The Best Backpacks For Dogs
Hiking and trekking with your furry best friend can be a blast, but there's really no reason for you to shoulder the full burden of your belongings alone when they are by your side. Indeed, with a dog backpack, your canine companion can help share the load, making the adventure more enjoyable for the both of you. From thick padding and ergonomic adjustment points to sturdy zippers and saddlebags, the best options out there come with tons of features that will keep your pup remain comfortable but also make it easy to access and transport your necessities. And if you have any reservations about putting your dog to work, remember: most breeds were bred for labor, and will get real satisfaction out of being able to help during the journey.
OneTigris Dog Hoppy Camper Doggy Backpack 2.0
The underdog
Whether you’re planning on hitting the trails, doing some car camping, or just going for a long stroll with Buster, this pack is the one you and he will want strapped to his back. Sporting two side compartments capable of holding all the essentials — treats, poop bags, and some water — this pack’s practicality is clear. But practicality aside, the thing just looks good, too. Its high-density cotton canvas material makes lends it a dash of style that sets it apart from the competition.
Pros:
- Impressive capacity in the storage compartments
- Easy to put on your pooch
- Decent price
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a leash ring or a carry handle on the top/back
- Not the most comfortable for your dog
OneTigris Mammoth Large Dog Backpack for Hiking
Large and in charge
If you want to put your German Shepard or chocolate lab to work on your next outdoor outing, this one from OneTigris will help you do it. It’s specifically designed for use on large-size dog breeds, and this is reflected both in the size of the darn thing itself as well as the large capacity of the pouches on its sides. On the outside of the side pouches, you’ll also find elastic utility loops where you can stash extra items if they don’t fit in the pouch. As for your pooch’s comfort, worry not: thanks to the UTX-Duraflex buckles and the padded mesh lining, this thing is adjustable and comfortable.
Pros:
- Hidden zipper design so your dog doesn’t get pinched
- The 3L pouches hold quite a lot
- Clips for leashes and a reinforced grab handle
Cons:
- Doesn’t contain reflectives
OneTigris Mammoth Medium Dog Pack
Middle of the pack
It may not look like your traditional dog backpack, but this one is every bit as capable of turning your canine companion into a load-carrying team player as any others. Its design is inspired by the same kind of tactical gear that you’d find in the military, featuring Velcro sections for attaching patches and name tags, exterior bungee-cord webbing for holding a flashlight and poop bags, and a top handle that you can use to lift your pup over difficult terrain. Of course, one of the defining characteristics of military equipment is durability, and it’s got that going for it, too: the whole thing is made of sturdy 1000D nylon material, which does a good job resisting scratches and scuffs while you and your friend bound through bushes and scramble over rocks.
Pros:
- Streamlined, lightweight design
- Hidden zippers prevent hair from catching
Cons:
- Carrying capacity is limited
Excellent Elite Spanker Backpack
Room for all
While other products on the market have more to offer in other aspects, few can boast the sheer shore capacity that this one can. Utilizing a left-right symmetric design, this pack sports large-capacity pouches that’ll hold just about anything you can think of. From food and water to maps and hiking tools, this pack is extremely useful, and most dogs find it quite comfortable, too. Of course, whenever using it, be sure not to burden Fido with more weight than he can reasonably carry; remember, dogs can’t voice their discomfort, so make use of the large capacity on this pack wisely.
Pros:
- Available in four earthy colors
- Thanks to the harness and the leash ring, it does double duty as a harness
- High-quality stitching
Cons:
- It may be a bit tricky finding the perfect size for your dog
Ruffwear Approach Pack
Ruff and tumble
From a leader in the field of dog toys and accessories, the Ruffwear Approach Pack is a real piece of outdoor gear, but tailored for your canine companion. It’s every bit as rugged and functional as your own rucksack, featuring an integrated harness with five different adjustment points, two radial-cut saddlebags that help distribute and compress weight, and lightweight, breathable materials that will keep its wearer cool during strenuous activity. It evens boasts reflective trim around the pockets, so you don’t have to worry about what happens if your adventure extends into the night.
Pros:
- Padded handle is easy to grab
- Strong, steel V-ring leash attachment
- Comes in four different sizes
- Multiple colors available
Cons:
- A little pricey
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dog backpack?
As the name suggests, dog backpacks — also referred to as dog vests or dog saddlebags — are packs designed for canines. They sit on your dog’s back and are attached to the body via a harness and a system of straps. And most dog backpacks have two large pockets, or saddlebags, that hang on either side of the body, as well as any number of smaller pockets throughout the harness. Together, these features allow your dog to carry items while also moving around, which makes dog backpacks a great accessory to have while walking, running, hiking, or camping.
What should I look for in a dog backpack?
Dog backpacks offer a range of features, but the thing you should consider first and foremost is the harness. You want something that’s comfortable enough that your dog can wear it for an extended period of time without being bothered, so you should make sure that component is made with plenty of padding and breathable materials. You also want to consider the size and adjustment options of the harness: some packs come in sizes that are weight-specific, while others are more flexible, incorporating adjustable straps that help the pack conform to various body types.
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