Hiking with a furry companion means packing extra K-9 specific supplies so why not have them carry their own gear? With numerous options available you’ll want to avoid wasting money on a low-quality pack that is uncomfortable or tears easily. Our guide is designed to help you avoid these pitfalls and discover the ideal option for your four-legged hiker.
Our best-in-show came out as the Mountainsmith K-9, but other strong contenders included the Ruffwear Approach, Ultimate Direction Dog Vest, Lifeunion Adjustable Service Dog Supply Backpack, Ruffwear Palisades, Kurgo Baxter, and the Outward Hound DayPak.
In addition to reviews of our favorite 7 packs, we’ve included advice on choosing a pet backpack focusing on the size, weight, comfort, breathability, adjustability, waterproofing, durability, leash attachment points, and additional handy features they may have.
Table of Contents
Dog Hiking Pack Quick Recommendations
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Editor’s Choice:
Mountainsmith K-9
“If you’re looking for the very best for your pup, get them this vet-approved, ergonomically shaped bag.” -
Runner Up:
Ruffwear Approach
“A durable, high-capacity pack with plenty of size options (including XS!)” -
Honorable Mention:
Ultimate Direction Dog Vest
“If your pup needs to carry food or just the bare essentials, this sleek and lightweight vest won’t slow them down.” -
Best Budget:
Lifeunion Adjustable Service Doggy Supply Backpack
“A budget-friendly and lightweight option that’s perfect for occasional hikes.” -
Best for Big Dogs :
Ruffwear Palisades Dog Backpack
“A rugged, multi-featured pack designed to support your canine on any outdoor adventure.” -
Best for Small/Medium Dogs:
Kurgo Baxter
“A lightweight bag with a small capacity, perfect for the smallest of four-legged hikers.” -
Best Value :
Outward Hound DayPak
“A great beginner doggy backpack at a great price.”
Best Dog Packs by Category
Budget: Lifeunion Adjustable and Outward Hound DayPak
Small Dogs: Kurgo Baxter and Ruffwear Approach
Big Dogs: Mountainsmith K-9 and Ruffwear Palisades
What Are The Best Dog Backpacks?
The shortlist below shows our top recommendations for dog hiking backpacks, with the Mountainsmith K-9 winning the top spot.
- Mountainsmith K-9
- Ruffwear Approach
- Ultimate Direction Dog Vest
- Lifeunion Adjustable Service Dog Supply Backpack
- Ruffwear Palisades Dog Backpack
- Kurgo Baxter
- Outward Hound DayPak
Mountainsmith K-9
Editor’s ChoiceThe Mountainsmith K-9 strikes an excellent balance between comfort, carrying capacity, and adjustability, earning it our best dog pack prize for this year. Ideal for medium to large dogs, the K-9 offers flexibility for both day trips and multi-day treks.
A sled-dog veterinarian assisted Mountansmith in creating this ergonomically shaped pack. A 4-point adjustable chest harness allows for maximum adjustability with the straps padded for extra comfort. To further enhance a snug and secure fit there is also an adjustable belly strap and back harness.
Mesh panels along the back will keep your pup cool while reflective trim along the side panels will keep them visible after dark. For days when the weather acts up, its ripstop nylon, waterproof construction has your canine covered.
Overall, the K-9 is our favorite pack for both short and long hikes.
PROs
- Vet-approved torso
- Mesh panels
- Padded straps
- Durable ripstop nylon
CONs
- A bit on the heavy side
Bottom-Line: Treat your pup to the ultimate dog harness backpack. The K-9 offers the most adjustability and breathability on our list – and at a reasonable price point, too.
Ruffwear Approach
Runner UpThe durability and range of sizes of the Ruffwear Approach make it a close runner-up for best dog backpack.
A high-capacity bag made from insanely durable 420-denier ripstop nylon. Thanks to its weight-forward saddlebag design, and 5 adjustable straps, this premium pack creates passive compression that helps stabilize the gear load on your dog’s back.
The Ruffwear Approach has two spacious saddlebags with smaller, exterior pockets to stash stuff like stinky poo bags. Despite all the space, the Ruffwear Approach is light enough for both day hikes and short, overnight trips.
Other useful features include external gear loops, reflective trim, and a padded handle and girth straps.
The Ruffwear Approach is also the only pack on our list that’s available in XS, making it a great choice for tiny dogs.
PROs
- Available in many sizes
- Adjustable
- Lots of stash pockets and gear loops
- Reflective trim
CONs
- On the pricey side
- Saddlebags not removable
Bottom-Line: A durable and high-capacity pack loaded with extra features. It’s also the only pack on our list that comes in an XS.
Ultimate Direction Dog Vest
Honorable MentionUltimate Direction’s expertise in performance-enhancing outdoor gear is reflected in their lightweight and streamlined dog vest, designed specifically for carrying all your doggy essentials, making it well worth a mention.
The Ultimate Direction is a barely-there vest with two large pockets and a side stash pocket for easy access to small essentials like a leash or waste bags. While it is only available in 3 sizes, its multi-point harness adjustment system ensures a snug and secure fit.
The Ultimate Direction is one of the lightest dog backpacks on our list, making it an excellent choice for getting your pup accustomed to wearing their first backpack.
As an added bonus, a lightweight collapsible bowl for food and water is included with the pack.
PROs
- Lightweight
- Durable ripstop nylon
- 2 leash attachment loops
- Collapsible bowl included
CONs
- Low capacity (can carry very little weight)
- No padding on the straps
Bottom-Line: A sleek and no-fuss dog backpack vest that’s perfect for minimalist hikers or pups getting used to wearing backpacks.
Lifeunion Adjustable Service Dog Supply Backpack
Best BudgetFor a highly adjustable and waterproof budget option the Lifeunion Adjustable Service Dog Supply Backpack is our top choice.
It’s the lightest dog hiking bag on our list, along with the Ultimate Direction Vest, but despite its light weight, it offers plenty of features to help you control your pup, like a sturdy rubber handle and a D-ring leash attachment.
An adjustable chest strap and multiple cinch points allow for a custom fit for medium to large-sized dogs. Its underside is padded and made from breathable mesh materials whilst a buckle closure system makes it easy to secure and adjust to your pup.
The Lifeunion does have some durability issues due to its lightweight construction, so it’s best for hikers looking for a no-fuss, occasional day pack to carry small essentials.
If you and your pup are regulars on the trail, you might be better off choosing something sturdier like the Ruffwear Palisades or the Mountainsmith K-9.
PROs
- Price
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
CONs
- Not as resilient as other packs
Bottom-Line: An ultralight dog hiking backpack perfect for occasional outdoor adventures.
Ruffwear Palisades Dog Backpack
Best for Big DogsIf you have a large dog that needs to carry a lot of gear, we recommend the Ruffwear Palisades.
The Palisades features two rugged and high-capacity saddlebags for carrying all your K-9 pal’s on-the-trail essentials. Both saddlebags are removable so you can lighten the load while your dog is resting.
This bag is designed for all day-comfort while allowing you easy access to items thanks to stash pockets and external gear loops. A handy compression system even allows you to stabilize the pack’s contents for extra comfort and stability.
It comes in 3 different size options and with the Palisades’ 5-point adjustment system, you can create a custom fit for your four-legged hiker.
This is by far the most durable, and expensive, bag on our list thanks to its quality construction and materials. If you’re looking for a dog hiking backpack with similar features at a lower price point, check out the Ruffwear Approach.
PROs
- Spacious
- Durable ripstop polyester
- 2 leash attachment points
- 2 collapsible water hydration bladders included
CONs
- Pricey
- Heavy
Bottom-Line: Our best pack for big dogs thanks to its durable construction and large carrying capacity.
Kurgo Baxter
Best for Small/Medium DogsThe Kurgo Baxter is an ideal option for small and medium-sized dogs, particularly for weekend trips into the backcountry. With its versatile 2-in-1 design, it serves as both a backpack and a harness for your dog.
If you have a hound that loves to pull, the Kurgo Baxter offers plenty of help in managing your pup. A large padded handle allows you to easily lift them over obstacles while front and rear leash attachments offer flexibility in controlling your dog.
The Kurgo Baxter is also highly adjustable with an impressive 8 adjustment points. While such adjustability usually comes at a high price point, the Kurgo Baxter offers great value for its affordable price tag.
Despite all these cinch points, the Baxter is best suited for medium or larger ‘small’ dogs. If you’re looking for an adjustable pack for a very small dog, try the Ruffwear Approach instead.
PROs
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Adjustable
CONs
- Only 2 sizes
- Minimal padding
Bottom-Line: A lightweight, breathable, and fully-adjustable dog backpack harness jam-packed with extra features.
Outward Hound DayPak
Best ValueGreat value for money, the Outward Hound Daypak is one of the smallest and lightest packs on our list.
This pack has a saddlebag-style design with 4 expandable storage compartments. Its thoughtful construction features mesh panels that help keep your dog cool on warm-weather hikes and has light padding around the webbing.
Adjustable straps allow for a full range of motion as your dog carries their own food and other hiking essentials, while its brightly colored design will keep your pup visible both night and day.
While the Outward Hound is available in large, it’s best suited for small to medium-sized dogs that weigh less than 85lbs. If your dog’s body weight exceeds that limit, you’ll find similar value for large dogs in the Ruffwear Palisades.
PROs
- Affordable
- Expandable storage compartments
- Ultralight
CONs
- Small capacity
- Minimal padding
Bottom-Line: This affordable pack for a small to medium dog strikes the perfect balance between comfort and weight.
How to Choose a Dog Hiking Backpack?
Choosing the most suitable hiking backpack for your pooch is dependent on a variety of factors outlined in the list below.
- Size/Capacity
- Weight
- Comfort
- Breathability
- Adjustability
- Waterproofing
- Durability
- Leash Attachment Points
- Features
Size/Capacity
There is no universal chart to determine the correct backpack size for your dog, so you’ll need to rely on taking your own measurements. Be sure to accurately measure your dog’s neck size, weight, and girth, and compare it to the manufacturer’s size chart. The pack should fit snugly and not shift around as your dog walks.
Doggy backpacks come in all shapes and sizes, with the average carrying capacity ranging from 5L to 25L., but your top priority should always be your dog’s comfort.
Be sure to consider the activity you’ll be doing with your pooch as well. If you’re just heading out for a day trip, you can stick to smaller daypacks or even hydration packs. If you’re planning any multi-day backpacking trips, you might want to invest in a pack with bigger side saddles like the Ruffwear Palisades.
Don’t choose a backpack solely based on your pup’s weight. To get the best fit, you’ll need an accurate chest measurement to get it right. If your dog falls between two sizes, read some reviews to see if you should size up or down.
Weight
Dogs should never carry more than 25% of their body weight, but that’s the upper weight limit. For most dogs, between 10% to 15% of their weight is a good starting point. For puppies and older dogs, this drops to 5% to 10%.
While most backpacks for dogs are fairly light at an average of two pounds or less, you’ll need to factor in the weight of the pack combined with everything you want to put in it.
How much weight your dog should carry is also determined by factors like their age, breed, physical ability, and comfort level. It’s a good idea to check with your vet before heading out on your first hike.
While extra components can be useful for carrying things like water and your dog’s poop bags, they’ll all add extra weight. If your dog is small or you plan to hike in the heat, your best bet is a minimalist-style backpack or vest like the Ultimate Direction Vest.
Never guess the weight of your dog’s pack. It’s easy to accidentally go over the weight limit. Always double-check the weight of the pack with an actual scale before hitting the trail.
Comfort
Always use a backpack specifically designed for dogs and look for comfort-enhancing features such as padded straps and harnesses. If you plan to lift your pup using a handle, ensure there is sufficient padding on the chest strap.
No matter which backpack you ultimately choose, keep an eye out for signs of discomfort like fatigue, limping, whimpering, chafing on your dog’s skin, or if they bite or snap at the straps.
Be sure to get your dog used to wearing his/her pack at home on short walks before you head out on longer treks. We all know the pain of lugging around an uncomfortable pack during a long trek and it’s no different for our four-legged hikers.
Breathability
Keeping your dog cool on the trail can be challenging, so breathability features on a dog pack can be a great help. If you live in a warmer climate, make sure your pup’s pack is constructed with breathable materials and includes mesh panels, particularly along the spine.
The Outward Hound DayPak is a good example of an affordable pack that excels in hot weather thanks to the mesh panels along the back. The Mountainsmith K-9 is also a good choice for warmer climates thanks to its combo of mesh panels and perforated EVA padding.
Adjustability
More adjustability features in your dog’s pack will provide a better fit, ensuring your pooch’s safety and comfort. To maximize stability, the doggy backpack should be snug but not so tight that it causes chafing. Ensure the saddlebags sit directly above your dog’s shoulders, as that’s the strongest part of your pooch, and regularly check if you can fit two fingers between your dog’s body and the straps.
Most dog backpacks are created with a saddlebag style that distributes the pack weight evenly on both sides. If the weight isn’t evenly balanced on your dog’s back, you’ll restrict your dog’s movement and risk causing them discomfort or even injury.
One-piece packs offer the least amount of adjustability. If you opt for this style, take extra care to ensure your measurements are correct to ensure a comfortable fit.
The most adjustable bags feature a number of adjustable straps along your dog’s back that can be shortened or lengthened to ensure a snug fit. The 4-point adjustable system of the Mountainsmith K-9 and 8-point adjustment system of the Kurgo Baxter are the best examples.
Waterproofing
If you often hike in wet or cold conditions, it’s advisable to select a waterproof pack. Look for materials with a high denier rating (denser fabric is less permeable) or a water-resistant coating. If your dog’s pack becomes soaked while hiking, consider carrying it yourself until it dries.
As with humans, a wet pack on your dog’s back can cause them discomfort and inadvertently lower their body temperature, which can spell trouble in cold temperatures. It will also, of course, result in wet gear inside and add to the weight of the pack.
Durability
If you have an energetic dog, prioritize a pack made from durable and rip-resistant materials like ripstop nylon. The seams and leash attachments are the most vulnerable points on the pack, so look for strong stitching and reinforced panels. Also, if your dog will be carrying a heavier load, look for strong buckles and thicker handles.
The Ruffwear Palisades is the strongest pack on our list but the Lifeunion Adjustable Pack also holds its own considering its affordable price.
From rolling around in the mud to running through the underbrush, your pup’s pack is likely going to take a beating.
Leash Attachment Points
Dog backpacks typically come with either 1 or 2 places to attach your dog’s leash. What you need is a matter of personal preference, although leash points in the back might offer less control over heavy pullers.
If you have your own heavy-pulling pup, you can buy leashes specially designed to hook onto both attachment points for better control. If your dog is particularly strong, look for a D-ring leash attachment made from steel or aluminum rather than plastic.
Features
Features such as exterior pockets, handles, and reflective trim can significantly enhance your experience while on the trail with your four-legged companion.
Nobody likes carrying their pup’s poop during a hike, but if you choose a dog hiking backpack with exterior pockets you can make Fido carry his own waste (remember, poop can harm the environment so it must always be carried out!). You can also stash other gear like waste bags, treats, and water.
Handles are another important feature. They allow you to easily lift your pup over obstacles or keep a hold of them as others pass you on the trail. The problem is that not all handles are created equal. If your pooch is heavy, double-check the construction of the handle. The last thing you want is the handle to break, so look for reinforced stitching and a padded grip for comfort.
If you regularly hike after dark or near hunting territory, reflective trim is an absolute must. Bright colors and reflective trim (and a bell!) can help your pup from getting mistaken for prey in the bush. These are also great if you plan to use your pack in urban areas.
Best Backpack For Dogs: The Verdict
While the Mountainsmith K-9 is our top choice for overall comfort and adjustability, the Lifeunion is an excellent budget-friendly option, and the Ruffwear Palisades ideal for larger dogs.
Remember, while your pup is getting used to carrying his new backpack, cut back on the length of your hike and always give them plenty of time to rest. Having your dog wear their own pack on the trail takes some of the load off of you, but you don’t want to overburden your trail buddy too soon.
There you have it! There are a lot of doggy backpacks out there, but we hope this guide has shed some light on the best dog backpack for your pooch.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below. And if you’d like to share this article with any other dog owners you know, feel free!
And if instead, you are looking for a dog carrier backpack for carrying your tired pooch on the trail then our article on the best dog backpack carrier has all the advice you need.