Best Dog Backpacks of 2025/26
Top Comfortable and Safe Dog Backpacks for Hiking, Camping, and Urban Dog Walks
November 18th, 2025
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Ever wished your dog could carry their own gear? With the best dog backpacks, they can.
A dog backpack can be used for urban trips, day hikes, overnight backpacking trips, or multi-day excursions for your dog to carry their food, water, bowls, sleeping bags, sweaters, poop bags, and other essential dog hiking gear or dog camping gear.
Modern dog backpacks take comfort and safety into mind for pups, and prioritize safe fits, free movement, breathable features, and good weight distribution that reduces the stress on your dog’s body.
The Treeline Review testers have been testing dog backpacks for the past six years with seven different dogs of various ages, sizes, and builds. We tested 10 backpacks for this guide, and previously tested 7 dog backpacks for a previous version of this guide.
Each backpack was tested in a variety of different trail conditions depending on its intended use case. We hiked with our dogs in each of these packs, and tested them on everything from the 165-mile long Tahoe Rim Trail in California and Nevada, to the 300-mile Chinook Trail in the Columbia River Gorge in Washington and Oregon, to fourteeners in Colorado and overnight camping trips in Moab, Utah.
We evaluated each backpack for a comfortable, unrestrictive fit, good weight distribution that didn’t put too much stress on our tester dogs’ bodies, and how well each pack was able to fit essential dog gear like water, dog food, collapsible bowls, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads.
We also evaluated secondary factors like waterproofing, breathability, reflective details, ease of use and price to determine the dog backpack most worth your money.
Considering these factors, the best overall dog backpack is the Ruffwear Approach. Its durability, versatility for dogs of multiple sizes and shapes, and unique comfort features make it worthy of a spot on your dog’s gear list.
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Comparison table
| DOG PACK | TREELINE AWARD | MSRP* | SIZES | NUMBER OF POCKETS | LEASH ATTACHMENT POINT | HANDLE | ADJUSTABLE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffwear Approach | Best Overall Dog Pack Read review |
$100 | S-XL | 4 | Y | Y | Y |
| Wilderdog Dog Backpack | Best Affordable Dog Pack Read review |
$29 | S-L | 4 | Y | Y | Y |
| Non-stop Dogwear Trail Light Dog Backpack | Best Lightweight Dog Pack Read review |
$130 | XS-XL | 2 | Y | Y | Y |
| Non-stop Dogwear Amundsen Pack | Best Large-capacity Dog Pack Read review |
$220 | 2XS-2XL | 2 | Y | Y | Y |
| Non-stop Dogwear Trail Quest Pack | Best for Small and Large Dogs Read review |
$140 | XS-XL | 2 | Y | Y | Y |
The winners
Best overall dog backpack: Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack
Price: $100
Weight: 0.73 pounds (XS), 0.94 pounds (S), 1.1 pounds (M), 1.3 pounds (L/XL)
Capacity: 5L (XS), 10L (S), 13L (M), 21L (L/XL)
Fit range: XS (17-22 inch chest), S (22-27 inch chest), M (27-32 inch chest), L/XL (32 - 42 inch chest)
Materials: Polyester ripstop outer with DWR and PU coating, harness chassis with laminated, molded bonded polyester mesh and perforated PE foam
What we liked: Organization pockets help with weight distribution, “flopper stopper” system helps keep the saddlebags from shifting during use
What we didn’t like: You have to lift one of your dog’s legs to put it on, only comes in three sizes, chest and neck aren’t padded
The Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack has stood the test of time. We’ve tested multiple versions of this pack over the last six years, and each time, we’ve been impressed with its performance.
Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack
We tested the Ruffwear Approach pack with five dogs of different shapes and sizes on hiking trails in five different states (and drastically different climates):
Champ, a Lab/Great Dane mix, who calls Alaska, Maine, and Colorado home
Axel, a Boxer, who calls Colorado home
Karluk, a Lab Mix adopted from the Oregon Humane Society, who spends his outdoor time in Oregon and Washington.
Miso, a Border Collie/American Staffordshire Terrier Mix, who has a penchant for trail running and backpacking in Colorado’s Front Range
Dashi, a Rough Collie sport dog who prefers casual hikes to intense backpacking trips
The Ruffwear Approach backpack seems to fit slightly better on square (similar height to length ratio) dogs, but it flexes for long dogs as well. It’s a medium priced, durable pack that works for a wide variety of dogs.
The Ruffwear Approach Pack has interior pockets that are close to your dog’s body—ideal for heavy gear like water or dog food. It also comes decked out with a saddlebag design that keeps the majority of weight over your dog’s shoulders, so it doesn’t put excess pressure on their spine. It also has a “flopper stopper” system that connects the bottom of each saddlebag to the harness chassis, keeping the bags from bouncing away from the dog’s body as they move, and offering some compression for the pack’s contents.
A sturdy D-ring and a reinforced webbing loop give you two options for connecting a leash, and the pack’s saddlebag design keeps the weight well balanced over your dog’s body. We did notice some minor shifting forward while going down steep descents, but tightening the pack and ensuring the heaviest items were closest to the dog’s body helped minimize this.
This pack kept our dogs at a comfortable temperature, even when hiking in warmer weather, but we wish that the neck and chest straps were fully padded. Ruffwear does offer a Swamp Cooler Core Harness & Pack Add-On that aims to keep your dog cool and offers padding underneath their pack, but it’s just another thing for your dog to wear (and another thing for you to buy).
Overall, this pack has held up on single and multi-day backpacking trips in harsh conditions, and even more importantly, has held up for multiple years of frequent use. It’s our favorite for a reason, and is bound to get you and your dog through many seasons outdoors.
Best affordable dog backpack: Wilderdog Dog Backpack
Price: $69
Weight: 9.5 oz (S), 12.9 oz (M), 14.5 oz (L)
Capacity: 5L (S), 8L (M), 12L (L)
Fit range: 17-25 inch chest (S), 25-32 inch chest (M), 26-34 inch chest (L)
Materials: Water-resistant cotton/poly blend
What we liked: Durable materials, multiple pockets to help with weight distribution, lightweight, cute design, poop bag dispenser, good armpit clearance
What we didn’t like: Wish the front was cut higher, only comes in three sizes, need to lift up one of your dog’s legs to put it on, D-ring was towards the front of the harness, wish it had more padding around the neck and chest
At $69, the Wilderdog Dog Backpack is a solid budget choice. It isn’t perfect, but it’s a good starter dog backpack for folks who don’t want to shell out on a higher-priced pack.
Wilderdog Dog Backpack
This backpack is fairly lightweight, and offers good armpit clearance on our medium-sized tester dogs. We wish that it was cut a bit higher in the front though—on some of our tester dogs the front harness straps sat right over their shoulder joints, which can impact range of motion. We also wish the chest and neck straps were fully padded, but that would likely add on cost and weight to an otherwise simply-designed pack.
The materials of this pack feel reasonably durable, and the big roomy pockets sat nicely over our tester dog’s fronts. The D-ring leash attachment is a little too far forward for our liking, but it’s farther back on the pack than the comparable Mountainsmith pack. During testing, this pack stayed solidly stable on our tester dogs’ backs even when they pulled ahead of us on a leash.
This pack also comes in fun colors and patterns, and has some unique design features, like a built-in poop bag dispenser, Velcro on all webbing straps to keep them from hanging, and interior pull tabs for your keys and other items.
Best lightweight dog backpack: Non-stop Dogwear Trail Light Dog Backpack
Price: $130
Weight: 5.9 oz (XS), 9.1 oz (S), 12.4 oz (M), 15.6 oz (L), 18.8 oz (XL)
Capacity: 1L (XS), 2L (S), 3L (M), 6L (L), 12L (XL)
Fit range: XS (11.4-14.2 inch neck, 15.7-22 inch chest), S (14.2-18.9 inch neck, 17.7-23.6 inch chest), M (16.9-23.6 inch neck, 22.8-33.1 inch chest), L (20.1-27.2 inch neck, 28.3-40.2 inch chest), XL (23.6-33.1 inch neck, 29.1-42.5 inch chest)
Materials: Polyester outer, stretch nylon inner, polyester webbing
What we liked: Breathable, lightweight, plenty of adjustment points, good weight distribution, comfortable harness, extended loop as a leash attachment point, padded neck and belly straps
What we didn’t like: Lots of adjustment points means it takes a while to put on your dog the first time
For day hikes, trail running with your dog, and ultralight backpacking adventures, the Non-stop Dogwear Trail Light Dog Backpack is the way to go. This low-profile backpack is situated on a harness chassis with padding completely around the neck and down the chest.
Non-stop Dogwear Trail Light Dog Backpack
This pack was one of the best-fitting options we tried, and it fit multiple dogs seamlessly, offering full range of motion in the front and no pinching or chafing. We tested this pack with Miso, a 43-pound Border Collie mix, Dashi, a 42-pound Rough Collie, and Murphy, a 55-pound AmStaff mix. All three of these dogs are built very differently, but this pack fit them all and allowed for lovely free range of motion.
When adjusted properly, this pack doesn’t slide side to side, even if your dog is out running ahead of you. There are quite a few adjustment points, which is great for achieving a custom-like fit, but does mean that it takes kind of a long time to put this pack on your dog for the first time.
The Trail Light pack is also particularly well designed for running because of its breathability. The back section has a strip of mesh material to allow heat to escape, and the harness sections are made of Non-stop’s breathable Hexivent padding.
Though this pack is technically designed for running and day trips with a lower capacity, I found that for light packers, you could easily use this option for overnight backpacking trips with your dog, especially if you have room in your own pack for overflow gear. The bungee cords over the pack also serve as a good place to stash or clip extra items that don’t fit inside.
Best large-capacity dog backpack: Non-stop Dogwear Amundsen Pack
Price: $220
Weight: 22.2 oz (2XS), 24.9 oz (XS), 32.3 oz (S), 36.3 oz (M), 39.9 oz (L), 43.4 oz (XL), 50.1 oz (2XL)
Capacity: 15L (2XS), 18L (XS), 25L (S), 30L (M), 38L (L), 45L (XL), 55L (2XL)
Fit range, measured as width (elbow to elbow over back): 2XS (20.5-22.0 inches), XS (22.0-23.6 inches), S (23.6-25.2 inches), M (25.2-26.8 inches), L (26.8-29.1 inches), XL (29.1-32.3 inches), 2XL (32.3-37.0 inches)
Materials: Aramid fiber, nylon ripstop, nylon webbing
What we liked: Large capacity for thru-hiking, multiple pack sections for optimal organization, large size range, highly adjustable, durable
What we didn’t like: Sizing is less precise than other options, large capacity makes it easy to overload your dog’s pack weight, may be too bulky and heavy for beginner dogs, too big for shorter trips, difficult to adjust the first time
The Non-stop Dogwear Amundsen Pack is an absolute unit of a dog backpack—and that’s both a good thing and a bad thing. This pack is probably not suited for most dogs. The gigantic capacity is overkill for most pets, even if they’re frequent backpackers. I see this pack as a great fit for dogs who thru-hike, or search and rescue dogs/environmental detection dogs who spend a lot of time in the backcountry.
Non-stop Dogwear Amundsen Pack
We tested this pack with Miso, a 43-pound Border Collie Mix, on local trails. Because this pack is so massive, I only used about a quarter of the total capacity during testing. Filling this pack up all the way would have likely been too much weight for tester dog Miso.
The medium size of this pack is 30 liters—that’s half the capacity of a typical 60-liter backpacking pack for humans. Because this pack is so spacious, it fits a lot (dog sleeping bag, sleeping pad, lots of water, food for longer periods of time, and more), but it’s also incredibly easy to overload your dog with this option.
The Amundsen pack comes with two large, roll-top pack sections, covered by a water-resistant ripstop cover that has two smaller zippered pockets for quick access. The large roll-top sections are roomy, but lack some of the organization that some of the other smaller packs have. I wish there was a specific close-to-the-body pocket for water bladders.
This pack has a padded back and chest plate that serve as solid support for the large bags, but seemed less breathable than other options we tested. It also has a ton of adjustment points, but was kind of a hassle to adjust properly the first time I put it on my tester dogs.
In our opinion, this pack shouldn’t be your dog’s first backpack. This is a heavy-duty option for seasoned dogs who are fit and used to going on longer, tougher expeditions with their people.
Best dog backpack for small and large dogs: Non-stop Dogwear Trail Quest Pack
Price: $140
Weight: 9.6 oz (XS), 11.6 oz (S), 19.5 oz (M), 23.6 oz (L), 29.2 (XL)
Capacity: 2L (XS), 4L (S), 16L (M), 22L (L), 36L (XL)
Fit range: XS (11.4-14.2 inch neck, 15.7-22 inch chest), S (14.2-18.9 inch neck, 17.7-23.6 inch chest), M (16.9-23.6 inch neck, 22.8-33.1 inch chest), L (20.1-27.2 inch neck, 28.3-40.2 inch chest), XL (23.6-33.1 inch neck, 29.1-42.5 inch chest)
Materials: 100% Polyester ripstop outer, stretch nylon inner, polyester webbing
What we liked: Non-restrictive fit, integrated compression system, easy-access top pockets for essentials, large range of sizes, great weight distribution, extremely adjustable
What we didn’t like: Neck adjustment is a bit difficult to use, more expensive than other similar options
For a lot of our tester dogs, the Non-stop Dogwear Trail Quest had a slightly better fit than the Ruffwear Approach. It has a fully padded neck and chest panel, a Y-shaped harness chassis that allows for fully unrestricted movement in the front, and it doesn’t ride into dog’s armpits, regardless of their build.
Non-stop Dogwear Trail Quest Pack
We tested this pack with Miso, a 43-pound Border Collie mix, Dashi, a 42-pound Rough Collie, and Murphy, a 55-pound American Staffordshire Terrier mix on multiple day hikes in and around Boulder, and found that it fit all three dogs wonderfully.
However, this pack is new (it was released in July 2025) and hasn’t been tested as extensively as the Ruffwear Approach has been. Right now, we’re naming it the best dog backpack for small and large dogs because of the wide sizing range and high rate of adjustability. It’s definitely giving Ruffwear a run for its money for our top spot, but we’d like to test it for a longer period of time and on longer backpacking trips before we consider changing our top pick.
This dog backpack fits dogs with neck measurements as small as 11.4 inches—that’s small enough for Pappillons, small terrier breeds, Dachshunds, and even some Chihuahuas. On the other end of the spectrum, it also fits pups with neck sizes as large as 33.1 inches, so giant breeds like Mastiffs, Saint Bernards, and Newfoundlands are covered as well.
There are a lot of other features to like about the Trail Quest pack, including expandable (and compressible) saddle bags, and multiple leash attachment points (including a leash loop at the rear of the harness that gives your dog extra room in front of you when connected to a leash).
The only real downsides of this pack is that the neck section of the harness is a bit difficult to adjust, and that it’s more expensive than the similarly sized Ruffwear Approach.
Best multi-day hiking dog backpack: Ruffwear Palisades Dog Pack
Price: $150
Weight: 1.75 pounds (S), 1.85 pounds (M), 2.15 pounds (L/XL)
Capacity: 12.5 liters (S), 17.5 liters (M), 24 liters (L/XL)
Fit range: S (22-27 inch chest), M (27-32 inch chest), L/XL (32-42 inch chest)
Materials: Polyester ripstop with DWR and PU coating, laminated, molded bonded polyester mesh and perforated PE foam
What we liked: Removable saddlebags, durable materials, padded harness, good fit for most dogs, roomy interior, built-in compression system, “flopper stopper” system
What we didn’t like: A bit bulky for dogs on the smaller side, heavy, chest and neck are not fully padded
We tested the Ruffwear Palisades pack with a variety of dogs, including Karluk, an 80-pound Black Lab/Pitbull mix, Kelvin, a 38-pound Lab/Poodle Mix, and Miso, a 43-pound Border Collie/American Staffordshire Terrier mix. Their testing trips included the 165-mile long Tahoe Rim Trail in California and Nevada, the 300-mile Chinook Trail in the Columbia River Gorge in Washington and Oregon, a 5-day overnight trip in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, multiple multi-day backpacking trips in Colorado, and more.
Ruffwear Palisades Dog Pack
We feel like the latest edition of this pack ran a bit large. The saddlebags and harness are two separate parts, and the harness section of this pack is very similar to the Ruffwear Web Master harness we tested for our Best Dog Harness Guide. If your dog wears a Web Master harness and it fits well, this will be a great backpack option for them.
The removable saddlebags are by far the highlight of this backpack. Being able to take the weight off your dog while still having them in a harness is invaluable. Whether you’re taking a lunch break on a hike or you’ve made it to basecamp for the night, giving your dog a break from their weight is a must.
This pack also has a “flopper stopper” system like the Ruffwear Approach, which keeps the saddlebags close to your dog’s body as they move. We also love that it came with two, 1L soft water flasks that fit perfectly into the top compartments that are closest to your dog’s body.
We wish the entire neck and chest straps of this harness were padded. When loosened, there’s a lot of nylon webbing around the neck, which can dig into dogs’ skin as they’re hiking. Because this pack is meant for multi-day backpacking trips, it’s also a bit bulky for smaller dogs.
Other dog backpacks we tested
Mountainsmith K-9 Pack
Price: $50
Weight: 16 oz (Small), 19.2 oz (Medium), or 22.4 oz (Large)
Capacity: 6 liters, 10 liters, or 18 liters depending on size
Fit range: Small (20-30 inch chest), Medium (24-40 inch chest), Large (32-44 inch chest)
Materials: Ripstop Nylon
What we liked: Lots of ventilation, many adjustment points, durable, affordable
What we didn’t like: Smaller capacity than other backpacking-focused options, rode up into the armpits on our tester dogs, leash attachment point is in a terrible spot, neck and chest straps aren’t fully padded
The Mountainsmith K-9 Pack is a durable, affordable, pannier-style dog backpack that may be a worthwhile budget option for some dogs. It’s highly adjustable and has a good amount of ventilation for hiking in warm weather.
However, our biggest qualm with this pack during testing was the location of the leash attachment point. Instead of being at the back of the pack, the D-ring sits all the way at the front of the pack, leading to off shifting of this pack during use. It also requires a much longer leash if you want your dog to be able to hike comfortably out in front of you.
This pack tended to fit smaller, square-shaped dogs better than rectangular dogs. On rectangular-shaped dogs (dogs who are longer than they are tall), this pack rode into their armpits.
Mountainsmith K-9 Pack
Price: $35-60
Weight: 13.75 ounces
Capacity: 3.75 L
Fit range: Baxter (17-24 inch neck, 27-40 inch chest), Big Baxter (21-33 inch neck, 30-48 inch chest)
Materials: Nylon, Polyester
What we liked: Reflective detailing, lots of adjustment points, budget-friendly price
What we didn’t like: Smaller capacity than other similarly designed packs, saddle bags sit too low for our preference; fit on other options was better
The Kurgo Baxter is a popular dog backpack, especially for bigger dogs up to 110 pounds. It is reflective and includes a padded handle. Its larger pockets can hold two 16-oz bottles as well as food, making it an option to consider for longer hikes and also overnight trips with your dog.
It's a good value, especially for a bigger dog pack. Ultimately, we found the fit and strap adjustments on the Ruffwear Approach to be more refined and work better with dogs of different sizes. The straps also slid on some dogs.
Kurgo Baxter
Price: $19-$21
Weight: 10.88 oz (Medium),12.64 oz (Large)
Capacity: Not stated, our measurements show ~3 L
Fit range: Medium (21-27 inch chest), Large (28-32 inch chest)
Materials: Mesh, Nylon
What we liked: Lightweight, reflective detailing, expandable pockets, breathable design
What we didn’t like: Not very durable, only two size options, rotated side to side during testing
The Outward Hound Daypak Dog Backpack could be a decent option for city-dwelling dogs. This light-capacity saddle bag-style pack is breathable, and fairly lightweight.
Outward Hound The Quick Release Daypack
This pack features four expandable pockets, adjustable straps, reflective piping, and a D-ring leash clip, making it both comfortable and safe for your dog. It’s ideal for folks who want to go on long walks in the city with their dog or to have their dog carry its own toys or tennis balls.
Although more delicate than other packs and best suited for urban situations, we’ve also tested this pack on hiking and backpacking trips and think it could be a decent budget choice for well-behaved dogs that are unlikely to be harsh on their gear (read: run off into the woods).
It is worth noting that this pack only comes in either a medium or large size, so be sure to measure your pup before purchasing one.
The Outward Hound DayPak doesn't have a stated volume, but we can fit two water bottles on each side and other urban necessities like poop bags, snacks, and a collapsible water bowl or a small toy or ball.
The Outward Hound Daypack has thinner straps on the belly area than other packs we tested. Kelvin (well, Kelvin’s humans) noted that it feels a bit less secure than our other winning packs, seeing as it rotates side to side more than others we tested.
The Outward Hound carries a smaller volume than the Ruffwear Approach, which is what we think makes it a better fit for city dogs who are accompanying their owners on the casual morning hike as opposed to multi-day or arduous trips. Still, for a well-behaved dog unlikely to bolt into the woods, this urban-friendly dog pack can work for nature hikes, too.
Price: $24-$26
Weight: 12.6 oz
Capacity: Not listed
Fit range: Medium (29.1-30.7 inch chest), Large (30.7-33.1 inch chest)
Materials: Polyester, mesh
What we liked: Affordable
What we didn’t like: Odd fit, difficult to adjust, poor weight distribution
The LifeUnion Pack Hound travel bag is an affordable dog backpack. Ultimately, it was difficult to fit this pack. Some of the straps seemed like they were designed for a bigger dog and some seemed too small, which corresponds with other customer reviews. The saddle bags themselves didn't seem to secure as well and lacked balance compared to other packs we tested.
Life Union Saddlebag
What to look for in dog backpacks
Fit and adjustability
Fit is arguably the most important part of a dog backpack. Not every backpack will fit every dog, just as not every harness will fit every dog. Your dog’s conformation (or build) will determine which pack is best for them, but generally, the more adjustability a pack offers, the closer to a custom fit you’ll get.
A proper-fitting dog backpack should fit similarly to a proper-fitting dog harness. There should be free range of motion in the front, so your dog’s shoulders can extend fully. There shouldn’t be any straps digging into your dog’s neck or armpits, and the fit should be snug enough that the pack doesn’t wiggle side to side while your dog walks. A secure fit will help prevent chafing as your dog hikes.
Weight distribution
A dog backpack’s design will also determine if the weight in the pack when fully loaded is evenly distributed. Both sides of the pack should be the same size, and the pack should be long enough that the heavy contents are spaced out around our dog’s front end, but not so long as to put pressure on your dog’s spine.
Features like compression straps and separate pockets inside the dog backpack can help you pack smart so that the weight of your dog’s gear is distributed evenly throughout their backpack.
Capacity
Whether you plan on only doing day hikes, doing single night backpacking trips, or multi-day adventures will determine what kind of pack is best for your dog.
The pack needed for your dog will depend on their size and the volume of their gear. Some very small sizes of dog backpacks only hold 2-4 liters, while extra large dog packs designed for multi-day trekking may have a volume of up to 55 liters.
There’s no one-size-fits-all for capacity, but check to see what the intended use of your pack is. The manufacturers of the dog packs on this list are generally pretty good about telling consumers if a pack is intended for day hikes, overnight trips, or multi-day backpacking.
Materials & durability
Pick a dog backpack made of durable, outdoor-forward materials. Ripstop nylon outers are common, and options with DWR coatings are ideal for water resistance against light rain or high humidity.
Comfort features
Padded inner harnesses, mesh panels, saddlebag compression systems, and Y-shaped neck sections will all keep your dog more comfortable as they hike.
Safety
Safe, secure designs that your dog can’t back out of will ensure that you don’t have an escape on your hands. A proper-fitting dog backpack will also keep your pup from getting out of their backpack on a hike.
Reflective logos, stitching, and trim are also helpful to keep you and your dog visible in low-light conditions.
A sturdy handle is also a handy safety feature. A reinforced handle can help you give your dog a boost up or down over big rocks, fallen trees, or across river crossings. It’s also useful for keeping your pup close to you if you see wildlife or other dogs/people on the trail.
Ease of putting on/taking off
Dog backpacks are similar to harnesses to put on and take off, but with the added factor of weight. Taking a fully loaded pack off of your dog isn’t always the easiest, especially if your dog is head shy. Backpacks with removable saddlebags are the easiest to take off, but may not be as stable while hiking as options with attached bags.
Washability and maintenance
Dog gear (especially outdoor dog gear) is bound to get dirty. Cleaning and maintaining your dog’s backpack will help it last longer, so options that can be tossed in the washing machine are attractive for their convenience factor. If a washable backpack will encourage you to keep it clean, opt for one that can be put in your washing machine. If you don’t mind handwashing or spot cleaning as needed, you may have more available options.
Why you should use a dog backpack
Exercise: Dogs can carry light loads on walks or hikes for added fitness and endurance. Similar to carrying a backpacking pack and training by slowly reducing your weight, dogs can build strength and fitness by caring well fitted packs.
Practicality: Whether you’re going on a day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip, having your dog carry some of their own gear will reduce the amount of gear you need to carry. Have your pup carry their water, food, poop bags, and even their sleep system for overnight trips.
Balance: For very high-energy and high-drive dogs, carrying a backpack on hikes and walks can help moderate their energy, since they’ll exert more effort to walk or hike with a loaded pack.
Extended trips: For multi-day backpacking, having your dog carry their own pack allows you more room in yours for the essentials.
Types of dog backpacks explained
Saddlebag style: Saddlebag-style dog backpacks are the most common. These packs usually have two saddlebags that are attached to an inner harness-like center piece. Saddlebag style dog backpacks often have some kind of compression system that keeps the majority of the pack’s weight closest to the dog’s body for ease of carrying, and typically come in medium-to-high-capacity designs.
Vest-style packs: Vest-style bags are essentially dog harnesses with storage compartments built in. These types of dog backpacks are usually best for short day trips or trail running, as they have significantly smaller capacities than most saddlebag-style options.
Detachable pannier packs: Pannier is in reference to baskets once slug over the backs of horses or other large animals, but you may have heard this term to refer to bike saddlebags as well. Some dog backpacks feature detachable bags or compartments, which can be useful for utilizing your dog’s backpack as a harness on its own.
This style is ideal for camping or backpacking trips where you may have multiple days at a single basecamp. Removable bags are also easier to remove than an entire loaded dog backpack if you stop for lunch on a hike and want to give your pup a break from lugging their gear.
How to fit a dog backpack properly
Ensure your dog’s backpack fits snugly but doesn’t dig into their armpits or sides.
Measuring girth and chest
Use a soft tape measure (or a dog leash or a piece of string that you’ll then measure against a normal tape measure) to measure the deepest part of your dog’s chest. Situate your measuring tape or leash behind your dog’s front legs, and ensure it hits the deepest part of your dog’s chest, is straight all the way around, and wraps back up over your dog’s back.
Proper strap adjustments
Use the adjustment straps on your dog’s backpack to get a more custom fit. Straps around the neck should be tightened like a harness—you should be able to fit two to three fingers under the neck comfortably. The head opening of your dog’s backpack should sit at the base of their neck. If it’s sagging, it needs to be tightened, and if it’s too high up on the neck it should be loosened.
Making strap adjustments to the neck can also impact the backpack’s fit behind your dog’s front legs. A neck that’s tightened too tight will often make the backpack’s straps dig into your dog’s armpits, which can cause chafing.
Ensure belly straps are adjusted snugly, but not so tight that they squeeze your dog’s skin. Your dog should be able to sit, stand, and lay down comfortably in their pack without any pinching or squeezing.
Signs of good vs. bad fit
A well-fitted dog backpack will be cut high enough in the front that it doesn’t cover your dog’s shoulders and will have enough clearance behind their front legs that traps are not digging into their armpits.
A properly fitted pack will also stay steady on your dog’s body while they’re walking. A poorly fitted or adjusted pack may shift or tilt to one side as your dog hikes.
How to distribute load
Any weight in your dog’s pack should be distributed equally between the two sides. Additionally, just like when packing a human pack, the heaviest items should be closest to the dog’s body.
Consider using two separate containers (like HydraPaks) to store your dog’s water. Water will likely be the heaviest thing in your dog’s pack, so splitting it between the two sides will keep the weight balanced.
Heavy items like water and dog food should be placed in the saddlebags closest to your dog’s body. This prevents sagging on the outside of your dog’s pack, helps to prevent shifting of the pack, and will make it easier for your dog to carry their gear.
Safety tips for dogs carrying packs
A vertical handle on a dog backpack can help you give your dog a boost over obstacles, or give you a grabbing point if you encounter wildlife, other hikers, or other dogs.
Weight guidelines by size/breed
Regardless of how big or small your dog is, they shouldn’t carry more than 25% of their body weight on their backs—and 25% is for extremely well-conditioned dogs who are experienced backpackers.
Most dogs will start their backpack journey with an empty backpack, while working up to carrying around 10-15% of their body weight over weeks to months. Never ask your dog to carry a full backpack without proper conditioning—this puts unnecessary stress on their bodies and could cause injuries.
Acclimation period and training
Getting your dog used to a dog backpack can take weeks or even months depending on the dog. If your dog is already comfortable wearing a harness, putting an empty backpack on them and acclimating them to it may only take a few days. If your dog has never worn a harness before, you’ll need to do some work conditioning them to putting on and taking off their backpack (or even starting with a harness).
Once your dog is comfortable wearing the empty backpack, it’s time to add some weight. Start small, and make sure that the weight is evenly distributed on both sides of the pack. Start between 10 and 15% of your dog’s total carrying capacity (their carrying capacity should be about 10-15% of their total bodyweight).
If your dog weighs 50 pounds, their total carrying capacity is between five and 7.5 pounds. So, you should start with about 0.5-1 pound and work your way up gradually. Adding about half a pound every few weeks as your pup gets used to the weight is a good rule of thumb, but always check with your vet or Canine Physical Therapist about how much weight your dog should carry.
Ensure you only make one thing harder at a time—either distance or weight—as your dog gets acclimated to carrying their pack.
Monitoring for overheating, chafing, or fatigue
Dog backpacks are extra weight on a dog, and most have higher coverage than a harness. Both of these factors mean that while hiking with a dog backpack, your dog is working harder than they would be without one.
This could cause overheating or fatigue depending on the weather conditions and your dog’s level of physical conditioning.
Always keep an eye out for signs of overheating (such as excessive panting, difficulty breathing, gray or sticky gums, vomiting, and diarrhea). Avoid hiking with your dog in high or low temperatures they’re not used to, and have an exit strategy for your hike if your dog isn’t handling the climate well.
Note if your dog is slowing down, laying down and not wanting to stand up, has an altered gait, or is scratching or pawing at their pack. These could all be signs of chafing or fatigue caused by hiking with a dog backpack on.
Terrain considerations
Consider the terrain and the difficulty of the hike you’re on, especially if your dog will be wearing a pack. In very rocky conditions, slippery icy sections, or very steep areas, you may need to carry your dog’s backpack for them to allow them to focus on the difficult terrain and maintain their balance.
Care and maintenance tips
Dog packs get quite dirty on backpacking trips, so proper care and maintenance will extend the life of your pup’s gear.
Cleaning fabrics and straps
Some dog backpacks can be washed in a washing machine on a gentle cycle using an unscented soap. Some packs recommend using a laundry bag if you’re going to put it in the washer. Other options can only be spot cleaned or may need to be hand washed.
Consider using a detergent specifically for outdoor gear, like Tech Wash, which will help get rid of stains and grime on your dog’s backpack, while also protecting the materials it’s made out of and giving it a re-up on water repellency.
Read the specific manufacturer instructions on your dog’s backpack before cleaning it to ensure you don’t damage the materials.
Drying and storage
Regardless of the washing instructions, all dog backpacks should be air dried. Most dog backpacks have decals, zippers, or buckles that can be damaged by the heat of a dryer.
Lay your dog backpack flat on a towel in a well-ventilated area or hang it on a drying rack to dry. Don’t store until your pack is completely dry to reduce the risk of mold and mildew,
Store your dog backpack completely empty with the zippers closed in a cool, dark place. Consider storing it in a back or storage bin/container to keep it dust and pest free.
Inspecting stitching/zippers
Check the stitching and zippers on your dog’s pack before and after each use for any signs of unusual wear and tear.
When to replace a backpack
Replace a dog backpack if the buckles are broken, the main webbing is frayed, or if any of the zippers on the compartments break. All of these factors could cause safety or health issues for your dog while wearing the pack.
FAQ
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Most dogs can carry between 10 and 15% of their body weight in a backpack. Extremely well conditioned dogs may be able to carry up to 25% of their body weight in a dog backpack.
Dogs should be conditioned to their backpacks and extra weight slowly and under the guidance of your veterinarian.
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When fitted properly and not overloaded, dog backpacks are safe for most dogs. Talk to your vet if you’re concerned about your dog carrying extra weight in a backpack. Some dogs may not be suited to carrying extra weight in a backpack depending on their age, health status, and conformation.
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Puppies should not wear dog backpacks. Dogs shouldn’t carry any extra weight while walking or hiking until they’re fully grown to reduce the risk of injury and stress on their bodies.
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A dog backpack should allow freedom of movement in the front, be tight enough that the contents don’t cause major shifting during use, but not be so tight that it causes rubbing or chafing on your dog’s skin.
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No, dogs should not wear backpacks in hot weather. Backpacks can increase the risk of your dog overheating in hot weather.
Dog backpacks are often high coverage (like an additional piece of clothing your dog is wearing) and they add additional weight and strain to your dog’s hike. Both of these factors will make your dog hotter and more tired in warm conditions.
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Water, a dog bowl, and poop bags are all good options to pack in your dog’s backpack for a day hike. For a backpacking trip, add dog food and a dog sleeping bag. Reference our Essential Gear for Hiking with Your Dog and Essential Gear for Camping with Your Dog checklists to learn more.
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Dogs can be trained to use backpacks with gradual positive reinforcement training.
First reward your dog while putting the backpack on and taking it off. If they’re comfortable with it on, take them on walks while wearing an empty backpack. Slowly start adding small amounts of weight over the course of weeks to months, making sure that the weight is even on both sides of the pack. Check with your vet or Canine Physical Therapist for specific details on how to increase backpack weight for your dog.
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Most dog backpacks are not waterproof but are water resistant or water repellant. Pack your dog’s gear in a drybag inside of the pack or utilize a pack rain cover if you’re planning on hiking in wet weather.
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Some dog backpacks can be put in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with a gentle detergent, while others need to be hand washed or spot cleaned. Check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions on your specific pack before cleaning.
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Older dogs can benefit from dog backpacks as additional strength training if they’re already fit and if your vet approves. Don’t put a dog backpack on a senior dog that suffers from arthritis or any other orthopedic issues.
How we researched and tested
Six dogs took to the trails in ten different states (and drastically different climates):
Champ: A Black Lab/Great Dane mix, who calls Alaska, Maine, and Colorado home
Axel: a Boxer, who calls Colorado home and is best friends with Champ
Karluk: a Black Lab Mix adopted from the Oregon Humane Society, who spends his outdoor time in Oregon and Washington, but also tested dog backpacks in California and Nevada.
Kelvin: a Labradoodle, who spends his outdoor time in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois
Miso: A Border Collie/American Staffordshire Terrier Mix who’s an avid trail runner and lives in Boulder, CO. Miso also frequents desert locations like the western slope of Colorado and Moab
Dashi: Miso’s Rough Collie sister, who’s more into casual hiking
Murphy: A stocky-build bully mix who frequents hiking trails in Colorado weekly
Karluk at Coyote Wall in the Columbia River Gorge, Washington. Photo by Whitney LaRuffa.
This story has been tested over the course of six years.
To be considered for each of these categories, we measured each pack against standardized criteria (see below for what made our must have list, which features were nice to have, and what features were dealbreakers). In short, the packs had to fit a wide range of sizes, had to be durable, and had to be both comfortable and ergonomically designed for the dog.
Ease of use: We tested each of these packs to see how easy they were to put on, take off, and adjust. We also tested the zippers and closures of each pack to ensure they were safe and easy to use.
Axel the Boxer has a square-shaped body that poses some challenges when sizing dog packs. Photo by Josette Deschambeault.
Fit and comfort: Fit is absolutely the most important factor when it comes to dog backpacks. A properly fitting dog backpack should allow your dog free range of motion in the front, enough clearance behind their front legs that straps don’t dig into their armpits, saddlebags that situate weight over their fronts properly, and chest and neck straps that are padded and comfortable.
Additionally, packs should be designed so that the saddlebags don’t flop around as the dog moves, which causes unnecessary strain on their bodies and isn’t comfortable.
We had dogs test each of the packs on this list, and noted any chafing, rubbing, or discomfort during use.
Kelvin rolling around next to the trail. Dogs will be dogs, so it’s important to have a durable backpack that can keep up with your dog. Photo by Kat Thomas.
Durability: We let the dogs be dogs for this one. With over 300 collective miles put into testing, the dogs were bound to put their gear to the max. From mountaineering trips to hiking 14ers, to rolling around at the local trail, we noted which packs held up the best with real-world use.
Volume: We assessed dog backpacks with multiple volumes, since the activity you’re using your dog backpack for will help determine which volume is best for you. Dog backpacks for day trips or short hikes will have a significantly lower volume than packs designed for multi-day backpacking, while overnight backpacking packs will sit somewhere in between.
Champ drinking water with his Approach pack at Clear Creek, Colorado. Dog packs should be secure enough that dogs can go about their business without concern the backpack will slip. Photo courtesy Josette Deschambeault.
Organization and weight distribution: Organization and weight distribution go hand-in-hand. Dog backpacks with multiple sections in each saddlebag can help you pack smarter for your dog, keeping heavier items closer to their body, which helps with proper weight distribution. The best dog backpacks should have enough structure that they don’t sag or rotate to either side while the dog hikes or walks.
Price: Dog backpacks can be expensive, so we evaluated packs at multiple price points. During testing, we found that the packs sitting around the $100+ mark were generally the best designed, the most durable, and had the most ergonomic fits. The $25-$40 packs we tested generally didn’t hold up to our testing criteria enough to recommend them in most cases.
Why you should trust us / About the authors
Jae Thomas
Jae Thomas has camped, hiked, and backpacked with her two dogs, Miso and Dashi, everywhere from Colorado to the Oregon Coast, and at more than 15 national parks. As a Boulder resident, she and her dogs regularly take advantage of the off-leash hiking program in Boulder County, and often explore the mountains and front range of Colorado.
Jae is an e-commerce journalist, editor, and dog trainer based in Colorado. She graduated from the New York University journalism program in 2020, and has written and edited commerce content for publications like Mashable, Apartment Therapy, Bon Appetít, Whole Dog Journal, Chewy, CNN Underscored, and more.
Jae is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed, and teaches agility, rally, and other dog sports at Canine Athletics Training Center in Boulder County. Jae uses her background in dog sports and behavior to test outdoor-focused dog gear focused on fit, comfort, safety, and functionality for dogs and their owners.
Jae shares her life with two dogs: mixed breed Miso, and Rough Collie, Dashi. Jae competes in conformation, agility, rally, herding, barn hunt, Fast CAT, and other sports with her dogs and is a pro at traveling, camping, hiking, and adventuring with canine companions in tow.
Josette Deschambeault
The author with her adventure buddy, Champ. Photo courtesy Josette Deschambeault.
It all started when I graduated with a Bachelor’s in English and Outdoor Leadership in the heart of Colorado. (Hello, hiking for credit). Once I graduated, I started the search for the perfect canine companion to accompany me on my outdoor pursuits. I figured I’d find a young mini Aussie or a small Husky, a pup under 50 lbs, who could easily fit in my small truck (and even smaller apartment), and have energy aplenty to run up the trails beside me!
Instead, I found Champ. My fur-baby is an eight-year-old Labrador/Great Dane rescue who joined my life the summer that I moved to Alaska to guide. He is 98 lbs, and takes up ¾ of my truck’s bench seat. His favorite activity is sleeping under my desk, but as soon as the harness comes out, his tail whips like a hurricane in excitement, and it’s all I can do to keep up with him on the trail. We have skied the Alaskan backcountry, jogged loops around Denver ponds, and hiked through the White Mountains of New Hampshire together ever since.
I’ve guided hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, rafting trips for years, managed a hiking and rafting program on the Chilkoot Trail in Southeast Alaska — all with my main man, Champ. We’ve hiked and skied the borders of Alaska, British Columbia, the Yukon, Colorado, Maine, and New Hampshire.
I’ve written about hiking locations and gear for BACKPACKER Magazine for four years. In fact, Champ and I have been able to hike/ski with the Destination Editor’s pooch, Raider, for almost as long. (Champ and Raider are de facto best dog-friends.)
See all Josette’s stories on her author page.
