7 Best Dog Hiking Backpacks in 2023

If you lead an active lifestyle and prefer to have your four-legged companion with you for the adventure, chances are you could benefit from one of the best dog hiking backpacks currently on the market.

Whether you’re looking for a simple product to keep your pet safe and secure or you need the most rugged bag available, you’ll be able to find something that suits your needs in our list of 7 top picks.

What Are the Best Dog Hiking Backpacks?

No matter where the hiking trail leads you and your dog, you can confidently press on toward your goal as long as you have the right gear. Before shopping for the best product, take some time to evaluate your needs.

If your dog needs a bit of extra room or you’d like to keep some food and treats packed away, you might opt for one of the most spacious options on our list.

On the other hand, a smaller pup might not need as much space, which can allow you to choose a compact design or even store some of your own stuff alongside those of your dog.

In the end, you’ll want to consider basic characteristics such as durability, design, and comfort when making the most informed decision possible.

Our Top 7 Picks for the Best Dog Hiking Backpacks:

1. Best Overall: Kurgo Dog Carrier Backpack
2. Best Construction: Coppthinktu Dog Carrier Backpack
3. Best Design: Beikott Backpack Pet Carrier Bag
4. Best Durability: Baglher Pet Carrier Backpack
5. Best Versatility: Mogoko Dog Carrier Backpack
6. Best Value: Wakytu Pet Backpack Carrier
7. Best Portability: Yudodo Dog Sling Carrier

Traveling with a pet can be a rewarding experience, but it requires being prepared for everything that the trip might entail.

If a hike or extensive walking is part of the agenda and you have a relatively small dog, the right answer for the comfort of you and your pup might be found in a well-made dog hiking backpack.

We’ve selected a field of top picks for you to review, but let’s first take a look at how purchasing such an accessory can help you pull off your next big outdoor adventure.

Why You Need a Dog Hiking Backpack

If you have a large and energetic dog, it might make sense to just head out on a hike and allow your dog to explore along with you. Those who have smaller pets, however, will likely see their furry friends struggle to keep up if left on a leash.

For that reason, finding one of the best dog hiking backpacks available will allow your dog to experience all the sights, sounds, and smells of nature without getting too tired of running and walking alongside you.

Dog owners who have both small and large animals can use a backpack to their advantage by taking both pets out for a hike at the same time.

Best Dog Hiking Backpacks: Our Top 7 Picks

Regardless of what your dogs enjoy doing when out for a hike, chances are they could use a comfortable ride in a backpack after a long day outdoors.

For practicality reasons, this isn’t a feasible option for owners of large-breed dogs. Smaller pets, however, can find a great environment in any of the dog hiking backpacks listed below.

We’ve compiled our list based on a few common factors, most notably their value, comfort level, and quality. You’ll see exactly how each option stacks up in the reviews that follow.

1. Kurgo Dog Carrier Backpack — Best Overall

If you need something that is easy to maintain and simple to organize, this is a great option to consider. It offers storage for a few small items your dog might need on a hike.

Furthermore, it’s made of heavy-duty materials that are stitched up securely for a rugged adventure on the hiking trail. That construction does make it a bit heavier than some of its rivals.

It might all be worth it when you consider the comfort of knowing that it is built for the task of protecting your pup. Although this backpack is built to last, at least one component might fall a bit short.

Some reviewers noted that the poles included in the design to make its structure more rigid have a tendency to bend or break after frequent use. Otherwise, this is a safe and secure way to get your pet through even the roughest terrain.

2. Coppthinktu Dog Carrier Backpack — Best Construction

This design makes it easy for your dog to find a comfortable position while making it as simple as possible for you to tote the bag around over your shoulders. Wear it on your back or reversed so your dog will ride along in front of you.

It feels like an ordinary backpack and can hold most dogs under about 25 pounds. There’s not a tremendous amount of extra space when the pup is riding inside, but it becomes quite roomy when used as a typical backpack. 

There’s not much elasticity to the material, however, which means it’s not quite as sturdy as some other options on our list. When used as a daily traveler and under ordinary conditions, however, this seems like a great option for many active dog owners.

3. Belkott Backpack Pet Carrier Bag — Best Design

There are many ways your dog can participate in your hike even while riding in a backpack. This design offers a new twist on the existing designs. It provides a plastic bubble from which your pet has a full view of all surroundings.

Despite its unusual features, it feels comfortable to carry with padded straps and a lightweight design.

Be sure to keep the plastic clean, though, because it can retain some of the odors your dog brings into the backpack. Of course, there are some limitations.

It has one of the lowest weight capacities on our list, so even some small breeds might not be suitable. For those dogs that are small enough, however, the view is surely something that will bring a new dimension to every hike.

4. Baglher Pet Carrier Backpack — Best Durability

There might be a few backpacks on the market that offer a bit more rugged performance on the trail, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a more durable option that is also as lightweight as this one.

It gives your pet a rather roomy compartment with ventilation to allow all the fresh scents from your hike to enter into the backpack. Despite its lightweight design, it can hold pets up to about 30 pounds. 

Although some medium sized dogs will have plenty of space inside this bag, some of those with a stout frame could be cramped. It’s sturdy and built well, but the poles reinforcing that frame make it a bit narrow in some spots.

Aside from not giving dogs on the larger side much room to move around, this is a great product that many dogs and their owners are sure to love.

5. Mogoko Dog Carrier Backpack — Best Versatility

Give your pet the full experience of being outdoors with this versatile and comfortable design. It has a large hole for your pet’s head to stick outside and enjoy all the surrounding smells.

It’s designed well enough to ensure that even small pups will be safe and secure inside of this topless backpack. Although the material doesn’t have as much elasticity as some rivals, it is well built and intuitively designed.

You might find it a bit bulky with larger dogs over long distances, but for most moderate hikes this is sure to be a hit for you and your companion.

6. Wakytu Pet Backpack Carrier — Best Value

Sometimes a company is able to produce a functional product that also remains affordable for the average consumer. This is an example of such an item.

Its boxy design might not be the most attention-grabbing look, but it makes great use of space and gives dogs a lot of room to enjoy the view. It closes securely to ensure your pet won’t fall out or escape. 

The backpack is sturdy overall, though you might find it a bit cumbersome if your hike takes you up any steep or unsteady terrain. 

Aside from relatively thin materials used to construct the mesh and cover, this appears to be a high-quality option that might seem like a bargain compared to some other backpacks. 

7. Yudodo Dog Sling Carrier — Best Portability

Our last option is best suited for those with particularly small dogs, but it provides a unique and comfortable way to transport your pup in style and comfort. 

Strap it on using the comfortable and adjustable straps so your dog can ride along in front of you during your hike. It’s got a lightweight and compact design that makes it among the most portable options available. 

Of course, it is limited in size so be sure your dog is small enough to ride comfortably before going through with the purchase.

If it is a good fit, however, this is a great way to keep your pup close during just about any outing. It’s also got latches and other features to ensure any passenger is secured inside the bag at all times. 

Finding the Best Dog Hiking Backpack for You

When considering what you’ll need in the right backpack, think closely about everything you’ll want to carry. If you only need a few things and room for your small dog, it’s likely a good idea to go with a lightweight item that will be easy to transport.

For those who have somewhat larger pups or might want some extra room to carry treats, bags, or other essentials, some other models offer more space and additional storage pockets that can accommodate almost any needs.

Regardless of which direction you choose to pursue, be sure that your final choice offers each of the following vital characteristics. 

Design

For some, the notion of buying a backpack might conjure up images of high school and the largely homogenous item used to lug heavy books from classroom to classroom. 

Any discussion of a dog hiking backpack, however, will include a range of features and styles that will appeal to a range of dog owners. Choose a design that is built to be rigid and rugged if you choose a crate-style carrier meant to be worn on the back. 

If you opt for a cradle-style pack to wear in front, opt for lightweight materials and a soft surface for your dog. Be sure the design also includes padded straps and durable clips to keep everything in the proper place even after the sidewalk ends. 

Value 

Choosing a durable and well-designed hiking backpack for your dog doesn’t have to mean spending a great deal of money. Instead, shop around for a few of the most appropriate options and start looking at their respective features.

You’ll probably find that many of them are in roughly the same price category, so focusing on the one that will provide you and your dog with the longest period of reliable use might be the better metric to consider.

The value of an item like this is apparent in how much you and your dog enjoy using it, so be sure that whichever product you choose is built to meet or exceed your expectations.

Capacity

This is an especially critical feature of any backpack. Unless you own a teacup or miniature dog, there’s a chance that your companion won’t fit in some of the backpacks available today.

Check for the dimensions and confirm what the weight capacity is when figuring out if your pet will be able to ride comfortably.

It’s also worth noting whether the fabric is flexible as well as whether there are any rigid sides that might make it uncomfortable for dogs with wide frames.

Portability

A backpack is much more useful if it is easy to carry around. For that reason, it might be best to steer clear of unnecessarily bulky options. The wrong choice can lead to sore muscles and a lack of stamina during a lengthy hike.

Choosing the most streamlined and lightweight product capable of performing the job is one way to confirm that you’ll be able to take your dog with you all the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some security features?

Depending on the design of your chosen backpack, there are likely a few options available to ensure your dog doesn’t fall out or escape.

Some have hooks that attach to the dog’s leash while others zip up at the top. Some resemble crates while more compact models often have a large compartment and high-quality zipper.

How big can a dog be and still fit in a backpack?

There are many sizes of dog hiking backpacks available and some products are offered in a variety of dimensions.

Get an accurate weight of your pet and perform some basic measurements to ensure that your backpack is big enough for the job. 

It’s worth considering that the weight of your dog will be on your back, so don’t choose an especially heavy design if you’re prone to back pain or other chronic issues. 

What else can you store in a dog hiking backpack?

When a dog is along for the ride, many small designs don’t have much room for anything aside from a few treats or a favorite ball. Roomier options, however, often include pockets and other storage solutions that can keep a variety of small accessories safe.

If you ever need to use a backpack while your dog is walking alongside you, there might be a surprising amount of room left in the empty bag.

Since many of these options closely resemble a typical backpack or satchel, there is a large compartment and often other smaller pockets available to keep various items safe and secure. 

How much should you pay for a dog hiking backpack?

Many of these carriers are priced similarly to an ordinary backpack, but higher quality and more accessories often mean a premium price tag. Consider how much each feature is worth before determining which choice offers the biggest bang for the buck.

What are some other factors to consider?

As with any accessory, it might be worth considering how you’ll look carrying your dog around on a hike. Some people prefer a boxy and rugged style while others might gravitate toward a sleek and minimalist style. There are options available to suit almost everyone’s tastes. 

So, What’s the Best Dog Hiking Backpack?

Finding the right backpack requires thinking about what will meet the needs that you and your dog will have during a hike. Look for a product that combines durability with comfort and head out with your dog for an action-packed adventure.