Best Backpacks for Dogs

Written by Hannah Ward
Updated: November 26, 2022
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If your dog is your best buddy you probably want to take them everywhere with you. Whether you’re going on a hike or a camping trip, it may be difficult for you to lug around both you and your dog’s belongings that are needed for the adventure. Luckily, dog backpacks exist and can make your life much easier, while allowing you to bring all the gear you need for the both of you, meaning that you and your dog will be free to roam as you please.

There are many styles of dog backpacks available. However, the best one for your dog will depend on the material, harness type, and overall features along with your dog’s personality. To help narrow down your search for the best dog backpacks out there we have researched and reviewed various types. Take a look at what we found and pick one for your dog!

  1. Kurgo Baxter Dog Backpack

    •Multifunction backpack for dogs

    •2 bags & harness-style

    •Polyester

    •Medium-large dogs

    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. OneTigris Cotton Canvas Dog Backpack

    •Canvas backpack for dogs

    •Double bag

    •Adjustable harness

    •Padded mesh underside

    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. RUFFWEAR Switchbak Dog Harness

    •Minimal hike backpack for dogs

    •2 zippered side pouches

    •Double leash attachment

    •XS-XL

    Check Amazon
  4. RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Day Pack

    •Light daypack for dogs

    •Side zipper pouches

    •Extra padded harness & straps

    •Reflective accents

    Check Amazon

The Best Dog Backpacks: Ranked

#1 Best Overall: Kurgo Baxter Dog Backpack

The Kurgo Baxter Dog Backpack is our choice for best overall because it is multifunctional.

The best feature of this backpack is that it can work as an everyday backpack or for longer, overnight camping trips. Lightweight and spacious, the pack allows for excellent storage and weight distribution for your pet’s comfort.

The backpack is double-sided with large pack space on each side of your dog’s body, great for fitting essentials such as first aid, food, doggy bags, etc. The packs sit on a harness with a rear leash attachment D-ring that can also function as a bottle opener. The large handle on the back can be used for extra control and for assisting your pet over obstacles or in the water.

Reflective strips line the pack and harness, allowing your dog to be seen in low light or dark situations. The pack straps are adjustable, so you can set them higher or lower depending on the weight within as well as ensuring a comfortable fit for your pet. It is made from polyester material to keep the pack lightweight while also making it quick-drying for your pet’s comfort. It even comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer!

This backpack is suitable for dogs weighing 30 to 85 pounds, while the larger version of the same can fit dogs weighing 50 to 110 pounds.

Although this backpack has a lot going for it, some customers have reported that the straps can come loose with the dogs movement. Additionally, the straps are not padded which can cause chafing.

Pros and Cons of the Kurgo Baxter Dog Backpack

ProsCons
This backpack is made from lightweight material.The straps can work loose with the dogs movement.
It has a rear leash attachment.The straps are not padded which can cause chafing.
It has a large handle on the back for extra control or lifting the dog over obstacles.
This backpack features reflective strips to allow the dog to be seen in low light.
The pack straps are adjustable to ensure a comfortable fit.
Best Overall
Kurgo Baxter Dog Backpack

•Multifunction backpack for dogs

•2 bags & harness-style

•Polyester

•Medium-large dogs

Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best Look: OneTigris Cotton Canvas Dog Backpack

The great-looking OneTigris Cotton Canvas Dog Backpack takes second place for our top picks of backpacks for dogs.

This vntage style backpack is made from sturdy cotton canvas which is ideal for hot weather but will also work in winter weather too. It has a padded mesh underside to ensure that it is comfortable and to prevent chafing. It features two zippered compartments keep your dog’s items secure, and it has semi-open pockets for holding snacks and food. It also has a D-ring attachment for attaching a leash and a large handle on the back for assisting your pet over obstacles.

This backpack is available in two sizes and has adjustable straps which makes it suitable for most dogs. However, some owners found that the straps were not durable enough and ripped easily when active pets caught them on bushes or rocks.

Pros and Cons of the OneTigris Cotton Canvas Dog Backpack

ProsCons
This backpack is made from cotton canvas which is lightweight and breathable.The straps are not durable and can snap if snagged on bushes etc.
It features a padded mesh underside for comfort and to prevent chafing.
This backpack has two zippered pockets as well as semi-open compartments.
It features a D-ring leash attachment and a large handle on the back.
The straps are fully adjustable.
It is available in two sizes.
Best Look
OneTigris Cotton Canvas Dog Backpack

•Canvas backpack for dogs

•Double bag

•Adjustable harness

•Padded mesh underside

Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best for Day Hiking: Ruffwear Switchbak Dog Harness

Our top choice for a day hike backpack for dogs is the Ruffwear Switchbak Dog Harness.

This minimal backpack has all the high-quality features you could want for short adventures and day trips. It is perfect for most dogs, and it’s designed to carry everyday essentials for your pup in zippered side pouches. A low-profile padded handle helps you lift your dog over obstacles, while the padded straps are comfortable for any dog. It also features to D-ring leash attachments.

This durable, nylon backpack comes in three stylish colors and includes reflective patches for greater visibility. The harness and straps can be adjusted in five ways to ensure the perfect fit for any dog. It is also available in a range of sizes from extra small to extra large. Unfortunately, some customers have found that the sizing is a little off — particularly around the chest — with it being too wide in that area for some pets. The other drawback of this harness is that customers reported the stitching on the handle was not good quality and began to fray.

Pros and Cons of the Ruffwear Switchbak Dog Harness

ProsCons
This backpack is made from durable nylon material.The sizing in the chest area can run too big for some dogs.
It has zippered side pouches.The stitching on the handle can fray.
This backpack features reflective strips for added visibility in low light situations.
It features a padded handle for lifting pets over obstacles.
It has two leash attachments.
There is a range of sizes available from extra small to extra large.
Best for Day Hikes
RUFFWEAR Switchbak Dog Harness

•Minimal hike backpack for dogs

•2 zippered side pouches

•Double leash attachment

•XS-XL

Check Amazon

4. Best for Everyday: RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Day Pack

If you want a backpack that your dog can comfortably wear every day then we recommend the RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Day Pack.

Not only is it great for day hiking, but the padded harness and straps allow extended comfort for your dog on all-day excursions. Extra comfort comes from five different adjustment points on the harness to fit the pack perfectly to your dog and prevent rubbing or uneven distribution. The pack’s harness features three leash attachment points to suit you and your dog’s preference.

This backpack features zippered side pouches to provide storage for lightweight necessities. Reflective accents along the harness mean your pup will be visible at all points of the day.

The backpack is available in several different colors and a range of sizes to suit most dogs. However, some customers found that the sizes run larger than expected.

Pros and Cons of the RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Day Pack

ProsCons
This backpack features a padded harness and straps for added comfort.The sizes run big.
The straps are fully adjustable.
This backpack has zippered side pouches.
It has reflective strips to ensure visibility in poor light conditions.
There are several sizes and colors available.
Best for Everyday
RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Day Pack

•Light daypack for dogs

•Side zipper pouches

•Extra padded harness & straps

•Reflective accents

Check Amazon

Our Criteria: What to Look For in a Dog Backpack

Traveling and participating in outdoor activities with your pup is so much fun. However, when going on these trips, you have to consider how to bring and store not only your belongings but also your dog’s too. While this is not an issue on shorter trips or day hikes, it can become burdensome when spending more time on the road or in nature. Your dog will need their own food, bowls, water, and weather gear. What better way to carry all of this than in their own backpack? Now that we’ve gone over the idea of a backpack, it comes down to choosing the backpack for your dog and training them to be comfortable using it.

Searching for a backpack for your dog can be quite time consuming, as you have to research different materials, types of backpacks, and how much each holds. Knowing your dog’s personality is also a huge factor. To narrow down your search, look for materials that are non-abrasive and non-irritating to the skin. If your dog has sensitive skin already, be extra careful with choosing a material. As for how the backpack sits on your dog, if you already use a harness that is a huge plus because most are harness-style bags. If you have not used a harness on your dog, consider finding a harness and a backpack with the same fit and train in the harness before moving onto the backpack. Also make sure to find a style that won’t pull your dog’s fur if they are long-haired

Backpack Training

After finding the right backpack for your dog comes the training part. This may be easy or very difficult depending on the dog and their experience. For example, if you have a dog who hates a harness, it may prove difficult and take longer to train them into the backpack. The key to training? Rewards! Whether you use verbal, food, or both, constantly reward your pet when they do as you ask in backpack training.

Start slow and leave the backpack out for your dog to sniff and explore. You can even place treats on the pack for them to get closer to it. Once they are familiar with it then you can practice going to put it on your dog. Go through the motion of putting it on without actually doing so and reward your dog after.

Once this phase is complete, place the backpack, unclipped, on your dog for a little and reward them. If they seem uncomfortable at any point, remove the backpack immediately and give them lots of love and comfort. Continue on only as much as they allow until they are able to wear the backpack around the house comfortably and relaxed. You can then walk your dog around the neighborhood in the pack. As long as your dog is already experienced in hiking or camping also, you are then ready to hit the road!

How to Use a Dog Backpack

Once you’ve got your pet accustomed to wearing their new backpack it’s time to get ready to use it. Read on for some tips.

Get Your Dog Ready for Camping

If you’re using a lightweight pack for everyday use, your dog will probably take to it easily. If you’re planning a full day of hiking or a weekend of camping, you’ll need to get your dog in shape.

Your dog should be in good physical health and strong enough for camping and hiking on rough terrain. Start by taking short hikes with your pup but don’t expect your furry friend to hike more than a few miles at first.

The dog’s size isn’t as important as their health and conditioning. Even small dogs can be excellent hikers, but you may have to give them a hand on rough or high terrain.

However, it’s important to research the trail or campsite before you go. Some national parks don’t accept dogs at all, and others only accept them in designated areas. Many national forest areas and state parks allow dogs, however. A quick check of the park’s website will give you the information you need.

Hit the Trail

Hiking with a dog is a lot of fun. Be ready for hot weather by bringing plenty of water. You can even buy collapsible dog bowls that are perfect for hydrating on the road.

Don’t forget snacks. You probably carry trail mix and nutritious snacks when you hike, so don’t forget your dog. The best trail snacks for dogs are high-protein, grain-free dog treats designed to give your pup a boost of calories and nutrition. Keep your dog’s snacks in a bear-proof container. Even if there are no bears around, it will protect the food from mice and other rodents.

Always remember to stay in shaded areas and avoid places where you’re likely to encounter dangerous wildlife. Also, it’s best to keep your dog on a leash, especially on tricky, narrow hiking paths. If you want your dog to run free, be sure he responds to your commands first. Your dog should obey without fail when you call. Plus, always remember to prepare for any emergency with updated dog ID tags and a microchip.

Camp Out

If you’re using your backpacks for camping trips, always plan. Be sure the campsite accepts dogs, and find out where the dog park or doggy relief station is.

Make room in the tent for your dog. You should consider the dog as a separate person when choosing your tent size. If it’s just you and your pup then bring a two-person tent. If there are two people and a dog then bring a three-person tent. This way everyone has room to relax and sleep well. For cold-weather trips remember to bring a small blanket to protect your dog from the icy ground. By following these simple tips you can all have a fun and safe adventure.

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About the Author

Hannah is a writer at A-Z animals where her primary focus is on reptiles, marine life, mammals, and geography. Hannah has been writing and researching animals for four years alongside running her family farm. A resident of the UK, Hannah loves riding horses and creating short stories.

Best Backpacks for Dogs FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Do dogs like backpack carriers?

Most dogs enjoy wearing their backpacks. It’s important to use a backpack that fits securely and is comfortable. Don’t expect your dog to carry too much, especially at the beginning.

Some dogs are experienced hikers and campers. These dogs are ready for tactical outdoor adventures, and a backpack is a great way to keep their essentials at hand.

What do you do with dog poop while backpacking?

The best way to manage dog poop out in the wilderness is also the most natural one. When your dog defecates, dig a hole at least six inches deep in the ground, and bury your dog’s poop in it. Be sure the hole is at least 200 feet from any body of water to avoid contamination.

How much weight can a dog carry in a backpack?

It all depends on the size of the dog, its health and conditioning, and its breed as some dog breeds are better suited to carrying weights when they hike.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.