongings and doing so in style. Since it’s made with reinforced stitchwork, it will sit comfortably on your dog throughout the day without slipping.
When it comes to dog backpacks for air travel, the Kurgo Dog Saddlebag Backpack takes the lead. Weighing 13.4 ounces, this backpack won’t add to your pet’s travel day stress. Whether your flight is long or short, your dog’s spine will be comfortable with a padded spine support feature. Plus, if your dog happens to get it dirty en route, you can simply place it in the washing machine when you reach your destination.
The dogs of frequent flyers will appreciate this dog backpack from Kurgo because it is lightweight and has abundant padding.
Get here: Kurgo Baxter Dog Saddlebag Backpack
This ultralight dog backpack is suitable for dogs who want to carry their belongings without carrying the weight of a heavy bag. Weighing 0.99 pounds, it’s equipped with adjustable straps and a handle for ease of use. It’s made with double-sided 600D nylon and a mesh lining that keeps fur cool.
Weighing less than a pound, this lightweight backpack is the perfect option for dogs who want to carry a substantial amount of weight without feeling it.
Get here: Himal Outdoors Dog Backpack
I selected the best dog backpacks after consulting with Sara Ochoa, DVM at The Animal Hospital of West Monroe and co-founder of Howto-pets.com, and Dwight Alleyne, DVM and veterinarian expert for JustAnswer, about the most important features of a dog backpack. Their recommendations informed my research and selection of picks for this list. I also included several of their recommendations.
According to the recommendations of the veterinarians I spoke with, most of the picks on this list are made of breathable materials or mesh and contain padded straps or harnesses that aid in comfort.
There isn’t one specific method to follow when it comes to training your dog to wear a backpack because every dog is different. However, there are some best practices that you can try incorporating during training sessions with your dog. “You can first let your dog get familiar with the backpack, maybe even adding an enticing scent,” says Alleyne. “Then you can place it on them in the house while empty (or with a light load) and let them wear it around, before adding things to the backpack so they can get used to the additional weight.”
Ochoa adds that you should be monitoring your dogs during training and looking for signs of discomfort, which may include chafing or difficulty with movement, to either make adjustments or shop for a different or more comfortable backpack for your dog. Ochoa adds that keeping training sessions lighthearted and fun is the best way to ensure the best possible experience for you and your dog. Furthermore, it’s key that your dog is only carrying 10% to 15% of their body weight, explains Ochoa.
Alleyne advises against placing a dog backpack on a puppy because the puppy’s muscles and bones are still developing, so wearing a backpack could increase the risk of harm and potential injury. Furthermore, he notes that since puppies typically have shorter attention spans, wearing backpacks can be distracting.
Both Ochoa and Alleyne note that dog backpacks can be suitable for senior dogs. However, it’s important that if you have a senior dog and you plan on giving them a backpack, you ensure they’re in good health beforehand. “As long as senior dogs do not have any major known orthopedic or other health conditions, backpacks should be fine with senior dogs,” explains Alleyne.
Dog backpacks can be comfortable for dogs, depending on their type and material. Furthermore, a lot of the comfort or discomfort that can come from a dog wearing a backpack depends on its fit. “A well-fitted backpack should distribute weight evenly across your dog’s shoulders and back, avoiding any strain,” says Ochoa.
Read More: Best GPS dog collars to keep an eye on your furry friends
