Outdoors & Garden

I know you’ll be with me when I say this, our poochies are more than pets to us, they’re part of the family. So outdoor adventures and trips just wouldn’t feel the same if we had to leave them behind.

Fortunately, they don’t have to miss out on all the fun just because they can’t always keep up. There are some amazing and some not so amazing doggie backpacks to choose from out there.

Deciding which one is best for you is easier than you think. You know your furry friend best.

So are they up for more vigorous adventures like hiking, biking, and other outdoor sports or would they prefer a gentle stroll in the park?

For a small dog that would prefer a gentle stroll or a trip somewhere fun, I’d recommend one of our first two picks below.

The PetAmi we’ll be looking at first, is suitable for little dogs. It’s a comfortable, strong, and secure backpack and it’ll be a good little transporter for them.

We’ll then follow up with the One for Pets Backpack, which is the absolute best doggie backpack out there for small or small-medium dogs who want to come along for a walk and feel like they’re still joining in with all the fun, even if they can’t really keep up. The One for Pets Backpack is featured in our top image and you can scroll straight down to the full review here.

For those sized extra small up to large who are up for a real adventure, I’d recommend K9 Sport Series. A full review of the Air Plus from the range is featured below. You can scroll straight down to the full review here.

And for larger or extra-large doggies, there’s a K9 Rover backpack. So if your Doggie is large and up for adventures in the great outdoors, you can just jump to the full review here.

For a large or extra-large pooch that’s not so much outdoorsy, a large stroller maybe the batter way to go.

We’ll now take a look at the best backpacks for all doggies according to their size. There are sizing guides to help you throughout.

This guide is dedicated to my own sweet border terrier baby girl, Jessica. She didn’t leave my side for almost 16 years. I will love her eternally.

Reviews of Our Top Picks for the Best Dog Backpack Carriers

Quick Links:

Editor’s Pick	Brand
Best for Carrying X-Small to Small Breeds	PetAmi Pet Carrier Backpack
Best for Longer Walks with Small to Medium Breeds	One for Pets The EVA Backpack
Best Overall for Both Walking and Hiking	The K9 Sport Sack Air Plus
Best for Carrying Large X-Large to Breeds	The K9 Sport Sack Rover

Click below to jump to full reviews:

• Best for Carrying X-Small to Small Breeds
• Best for Longer Walks with Small to Medium Breeds
• Best Overall for both Walking and Hiking
• Best for Carrying Large X-Large Breeds
• Other Ones We’ve Reviewed

Best for Carrying X-Small to Small Breeds: PetAmi Pet Carrier Backpack

If you have a little dog, you can choose between a body-hugging backpack or a sling or you can choose a box-shaped one like this one. For large dogs, this just isn’t practical.

But a smaller lighter dog doesn’t have to be strapped in so close unless you’re planning on hiking, biking or other more vigorous outdoor adventures.

For standard walks or trip out it’s so much better for them to have a little legroom.

But that’s not what makes this one stand out from the rest.

The reason why it’s our top pick for little dogs comes down to how secure it is for your pet.

You see other box-style ones have a zipper that runs around the base. For example, you may have seen other reviewers saying the Petsfit one is a good choice – I don’t agree.

Just the weight of your pet can start to work the zipper open, there’s no locking clasp, and the absolute last thing you want is for your dog to slip out from the bottom.

The PetAmi has no zipper running around the bottom to start with and every zipper that it does have has a secure locking clasp. You can see what I mean in the photo to the left.

There’s also an interior leash that attaches to your dog’s collar for extra security.

It has four openings, one on each side, a top opening, (which you can see in the top photo) and a front opening, (which you can see in the photo to the left below).

The doggie backpack also has another extra attention to detail that others don’t have, in that it has a little furry bed inside that isn’t just flat.

This one has sides that come up higher than others out there so you don’t have to worry that your dog’s feet or nails will get caught in the seems.

It’s removable and washable too.

The construction is strong and durable – the pack is made from 600D high-grade polyester (600D just means it’s a heavier-weight durable fabric). There’s plenty of netting window-space and ventilation in this backpack and there are some handy storage pockets too.

Other details worthy of mention which, while not essential, are nice to have are the 7 different color options to choose from, a pet name label which is sewn onto the front pocket, and a free collapsible clip-on pet bowl. 

So that’s your doggies comfort sorted. Now, how’s it going to feel for you?

The backpack is sturdy. The shoulder straps are padded and thick, and the floor pad is firm. There are also waist and chest straps for added stability. For extra comfort against your back, the back of the backpack is padded.

That being said, this one isn’t built for carrying dogs at the very upper weight limit for long periods of time. Wearing it on your front will make you feel more comfortable – plus you’ll get extra cuddles with your best buddy.

For general use and smaller dogs, this is an all-round excellent choice.

The table below will give you an idea of common dogs that are in this weight range:

What We Like:

• Box Shape – For everyday walking and transport this box shape is so much better for older dogs in particular, providing him/her with the freedom to move and sit comfortably.
• Secure – Unlike other brands, the PetAmi has no zipper running around the bottom so there’s no chance of one coming undone and your pooch falling through. Every zipper that it does have has a secure locking clasp.
• Extras – There’s a nice choice of color options with this backpack, it’s also got a pet name label sewn onto the front pocket, and of course, a free collapsible clip-on pet bowl. 

Things to Consider:

Having the freedom to move is so much better for your dog – providing you don’t have one that might panic or one that you know just wouldn’t settle. If you do have a panicky dog you may be much better opting for the body-hugging K9 Air. However, if your dog is only little and isn’t likely to freak out by being carried, this style is by far your best choice.

If you’re planning on hiking, biking or other more vigorous adventures, you should go for the body-hugging K9 Air instead.

Dimensions: 12.5″ x 10.2″ x 16.3″ (L x W x H)

Weight:

• Doggies up to 18 lbs
• Backpack approx 4 lbs

Check the latest price and color options for the Petsfit Soft Pet Backpack Carrier on Amazon.

Best for Longer Walks with Small to Medium Breeds: One for Pets The EVA Backpack

It’s also a prime example of what pure simple good design should be. This one has been designed from your dog’s perspective and that’s to give them the absolute best ride experience.

While others are only built to carry small doggies, this one can comfortably hold medium-sized doggies.

Of course, with a larger heavier dog you’d need to carry your pooch close to your body for more efficient weight distribution.

But a smaller lighter dog doesn’t have to be strapped in so close unless you’re planning on hiking or other more vigorous outdoor adventures.

For standard walks or trip out it’s so much better for them to have a little legroom.

And that’s precisely why this One for Pets backpack is such a good choice. With this boxy design, your doggie will be able to find it’s own comfortable position to settle into. But also there’ll be room to shuffle around and get comfy if necessary.

And getting comfortable is so important, especially for those pooches who are elderly and not so flexible as they used to be.

Now let’s get to that simple but brilliant design.

The main difference you’ll notice between this choice and the PetAmi we’ve looked at above is just simply that it’s wider and shorter. Of course, that means there’ll certainly be more room to lie down if you are taking them somewhere.

But more significantly it also means your dog will have a completely different travel experience than the first one.

If you open the lid, on this shorter, wider design, your pooch will be able to get a better view of what’s actually going on by looking out of, or leaning over, the top. And it’s this that makes the One for Pets backpack so much more than just a convenient way of transporting your pooch from A to B.

Sure you’ll be able to enjoy walks with your dog when they otherwise may not have the stamina to keep up – but more importantly, they’ll feel they can join in with all the fun rather than feel they’re just being taken somewhere.

And that’s the thing, there is a two-part zippered lid to this backpack. The larger one will open the whole lid, while the smaller meshed, zipped inner-lid is great for letting them just pop their head out without leaning over the side – and just for added security, there’s an adjustable safety leash attached to the inside.

Next, there are a couple of features worth mentioning: First, the fluffy bed has a removable washable cover (always a must). There are also deep side storage pockets on each side and a smaller one concealed in the front, all handy for poop bags or treats, etc.

Now, this may be the biggest box-style backpack out there, but it’s also foldable. It even has its own storage bag which you can see in the photo on the left. This makes it handy for storing away if you’re planning on getting one of these to take your pooch on vacations. What’s more, the design makes it just low enough when you place it on its side to fit under most airline seats.

How comfortable is it for you?

Well actually, it’s pretty comfortable. It’s got those padded straps you can see in the photos above, and extra-thick padding for your back.

You can wear it on your front or back and this one even has a thick cross-body strap allowing you to swap positions if your pooch starts to feel too heavy.

You shouldn’t need any more convincing how good this choice is for your pooch but if you do, take a look at the short video below.

What We Like:

• Box Style – This backpack is such a good choice. With this boxy design, your doggie will be able to find it’s own comfortable position to settle into. But also there’ll be room to shuffle around and get comfy if necessary.
• Wider Shorter Design – With this shorter, wider backpack design, your pooch will be able to get a better view of what’s going on by looking out of or leaning over, the top and it’s this that makes this backpack so much more than just a convenient way of transporting your pooch from A to B.
• Foldable – It even comes with its own storage bag. Handy if you’re just planning on using this bag occasionally like for vacations etc.
• Cross-Body Strap – Handy for changing positions, if your pooch starts to feel a little heavy.

Things to Consider:

If you’re planning on hiking, biking or other more vigorous adventures, you should go for the body-hugging K9 Urban for smaller dogs or choose our next choice below instead.

Dimensions (W x H x D), Weight:

Check the latest price and color options for The EVA Backpack on Amazon.

Best Overall for Both Walking and Hiking: The K9 Sport Sack Air Plus

But these dog backpacks are built for adventure, they’re for sports like hiking, bikes, walking and other outdoor fun stuff, so it’s well worth having a little extra storage so that you can be hands-free.

Plus you’ll have somewhere put all those doggie essentials like a collapsible bowl, doggie bags, handy wipes and of course a few tasty Scooby snacks, etc, because at 14″ x 9,” that detachable little storage bag has plenty of room.

If you are wondering what that black velcro strip that you can the photo to the left is, it’s so that you can add a customized strip to your backpack to personalize it with your pooch’s name. How cute is that?

As for the style of this backpack, there’s a huge difference between this body-hugging backpack and the box-shaped ones.

And the difference is that your doggie will be wearing this backpack not sitting in it. It’s kinda like they’ll be wearing a sleeping bag but with armholes.

Your dog basically steps into the front armholes and you fasten him/her in securely with the zipper that runs all the way up the back. The zipper is secured at the collar so that it can’t become undone and there’s a D-ring for your doggies collar hook-up.

Then there are several straps to pull and buckles to fasten. But don’t think those straps are just arbitrarily placed. There’s a staggering amount of attention to detail here, worthy of a tailor-made suit!

You see this backpack is designed to fit perfectly, to make sure your pooch is completely comfortable with the maximum amount of support.

This means the sizing has to be a little more exact because you’ll need a good secure fit that’s not too big or too small. But don’t worry, their sizing guide is really helpful, as you can see below, it’s pretty easy to follow.

• There’s an X-Small size that will fit dogs with a length of 10-13 inches and a girth up to 23 inches, though this size is only available in the Air not, the Air Plus so doesn’t come with the extra storage bag.

• The Small will fit dogs with a length of 14-17 inches and a girth up to 27 inches.

• The medium size we have featured here will fit dogs with a length of 17-20 inches and a girth of up to 28 inches. But you can always buy a booster block if your dog comes up a little short, which will add an extra 3″ to your doggies height.

• Large will fit dogs with a length of 30-23 inches and a girth up to 31 inches

A few little features I need to mention are the strong 20mm thick bottom rest pad to give your dog a comfortable base to sit on.

And for hot days, as you can see in the photo above, the Air model also has breathable mesh sides to keep your doggie cool.

It’s even got elastic straps for your hanging accessories. You get some great color choices as you’d expect with such a well-designed backpack. In fact, it’s so well designed you’d kinda want one even if you didn’t have a dog.

All in all, this one is the king of all doggie backpacks for sporting activities on the market. But if you need any more convincing, just take a look at the video below.

Now let the adventures begin…

What We Like:

• Great for Outdoor Adventures – These dog backpacks are built for adventure, they’re great for sports like hiking, bikes, walking, and other outdoor fun stuff.
• Secure fit – There’s a staggering amount of attention to detail here, worthy of a tailor-made suit. This backpack is designed to fit perfectly to give your dog ultimate support and comfort.
• Detachable Storage Bag – This is great because you’ll have somewhere to put all those doggie essentials like a collapsible bowl, doggie bags, handy wipes and of course a few tasty Scooby snacks. And at 14″ x 9,” that detachable little storage bag is just the right size.

Things to Consider:

This won’t be good for dogs who have painful joints etc. You’d be better off going for our previous choice or a stroller.

Doggie Weight: Up to 30lbs

Check the latest price and color options for the K9 Sport Sack Air Plus on Amazon.

Best for Carrying Large to X-Large Breeds: The K9 Sport Sack Rover

In fact, it’s fully functional as a regular hiking backpack if your doggie lets you borrow it.

For large dogs, the only way to carry them is close to your body, for efficient weight distribution, so this backpack is a must, whether you’re planning a hike or a gentle stroll around town. So if you have a larger dog from 30lbs all the way up to 80lbs (don’t worry a more helpful size guide is coming up later), this is the backpack for you, and let me say, you’re in for a treat.

It’s not too dissimilar from the K9 Sport Sack Air Plus, in looks, but it’s not just bigger so that’s why it needs its own section.

So let’s start with the fabric. This is not just your standard stuff, it’s Outlast.

Outlast is a material that was originally developed for NASA. It’s more of a technology than a fabric and it’s extremely effective for regulating your dog’s body temperate. If it’s cold, this fabric will keep them warm, and on hot days it’ll help keep them cool. On top of that, you have zippers on each side which undo to reveal netting for additional ventilation.

Like the Air Plus model we’ve just looked at, this backpack works on the principle that your dog actually wears it rather than just sits in it – kinda like a sleeping bag with armholes.

You basically put your dog’s paws through the holes with the bag laid out flat on the floor and then fasten the zipper that runs all the way up the length of the back. There are several straps to pull and buckles to fasten to create a snug and secure fit.

But as I’ve said before, don’t think those straps are just arbitrarily placed. There’s a staggering amount of attention to detail here, worthy of a tailor-made suit!

The backpack is designed to fit perfectly so that your pooch is completely comfortable and supported.

This means the sizing obviously, has to be a little more exact. But don’t worry, their sizing guide is really helpful, as you can see below, it’s pretty easy to follow.

• The large size will fit dogs with a length of 20-23 inches and a girth up to 34 inches.

• X-Large will fit dogs with a length of 23-26 inches and a girth up to 37 inches.

• And, XX-Large will fit dogs with a length of 26-29 inches and a girth up to 40 inches. 

This model also comes with a detachable storage pack, and that’s great because you’ll need somewhere for essentials, so you can be hands-free.

There’s even a front pocket on it for your phone and the main bag’s handy for whatever else you need, it’s even got a hydro port on the top for water.

And that’s not all, the Rover model also has extra storage room, in the way of a handy zippered pocket on the bottom of the backpack for doggie essentials like wipes, doggie bags, and treats, etc.

For small items, there are two zippered hip pockets on the lap belt each with a strip of MOLLE webbing. If you’re not sure what that is, picture what you’d keep bullets in if you were in the army.

For your comfort, there’s padding on the back that allows for airflow and strong wide shoulder straps.

Oh and if you’re still wondering what the black strip you see on all of the K9 backpacks is for, it’s for attaching your own custom doggie name too.

…Cute overload.

If you need any more convincing, and you shouldn’t, take a quick look at the video below.

Doggie Weight:

• From 30lbs up to 80 lbs 

What We Like:

• Great for Outdoor Adventures – These dog backpacks are built for adventure, they’re great for sports like hiking, bikes, walking, and other outdoor fun stuff.
• Secure fit – As I’ve said before, there’s a staggering amount of attention to detail here, worthy of a tailor-made suit. This backpack is designed to fit perfectly to give your dog ultimate support and comfort.
• Detachable Storage Bag – This is great because you’ll have somewhere put all those doggie essentials. But there’s also additional storage on this model. You get a zippered bottom pocket and two handy lap strap pockets, there also several elastic handles for hanging essentials.

Things to Consider:

This won’t be good for dogs who have painful joints etc. You’d be better off going for a stroller.

Check the latest price and color options for the K9 Sport Sack Rover on Amazon.

Budget Option