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9 Best Dog Backpacks for Hiking & Camping 2022 - Small Backpacks for Dogs
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# 9 Dog Backpacks That Have Your Pup Excited to Carry Its Own Bag for Hikes

It’s Fido’s turn to carry the poo bags.

blue singletrak dog backpack

Best Products; Courtesy Ruffwear

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“Dogs love having jobs, and if they’re focused on walking and carrying, they’re much less likely to chase squirrels or bicyclists.” Say no more, dog whisperer Cesar Millan, because we love to spoil our good boys and sweet girls.

If you and your four-legged best friend love taking all the walks, sniffing all the bushes, chasing all the squirrels, and marking all the trees together, then a dog backpack is a must. It's the perfect way to free up precious space in your hiking backpack and lighten your load, while still being sure your pup has plenty of food, water, treats, and poo bags (leave no trace, y’all).

### The Best Dog Backpacks

### Best for Trail-Loving Dogs

### Honorable Mention

### Best for Working Dogs

### What to Consider

Dog backpacks all have relatively similar construction: an adjustable harness that supports two pouches. But they do differ in capacity (volume), size, comfort, and price:

- Capacity (Volume): Minimalist, low-profile dog backpacks have just enough space for water and treats for day hikes, and are less likely to snag on brush. Larger packs can hold enough for a few nights of backpacking, with space for food, water, a jacket, an extra leash, a harness, and anything else you would rather not carry.

- Pack Size: Packs are sold in typical sizes (small, medium, large) and are adjustable within that size. High-end dog backpacks will have more adjustment points, while budget options may not be as adjustable. Measuring your pup's chest girth with cloth tape will help ensure a snug fit that will prevent the pack from sliding around and riding lopsided.

- Comfort: Budget options have thinner fabrics and might rub in certain spots, while more expensive packs have padding to prevent friction and discomfort. Your pup will definitely appreciate a better backpack on longer hikes with heavier loads.

- Price: Price is obviously an important consideration. Brand loyalists and owners who like to spoil their pup swear by Ruffwear, while budget-conscious dog parents insist that affordable dog backpacks serve their purpose just fine.

Before the next time you lace up your boots, check out the ever-growing array of dog backpacks that any pup will love to carry, then head outdoors for some quality time on the trail.

Best for Trail-Loving Dogs

## Approach Dog Pack

###### Pros

- ProDesigned for premium comfort
- ProDurable materials

###### Cons

- ConExpensive

The Approach is Ruffwear’s “full-day hiking pack,” with enough space for a long day’s worth of food, water, and treats. The integrated harness and multiple leash points provide versatility for leashing, including traditional leash walking, lifting, or pulling.

The Approach is one of the most comfortable packs around. It has a nice weight-forward design, which loads the pack's weight high over the shoulders (rather than low around the torso) for a more comfortable carry.

It also has five adjustment points for a more secure fit, a padded harness, padded straps, and sheltered buckles to minimize hot spots. And it's made of lightweight materials, so your pooch won't be carrying unnecessary ounces.

## Key Specs

CapacityTwo pockets on each side; good for one overnightPack SizeXS-LColors2

Honorable Mention

## Trek Dog Backpack

###### Pros

- ProAffordable
- ProOrganization features in pockets are a nice touch

###### Cons

- ConFit is not as customizable
- ConOnly one size available

Kong — the same company that makes every dog's favorite peanut-butter-filled chew toy — makes packs, too. The Trek pack's polyester and coated-nylon finish are durable and waterproof so your pooch won't end up with a water-logged dinner, while the soft harness and straps are lightly padded for comfort.

Its pockets are well-planned, too, with a key holder, bottle straps to keep water from bouncing around, and a rubber grommet to contain the soiled doggie bag. Now that’s something that you never knew you needed but will definitely appreciate.

## Key Specs

CapacityTwo large pouches; best for one-night tripsPack SizeMedium (one size only)Colors1

Best for Working Dogs

## K-9 Dog Pack

###### Pros

- ProIndependently adjustable back harness gives a custom fit
- ProLarge capacity for multinight trips
- ProErgnomic design and padding add comfort
- ProUpgraded waterproofing keeps contents dry(er)

###### Cons

- ConToo bulky for short trips or small loads

Mountainsmith has been leading the dog pack industry for over 30 years, and their K-9 pack should be a strong contender in any lineup.

This pack was designed with input from a Colorado sled dog veterinarian ( what a job). Its back harness is independently adjustable and there are four adjustment points on the chest harness, so there's no doubt this pack will stay in place when your pup is blazing a trail. This adjustability is also ideal for any pup that fluctuates in weight or size as the seasons change, just like most humans who pack on some “winter weight.” We're guilty.

My dog, Cora, loves this pack more than any other. It fits better than others that she has tried, has a large carrying capacity for multinight trips, and has the comfort features that she loves most: air mesh panels for ventilation, an ergonomically tapered torso shape, and perforated EVA foam coverings for the straps.

The large, padded handle integrated into the harness is my personal favorite, especially when the jump is just a bit too scary for my fearless companion.

## Key Specs

CapacityTwo large pouches and two small pouches; good for multinight backpacking tripsPack SizeS-LColors2

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Best for the Budget-Conscious

## Daypak Dog Backpack

###### Pros

- ProAffordable
- ProStout handle
- ProHighly adjustable

###### Cons

- ConNo small size

Not all dogs are keen on wearing a pack, so give it a try with this affordable option before investing in a pricier one. Outward Hound's Daypak is Amazon's best-selling dog backpack, with an average of four stars from more than 4,000 reviews.

This option has all the essentials — expandable pockets, adjustable straps, a harness made of breathable mesh, a padded chest strap, multiple adjustment points, vibrant colors, and reflective accents — to keep your dog comfortable and visible, all day and night. And it's sold at half the price of designer brand packs.

## Key Specs

CapacityFour expandable storage pouches; good for multinight backpacking tripsPack SizeM, LColors2

Best for High-Energy Dogs

## Singletrak Dog Backpack

###### Pros

- ProPerforated foam padding on the harness and straps
- ProLow-profile design conforms to your dog's body shape
- ProIdeal for long distance day hikes where fresh water is scarce

###### Cons

- ConToo small for overnight

Does your exercise buddy run wildly through tightly packed trees or brush up against fellow hikers a lot? Then the Singletrak is exactly what your trail-hog needs. Its sleek, low-profile design will minimize the chances of taking out someone's knees or snagging on long-hanging branches.

Two integrated collapsible water bottles and two additional stash pockets are just enough to keep Fido fed, hydrated, and aerodynamic. Meanwhile, padding around the straps and minimalist buckles minimize friction for your high-powered, athletic pup.

## Key Specs

CapacityTwo low-profile pouches, best for long day hikesPack SizeS-XLColors2

Best for Heavy-Lifting Dogs

## Baxter Dog Backpack

###### Pros

- ProVentilated mesh harness
- ProEight adjustment points for a fine-tuned fit
- ProBottle opener in the chest strap

###### Cons

- ConPouches hang lower than most

This pack is spacious and built to withstand abuse. Two saddle bags each have a 3.75-liter capacity, so there's plenty of room for water, food, and even toys. With eight adjustment points, finding the correct fit is a walk in the park.

The Baxter's two main compartments hang a tad lower than most others, which may feel floppy when fully stuffed. This could feel a bit bulkier to the dog and is more susceptible to soaked inner contents with river crossings.

Pick from three different colors (black, red, or blue) to complement your hiking shoes, because there are some occasions when matching is cute, and this is definitely one of them.

## Key Specs

CapacityTwo pouches with four total compartments; best for two-night tripsPack SizeBaxter (30-85 pounds); Big Baxter (50-110 pounds)Colors3

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Best Premium Pack for Spoiled Dogs

## Palisades Multi-Day Dog Backpack

###### Pros

- ProHarness can be used separately without the saddle bags
- ProFive adjustment points and compression system give a snug, stable fit
- ProCarry handle is strong and padded for your comfort
- ProNo buckles or pressure points on the inside

###### Cons

- ConExpensive

It's obvious that Ruffwear dominates in this category, and for good reason — their dog gear is just better. The Palisades is their top-of-the-line pack and priced accordingly. Because if you get to be decked out in high-performance hiking gear, your dog deserves to be, too.

The biggest standout feature of the Palisades pack is its removable saddlebags. Use the highly adjustable, padded harness alone for walks around the park. Then attach the saddlebags, with four zippered compartments and two included 1-liter hydration bladders, for long day hikes or overnight backpacking trips. The updated compression system helps to stabilize the load for a snug fit that won't bounce around. Because our pups deserve the best.

## Key Specs

CapacityFour separate zippered compartments with compression system; great for multinight tripsPack SizeS-XLColors1

Best for Hipster Dogs

## Hoppy Camper 2.0 Dog Backpack

###### Pros

- ProVintage, rucksack-inspired style
- ProAffordable
- ProFour color choices

###### Cons

- ConNot waterproof

Any fashion-conscious hiker knows that a well-dressed pupper is the best complement to your outfit, not to mention an awesome conversation starter. With this vintage-inspired canvas pack available in four colors, your dog will be stylish AF. But looks aside, this pack is also super functional.

Two main zipper pockets hold their food, toys, and training treats, two quick-access pockets keep the poo bags on hand, and a large handle lets you grab hold quickly if your furry companion gets too feisty with oncoming foot traffic.

## Key Specs

CapacityTwo pockets; good for one nightPack SizeS-LColors4

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