123RF (Melissa Horsley)
As with all things pet-related, choosing a good dog hiking backpack requires a balance of good fit, durability, and your aesthetic tastes. The cost on dog backpacks varies from under $20 to nearly $200; within that price range are several excellent choices that will last several years when used properly. For those looking to have their dog pull their own weight on the trail, here are the best dog hiking backpacks available right now:
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1. Ruffwear Palisades Multi-Day Backcountry Pack
Pros:- Saddlebags are removable
- Load compression helps distribute the weight
- Two collapsable one liter hydration bottles included
- Built around the excellent Web Master Harness
Cons:- Pricey
- Only available in red
- Though there are two leash attachment points, both are at the back
On the other hand, if you are headed out for a multi-day adventure, capacity and flexibility are paramount. This Ruffwear option has both in spades. First, this is a rather large pack, so your dog will be able to carry every bit of the maximum 25 percent of their body weight, which will be comfortably distributed thanks to load compression.
Some of that weight will be in the form of water, as this pack includes two one liter bottles to keep your pup hydrated. If the weight gets to be too much or there’s a tricky pass to navigate, you can either use the top handle or remove the saddlebags for part of the journey. Doing this leaves behind the company’s Web Master Harness (itself a $59.99 value), so you can still safely walk your dog on a leash. This pack is available in three sizes for the following chest girths:
- Small: 22-27 inches (56-69 cm)
- Medium: 27-32 inches (69-81 cm)
- Large/X-Large: 32-42 inches (81-107 cm)
Ruffwear also offers the Approach pack, which is cheaper, but doesn’t allow you to remove the saddlebags. The one I’ve been using of late with my husky mix is the Singletrak, which focuses on the hydration angle. Two 0.6 liter bottles are included on this otherwise streamlined unit.
My husky drinks a ton, so I’ve been grateful to have him carry his own water. If you’re planning on taking any of these packs (and your dog, of course) camping, you might also consider grabbing their newly-released Knot-a-Hitch Dog Hitching System to keep them near the campsite.
Find more Ruffwear Palisades Multi-Day Backcountry Pack information and reviews here.
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2. Kurgo Baxter Dog Backpack
Pros:- Eight adjustment points
- Padded spine support
- Top handle
- Saddlebags are adjustable in relation to the harness
Cons:- Only one leash attachment point (but hey, it doubles as a bottle opener)
- Saddlebags look as though they should be removable, but are not
- Too small for the largest dogs
- Compartments open front-to-back, so zippers may snag and open on bushes
For a good all-arounder option, consider this model from Kurgo. Available in two sizes (dogs 30-85 pounds or dogs 50-110 pounds), you’ll likely have to spend a little time adjusting this to get it right. There are eight different adjustment points to make sure this process is successful. Once you do have it adjusted, though, the padded spine will help with weight distribution and keep your dog comfortable.
The smaller size fits 3.75 liters, while the larger fits 7.5 liters and reflective material is integrated throughout the bag for added visibility. Choose between orange and black, Coastal Blue, or Barn Red. Some reviewers noted that the seams started to come apart, but Kurgo’s lifetime warranty should cover issues like that, if you should experience any.
Find more Kurgo Baxter Dog Backpack information and reviews here.
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3. Mountainsmith K-9 Dog Pack
Pros:- Four-point adjustable padded chest harness
- Independently adjustable rear harness
- Large pannier-style compartments for ample storage
- Three sizes
Cons:- Initial adjustment can be tricky with so many straps
- Some reviewers noted chafing
- Only one leash attachment point
This first option was designed with the input of a veterinarian to fit dogs comfortably. It’s made from 210d Junior Ripstop nylon, with seams reinforced with 420d Duramax and high-visibility 3M trim for low-light hiking. Carrying capacity is provided by two fairly large, zippered pannier compartments. Though some reviews note chafing, proper fit should ensure this is relatively infrequent as the straps are padded to prevent it.
While there’s only one attachment point for a leash, there is a top handle for helping your dog navigate tricky terrain or water hazards. There are three sizes, all available in red or blue, so be sure to measure and follow the sizing guide. Each of them weigh less than 20 ounces when empty. The sizes offer the following capacities:
- Small: 860 cubic inches (14 liters)
- Medium: 1460 cubic inches (24 liters)
- Large: 1860 cubic inches (32 liters)
Find more Mountainsmith K-9 Dog Pack information and reviews here.
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4. Bum’s Pack Dog Backpack
Pros:- Doubles as a life jacket
- Highly reflective panels
- Includes a water bottle
Cons:- Only two sizes
- Can't do both jobs at the same time
- Only two colors
If you do a wide range of activities with your dog, you may want to consider this dual purpose dog backpack. With the inclusion of floatation foam, this pack can become a dog life jacket when needed. The panels fit nicely into each compartment to offer good floating support for water-based activities.
When you want it to convert to a hiking dog pack, simply remove the panels and store them. The pack itself secures with an adjustable, low-profile chest strap and a belly strap. The design is meant to reduce chafing, so if you’ve struggled with that on other options, this might be the solution.
Otherwise, it’s constructed of breathable mesh, includes a leash attachment, and also has a spot for a water bottle – which is included with purchase. This comes in black and pink in two sizes:
- Medium – 12 to 22 inch length, 15 to 26 inch neck, 23 to 35 inch chest
- Large – 18 to 30 inch length, 24 to 35 inch neck, 28 to 40 inch chest
Find more Bum's Pack Dog Backpack information and reviews here.
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5. Outward Hound Denver Urban Lightweight Hiking Backpack
Pros:- Four pockets for stashing gear
- Two leash attachment points
- Lightweight
- Mesh top to keep your dog cool
Cons:- Smaller capacity than some options
- May be difficult to put on and take off
- Potentially somewhat unstable if not tightened properly
If you aren’t going camping or for a multi-day hike, you might not need the capacity of some of the options on this list. This model is specifically aimed at day hikes, with the smaller volume of space offset to some degree by the availability of four separate compartments. Your dog will still be able to carry treats, some water, and a couple of other small essentials. This would be a good option for walks around town, especially because there are two leash attachment points, which you’ll need if your dog is anything like mine.
Some reviewers complain that it’s difficult to put on and take off, but you’re sure to get the hang of it quickly, especially if you normally use a harness for your dog. Outward Hound also offer the Daypak, which is cheaper but not quite as stylish.
Find more Outward Hound Denver Urban Lightweight Hiking Backpack information and reviews here.
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6. Pettom Dog Saddle Backpack
Pros:- Removable saddlebags
- Waterproof material
- Load compression system
- Covered buckles
Cons:- Only one leash attachment point
- Somewhat tricky buckle placement
- May run a bit big
- Heavier than other options
Billed as the cheap alternative to the Ruffwear Palisades above, this pack also offers removable saddlebags over an integrated, full-coverage harness. The material and zippers are both designed to keep water out of the pack, while the reflective trim increases visibility. Speaking of keeping water out, unlike the Ruffwear, this one does not come with water bottles, so you’ll have to supply your own if you go this route.
Still, this is a solid option with three size options, all of which have greater capacity than the Kurgo above. Here’s how those break down, all available in either the pictured red or bright green:
- Small: 22 to 27 inch chest girth, 10 liter capacity
- Medium: 27 to 32 inch chest girth, 14 liter capacity
- Large: 32 to 42 inch chest girth, 19 liter capacity
Find more Pettom Dog Saddle Backpack information and reviews here.
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7. OneTigris Canvas Dog Backpack
Pros:- Cool vintage look
- Two leash attachment points
- Six total pockets
- Additional D rings for clipping items
Cons:- Only one size: 30 to 45 inch chest girth and smaller than 28 inch neck
- Won’t resist water as well as some other options
- Saddlebags aren’t removable
This option follows more along the lines of the Outward Hound above. It’s style first, with the vintage canvas look like old military surplus. Unlike the other options, this isn’t built around a harness, rather a simple series of three straps. There’s also no load-bearing technology in here, so this is better suited to day hikes or walks around town.
Where this one excels is compartmentalization. There are the two primary pockets, inside which are two zippered interior pockets. On the outside of the main compartments are two Velcro pockets for quick access. Lots of places to stash little things, which should just about do the trick for everyday use.
Find more OneTigris Canvas Dog Backpack information and reviews here.
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8. Wellver Dog Backpack
Pros:- Inexpensive
- Very lightweight
- Relatively modern look
- Good starter option
Cons:- Not the most rugged option
- Limited storage space
- Only one leash attachment point
- Sizes run small
For out last pick, here is another cheap and cheerful option that would be equally good for light duty or for training purposes. Like the option above, this model is better suited to smaller dogs, with sizes available for dogs ranging from 11 to 55 pounds. The largest size (X-large, unfortunately unavailable at the time of this writing) would just about work for my blue nose pit, and is perfect for loading him up with pick-up bags and treats for a long walk.
The mesh construction makes up for being less durable by being very breathable, so a gentle dog should be able to make use of this daily and remain comfortable. The available sizes are:
- Small: 19 to 21 inch chest girth
- Medium: 23 to 25 inch chest girth
- Large: 27 to 31 inch chest girth
If you prefer, they offer an alternate style, as well.
Find more Wellver Dog Backpack information and reviews here.
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9. Lifeunion 2 in 1 Dog Backpack
Pros:- Removable saddlebags
- Water resistant material
- Load compression system
Cons:- Lacking a sternum strap for better stability
- A bit more cheaply made than other options
- Top handle not padded
Another option that takes after the Ruffwear and Pettom above, this is the budget version of those two, coming in at a lower price. There’s some trade-off there in terms of construction and materials, but if you only need a bag occasionally and really value the saddlebag removal function, this could be a viable option for you.
Like those two, there is a load compression system to keep things balanced and ease strain on your pup. The top handle is rubber instead of padded, but that’s unlikely to make much of a difference in the long run.
The size fittings are as follows:
Small: 20 to 27 inch chest girth
Medium: 25 to 32 inch chest girth
Large: 31 to 40 inch chest girth
If you don’t need the saddlebags to be removable, Lifeunion offers two other options: saddle bag style and a tapered design.
When your dog is your best friend, it's only natural that you'd want to take them with you everywhere. This might be as simple as letting them tag along in the car when you go to the store or as needlessly complicated as buying them a seat on an airplane so they can travel to far-off destinations. This is especially true of outdoor adventures.
Dog Backpacks - What Dogs Can Carry and Where
Hiking day trips or treks to a camping spot make the perfect activity for your dog companion. In some cases, that may be the explicit reason for getting a dog in the first place — having a creature that requires outdoor exercise which in turn inspires your own outdoor exercise. Dog love hiking because it allows them to explore beyond their normal neighborhood, offering all kinds of exotic smells.
Whether the hike is just a few hours or a peak-bagging marathon, outfitting your dog with its own backpack means your pup can share the load wherever you go. While this sort of activity is generally aimed at younger, stronger dogs, just about any dog can carry their own treats, for example.
They could also bear your small tools and utensils, first aid supplies, or even just an energy bar or two. The added burden can make it a more rigorous workout, which you may find useful if you have a dog anything like my just-barely-two-year-old husky mix. No amount of running or walking in a given day is ever enough for him, so strapping a pack on him benefits both of us.
To that end, even if your dog is a bona fide firecracker like mine, you'll want to start slow. Wearing a dog pack is a lot like wearing an especially annoying harness, so if they haven't mastered that yet, they aren't ready for a backpack.
Once they've got that down, you can move onto short hikes with an empty pack, and slowly increase duration and weight until you hit maximum capacity. Be sure to check in with your vet so they can advise you throughout this process.
How Much Can My Dog Carry In a Backpack?
Keep in mind that having your dog carry even their own supplies will in turn increase the amount of supplies that need to be carried. As it is, hiking will increase your dog's fuel requirements above a normal day, but so will bearing a load while they do it. In addition to food and treats, you might also have them carry their own footwear or a safety light.
For more ideas and guidelines, check out this post from REI. A good general rule is that your dog can carry up to 1/4 of their body weight. Whether your specific dog can achieve this depends on their overall health and the opinion of your vet.
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