8 Best Dog Backpacks for Hiking in 2021

In this post, you'll read about the best dog backpacks available today and see how they measure up. By the end of this round-up, you'll have a feel for how to select a pack your dog will enjoy carrying its food, water, and treats in while hiking along your side.

Let's jump right in and look at some of the benefits of dog packs (when used properly).

Are Dog Backpacks Good for Dogs?

Benefits of Dog Packs

Backpacks are beneficial for dogs in ways you wouldn’t expect.

1. Discipline: When wearing a pack, a dog often goes into work mode and takes on the job of carrying its own weight. A dog that believes it is on duty will stay focused during a hike and won't chase after every squirrel it encounters on the trail.
2. Comfort: Some dogs also are comforted by the snug feeling of the pack. It can make a nervous dog feel more secure and helps them stay calm when encountering a stressful situation.
3. Physical training: A pack also provides the dog with additional exercise. This extra effort will tire out the dog out after a hike so he or she will chill at the campsite. It also helps build endurance while training for longer hikes.

Start off easy with shorter hikes and little to no weight in the pack. As your dog gets stronger, you can gradually increase the distance and the weight in the pack. Before you know it, your dog will be a pro at carrying his or her gear.

How Much Weight Can a Dog Safely Carry On His Back?

How much weight a dog can carry depends on a variety of factors, but the most essential elements are the breed and age of the dog.

The target carrying weight for most dogs is 15 percent of the dog's body weight. Some bigger dogs like a Bernese Mountain dog can carry up to 30 percent of their body weight, while smaller dogs like a Pug can carry only 10 percent.

Use the calculator below to find out how much weight your dog should carry, gear included:

Older dogs should carry less than the recommended weight, so you don't stress them too much. Just like with people, you don't want to overburden your dog with too much weight.

The amount of gear and supplies you should bring is based on the type of hike you are doing and the distance. Obviously, your dog will need to carry more weight on a long, multi-day hike and less weight on a short day hike.

Watch your dog for signs of fatigue, limping, licking, or whimpering and adjust weight as needed. When packing your backpack, make sure you leave extra room in case you need to carry more of your dog’s supplies than expected.

Don’t ignore any concerning signs. If you push your dog too hard, you may end up having to carry him or her out.

Dog Backpack Requirements

EVEN LOAD DISTRIBUTION: SIDE-TO-SIDE AND FRONT-BACK

To avoid causing your dog discomfort, chafing, and injuries, look for a backpack that is well-balanced. You want to be able to pack the dog's gear so that it sits evenly and sturdily on the dog's back.

Almost all dog backpacks are saddlebags, meaning they consist of two panniers that fall to either side of your dog's chest. Disregard any pack that's a single pouch construction. Your dog's back will thank you.

Also, pay attention to how far down the pack sits on your dog's back. Ideally, you want the pack to rest near the dog's shoulders so that there is little to no strain on its back and rear.

ADJUSTABLE: AVOID ONE-PIECE DESIGNS

Some packs have a fixed one-piece construction, where the panniers are sewn into the body of the backpack. These packs have limited adjustment points, so you must choose the correct size carefully.

Other packs have a small piece of fabric that runs along the dog's back. The panniers attach to the body of the pack using straps that can be shortened or lengthened depending on the size of the dog.

This style is very adjustable and can accommodate a wide variety of dog shapes and sizes.

LIGHTWEIGHT: UNDER 2 LBS

Most dog backpacks weigh two pounds or less. Heavier packs tend to have larger panniers, rugged zippers, and extra straps for adjustment. You need to strike a balance between features and weight. The lighter the pack, the easier it is on the dog. Just be sure that you don't go too light and get a backpack that isn't equipped to handle the supplies your dog needs to carry.

SUFFICIENT CAPACITY: 10 TO 25 LITERS

Dog backpacks are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate everything from a walk around town to a multi-day hike. In general, you'll want a pack that holds up to 25 liters for a multi-day trek and up to 10 liters for a day trip. Many packs come in one size and have panniers that hold enough gear for a day hike but can expand to fit more than a day's worth of supplies.

Best Dog Packs for 2020

Mountainsmith K9

• Volume: 5 L
• Price: $70

The Mountainsmith K9 hits all the checkmarks for what you want in a pack. It is easy to put on your dog. Unlike other packs that require you to place your dog's leg into the harness, the K9 pack from Mountainsmith simply slides over the dog's head and then buckles around the chest and legs. It is so easy and comfortable for your dog that he or she won't even mind putting on the pack.

A lot of forethought was put into the design of the K9, and it shows. The pack is adjustable in almost every direction. You can change the length of the chest strap on the front of the pack. You can extend the straps across the chest of even the biggest dog. Even the panniers have their own straps that allow you to raise or lower each pannier based on the girth of your dog.

Not only are the straps adjustable, but they also are padded and contoured for a snug, but comfortable fit. All the buckles and d-loops also have a fabric backing that prevents these hard plastic parts from rubbing up against the dog's skin. You won't have to worry about chafing and other other types of skin irritation. The straps and buckles and easy to adjust and hold well. They don't slip when weighted.

The K9 has plenty of pockets to store your dog's gear. Two large pockets can hold up to two liters of water and food, while the smaller slash pockets are ideal for waste bags, treats, or a first aid kit. The construction is durable with a combination of 420D and 630D nylon along with rugged zippers and secure stitching on the handle and leash attachment.

Ruffwear Palisades

• Volume: 17.5 L
• Price: $150

Ruffwear is known for its durable harnesses, reliable leashes, and rugged backpacks. 

The Palisades is no exception. It is a fantastic multi-day dog backpack with removable panniers, plenty of storage, and lots of thoughtful design features.

The saddlebag comes with two 1-liter collapsible hydration bags. Most dogs will be able to drink straight out of the bladder.

When your dog is running around with its pack on, you don't want the gear to be flying around the panniers. That can cause the load to shift on your dog's back and can lead to chafing.  Ruffwear's thought of that and includes some compression straps inside the panniers to keep its contents in place.

We would have liked to see a bit more padding come with the front straps. Depending on how the bag fits, your dog may experience some rubbing around its armpits. That's something to look at before buying. Note that the company sells a padded add-on that is supposed to provide additional protection to the chest and belly areas (called Brush Guard).

Overall, the Palisades is a great choice if you're looking for a multi-day dog backpack that's rugged, adjustable, and looks the par. 

Ruffwear Approach

• Volume: 14.5 L
• Price: $80

The Approach is the Palisades's little brother. Ideal for a long day hike, it features a single-piece construction in which the panniers are sewn into the harness frame of the pack.

The design of the Approach pack is outstanding: the zippers are rugged, the leash attachment is rock solid and the handle is sewn extremely securely into the pack.

The Approach Pack has two roomy panniers that can carry 2 liters of water, dog bowl, treats and waste bags. The straps are padded and buckle across the chest and abdomen. A flap of fabric protects the buckles from rubbing against the dog's skin. The Approach pack is made from durable 420-denier ripstop nylon with a soft liner on the inside.

There are two attachment points: a durable metal ring and a fabric loop near the handle. We especially appreciated the gear loops across the top, which are useful for storing the leash when you are not using it. The pack has multiple pockets that you can use to store larger water bottles and small items like waste bags.

Though it is rugged, the Approach is not as adjustable as competing packs. You can only adjust the length of straps and how they fit across the chest. You can not change the height of the pouches because they are sewn into the underlying fabric of the pack. The rear strap also sits far back on the dog and may be sprayed with urine.

OneTigris HOPPY CAMPER 2.0

• Volume: 4 L
• Price: $36

OneTigris is known for their tactical backcountry gear. The HOPPY CAMPER dog backpack is one of the brand's more casual bags, though. It's a reliable dog backpack with a sleek urban design.

Made out of cotton canva, it tips the scale at 19.7oz and is one of the heavier options on our list. Cotton also isn't as durable and doesn't dry as fast as other fabrics like nylon and polyester. This could be an issue if you're hiking on a rainy day or if your route involves river crossings.

The handle, though well-stitched, isn't built for lifting the dog but for "temporary mobility assistance and K9 control", as stated by the OneTigris on their site. If you're looking for something to lift your dog up a boulder, you'll want to choose something more durable.

We found that the pack is sturdy and stays in place while the dog hikes, runs, etc. Fitting it is fairly easy. You've got two straps to adjust—one that goes over the belly, the other around neck.

Overall, the HOPPY CAMPER 2.0 is a good day-hike backpack for dogs. It's available in two sizes and three colors. Consider getting rid of the D-rings if you're not using them; this will make the pack slightly lighter and easier for your dog to carry on longer distances.

Kurgo Baxter

• Volume: 3.75 L
• Price: $42

The Kurgo Baxter is a lightweight pack that hits the sweet spot between price and functionality. The pack has all the basic features you need in a dog backpack without all the fluff. It has a clip on the front that makes it easy to put on your dog You don't have to move his legs or feet. Just slide the harness over the head and secure the front buckle. It has two straps that fit across the chest and secure the backpack to you dog. Each strap is adjustable so you can get a snug fit. Unlike competing packs, the straps are not padded and the buckles lay against the dog’s skin. If you are not careful, the straps and buckles could irritate the skin and cause a hot spot.

The Baxter has two panniers that have plenty of room for treats, water, and food. Each pannier has a large pouch and a slash pocket for smaller items. These panniers are adjustable and can be moved up or down to fit a wide range of dogs. The regular Baxter pack fits dogs between 30 to 85 pounds with 3.75L of storage space while the larger Big Baxter pack holds up to 7.5L of gear and fits dogs over 50 pounds.

Kurgo kept the Baxter simple. The harness portion is lightly padded and contoured to fit across the back of your dog. The pack has two attachments points for a leash. There is a metal clip facing the rear on the handle and a front-facing metal clip with a bottle opener on the front chest strap. I never used the bottle opener, but it is there if you need it. There also are two loops on the top of the pack for attaching gear.

Outward Hound DayPak Dog Backpack

• Volume: Unkown
• Price: $26

As its name implies, the DayPak dog backpack from Outward Hound is designed for a short walk around town or a daytime adventure at your local park. Ideally, the DayPak dog backpack is suitable for street walks, parks, and beaches. It is not a rugged bag for traveling through rough backcountry terrain.

The standout feature is the breathable mesh body, which keeps your dog cool even when it is hot outside. The pack has two saddlebags with pockets to carry the essentials for your dog and yourself. The design is lightweight with small zippers, small buckles, and minimal padding. There is a handle to carry your dog and a single D-ring for a leash.

Lifeunion Saddle Bag

• Volume: Unkown
• Price: $26

The Lifeunion Saddle Bag falls in between the lightweight and low-cost Outward Hound DayPak and the rugged Approach pack from Ruffwear. Like the Ruffwear Approach pack, the Lifeunion Saddle Bag has fixed panniers that are sewn into the body of the pack. You can adjust the chest straps for sizing, but you cannot raise or lower the panniers to fit your dog.

The panniers have a triangular shape that is wide at the top and tapers to the bottom. They are sized for daily use around town or at a campground. Because of their shape and size, you are limited in what you can stuff in the pack. Think essentials and not large bottles of water or big bags of food.

Though it targets the day user, the Lifeunion Saddle Bag is not a minimal pack. It is constructed with water-resistant 600D double polyester and has a rubber handle that provides a secure, non-slip grip. The pack and straps are lined with a soft mesh and are well-padded for comfort.

Wellver Saddle Bag

• Volume: Unkown
• Price: $16

If you need a backpack for your dog but don't like the rugged outdoorsy look, then the Wellver Saddle Bag is for you. It is a great starter pack for shorter hikes and walks around the town. It has two large panniers and a well-padded chest strap. In between the two panniers is a breathable mesh that is ideal for warm weather hiking. Our only gripe with the pack is its length. It is longer than most dog backpacks, so you have to be extra careful with the fit, especially with male dogs. If the pack is too long, then the back strap may fall over a dog's male bits instead of the end of the rib cage.

Considerations

FIT: AVOIDING HOT SPOTS AND CHAFING

Fit is right up there with size in importance. A poorly fitting pack can lead to painful chafing (esp. around the chest area where the straps run under the front legs), while an overloaded pack can cause joint pain and even injury. Dog backpacks should be snug enough that they don't slip or move while your dog is walking. Ideally, the buckles on the pack should have a protective layer of fabric that protects the dog from chafing and rubbing.

WEATHERPROOFING: WATER-RESISTANT MATERIALS AND ZIPPERS

Most dog backpacks are made with water-resistant nylon or polyester that will keep the pack contents dry under light rain. Look for zippers that are covered by a flap for the best rain protection If heavy rain is expected, a plastic bag or other waterproof liner is recommended.

Speaking of waterproof, you'll also want to look for packs that have straps that fit don't dangle down into a urine stream. 

DURABILITY: PAY ATTENTION TO THE HANDLE AND LEASH HOOK

Dog backpacks typically are made with durable nylon or polyester with heavy-duty stitching in high-stress areas like the handle and leash hook. Try to test out a pack before you purchase it. Let your dog wear it and try picking him up to see if the handle feel secure and if the straps hold without slipping. You don't want the handle or leash hook to break when you need it the most.

COLOR: BRIGHT COLORS HELP YOU SPOT YOUR DOG EASILY

Choose high visibility colors like orange and neon green. These colors make it easy to find your dog in case he runs off into the woods or wanders around camp.

DESIGN: IMPORTANT FEATURES

Here are some common design features to look for:

• Padded Straps: Not all dog backpacks are made the same. There are a handful of features that make or break a pack. If you are going to have your dog carry a heavy load, you should look for a pack with padded straps. Just like a human backpack, padded straps add comfort and prevent chafing.
• Handle: It's also helpful to have a sturdy handle that allows you to lift your dog over steep terrain. It's so much easier and safer for both you and your dog to use a handle for lifting. Like the straps, some packs have handles that are padded so you can grab your dog without having the strap dig into your hand.
• Gear Loops: Another useful feature are gear loops. These loops typically are found on the top or along the side of the pack. They are excellent for attaching accessories like waste bags and the leash to the outside of the pack.

How to Size

Be sure to measure your dog accurately to get a pack that fits correctly. You don't want it so big that it slips off your dog or so small that it rubs. Most dog backpack manufacturers have their own specific sizes, so you'll want to follow the instructions on their website.

1. First, you'll need to measure the girth of your dog by placing a measuring tape around the fullest part of your dog's chest behind its front legs.
2. Second, you should know your dog's weight as some manufacturers use weight instead of or along with girth to size their packs.
3. Third, you should measure their neck to ensure the chest strap fits comfortably in the shoulder region.
4. Lastly, some packs require you to measure the length of your dog from the nape of their neck to the base of their tail.

Pro tip: if your dog falls in between two sizes, then you should size up. It is better to adjust a pack down to fit your dog than try to squeeze a dog into a pack that's too small.

Although each pack is different, here are some general guidelines:

Packing Tips

What to Pack

Most dogs are strong enough to carry their own food, water, and bowls.

1. Collapsible bowls for food and water. They are lightweight and don't take up a lot of room in the pack.
2. Food. Make sure you carry enough food, usually twice their normal food amount if it is a strenuous hike). And treats. and
3. Water. Your dog needs ample water while hiking. It’ll help keep your dog well hydrated and minimize the risk of overheating. You'll need to bring more water on a hot day or on a hike without a reliable water source. If you plan to collect water on your trip, be sure to filter it for your dog because dogs are susceptible to giardia and similar parasites, just like people.
4. Poop. A pack also is a great place to store the poop that you scoop on a trip. Just keep it in a pocket away from the food and enclose it a ziplock bag to contain the smell.

Most packs are not large, so big items like bedding and clothing should be carried by the owner, if possible.

How to Pack

Each pannier should be filled equally to keep the load balanced and the pack centered on your dog. A lopsided pack may slow your dog down, and could cause chafing or other injuries.

As your dog consumes the food it is carrying, be sure to re-distribute the weight, so the pack continues to sit evenly on both sides.

Practice with the pack around the house and on short walks to get your dog comfortable wearing it.

Get excited about the pack, and make it fun for the dog to wear. Give him or her plenty of treats and lots of praise on the first few hikes with the pack. You don't want your big hike to be derailed because your dog dislikes wearing his or her backpack.

Some photos in this post were taken by Jonathan Davis (@meowhikes)