The Best Dog Backpacks of 2023

It’s hard to beat the fun of adventuring with your four-legged friend. But the extra gear can add up. This is where a good dog backpack comes into play. Backpacks for dogs are more than cute accessories — they allow your pooch to haul necessities like food and water.

From dog saddlebags to dog backpack harnesses, there is a plethora of dog hiking gear out there for people who like to hike with dogs. We looked through the options to find the best dog backpacks on the market and came up with the following list. We also put together some tips for finding the right fit and how to pack it for your furry friend.

Scroll through to see all of our recommended dog backpacks, or jump to the category you’re looking for below. And if you’re new to dog packs, take a look at our in-depth dog backpack buyer’s guide, as well as our comparison chart, and helpful FAQ sections.

The Best Dog Backpacks of 2023

Comparison Chart

Dog Backpack	Volume	Weight	Chest Girth	Number of Pockets
Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack	6 L, 12.5 L, 14.5 L, 24 L	12.8 oz., 1 lb. 1 oz., 1 lb. 2 oz., 1 lb. 5 oz.	17″ – 42″	Four
OnTigris Hoppy Camper Dog Pack 2.0	Unavailable	1 lb., 1 lb. 5 oz.	25″ – 36″	Four
Kurgo Baxter Pack	3.75 L, 7.5 L	14 oz., 1 lb. 4 oz.	27″ – 40″	Two
Ultimate Direction Dog Vest	5.8 L, 8.6 L, 10.3 L	11 oz.	22″ – 42″	Four
Mountainsmith K-9 Dog Pack	7 L, 12 L, 16 L	15 oz., 1 lb., 1 lb. 3 oz.	20″ – 40″	Two
Outward Hound Day Pack Dog Backpack	Unavailable	10.8 oz.	21″ – 32″	Four
Ruffwear Palisades Dog Pack	12.5 L, 17.5 L, 24 L	1 lb. 12 oz., 1 lb. 14 oz., 2 lb. 2 oz.	22″ – 42″	Four
Lifeunion Adjustable Service Dog Supply Backpack	Unavailable	12 oz. (small)	22.8″ – 35″	Two

Why You Should Trust Us

We love our pups here at GearJunkie. And there’s nothing more we love than bringing them along on our excursions — which is why we’ve put good effort into finding the perfect dog backpacks so they can carry a bit of their own kit on the go. No dog is the same as the next, which is why we’ve tested dog packs from across the spectrum to find a pup backpack that’ll work for any furry best friend.

While testing these packs, we paid special attention to how they carried a load, knowing that an uneven carry can be an uncomfortable way to spend a day for your dog. We also noted overall capacity, padding and comfort, as well as the trustworthiness of the leash attachments, which can all make or break a good dog backpack.

After miles of trail (and a good number of treats), we’ve assembled our list of the best dog backpacks available today. As new packs hit the market, we’ll saddle up our pups for testing and update our list with the latest and greatest to hit the trails.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Backpack

Capacity

The whole point of buying a backpack for your dog is so it can carry gear. So, it doesn’t make sense to get a pack that can’t hold much more than a few poop bags.

For day hikes or short walks, a small dog backpack with a 1-2 L capacity will do. But for longer hikes or runs, you’ll want more room for water, snacks, and anything else you two might need on your trek.

A backpack with a 3-5 L capacity usually does the trick here. If you’ve got a beefy dog and you’re going on a multi-day backpacking trip, consider a larger pack. We’ve got packs on this list that can go up to 25 L in capacity. This should be enough to carry everything your dog needs.

Load Dispersion

Your dog is not going to enjoy carrying an uneven load. If their pack carries weight unevenly in any direction, your dog will at best be uncomfortable. At worst, this can cause an injury. Look for a pack that carries its load evenly on both sides.

Also, make sure the weight is carried well from front to back. Any good dog backpack has even capacity on both sides and carries the weight closer to the shoulders for solid support.

Weight

As a general rule of thumb, a dog should carry no more than 25% of its body weight. Keep in mind, that number is the maximum amount. Depending on your dog’s age and fitness level, this number can vary from 10% up to 25%.

Some breeds are better at carrying more weight. Puppies and senior dogs are going to need lighter loads. Keep an eye on your dog while you hike. If it looks like he’s flagging or uncomfortable, be ready to take some of his load and carry it in your pack.

Leash Attachment Points

Whether or not you let your four-legged buddy run free on the trail, there will be times you need to put a leash on. Ensure the pack you buy for your dog has at least one attachment point. Many have two points of attachment — one near the shoulder blades and one on the back near the tail.

Many people prefer to use the leash attachment on the front because some dogs tend to pull more when the leash is closer to the dog’s tail. For shorter walks and day trips, consider the simplicity of a dog harness.

Value & Price

Of course, shop for a dog backpack that fits within your budget. In general, more expensive packs tend to have more features. But there are many quality packs in the mid- to low price range.

Expect to spend from $75 to $100 for a comfortable, durable pack that sports some solid features. Larger, more feature-rich packs can cost closer to $150.

If you’re not sure what kind of pack to get for your dog, take a look at the budget options listed above. You can always start with an inexpensive pack and upgrade when you know what features you want.

Fit & Comfort

Your first concern when shopping for a pack is making sure your dog is comfortable. Look for features like padded straps and mesh material. The padded straps help reduce chafing and irritation during longer hikes. The mesh or sweat-wicking material helps protect your dog from overheating.

Make sure the load is distributed evenly so your dog doesn’t have to compensate for it on the hike. The biggest factor in preventing discomfort is making sure the pack fits your dog.

How to Measure Your Dog for a Backpack

Most websites list the varying sizes and associate them with a dog’s weight. However, dogs come in all shapes and sizes. The best way to fit your dog is to get the proper measurements.

Use a piece of string or a flexible tape measure to find the circumference of your dog’s upper neck, lower neck, and chest. After that, measure your dog’s length from the tail to the chest.

Compare those measurements to the dog pack you’re considering to find the right size. Keep in mind some packs won’t work for certain dogs, like those with small necks and deep chests.

When you get the pack, try it on your dog and adjust as necessary to make sure it fits. When fitting the pack, follow the two-finger rule. If the straps are snug but leave room for two fingers between the gear and your dog, it’s a good fit.

Tips

Start With Short Hikes & Low Weight

No matter how fit your dog is, carrying a lot of weight over a long distance right away will come as a shock. Just like training for a long run, it’s good to ease your dog into carrying a pack.

Start with short walks with an empty backpack at first. This lets your dog get used to wearing a pack. Then, add weight and distance as you go.

If you’re planning a specific trip, it’s a good idea to work your way up to distances and weights close to what your dog will carry on the trip. As the date of the trip gets closer, keep adding distance and weight. This can go a long way toward ensuring that your furry friend enjoys his time outside.

Keep It Snug & Secure

Nothing can ruin your hike like chafing and irritation. The same goes for your dog. Make sure the pack fits properly and securely, following the two-finger rule above.

Straps can loosen as you hike. Make sure you check your dog’s straps occasionally and adjust them as necessary.

Pick the Right Size Pack

A huge part of avoiding chafing and hot spots is ensuring that your dog’s pack is the right size. Most websites offer different sizes according to weight. This is a good start.

Compare the specs listed on the pack’s website to make sure it’s a good fit. When you get the pack, check its fit before you go out.

Adjust the straps so you can fit two fingers between your dog and the strap. This ensures a snug fit that isn’t too tight.

Know Your Dog

Weight and size are only two factors when deciding the right pack for your dog. Consider factors like age and health when shopping around.

Puppies and senior dogs need to carry less weight. Consider a smaller pack that can hold around 10-15% of your dog’s weight. The same goes for if your dog is out of shape or recovering from sickness or injury.

Also, disposition is a factor. If you have a more rambunctious dog, consider a burlier harness and a sturdy top handle. This helps you keep control of your dog if you encounter other animals on the trail.

FAQ