| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | K9 SPORT SACK Air 2 |
| Best for Small-Sized Pets | PetAmi Deluxe Backpack Dog & Cat Carrier |
| Best for Biking | K&H Pet Products Travel Bike Dog Backpack |
| Best Airline Approved | COVONO Expandable Pet Carrier Backpack |
There’s no need to leave your pet at home when you go on an adventure. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or even flying, there’s a backpack for that! In fact, there are countless pet backpacks on the market and finding the one that’s right for you and your pet may seem like a daunting task. Don’t worry! We’ve done the research and found the best pet backpacks available and ranked and rated them based on criterion such as comfort, functionality, and safety.
Pet backpacks are are more than bags with shoulder straps. The best pet backpacks are roomy enough for your pet to turn around comfortably; have mesh windows for ventilation and so your pet can look out; and have security features, such as an internal tether that clips to your dog’s harness so they can’t jump out and locking zippers. The truly luxurious models feature Sherpa fleece or similar material to cushion your dog during its journey.
Of course, it’s equally important that you be comfortable while you’re wearing the pet backpack. That’s why we looked for features such as padded shoulder, chest, and waist straps; weight capacity; and weight distribution. After all, if you’re not comfortable carrying your dog or cat in its backpack, you’re likely to leave Fido or Fluffy at home, which would defeat the purpose.
The first step towards selecting the perfect pet backpack begins with checking out our top picks below.
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Strongly built to carry dogs weighing up to 80 pounds
- Can be used for pets of all sizes
- Comes with a padded waist and chest belt to ensure even weight distribution
- Can be adjusted to face your pet forward
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Interior is made of thick and cozy bedding lined with Sherpa
- Well-ventilated airflow
- Comes with a safety strap and buckle
- Comes in 9 color options
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Built with heavy-duty materials
- Designed to be mounted on your back or your chest
- Comes with pocket sides for storing water bottles
- The tether inside the bag keeps your pet inside
Check Amazon- This pet backpack is airline approved.
- It's rear expandable design allows you to double the space inside the backpack.
- It features a large, transparent acrylic window, three breathable mesh windows, and nine ventilation holes.
- This backpack features a sturdy and safe reinforced structure to prevent it from collapsing on your pet while traveling.
- It's comfortable to wear thanks to waist and chest buckles and shoulder straps with extra padding.
Top Picks for the Best Pet Backpacks: Ranked and Rated
#1 Best Overall: K9 Sport Sack
K9 Sport Sack is our #1 Best Overall pick for the top dog backpack. This bag is designed to cater to pets of all sizes. In fact, it’s available and four sizes: extra small, small, medium, and large. The latter can accommodate dogs weighing up to 80 pounds. This weight may seem too heavy to carry on your back, but the pack comes with padded waist and chest belts to ensure even weight distribution. Thus, your dog will be comfortable as you hike or walk for longer distances, and you won’t get tired! And the adjustable shoulder straps help to keep your back stress free.
The K9 Sport Sack is available in five colors. The backpack can be adjusted so your pet can face forward so both of you can enjoy the beautiful scenery. Mesh areas provide ventilation to keep your pet cool. Plus, this backpack has side pockets so you can store water bottles and your pet’s treats for your adventure.
Reviews for this product were overwhelmingly positive, but one reviewer reported that their Maltese was able to wriggle out of the backpack.
Pros and Cons of the K9 Sport Sack
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It’s available in five colors and four sizes: extra small, small, medium, and large. | One reviewer said their Maltese was able to wiggle out of this backpack. |
| It features padded shoulder straps, waist and chest belts for even weight distribution. | |
| The pack can be adjusted so your pet can face forward. | |
| Other features include mesh areas to provide cooling ventilation and side pockets to store water bottles and pet treats. |
- Strongly built to carry dogs weighing up to 80 pounds
- Can be used for pets of all sizes
- Comes with a padded waist and chest belt to ensure even weight distribution
- Can be adjusted to face your pet forward
2. Best for Small-Sized Pets: PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier
As its name suggests, PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier is designed for maximum convenience and comfort for you and your pet. Its interior is made of thick and cozy bedding lined with Sherpa fleece to ensure that your pet enjoys a comfortable ride.
This pet backpack is designed to provide maximum ventilation and airflow. The mesh window on the upper side of the bag provides visibility and additional headroom.
The pack comes with a safety strap and buckle to keep small, anxious pets from running away. The straps also provide extra support so you’ll be more comfortable while you carry your pet on your back. Side pockets let you keep a water bottle for your pet to keep it hydrated all day long!
This pet backpack is available in nine attractive colors: Royal Blue, Red, Gray, Pink, Black, Heather Grey, Dark Grey, Light Blue, and Heather Taupe.
A few reviewers reported that this bag was too small, while one said that it was too large.
Pros and Cons of the PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The interior is lined with Sherpa fleece. | One customer said that this bag was too large, while several reported that it was too small. |
| It’s designed provide maximum ventilation and airflow. | |
| The mesh window on the upper side provides visibility and additional headroom. | |
| A safety strap and buckle ensure that pets don’t run away. | |
| Side pockets pockets allow you to carry a water bottle for your pet. | |
| It’s available in nine colors: Royal Blue, Red, Gray, Pink, Black, Heather Grey, Dark Grey, Light Blue, and Heather Taupe. |
- Interior is made of thick and cozy bedding lined with Sherpa
- Well-ventilated airflow
- Comes with a safety strap and buckle
- Comes in 9 color options
3. Best Pet Backpack for Bike Rides: K&H Travel Bike Backpack
The K&H Travel Bike Backpack is built with heavy duty materials, making it a perfect solution for biking with your pet, no matter how heavy it is. In addition, it is designed to be carried on your back or your chest.
On your cycling experience, your pet may experience thirst, and that is why the pack has pocket sides for storing water bottles to keep your biking companion hydrated.
The tether inside the bag keeps your pet inside, preventing it from jumping out while riding on rough or bumpy terrain.
No negative reviews are available for this product.
Pros and Cons of the K&H Travel Bike Backpack
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This backpack is constructed from heavy duty materials. | No negative reviews are available. |
| You can carry it on your back or on your chest. | |
| Side pockets let you carry water bottles for you and your pet. | |
| A tether inside the bag keeps your pet safely in place. |
- Built with heavy-duty materials
- Designed to be mounted on your back or your chest
- Comes with pocket sides for storing water bottles
- The tether inside the bag keeps your pet inside
4. Best Airline Approved: COVONO Expandable Pet Carrier Backpack
If you want to take your fur baby on a plane, the COVONO Expandable Pet Carrier Backpack is for you. This airline approved backpack features a unique rear expandable design that doubles the space inside the backpack. It features a large transparent acrylic window so your pet can enjoy the view, three breathable mesh windows, and nine ventilation holes.
This pet backpack has a reinforced structure designed to prevent it from collapsing on your pet. And an interior tether attaches to your dog’s harness to keep them from running away when the top mesh window is open.
The shoulder straps are heavily padded to make long trips more comfortable for you. And the backpack’s waist and chest buckles provide extra support and stability for even weight distribution and to keep your pet from slipping.
A sole reviewer said this pet backpack was uncomfortable to carry “because the back is so stiff.”
Pros and Cons of the COVONO Expandable Pet Carrier Backpack
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This pet backpack is airline approved. | One reviewer reported that this backpack was uncomfortable to carry because the back is stiff. |
| It features a rear expandable design that doubles the space inside. | |
| It features a large transparent acrylic window, three breathable mesh windows, and nine ventilation holes. | |
| This backpack has a reinforced structure that keeps it from collapsing on your pet. | |
| An interior tether attaches to your dog’s harness so they can’t run away when the top mesh window is open. | |
| The shoulder straps are heavily padded and the waist and chest buckles provide extra support and stability for even weight distribution. |
- This pet backpack is airline approved.
- It's rear expandable design allows you to double the space inside the backpack.
- It features a large, transparent acrylic window, three breathable mesh windows, and nine ventilation holes.
- This backpack features a sturdy and safe reinforced structure to prevent it from collapsing on your pet while traveling.
- It's comfortable to wear thanks to waist and chest buckles and shoulder straps with extra padding.
Choosing the Best: What to Look For
When choosing the best backpack for your pet, there are three essential factors that you should have in your mind. Functionality, safety, and comfort.
Functionality
A backpack with mesh windows lets your pet watch the world go by while providing essential ventilation.
If you trek for long distances, you need a backpack with adjustable shoulder, chest, and waist straps to distribute your pet’s weight on your back, to distribute weight evenly and keep your pet from sliding around.
Safety
As mentioned above, ventilation is essential. Lack of ventilation may lead to the suffocation of your pet and subsequent death. Also, you should choose a backpack with a tether inside to secure your pet so it doesn’t escape.
Comfort
Your pet’s backpack should have a comfortable interior to allow it to turn around and avoid getting tired. Most importantly, you should pick a backpack that fits your dog’s size and weight so it doesn’t get cramped inside.
Our Criteria: How We Chose the Best
When it comes to pet backpacks, we took many factors into consideration, starting with safety features. Any device intended to carry your pet must be big enough to support their weight with some wiggle room.
We value durability and comfort for both you and your fur baby. We chose backpacks with thick, padded straps for you so your pet’s weight won’t wear you down since you’ll be the one carrying the load.
Finally, our choices provide comfort for your pet with breathable, mesh windows and soft interior materials. Your pet should feel secure yet not constricted.
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| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | K9 SPORT SACK Air 2 |
| Best for Small-Sized Pets | PetAmi Deluxe Backpack Dog & Cat Carrier |
| Best for Biking | K&H Pet Products Travel Bike Dog Backpack |
| Best Airline Approved | COVONO Expandable Pet Carrier Backpack |
Best Pet Backpacks: Ranked and Reviewed FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Are all pets’ backpacks allowed in air travel?
No. Air travel authorities have regulations that bar you from using backpacks while traveling.
Can you ride a bike with a dog in your backpack?
Yes. There are backpack options designed to carry your dog on a bike.
Is it safe to ride a bicycle with a dog in the backpack?
Yes. It is safe to ride a bike with a dog in your backpack if it has a tether inside the bag that keeps your pet inside, preventing it from jumping out while riding on rough or bumpy terrain.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.
