The weather is nice and the outdoors are calling you and your pup. Whether you are taking a short walk or a long hike, a dog backpack for hiking can be beneficial for both you and your dog.
Here are our selections of dog backpacks for hiking:
| Best Overall: Ruffwear Front Range Dog Day Pack | |
| Best Dog Backpack With Adjustable Saddlebags: | |
| – Mountainsmith K-9 Dog Pack | |
| – Kurgo Baxter Pack | |
| Best Splurge: Ruffwear Approach Full-Day Hiking Pack For Dogs | |
| Best Budget: OneTigris Hoppy Camper Dog Backpack | |
| – Himal Outdoors Dog Backpack | |
| Best For Small Dogs: Outward Hound Kyjen Dog Backpack | |
| Best MOLLE: Excellent Elite Spanker Dog Pack |
What Is A Dog Backpack For Hiking?
A dog backpack for hiking is a pack worn by your dog and used to carry supplies. Dog backpacks commonly consist of two saddlebags that sit on either side of your dog’s back. They fit on your dog like a harness and some even have D rings you can attach your dog’s leash to.
Why Should I Use A Dog Hiking Backpack?
There are various reasons you may want to use a dog hiking backpack:
- To have your dog carry his own supplies on your hike (and some of yours too).
- Having your dog wear a backpack while hiking gives your dog a job to do.
- Added weight while walking can increase your dog’s endurance.
- Wearing a backpack while walking can tire your dog faster than when on a normal walk. This is good if your dog is a bundle of energy or they tend to destroy your home.
What Can I Put Into A Dog Hiking Backpack?
You can put anything you eat into a hiking backpack as long as it fits within the saddlebags.
Most load the backpack with items their dog will need. Common items include:
- Water.
- Food.
- Snacks/Treats.
- Collapsible Water Bowl.
- First Aid Kit.
- Extra Leash.
- Sunblock.
If there is room, you can have your dog carry some of your supplies as well.
What Age Can A Dog Wear A Backpack?
A dog can wear a backpack at any age, but it is best to wait until they are at least 12 weeks or older. You will also want to pay attention to your dog’s size. Your dog needs to be large enough for the backpack to fit them without any straps hanging low to the ground for them to trip over when they walk. They should also be strong enough to carry items you are going to put into the backpack.
Are Saddlebags Safe For Dogs?
Saddlebags are safe for dogs to use as long as they are packed correctly. The weight should be evenly distributed between the two packs and not overloaded, so that your dog is able to carry the items easily.
How Much Can My Dog Carry Backpacking?
When adding weight to your dog’s backpack, it is best to have your dog carry only up to 25% of their body weight. So for a 100 lb. dog, they should only carry up to 25 lbs. If your dog weighs 50 lbs. they should only carry up to 12.5 lbs.
How Do I Measure My Dog Find The Right Fit Dog Backpack For Hiking?
There are a few measurements you will need to take when looking for the right size backpack to get for your dog. To complete these measurements, you will need a paper tape measure or you can use a piece of string and measure the string with a regular tape measure.
Girth
This is a measurement around the widest area of your dog’s chest.
Neck
Measure the neck area where your dog’s neck meets their body.
For both the neck and girth measurements, be sure that you are able to fit 2 fingers between the tape measure and your dog’s body.
Length
Some backpacks use length as a measurement to find the right size for your dog. In this case, measure from the area where your dog’s neck meets their body to the base of their tail. There should be a few inches between the end of the backpack and your dog’s tail.
When your dog wears the backpack, you don’t want it to be so big that it slides over or off when your dog is walking and you don’t want it to be too tight, lest it cause chafing to your dog.
What Should I Look For When Choosing A Dog Backpack For Hiking?
Some things to consider / questions to ask when looking for the right hiking backpack for your dog include:
Material
The material of your backpack should be strong and durable, especially if you hike in an area with a lot of trees. Branches may snag on your dog’s backpack as they are walking and rip the pack if it is not made well. A strong material will also be able to handle anything you put into the backpack without ripping.
If your dog likes to go in water while on your hike, having a waterproof or water resistant backpack will help keep your supplies dry.
Saddlebags/Pockets
The size of the saddlebags or pockets is something to consider. Are they large enough to carry the supplies you will be bringing? How are the saddlebags sealed? Is there a zipper? Velcro? Snaps?
Straps
How are the straps fastened? Can it be done easily or with one hand? How long are the straps? Will they be so long that your dog may trip over them when walking?
Adjustments
Is the backpack able to be adjusted? How many points of adjustment are there and is it easy to do?
Can you adjust the positioning of the saddlebags for a better fit for your dog?
Leash Attachment
Is there a leash attachment on the backpack? Is it strong enough for you to use on its own or do you need to have your dog wear a collar or harness underneath the backpack in order to walk with your dog?
Lift Handle
Is there a lift handle on the backpack in case you need to help your pup while on your hike?
The Best Dog Backpack For Hiking
Now that you know what to look for when choosing a dog backpack for hiking, here are some of the top rated dog hiking backpacks, according to users. Product information is according to the manufacturer. Any additional pros or cons will be noted.
Best Overall Dog Backpack For Hiking
This dog backpack from Ruffwear is overall a good value for the money. It is made well, fits well, and is easy to use at under $80:
Ruffwear Front Range Dog Day Pack
- Available in 3 colors.
- Comes in 4 sizes.
- 3 leash attachment points: chest, mid back, and rear back.
- Padded lift handle.
- Adjustable padded harness and belly strap.
- Internal mesh pockets.
- Reflective stitching.
Pros/Cons:
- Stays level even if pockets are unbalanced.
- Fits well.
- Sturdy.
- Well made.
- Easy to use.
Best Dog Backpack For Hiking With Adjustable Saddlebags
Here are 2 backpacks where the positioning of the saddlebags can be adjusted for a better fit on your dog and are priced under $70:
Mountainsmith K-9 Dog Pack
- Available in 2 colors.
- Comes in 3 sizes.
- Can fit dogs 25-120 lbs. depending on size.
- 4 point adjustable harness.
- Padded sternum.
- Adjustable back harness.
- Belly strap is adjustable.
- Padded lift handle.
- 2 pannier compartments with zippered accessory pockets.
- Metal D ring.
- Mesh panels and perforated EVA foam for ventilation.
- Reflective trim.
- Water resistant.
- Made of nylon.
- Hand wash.
Pros/Cons:
- Durable.
- Easy to adjust.
- Can rub against front legs if not fit properly.
Kurgo Baxter Pack
- Available in 3 colors.
- Comes in 2 sizes.
- Can fit dogs between 30-110 lbs. depending on size.
- Breathable mesh lining.
- Chest pad with bottle opener.
- Reflective stitching.
- Front and rear leash hook.
- Adjustable straps.
- Storage pockets.
- Lift handle.
- 8 adjustment points.
- Padded spine support.
Pros/Cons:
- Pouches are small.
- Can be hard to adjust.
Best Splurge Dog Backpack For Hiking
If you are looking to spend a little more for a quality dog backpack, this one from Ruffwear will run you just under $115:
Ruffwear Approach Full-Day Hiking Pack For Dogs
- Integrated harness.
- 5 points of adjustment.
- Reflective trim.
- 2 leash points.
- Padded lift handle.
- Non-slip straps.
- Sheltered buckles allow one handed clipping.
- This updated version allows for more breathability and flexibility and improved balancing of the saddlebags while on your dog.
Pros/Cons:
- May be hard to find the right size for your dog to avoid chafing.
- Not for chewers.
Best Budget Dog Backpack For Hiking
If you are looking for a dog backpack that is functional, yet low priced, here are 2 options under $40:
OneTigris Hoppy Camper Dog Backpack
- Available in 4 colors.
- Comes in 3 sizes.
- Fits medium to large size dogs.
- Front and back D rings.
- Padded mesh underside.
- Dual way zippers.
- Lift handle.
- Made of cotton canvas.
- Hand wash and air dry.
Pros/Cons:
- Can slip to one side if it doesn’t fit well or is unbalanced.
- Not durable if using it for a harness.
- Dog hair can get stuck to it.
Himal Outdoors Dog Backpack
- Neck has a Velcro adjustment.
- Waist belt has Velcro adjustment.
- Padded lift handle.
- Mesh underside.
- Zippered side pouches.
- D ring.
- Exterior pockets with Velcro.
- Made of nylon.
Pros/Cons:
- Not for dogs that pull.
Best Dog Backpack For Hiking For Small Dogs
It is hard to find a dog backpack that fits small dogs, and this Outward Hound dog backpack is made for dogs under 20 lbs. and is priced just under $40:
Outward Hound Kyjen Dog Backpack
- Available in 3 colors.
- For dogs weighing 15-19 lbs. and a girth of 12-25 inches.
- Mesh pockets.
- Reflective stitching.
- Adjustable straps.
- Interior pockets.
- Elastic water bottle holder.
- Made of nylon.
Pros/Cons:
- Runs large.
- No leash attachment.
Best Dog Backpack For Hiking With A MOLLE System
If a MOLLE is more your style, here is one that includes a MOLLE System designed to carry more items and is priced under $40:
Excellent Elite Spanker Dog Pack
- Available in 4 colors.
- For medium and large breed dogs.
- Lift handle.
- Quick release, adjustable plastic buckle.
- MOLLE system to carry more items.
- Aluminum V ring.
- 2 zippered side compartments.
- Made of nylon.
Pros/Cons:
- Chest strap may be too large for some dogs.
Bringing our best friends with us on a walk or hike is great. Having them carry their own supplies (and some of ours) is even better. A dog backpack for hiking allows your dog to feel useful by giving them a job to do while at the same time lightening up your carrying load.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.