If you love going for outdoor excursions with your canine companion, a dog backpack is a must-have pet accessory. When you are going on such trips, you already have too much to carry. A little help from your furry friend will always come in handy and most dogs take to wearing from well.
Aside from helping you carry their doggie essentials, a dog backpack gives them a task, and when dogs have a task they tend to focus more on it and less on distractions. Some backpacks will come with a harness, which is always helpful if you need to attach a leash to the backpack.
If you are looking for the best backpack for your furry friend, you have come to the right place. In this guide, I will be listing the 5 best dog backpacks on the market for you to choose from, and I will also be telling you everything there is to know to make the most suitable choice.
Our best pick, the Kurgo Dog Backpack has by far the best reviews on Amazon and is available in a few sizes. It features a breathable mesh fabric for breathability. It has an integrated dog leash and a hook you can use to control your dog’s movement when you need to. We love that it’s adjustable, and you can get just the right fit. It’s available in different sizes with side pockets big enough for all your dog’s essentials and has a reflexive strip for improved night visibility.
BEST PICK
Runner up
Top 5 Best Dog Backpacks Reviews
1. Kurgo Dog Backpack
BEST PICK
Buy from Amazon.co.uk
If you love going out on outdoor trips with your dog and you are looking for a dog pack to carry all their doggie essentials, this is one of the best dog backpacks you will find on the market today in terms of quality. It has an ergonomic design that perfectly fits and contours onto your dog’s body so that they are comfortable carrying it. It has 8 points of adjustment, allowing you to fit it perfectly on your dog, these small design details are what makes it such as a good fit for most dogs.
It’s made using durable, lightweight materials so your dog will be using it for a long time assuming. he doesn’t start jumping through brambles. To make it comfortable for your dog even when the weather is hot, the backpack is made of breathable mesh material. This is important as it ensures that your dog does not overheat and that they remain comfortable, especially when they will be carrying some extra weight.
It is two-sided, which provides you with enough space for all your dog’s essentials like water bottles, food, doggy bags, treats, medications, among other things. The two-sided aspect also helps keep everything balanced, speaking of balance it is important to keep both sides balanced so that it fits properly and is comfortable for your dog to wear.
This backpack also comes with an integrated harness with a leash hook at the back if you need to leash your dog at some point on the trip. The leash also doubles as a handy bottle opener if you want to enjoy a beer or a soda, and you don’t have an opener.
If your dog is stuck in water or you need to help them up steep rocks, there is a padded handle that you can use to hoist them up which again is another design often overlooked on many alternatives. This handle also has a reflexive strip, which enhances your dog’s visibility in the dark or dimly lit environment.
The Kurgo dog backpack is available in medium and large sizes depending on your dog’s size. The medium size backpack is suitable for dogs weighing 30-85, pounds while the large size is for dogs weighing 50-110 pounds. It’s available in three colors, and you can choose from black, red or blue.
To make sure customer satisfaction is guaranteed, the manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on this backpack.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty for full peace of mind
- Features an ergonomic design that fits and contours on the dog’s body, ensuring they are comfortable carrying it
- Made of high-quality durable materials
- It has an integrated harness and a leash hook for when you want to leash your dog
- Two side pockets provide enough space for all your doggie essentials
- Features a padded handle at the top that allows you to hoist the pet out of the water or when they are stuck somewhere
- Features a breathable mesh fabric, which protects the dog from overheating in warm weather
- It’s available in two different sizes
- Available in different colours
- Reflexive strip for easy visibility in the darkness
Cons
- The straps can be a little hard on the dog if you don’t fit them right, just don’t make them too snug.
- Not fully waterproof but a workaround is to put any water-sensitive items in a ziplock bag first
Why do we recommend it?
If you are looking for a dog backpack that’s built to last, then this is the one to buy. It’s made of durable materials and features an ergonomic design that perfectly contours on your dog. This makes it comfortable for the dog. It’s also made of breathable mesh material that keeps your pet from overheating.
We love that there is an integrated harness and a hook for the leash if you need to leash the dog at some point on the trip. The padded handle at the top also allows you to hoist the dog up when they are stuck which is useful. This is the ultimate dog backpack for the outdoors it’s just a shame it’s not fully waterproof but it is water-resistant which should be enough for most trips. Overall a quality dog backpack that comes with a lifetime guarantee, what more do you need.
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2. PETTOM 2 in 1 Dog Saddle Bag
Runner-up
Buy from Amazon.co.uk
This is another ideal backpack for dogs if you are looking for one. It’s one of the best dog saddle backpacks you will find on the market for all your outdoor trips with your dog and this one is waterproof. It has two side pockets on each side of the backpack, which is enough to carry all your dog’s essentials.
It is made of breathable mesh material that allows air circulation so that it is comfortable for your dog to wear in whichever weather. The material used to make this backpack is also waterproof as already mentioned. This not only makes it easy to clean but also if your dog walks through the water of gets rained on, the pack quickly dries, allowing your dog to be comfortable.
It’s a 2-in-1 kind of a backpack, which means you can remove the side pockets when not needed, and just use the harness for easy control of your pet. This is handy if your dog wants to go for a swim as you can remove the side pockets. Even. though they are waterproof we still recommend moving them as you would want them to get caught on something while there swimming. The leash hook at the top of the backpack allows you to securely attach a leash to it which most models have.
For improved visibility in a dim-lit environment, or when it’s dark, this backpack features reflexive patches on each side, that allow you to spot your dog easily and more important so it reflects in cars headlights.
At the top of the backpack, there is a handle for hoisting your dog through obstacles if they get stuck by any chance, again this is useful in many situations where you need to help your dog, especially on rock climbing trails.
The adjustable straps allow you to adjust the backpack around your dog so that you can get just the right fit. The buckles are easy to buckle and undo, making it easy to put this backpack on the dog.
It’s available in three sizes, and you can choose the most suitable size for your dog. The medium size is 19-23 inches around the chest and 13-20 inches around the neck, the large size is 27-32 around the chest and 16-22 for the neck, while the extra-large size is 32-42 inches around the chest and 18-31 inches for the neck. Make sure you take accurate measurements of your dog before buying to get the right size for them.
It’s available in both orange and purple colours, and you can choose the one you prefer.
Pros
- Made of a breathable mesh which is comfortable for the dog
- Made of a waterproof material which is easy to clean
- A handle at the top of the backpack allows you to assist your dog through obstacles
- It’s a 2-in-1 backpack, which means that you can remove the saddle pockets and use it as a harness.
- Adjustable straps for just the right fit
- Available in different sizes and you can pick the most suitable one for your dog
- It has reflexive patches to improve your dog’s visibility in the darkness.
Why do we recommend it?
This backpack is ideal for you if you are looking for something versatile. We love that you can remove the saddlebags on the side and just use the harness. It’s made of a quality waterproof material, which makes cleaning easy as well as keeps items stored inside dry. This is important as there are a lot of alternatives options that are not even water-resistant. The breathable mesh material makes it comfortable for your pet to wear as well.
It’s available in different sizes for you to pick the most suitable one for your dog. Overall its another quality backpack for your dog and one that we highly recommend.
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3. OneTigris Backpack for Dogs
Buy from Amazon.co.uk
The OneTigris is another ideal choice if you are looking for a solid dog backpack for your outdoor excursion. It’s made of high-quality durable nylon material, which means your dog will be using it for a long time.
It has a breathable mesh material that allows air circulation to keep the dog comfortable and prevent it from overheating in warm weather.
This backpack has two 3-litre pockets on each side, enough for all your dog’s essentials. The pockets each have bungee straps that you can loop either a water bottle in or an umbrella if you need more room.
At the top of this backpack, there is a handle that allows you to assist your dog through obstacles and a leash hook at one end of the handle where you can hook up a leash when you need to closely control your dog.
Open zippers always present problems of the dog’s hair getting caught up in them, which can be painful for the dog, they can also get snagged on bushes and someone be pulled open. This is why this backpack has hidden zippers, which eliminates that problem.
The belly buckles snap in place securely, ensuring that the backpack does not come off easily. The straps are also adjustable, allowing you to adjust the backpack on your dog to the perfect fit. This backpack will accommodate dogs measuring 18-23.5 inches around the neck and 25-30.5 inches around the chest. Make sure you measure your dog to make sure you get the right fit.
Pros
- Made of breathable mesh material for free airflow, which keeps your dog comfortable even on longer trips
- Has a leash hook at the top for hooking up a leash when you need to control your pet
- Has a handle for assisting your dog through obstacles
- Hidden zippers ensure the dog’s hair is not caught in the zipper, which can be painful
- Made of durable nylon material
- Bungee straps on the pockets allow you to carry more outdoor gear.
Cons
- Only available in one size
Why do we recommend it?
This is an ideal backpack if you are planning an outdoor trip with your furry friend but it does have one potential issue that won’t affect everyone. The Bungie cords can get caught on bushes, branches etc. If your dog is the type to often run through thick bushes it may not be for you, however, if your dog is the type to stay next to you and stick to paths, it could be a good option.
Dog’s hair getting stuck in zippers is always a painful affair, and we love that the manufacturers were thoughtful enough to design this backpack with hidden zippers. The bungee straps on either side of the pouches that allow you to pack more outdoor gear are also a thoughtful addition should the above not be a problem.
With the leash hook, you can leash your precious pet whenever you are in a dangerous environment, and you need to keep them safe. Overall most will find it well made and is a little different than the other options out there.
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4. Outward Hound Kyjen 22005 DayPak Dog Backpack
Buy from Amazon.co.uk
This is another dog backpack that is a perfect accessory for your dog and it offers amazing value being far more affordable than most alternatives. The bag features expandable pockets that make the bag functional for both small and larger loads. You do not have to worry about adding a dog collar for the dog leash as the bag has a D-ring feature at the top where you can attach a leash when you need to control their movement.
With this bag on, you do not need to worry about your dog’s visibility when you are out late in the evenings, as the bag backpack has a reflective strip that draws attention to the dog. The Outward Hound design takes your dog’s comfort into full consideration with breathable mesh material and adjustable straps for the best fit.
We love the saddlebag design that reduces strain on your dog’s spine and introduces a fashionable aspect to the entire look. The Daypack is the perfect bag for your dog to carry essentials on a trip outside the house. The bag also provides convenient storage that can expand to fit more outdoor gear if needed.
Pro
- Bright and reflective features increase visibility
- Offers excellent value for money being one of the most affordable options
- Adjustable straps for comfort
- Expandable pockets for extra space
- D-ring provides a place for attaching a dog leash
- The breathable mesh material makes up part of the strapping for the dog’s comfort
Cons
- May not be a good fit for whippets
Why do we recommend it?
This backpack is ideal for a short stroll outside the house, but its adjustable pockets make it perfect for a hike. The bag manufacturers considered the dog’s safety by adding bright colours and reflective features onto the design.
The bag has a creative flair to it, which we are particularly fond of. Nobody likes a dull-looking dog. Also, the backpack is of high quality and durable while still be affordable and beating most alternatives in price. You will have no trouble putting it on your pet as it is super easy to work with too. For the price, it simply offers amazing value.
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5. Cesar Millan Dog Backpack
Buy from Amazon.co.uk
If comfort and useful functions are what you’re looking for, this is the dog backpack just for you. This bag considers your dog’s playful tendencies by re-enforcing the stitching to make the bag extra-sturdy. It also features water-resistant materials that protect your valuables as well as the dog’s vital body parts.
We especially love the centre buckle attached to a padded cross-section protecting the dog’s neck and shoulders from excessive strain. The backpack also features mesh padding that keeps the dog comfortable and cool when wearing the backpack.
In case your dog tends to run away from you when you’re outside, the bag has reflective features that improve visibility in the dark or poor lighting.
The bag’s design is infused with some elastic material to give your dog room to wiggle around and enjoy being playful while out and about. With this design, your dog’s comfort is given the highest priority. Handling the dog and keeping them under control shouldn’t worry you because the bag has a provision for an attachment for the dog leash.
Pro
- Water-resistant nature protects the dog as well as the bag’s contents
- Reflective features, coupled with bright colors, makes the dog visible in darkness and low light environments.
- The Center buckle makes the bag perfectly balanced for the dog to carry.
- Breathable mesh materials allow the dog to maintain average body temperature and comfort
- Strong straps to keep up with the dogs’ playful nature
Con
- Putting on the backpack might be a little bit of hustle as the straps have to go under the dog’s legs and over the head, but once on, it’s a breeze to fit.
- Materials could perhaps be improved and it has not d ring for a lead but it does still fit while using a standard collar.
Why do we recommend it?
This bag has the perfect balance of function and comfort, not to mention aesthetics. The centred buckle adds extra balance and stability to the bag, making it easier for the dog to move around. Double-stitching makes the belt buckles extra sturdy and long-lasting but the quality of the materials have raised concerns on other reviews we read during our research.
The bag has some extra padding for your dog’s comfort, so you do not worry about hurting your dog when you pack heavy for a hike. The bags are spacious enough for your phone, keys, and other light things.
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Buyer’s guide
What makes a great dog backpack?
If it’s your first time buying a dog backpack, we are sure you want to get it right on the first purchase. You might also have bought some that were not the best fit before, and you want to nail it this time. Here are crucial guiding factors to consider when looking for a dog’s backpack.
Size
You could buy the best backpack on the market, but if it does not fit your dog right, it’s of no use. To make sure you get the size right, take accurate measurements of your dog. Essentially, backpacks will have an indicated size range for the neck and the chest. Make sure your dog’s measurements fall within this range.
When thinking about size, think about the size of the backpack as well. Ideally, it should be big enough to carry all the dog essentials you want to offload on your dog. You should, however, be careful not to overload them with more than they should carry. Dogs should carry no more than 25% of their body weight.
Fit and adjustability
Get a dog backpack that fits your dog well. It should be snug enough to avoid coming off, but not too snug to hurt your dog. If it’s too snug, the resulting friction between the dog’s skin and the backpack could result in an injury. This is why a dog backpack should be adjustable. This way, you can make sure it’s just the right fit when you put it on them.
Breathability
When you are buying a dog’s backpack, you are supposed to make sure you buy one that your dog will be comfortable wearing even when you are going on long trips. For this reason, most backpacks will have a breathable mesh fabric that allows air to circulate and keep your dog comfortable. This also protects them from overheating if you are going out in warm weather.
Material and durability
If you want to get a dog backpack that will stand the test of time, you want to make sure you buy one that’s made with quality durable material.
Night visibility
If your dog ever strays when it’s dark, you want to make sure they will be visible, at least to the road traffic. That’s why some backpacks will have some reflexive part that boosts their visibility at night. Aside from straying, when your dog is visible, accidents can be avoided.
Other important features
These are other important features that make a backpack great you should consider.
A leash hook-most backpacks will have a D-ring at the top of the backpack that allows you to hook in a dog leash when you want to control their movement, especially in risky areas. Some backpacks don’t have. this feature so you need to use a standard collar as well which his a little disappointing.
Handle-most backpacks have a handle at the top that allows you to help your dog through obstacles by using the handle to hoist them.
Bungee loops-these loops are not necessary if the backpack is large enough, but if you want room for more outdoor gear like an umbrella or a water bottle, the loops come in handy. However, they can also become a problem if your dog bolts through bushes as they can get snagged.
In conclusion,
If you love exploring the outdoors with your fur baby, then a dog backpack is an essential you can’t do without or at least makes your life a little easier. In this guide, I have listed some very worthy contenders if you are looking for the best one on the market.
Our best pick, the Kurgo dog backpack, is a good place to start your search for your next dog backpack for your pet. It has an ergonomic design that contours perfectly on your dog. It’s available in different sizes, and you can pick the one that best suits your dog. The backpack also has a breathable mesh fabric to keep your dog even on long trips. It has a handle that for helping your dog through obstacles, and it also has a leash hook for a leash if you need to control your dog’s movement. This leash hook also doubles as a bottle opener.
Our runner up PETTOM 2 in 1 dog saddlebag is a good alternative if you are looking for something a bit cheaper but versatile. The 2-in-1 allows you to use it as a backpack or as a harness, whatever suits you and your dog best at the moment. It’s made using a waterproof material, which is easy to clean, has a breathable mesh which ensures that the dog remains comfortable even on long trips, and is available in different sizes and two colours.
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