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I have a two-year-old labrador who loves hiking and backpacking with me. Now that he is fully grown, it’s time for him to start carrying some of his own stuff using a dog backpack. So, I did extensive research on the best dog backpacks for hiking and have shared this guide to help other dog owners who are shopping for a backpack for their adventure pup.
Note for readers – This review refers to the backpacks that the dog wears while out for a hike, not backpacks that a person uses to carry their dog in or while backpacking with their dog.
Quick Picks: Top 3 Dog Backpacks (read ahead for the guide and individual reviews)
Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack
Ruffwear is a top-rated brand of outdoor gear for dogs. The Ruffwear Approach stands out among the other Ruffwear dog backpacks as the most versatile and highly sought after. It’s lightweight and adjustable at five different points. It also comes in four sizes, so it will fit almost all dogs.
Kurgo Baxter Adjustable Backpack for Dogs
The Kurgo Baxter is a lightweight, durable backpack ideal for day hikes and short backpacking trips. It has eight adjustment points for the most precise fit on your dog. Choose between the regular and large size for dogs from 30 pounds to 110 pounds.
Mountainsmith K-9 Backpack
Mountainsmith is a trusted brand for outdoor gear for humans, so it’s no surprise that their dog backpack is also a great product. The Mountainsmith K-9 backpack is breathable and ergonomic for maximum comfort. You can adjust the pack and the attached harness separately.
Buyer’s Guide for Dog Backpacks
It’s important to choose the right backpack for your dog to ensure that the dog is safe and comfortable when hiking. Some factors to take into consideration include the size of the backpack your dog needs and the material it’s made of.
Size
Before shopping for a dog hiking backpack, you will need to measure your dog’s chest girth to determine what size backpack it needs. Use a tape measure to measure the widest part of your dog’s rib cage. If you don’t have a tape measure, you can use a piece of string and a ruler.
Sizes may vary across different brands, so you should always check the sizing directions and size chart for the specific backpack you choose.
Fit
A dog backpack should fit snugly on your dog but not too tight. The general rule of thumb I use is that you should be able to put two fingers easily through the straps without them sliding around. If the pack is too loose or too tight, it can cause chafing. Chafing is just as uncomfortable for dogs as it is for humans and can lead to irritated or broken skin.
The right size and fit is the best way to prevent chafing from the backpack. Look for a pack that has multiple adjustment points. The more adjustment points the pack has, the more you can fine-tune it to fit your dog perfectly.
Capacity
The maximum capacity your dog can carry depends on the size of the dog. Your dog should never carry more than 25% of its body weight. Therefore, a backpack for smaller dogs will have a smaller capacity.
The amount of stuff you will need to bring depends on the size of your dog and how long your trip will last. Some backpacks can only hold enough supplies for a day hike while some can hold enough water and food for your dog for multi-day backpacking trips. If you want your dog to use its pack for both day hikes and backpacking trips, go with a pack that has a large capacity.
Material
When thinking about the type of material the backpack is made of, you will want to consider two factors: weather resistance and durability. If you live in a place that gets a lot of precipitation, your dog’s backpack should be waterproof or at least water-resistant. A waterproof pack is also ideal for dogs who like to jump into every body of water they see on hikes.
A good dog backpack is made of durable, high-quality materials. Durable backpacks should last for years. Keep in mind that no backpack is 100% damage-proof, and your dog should be monitored at all times while wearing its backpack.
Features
Similar to harnesses, some dog backpacks have leash attachment loops on the top of the pack on the dog’s back. Others have leash loops on the front of the pack on the dog’s chest. If you aren’t sure yet which leash attachment location you prefer, consider purchasing a dog backpack that has attachment loops in both places.
Another useful feature common on dog hiking packs is a handle for you to hold the pack in place while fitting it onto your dog. For night hiking, look for a pack that has reflective material and a way to attach a dog light.
FAQs About Hiking Backpacks for Dogs
Is It Safe for My Dog to Wear a Backpack?
Dog hiking backpacks are specifically designed for dogs. Many of them are meant to be worn all day or even on multi-day trips. That being said, your dog needs to train and work up to hiking long distances just like people do.
How Much Weight Can My Dog Carry?
Dogs can generally carry up to 25% of their body weight. However, you should not start with this much weight when you first buy your dog its own hiking backpack. Start with around 5% of your dog’s body weight and work up to heavier weights over many hikes. It’s also important to make sure the weight on both sides of the pack is always balanced. However, you know your own dog best so be careful not to overload your pup!
Why Should I Buy a Dog Backpack?
Getting a hiking backpack for your dog benefits you and the dog. You can lighten the weight of your own pack by having your dog carry its own water and gear. For dogs, carrying a backpack can give them a sense of purpose while hiking which can help them stay calm and focused.
What Should I Put in My Dog’s Backpack?
The heaviest thing you will carry for you and your dog is water. It is recommended that you carry at least 1 liter of water for your dog for every 5 miles that you hike. A liter of water weighs 2.2 pounds. Other items that you may want to pack in your dog’s backpack for a day hike include a water bowl, snacks, first aid, and doggie bags. For overnight trips, you can even have your dog carry its own food.
The 7 Best Dog Backpacks for Hiking
Ruffwear Approach
Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
With the Ruffwear brand, you know you are getting high-quality products, and the Ruffwear Approach dog backpack is no exception. Users have reported that this backpack lasts for years of adventures with their pups. The pack has a large capacity, so you can use it for day hikes or overnight backpacking trips. It’s big enough to hold your dog’s food and water for several days.
It’s important for your dog’s backpack to fit well so that it does not rub and irritate the dog’s skin. The Ruffwear Approach comes in four sizes, and each has five different points of adjustment. This allows you to adjust the backpack to fit your dog perfectly.
The pack also has a reflective trim, so it’s easy to spot in the dark. There is even a loop to attach a light to for night hiking. There are two leash attachment points: one on the front and one on the top. This allows you to leash your dog in whatever way you always have been for easy walking.
The chart below shows the dog size, pack weight, and pack capacity of the four different sizes of the Ruffwear Approach:
| Pack Size | Dog Chest Girth | Example Dog Breeds | Pack Capacity | Pack Weight |
| X-Small | 17-22 inches | Chihuahua, Maltese, Dachshund | 7 liters | .8 pounds |
| Small | 22-27 inches | Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Corgi | 12.5 liters | 1.05 pounds |
| Medium | 27-32 inches | Pitbull, Husky, Boxer | 14.5 liters | 1.15 pounds |
| Large | 32-42 inches | Great Dane, Mastiff, Saint Bernard | 24 liters | 1.3 pounds |
Pros:
- Trusted brand
- Comes in four sizes and three colors
- Five points of adjustment for a precise fit
- Large capacity for long hikes and overnight backpacking trips
- Front and top leash attachment points
Cons:
- Usually more expensive compared to some of the other top-rated dog backpacks
- Dogs can damage by chewing
Kurgo Baxter Adjustable Backpack for Dogs
Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Kurgo Baxter is another high-quality dog hiking backpack. It is designed for maximum comfort with an ergonomic style and extra padding. What makes this pack stand out is the eight different adjustment points. Every dog is different, so these adjustment points make it so that you can make this pack fit perfectly on most dogs.
It comes in two sizes for medium and large dogs. The medium size is referred to as the regular Baxter while the large size is referred to as the Big Baxter. When measuring your dog for this pack, it’s recommended that you measure its neck girth in addition to its chest girth. Check out the sizing chart below:
| Pack Size | Chest Girth | Neck Girth | Dog Weight | Pack Capacity | Pack Weight |
| Baxter | 27-40 inches | 17-24 inches | 30-85 pounds | 3.75 liters | .85 pounds |
| Big Baxter | 30-48 inches | 21-33 inches | 50-110 pounds | 7.75 liters | 1.1 pounds |
The pack has both large and small storage pockets on each side for keeping your dog’s gear organized. It has a reflective trim for visibility when night hiking. It also has a handle on top for maximum control over your dog.
The major downside of this pack is that there is no small size. It also does not have a leash attachment point of the front of the pack. The only leash attachment point is at the rear of the part of the pack that rests on the dog’s back.
Pros:
- Eight adjustment points for a perfect fit
- Comes in three colors: red, blue, and black/orange
- Fits most medium and large dogs
- Padded and breathable for comfort
Cons:
- No size for small dogs
- Small capacity may not be suitable for multi-day trips
Mountainsmith K-9 Backpack
Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You may be familiar with the Mountainsmith brand since they have been making high-quality outdoor gear for humans for over 30 years. They have used their experience with outdoor gear to design a great hiking backpack for dogs. Each pack has six adjustment points for a comfortable and exact fit.
The pack comes in three sizes, so it will work for most dogs. The company does not provide a sizing chart but does have some sizing recommendations. The small size pack is best for dogs between 20 and 40 pounds. The medium pack fits dogs 40-90 pounds, and the large pack fits dogs 80 pounds and up. According to these recommendations, the large pack should fit all large and extra-large dogs.
Mountainsmith K-9 backpacks have large capacities making them suitable for day hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. The small holds 6 liters, the medium holds 10 liters, and the large holds 18 liters!
Pros:
- Trusted outdoor brand
- Adjustable chest harness, back harness, and belly strap
- Comes in three sizes and two colors
- Padded handle for more control over the dog
- Large capacity for overnight trips
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- No leash attachment loop on the front
Outward Hound DayPak
Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Outward Hound DayPak is a very affordable, lightweight dog backpack. With this pack, you are getting a high-quality product at a solid value compared with many of the other popular dog backpacks on the market.
In addition to its general affordability, this dog backpack has some great features. It has two expandable pockets on each side. Its also made with mesh, so it’s very breathable which is helpful for warm days.
The pack is currently available in medium and large sizes. The medium fits dogs with a chest girth of 21-27 inches while the large fits dogs with a chest girth of 28-32 inches. Outward Hound does not recommend carry anything heavy in the pack’s pockets. Up to half a liter or a 16-ounce water bottle can fit on each side.
Pros:
- Comes in two sizes and two colors
- Great value
- Lightweight
- Water-resistance
- Made of breathable mesh
Cons:
- Not suitable for dogs who pull a lot
- Capacity not large enough for overnight trips
- No size for small dogs
OneTigris Hoppy Camper Dog Pack
Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What makes this OneTigris dog backpack unique is the material it’s made of. Most dog backpacks are made of nylon or polyester, but this one is made of cotton canvas. This gives the pack a cool, vintage look. It’s also breathable with mesh, anti-slip padding.
In addition to being fashionable and breathable, this pack is functional. It has two adjustable straps and two leash attachments loops on the top. There is one large zipped pocket and one side pocket on each side. The maximum capacity of the pockets is not listed, but users have reported the pack being able to hold over 3 liters or up to 7 pounds of food and water.
Pros:
- Comes in two sizes and three colors
- Good value
- Made of breathable cotton canvas
- Stylish, vintage look
Cons:
- No size for small dogs
- No reflective material
- Not waterproof
Ruffwear Palisades
Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Palisades is another great Ruffwear dog backpack. It has a large capacity that makes it an ideal choice for multi-day backpacking trips. The small size can hold up to 14 liters, the medium up to 17.5 liters, and the large up to 24 liters.
This pack comes with two collapsible one-liter hydration bladders that you can use for your dog or yourself! It’s also unique in that the saddlebags can be removed from the harness. The harness can be used separately for day hikes or while hanging out at your campsite.
Pros:
- Comes in three sizes
- Large capacity for multi-day trips
- Saddlebags are removable from harness
- Water-resistant
Cons:
- Only one color option
Lifeunion Dog Saddlebags
Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Lifeunion dog backpack is a great option for folks on a more limited budget. It’s an affordable option while still offering many of the features that other popular dog backpacks have including reflective material, large storage pockets on each side, and a handle on top. The backpack is also waterproof, so it’s ideal if you live in a place where it rains often.
The pack comes in three sizes with two adjustment points making it a good fit for dogs of most sizes. The small pack can hold up to 1.5 pounds, the medium up to 2.5 pounds, and the large up to 3.5 pounds.
Pros:
- Comes in three sizes and four colors
- Good value
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Pack may not balance well
In Summary
The top three most highly rated dog backpacks on the market today are the Ruffwear Approach, the Kurgo Baxter, and the Mountainsmith K-9 Dog Pack. Ruffwear is the most trusted brand of outdoor gear for dogs, but their packs are also usually among the most expensive. If you are on a more limited budget and seeking other options, the Outward Hound DayPak is another popular choice.
The most important factors to consider when shopping for a dog hiking backpack are the size and fit of the bag. Look for a pack with lots of adjustment points to help you fit the pack perfectly to your dog’s body. A precise fit is key to making sure your dog is comfortable and safe during your hikes. For longer hikes and backpacking trips, look for a pack with a large capacity.
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