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Being outdoors is natural for dogs, but sleeping out in the wild is a different story. While dogs are descendants of wolves, today’s domesticated canines aren’t nearly as prepared to sleep in the elements as their ancestors—especially since they don’t have the same dense coat or the warmth of a wolf pack to protect them.
Professional dog trainer Denise Herman adds that not all stereotypes about dog fur and warmth are accurate. “Dogs, like Huskies, get a reputation for being able to handle the cold, but that’s really only if they’ve gotten used to being in cold weather,” she explains.
A dog sleeping bag can help protect your pup on your next camping and backpacking trip, keeping them toasty, dry, and warm. Here are our top picks for the best sleeping bags so your dog can stay snug as a bug long after the campfire has burned out. Not sure how to pick? Hop down to our explanation with thoughts from the experts.
Best All-Purpose: Hurtta Outback Dreamer Sleeping Bag
With a unique round design meant to accommodate a dog’s natural sleeping position, the Hurtta dog sleeping bag is great for a wide variety of adventures like traveling, camping, and hiking. Its outer layer is made of 100% recycled water-resistant polyester with a waterproof bottom. Inside, a layer of warm wadding is nestled between the outer fabric and the lining. The interior also boasts heat-reflecting foil to help keep your dog cozy on cold nights. (The brand is from Finland, so the sleeping bag is designed with frigid, snowy temps in mind.)
Coming with a storage and transport bag, this lightweight option is easy to pack up and fit into compact spaces (hello, backpacking!). It doesn’t have much cushion, though, so don’t be surprised if your dog wants to curl up at your feet.
Measurements:
- Small: 22 inches diameter, 0.5 pounds
- Medium: 28 inches diameter, 1 pound
- Large: 35 inches diameter, 1.5 pounds
Key Features:
- Designed to accommodate a dog’s natural sleeping position
- Comes with a stuff sack for easy packing
- Made of durable Houndtex textile
- Has a weatherproof membrane with no taped seams
- Fits inside the Hurtta Trail Dog Backpack
What to Watch:
- Doesn’t provide much cushion
- Handwash only
Best for Cold Weather Camping: Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag (Verified Review)
The Ruffwear dog sleeping bag has lightweight synthetic down insulation and an insulated neck to keep pups warm on chilly nights—some users have reported that it has kept their dogs warm in 20-30 degree temperatures. A half-length zipper makes it easy for your dog to climb into the bag while also reducing bulk. There’s even an opening at the bottom to insert the Highlands portable bed for extra insulation on colder nights.
The oval bag has a water-repellent polyester shell that’s quick-drying and a 40-denier nylon lining with a water-repellent finish. While our testers found it to be a strong and versatile option for medium and large breeds, some smaller dogs might find it to be too big.
Measurements:
- Medium: 25.2 x 33.5 inches, 1.6 pounds
- Large: 28.3 x 43.3 inches, 2.3 pounds
Key Features:
- Down insulation for cold nights
- Heavy-duty, versatile option for all kinds of terrain
- Durable, lightweight construction
- Includes sleeve for sleeping pad
- Fits Palisades and Approach dog backpacks
- Machine washable in cold water
What to Watch:
- Might be too big for smaller breeds
- Pet parents say it can be awkward to carry
Best for Small Dogs: Wilderdog Dog Sleeping Bag
Touted as “one-size-fits-all,” the Wilderdog camping sleeping bag is best suited for small to medium-sized breeds. While it can fold out and double in size as a blanket, reviewers with smaller dogs like Chihuahua mixes, Scottish Terriers, and Mini Australian Shepherds seem to find it a good fit as an actual sleeping bag.
Available in two colors—olive and maroon—this dog sleeping bag has a durable, ripstop polyester outer shell that’s water-resistant. Two convenient loops at the end also make hang-drying a breeze. A 3/4-inch covering helps to keep pups protected on chilly nights, while a cozy interior features a quick-drying cotton inner lining.
Measurements:
- Zipped: 36 x 28 inches zipped
- Laid flat: 72 x 56 inches
- In stuff sack: 16 x 10 inches
- Weight: 1.81 pounds
Key Features:
- Great for small to medium dogs
- Stuff sack included
- Backed by a lifetime warranty (just no chewing!)
- For every purchase, Wilderdog donates one pound of kibble to a rescue/shelter
- Ships internationally
- Machine washable on gentle cycle
What to Watch:
- Likely too small for big dogs unless unzipped as a blanket
Best for Large Dogs: Whyld River Doggybag
Calling all bigger pups who love to camp! This sleeping bag offers both a large (for dogs 60-80 pounds) and an extra-large (for dogs 80-100 pounds). It’s also designed with plastic snaps instead of traditional metal zippers so pups are less likely to feel trapped inside—ideal for dogs new to sleeping bags or who are generally anxious.
Designed with human-grade materials, this circular sleeping bag is made of 40-denier ripstop nylon and premium synthetic insulation—creating an ultra-durable and warm sleeping space for your pup, even in temps as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit. An interior draft sleeve keeps out cold winds and also doubles as a bolster while traveling.
Measurements:
- X-Small—Pad: 23 x 18 inches; Quilt: 29 x 24 inches; Stuff Sack: 6 x 8 inches; Weight: 13 ounces
- Small—Pad: 29 x 24 inches; Quilt 35 x 30 inches; Stuff Sack: 7 x 11 inches; Weight: 1 pound, 4 ounces
- Medium—Pad: 38 x 28 inches; Quilt: 44 x 34 inches; Stuff Sack: 7 x 13 inches; Weight: 1 pound, 11 ounces
- Large—Pad: 48 x 34 inches; Quilt: 54 x 40 inches; Stuff Sack: 8 x 15 inches; Weight: 2 pounds, 9 ounces
- X-Large—Pad: 58 x 38 inches; Quilt: 64 x 44 inches; Stuff Sack: 11 x 16 inches; Weight: 3 pounds and 6 ounces
Key Features:
- Comes in large and extra-large sizes for big dogs
- Plastic snaps instead of zippers keep pups from feeling trapped
- A detailed measurement chart helps pet parents find the right size
- Machine washable (for machines without agitators)
What to Watch:
- Higher price than other sleeping dog bags on our list
- Some reviewers say the snaps don’t keep the bag fully closed
- A bit bulky for summer use (for something lighter, try the Ultralight dog sleeping bag)
- Extra fees for shipping internationally
Best for Multiple Dogs: Helios Trail Barkers Dog Bed
Providing two configurations, this dog sleeping bag can be used as a thick, cushioned bed (great for seniors or dogs with joint pain) or unzipped as a more traditional sleeping bag with double the space. The unique design also lets you zip additional Trail-Barkers together if you’re camping with multiple pups. Pet parents have noted, however, that on its own, the sleeping bag is best suited for small to medium dogs.
Designed with a PU-coated polyester-cotton and nylon fabric, this dog sleeping bag has an inner lining with impermeable, waterproof, and windproof BlackShark Technology. While ranked high for durability, the bag doesn’t include a compression sack, which could make backpacking with it a little tricky.
Measurements:
- Size: 26 x 20 inches
- Weight: 1.63 pounds
Key Features:
- Connects to other Helios dog sleeping bags for camping with multiple pups
- Extra-thick bed is great for senior dogs and pups with joint pain
- Doubles in size when opened
- Ranks high for durability
- Comes with a nylon carrying strap
- Machine washable
What to Watch:
- Might be too snug for larger breeds
- Doesn’t include a compression sack
- Can be bulky for backpacking
Best for Backpacking: KUDES Packable Dog Sleeping Bag
Lightweight and compressible, this one-size-fits-all dog sleeping bag clocks in just under 2 pounds, making it a great option for backpacking trips. A waterproof polyester exterior keeps out moisture, and a drawstring design with a double-way zipper and outer Velcro helps keep your dog securely inside.
Reviewers note that while the soft fleece interior provides warmth, this dog sleeping bag is better suited for camping and backpacking during warmer weather.
Measurements:
- Unzipped: 58 inches wide
- Zipped Up: 43.31 x 27.56 inches
- In Sack: 7.1 x 13.8 inches
- Weight: 1.76 pounds
Key Features:
- The lightweight and compressible design is great for backpacking
- A waterproof exterior helps keep your dog dry
- Double-way zipper and outer Velcro help prevent accidental openings
- Soft fleece interior
- Machine washable
What to Watch:
- Better suited for warmer weather
Best for Rocky Terrain: Chuckit! Travel Pillow Dog Bed
More of a portable pillow bed, this dog sleeping bag by Chuckit! comes in one size and offers plenty of padding for rougher and rockier terrains. Pet parents like that despite its affordable price, the bed is well-made with quality materials that include a poly-sued soft top, double offset quilted construction, and ripstop bottom liner.
It’s also lightweight, just over a pound, and comes with a stuff sack—although it can be a little bulky for backpacking trips and need a compression sack to cinch it down. And while it is durable enough for outdoor use, it’s not super warm or very water-resistant, so it’s best for warmer and dry climates.
Measurements:
- Size: 39 x 30 inches
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
Key Features:
- Padded quilted construction for rockier terrains
- Attached loop for easy hang-drying
- Includes a nylon stuff sack
- Affordable price that doesn’t sacrifice quality
- Machine washable
What to Watch:
- More of a sleeping pad/travel bed than a traditional dog sleeping bag
- Can be bulky for backpacking
- Best suited for warm weather and dry climates
Best for Indoors: Pet Sleep Zone Cuddle Cave Dog Bed
If your dog (or cat) likes to burrow, an indoor sleeping bag can be a nice addition to their regular bed, especially during colder months. It can also be a fun option to bring along for easy car camping. Available in several colors to match your home decor, this cave bed features a micro-suede exterior, a faux-fur interior, and poly-fill stuffing that’s 100% recyclable and designed to prevent clumping.
While pups who love to burrow will likely find this cave bed extra snuggly, it’s best suited for extra-small and small breeds.
Measurements:
- Size: 22 x 17 x 10 inches
- Weight: 2.15 pounds
Key Features:
- Great for indoor burrowing
- Can also be used for easy car camping
- Best suited for extra-small and small breeds
- Machine washable
- Available in a variety of colors to match your home decor
- A more affordable option on our list
What to Watch:
- Not packable and less travel-friendly
- Some reviewers say it can be difficult for their pets to turn around easily
Best for Car Camping: RuffRest by Timberdog
The Ruffrest camping bed by Timberdog is a solid option for pet parents looking for a dog camping bed that resembles their pup’s regular spot at home. While it may not be the most compact or lightweight option, its thoughtful features make it a standout choice for car camping enthusiasts.
The bed includes a built-in sleeping bag with temperature control vents, well-suited for moderate camping weather. Its exterior is made from washable sherpa fleece with durable nylon edges and waterproof-covered foam on the inside. Although it may be too heavy for backpacking expeditions, our testers found that its durable construction and the convenience of hidden storage pockets made it a good choice for other outdoor endeavors.
Measurements:
- Small: 26 x 18 x 3 inches, 4.5lbs
- Medium: 34 x 24 x 3 inches, 6.6lbs
- Large: 44 x 32 x 3 inches, 10lbs
Key Features:
- Bolster bed with built-in sleeping bag
- Washable sherpa fleece outside and waterproof-covered inner foam layer
- Contains a removable, hangable organizer
- Reflective loops & a water bottle pocket
- Shoulder strap doubles as a reflective leash
- Partners with One Tree Planted to offset carbon emissions
What to Watch:
- Temperature rating for sleeping bag component is 55 degrees
- Though it has a compression strap for the medium and large sizes, it does not pack down compactly compared to other sleeping bag options
- Likely best for car camping; weight of even the smallest bed would be significant (and bulky) for backpacking
How To Choose a Dog Sleeping Bag
When shopping for a dog sleeping bag, the first thing to consider is the level of warmth you need. Denise Herman, professional dog trainer and the owner of Empire of the Dog, advises observing how warm or cold your pup likes to be at night.
“A dog who likes to be under the covers at night when they sleep with a person prefers to be on the warmer side and would like a warmer sleeping bag,” she says. “But a dog that is always laying on the floor or on the tile in the house probably likes to be on the colder side and may not want a super warm, hot sleeping bag.”
You’ll also want to consider durability. If you hope to go camping every weekend, then a heavy-duty sleeping bag made with quality materials will not only help protect your dog from the elements and hold up to outdoor use, but it should withstand frequent washing.
If you live in areas that get heavy rain, like the Pacific Northwest, you’ll also want to look for waterproof options. Otherwise, a water-resistant bag should suffice.
And of course, you’ll want to take your dog’s measurements to find the right bag for their size and weight. If you’re backpacking, you’ll look for dog sleeping bags that are lighter. Or get a doggy backpack so your pup can carry their own gear.
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms and an interview with a professional dog trainer. When looking at dog sleeping bags, we prioritized durability, washability, warmth, weight, and size. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
