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- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Have you ever wished there was an easier way to carry your dog around than a crate? Maybe you’d like to take your pup hiking, but they’re not hardy enough for everything the trek entails. Or maybe you have a small senior dog, or a pooch with health issues, who wants to come along on adventures bigger than their legs can manage. Perhaps you take public transit with your pooch and could use an easy, hands-free way to keep them close. In all of those scenarios, a dog backpack comes in handy.
What Backpack Carrier for Dogs Is Right for Your Pup?
Dog backpacks are an astonishingly useful and increasingly popular way to carry a small or medium-sized dog. They come in a variety of designs to accommodate pooches of different shapes, and a lot of them are built smart to 1) make the lift as easy as possible on the human doing the carrying and 2) protect a dog’s vulnerable spine.
Backpack carriers for dogs come in a few different designs, so to figure out which model is right for your pup, ask yourself:
- Does your dog like to feel wrapped up, or is generous wiggle room important?
- Does your dog like to see what’s going on, or would they rather have a cozy hiding spot?
- Would your pup feel better facing toward you (able to see you) or away from you, where they can see more?
- What kind of padding and support do they need?
Before buying any dog backpack, we recommend consulting your vet, who can help you rule out options that won’t be a good fit for your particular pup’s shape or needs. For example, Miniature Dachshund Oscar’s vet judged the front-facing K9 Sport Sack unsuitable for an old sausage dog’s spine but gave the Kurgo G-Train two thumbs up.
Oscar’s Dachshund spine is compatible with his spiffy Kurgo pack.
It’s also a good idea to take your dog’s measurements and know your dog’s weight. Knowing the size of the backpack relative to your dog is important, as is verifying they’re within the pack’s weight limit.
And speaking of weight limits, don’t forget your own! Though there are backpacks that can carry large dogs, it’s worth considering what kind of load you can manage, especially if you’re planning on long-distance treks. To minimize the strain, try a backpack with wheels or prioritize packs with extra padding, straps, and buckles to better distribute your dog’s weight on your body.
The Best Dog Backpack Carriers
Best Dog Backpack for Hiking: Kurgo G-Train (Verified Review)
This top-load style backpack can hold a doggo up to 25 pounds. Available in a handful of colors, it’s made from sturdy tactical materials and breathable mesh. We especially like the waterproof Armorsole base that makes it easy to set down on the trail to load and unload a pup. Or you can take your dog on an urban adventure with this pack’s handy extra pockets, including a laptop compartment.
This is also a nice pick for older pups, since it lets a dog sit naturally on the firm, padded base.
For more information, check out Oscar’s review of the Kurgo G-Train.
What we like:
- Waterproof
- Sturdy base with removable padding
- Air-travel approved
- Mesh ventilation and top window
- Comfortable padded straps with lots of options for adjustment
What to keep in mind:
- Not for breeds above 25 pounds
- On the pricey side
- The peek hole in the top can be a little too high for very small pups
Best Dog Backpack for City Life: Timbuk2 Muttmover (Verified Review)
The Muttmover is a back-facing carrier designed along lines similar to the Kurgo G-Train—though with a couple interesting alterations. Our testers liked that it has more mesh than the Kurgo, which creates a lighter, more open habitat for your pup (whether that’s good or bad depends on your particular pooch).
The peephole in the top is also a little lower and can be rolled up and secured out of the way with a Velcro strap. And the main pouch unzips all the way to the base, which means your dog can walk in themselves—or lay half-in, half-out at a rest spot when they’re ready for a break.
Overall, it’s a dog backpack made with visibility and breathability in mind—plus pockets for leashes, poop bags, and treats. This particular model can hold a dog up to 20 pounds.
What we like:
- Lots of mesh for increased ventilation and visibility
- Easy load/unload with top-to-bottom zipper
- Lifetime warranty
What to keep in mind:
- Not for dogs over 20 pounds
- Less protection from the elements than backpacks like the Kurgo
- On the expensive end
Best Backpack for Big Dogs: K9 Sport Sack Rover 2
The K9 Sport Sack is a front-facing pack, which makes it a nice option for pups who would prefer to have you in their line of sight—or see where they’re going. It also comes in an astonishing range of sizes, with seven different models to accommodate different dog shapes. We’re calling out this particular model, the Rover 2, for our big-dog crowd—it’ll hold a pooch up to 80 pounds!
What we like:
- The wide range of sizes can accommodate even large pups
- Two leg openings at the top
- Doubles as a backpacking trip pack
What to keep in mind:
- The Rover 2 model is the most expensive choice on our list
- The lack of a sturdy base won’t be suitable for all pups, especially ones with delicates spines
- Are you sure, like really sure, you can carry that much dog?
Best Commuter Dog Backpack: PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier Backpack
The PetAmi isn’t necessarily made for hardy outdoor use like the packs above, but a soft sherpa bottom, good airflow, and extra-padded straps make it a nice choice for commuting with small pups up to 18 pounds. This isn’t a serious adventuring pack—but not all dogs want to go on serious adventures (and not all humans want to pay for them). If you’re just looking for a comfy way to get your pal to and from work, the vet, or a visit with friends, this is a solid, affordable choice.
What we like:
- Available in a wide variety of colors
- Cozy interior with lots of padding
- Lots of mesh for good ventilation
What to keep in mind:
- Only for dogs on the small end of the spectrum
- More affordable but not as sturdy as outdoor packs like the Kurgo G-Train
Best Wheeled Dog Backpack: Snoozer Pet Products Roll Around 4-in-1 Travel Carrier Backpack
Like the PetAmi, this backpack is more travel carrier than into-the-woods pack. Available in two sizes (medium holds up to 15 pounds, large holds up to 30 pounds), it prides itself on versatility: you can use it as a backpack, a wheeled carrier, a carseat, or a bed. The wheels are a smart convenience, especially if you’re planning to travel by plane. But they do make for a slightly clunky wearing experience—so a hiking backpack this is not.
What we like:
- Has wheels for easy airport travel
- Good for small dogs who don’t like their legs restricted
- Lots of ventilation
What to keep in mind:
- Not a good option for outdoor adventuring
- Not as secure as some of the other options on the list
- Pricey
Best Front-Carrying Dog Pack: Outward Hound PoochPouch
Here’s an unusual option! This pack lets you carry your small friend on your chest instead of your back. Available in two sizes, the PoochPouch has a clip and drawstring top for added safety.
What we like:
- Designed to sit on chest so you can see your dog at all times
- Affordable
- Mesh ventilation and water-resistant exterior
What to keep in mind:
- Can’t lean or bend over while wearing
- Not for dogs over 20 pounds
- A front pack typically requires more work from a human body than a backpack
Best Fashion Dog Backpack: Pawaboo Pet Carrier Backpack
Pawaboo lets it all hang out! Like Outward Hound’s carrier above, this style of pack can also be worn on the front like a baby carrier—but it comes with openings for all four legs and a tail for doggos that need their limbs to feel free. Note that this won’t be a typical position for your pup—so it’s worth checking with your vet to make sure their spine and hips will be fine on the road.
What we like:
- Comes in many different color styles
- Budget-friendly
- Good for dogs who don’t like their legs and tail restricted
What to keep in mind:
- Only for dogs up to 18 pounds
- Not all dogs are comfortable in this kind of pack
- Lightweight but not as sturdy as other packs
