The 10 Best Dog Hiking Backpacks for Your Pup To Wear on the Trail

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• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Hiking with your dog has tons of benefits for you both: It’s great exercise, gives you quality time to bond, and offers lots of fresh air and new scenery. Giving your dog their own pack to wear for hiking can add additional benefits for your pup because it gives them a purpose and a task to focus on—things many dogs naturally crave.

Most veterinarians and dog training experts recommend dogs only carry up to 10% to 20% of their own body weight. You’ll also want to consider your pet’s individual health and energy needs and check with your vet for advice specific to your pet. Note that puppies shouldn’t carry any weight at all until they’re fully grown—but they can start getting used to an empty pack.

There are loads of dog packs out there, from multi-day designs for camping to more casual go-to’s for day trips. Which pack is right for you will depend on your hiking style and goals for your pup. Whatever pack you choose, remember to measure your pup and check the manufacturer’s size chart since a weight range alone doesn’t always guarantee a good fit. Happy hunting!

Best Lightweight: Kurgo Baxter Dog Hiking Pack

This dog pack is lightweight thanks to its polyester material, but it still provides more than enough room to store the hiking essentials. It comes in two sizes: the Baxter has a 3.75 liter capacity, and Big Baxter has a 7.5 liter capacity. There’s some overlap between the two when it comes to sizing for your dog, so it’s a good idea to whip out the tape measurer to make sure you get the right fit.

What we like:

• Blue, red, or black/orange color options
• Leash attachment point in the rear
• Reflective stripes for added visibility

Best with Multiple Leash Attachments: The Ruffwear Front Range Dog Day Pack

This flexible dog pack from Ruffwear is a nice middle-ground option between some of the seriously heavy-duty models and the lighter packs. With three leash attachment points (chest, mid-back, and rear-back) and stretchy compartments for storage, this pack is a great choice for beginners looking to experiment. It even features five points of adjustment to make a custom and comfortable fit. But don’t just take a human’s opinion—test pup Pepper gave it four paws up when she tried it out.

What we like:

• Weight-forward design that makes it easy to balance bags
• Leash attachment points on both the front and back
• Dense padding to keep things comfy

Best for Multi-Day Trips: Ruffwear Palisades Dog Pack

Designed for multi-day hiking adventures, this backcountry pack is spacious and has a load stability system to keep weight distributed evenly. The packs are removable and include hydration bladders, among other endurance-focused features. Due to the pack’s additional water weight, this is best for medium to large dogs; it may be too heavy for small breeds.

What we like:

• Includes two collapsible BPA-free water bottles
• Removable saddlebags allow you to change or lighten your dog’s load at will
• Four attachment points for a sturdy, strong fit

Best Water-Resistant: Outward Hound DayPak Dog Hiking Pack

Designed for day trips, this widely available dog backpack’s bright coloring makes your dog stand out easily while on a hike. Even better, it’s made with a water-resistant blend, so it works well on rainy-day walks or dips in a creek while hiking. It’s also an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced backpack wearers due to its lightweight design and adjustable straps that help make it comfortable to carry.

What we like:

• Lightweight, breathable mesh material
• Adjustable straps that don’t impede your dog’s movement
• Four expandable pockets to store gear

Best 2-in-1 Backpack and Harness: EzyDog Summit Dog Backpack

For an extra-durable hiking backpack, look no further than this combined EzyDog Summit dog backpack and harness. It’s made of strong ripstop material with rustproof D-rings and reflective trim for added visibility. The versatile design makes it comfortable for adventures on and off the trail due to its top padded handle, thick straps, and waterproof zippers for added durability.

What we like:

• An additional girth strap helps to further stabilize the bag during descents
• Padded handle on top for controlling your dog
• Both front and rear leash attachment points

Best for Visibility: Lifeunion Dog Saddlebags

Bright, neon colors (it comes in four options!) and four wide reflective strips make this waterproof dog hiking pack highly visible in low-light conditions. The backpack is made of sturdy, waterproof polyester material with a breathable mesh saddle top to help keep your pup cool and comfortable on excursions. It also features high-impact, quick-release buckles and a soft rubber handle on top for extra control and assistance when needed.

What we like:

• A collapsible water bowl is included
• Adjustable chest and back straps
• Made of waterproof padded and lightweight polyester fabric

Best for Serious Hikers: OneTigris Mammoth Dog Pack for Hiking

This version of the OneTigris dog pack is extra secure with both hook-and-loop fasteners and buckles to keep it in place on your hiking adventures. It’s available in three sizes (small, medium, and large), each with adjustable straps for a more secure fit. This nylon backpack has a breathable mesh lining for ventilation and comfort. Both side pockets are designed with cross-bungee cords, providing extra storage space while you’re exploring. An added bonus for long-haired dogs: the pack uses a hidden zipper design to prevent hair from getting caught.

What we like:

• Durable 1000D nylon fabric
• Designed with a breathable mesh lining
• Features hidden zippers that won’t get caught in fur

Most Durable: OneTigris HOPPY CAMPER Doggy Backpack

This versatile dog pack is made with durable cotton and features soft mesh undersides. The material makes it strong enough for hiking and camping but also an excellent option for training and casual day trips. It also has a sturdy top handle for extra control and two side compartments to hold water, treats, and disposable bags. Due to the size of the backpack, it’s best for medium- and large-breed dogs.

What we like:

• Available in two sizes: medium and large
• Designed with two adjustable straps
• Two D-ring leash attachments on the back

Best for Large Dogs: Himal Outdoors Dog Backpack

This saddle-style pack was designed for larger dog breeds and fits necks from 22 to 31.5 inches and chests from 29 to 35.8 inches. It includes two storage pouches on the right and left sides, each featuring exterior pockets reinforced with hook-and-loop fasteners. A solid D-ring on the rear back provides a secure leash attachment point, and a padded top handle helps you lift your dog if there’s an obstacle along the way.

What we like:

• Made with breathable 600D nylon and mesh lining
• Available in two colors: black and brown
• Features a hook-and-loop chest strap and a buckle strap on the belly

Best for Small Dogs: KONG Scout Travel Day Dog Pack

Small dogs can get in on the hiking fun with this size-appropriate dog pack that fits chests spanning 20 to 28 inches. From Pugs to Beagle mixes, reviewers enjoy this sturdy yet lightweight pack that lets them take their small doggos with them on adventures.

The backpack has two storage pouches on both sides that feature a spot for easy retrieval of poop bags. The breathable nylon-and-polyester material keeps your dog comfortable and cool, while the top padded rescue handle makes for easy retrieval when necessary.

What we like:

• Saddlebags feature zipper openings
• Features a contoured design for fit and comfort
• Adjustable straps

How We Chose

The dog backpacks featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing and a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms. We prioritized durability and adjustability, among many other qualities and features. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pups, who are never stingy with their feedback.

Further Reading

• The Best Dog Hiking Boots for All Breeds and Sizes
• How to Enjoy Hot Weather Hiking With Your Dog
• The Ultimate Dog Gear Hiking Guide
• The 7 Best Dog Cooling Vests and Bandanas To Beat the Summer Heat