The Best Dog Backpack Carriers
Whether you're going on a long-awaited hike or taking public transportation, a dog carrier is a great way to take your furry friend with you on your adventures. While some dogs can walk for hours without running out of steam, others may not have the stamina to keep up. That's where dog backpack carriers come in; they make it easy to take your small or medium-sized pup with you on the go. Given the wide variety of backpack carriers available, choosing the best one for your pooch can be tough. To help you with your search, we've rounded up this list of the best ones the market has to offer.
What to Look For
We recommend keeping the following things in mind when shopping for a carrier for your pup: Is it large enough for your dog? Does it have good ventilation to keep your pup cool and comfortable? Is it made of durable materials that will stand up over time? Our top pick was the carrier from Kurgo, which is waterproof, dirt resistant, and has plenty of space to carry your pup and other belongings. We were also impressed by the carrier from K9 Sport Sack, which has padded straps and a padded backside to ensure your comfort while traveling with your pup. Read on to learn more about our top picks and why we liked them so much.
Kurgo G-Train Dog Backpack Carrier
When you’re ready to explore the great outdoors, pack your pup in this backpack carrier from Kurgo to take them along for the ride. The carrier comes with everything you need for a successful outing in varying conditions, including padded shoulder straps and an adjustable hip belt and sternum strap to distribute weight evenly across your body while carrying your dog. That’s not all; it has a waterproof bottom and reflective strips, and its fabric is dirt resistant, making it easy to keep clean.
Pros:
- Mesh ventilation and top window so your dog can look out at the surroundings
- Sturdy base with removable padding
- Clip to keep dog secured to the bag
- Storage compartment for laptops or other devices
Cons:
- Only suitable for dogs who weigh 25 pounds or less
K9 Sport Sack Dog Backpack Carrier
If you want to take your dog along on your next adventure, using the backpack carrier from K9 Sport is one of the best ways to do so. Its ergonomic shoulder straps and sternum strap will help you stay comfortable as you carry your pup around with you. Your dog sits in an upright, forward-facing position when traveling with you in this backpack, allowing them to keep an eye on you and where they’re going. It fits snugly around your pup’s body, keeping them secure and comfortable. Plus, it’s available in a variety of sizes to accommodate a wide range of breeds.
Pros:
- Made of high-quality, lightweight materials
- Ergonomic straps make it comfortable to wear for long periods
- Available in a variety of sizes and colors
- Pups feel hugged while traveling in the backpack, which promotes calmness
Cons:
- It doesn’t have a hip strap
Outward Hound PoochPouch Dog Backpack Carrier
Outdoor explorer
This backpack carrier from Outward Hound is the ideal choice for dog owners who want to keep an eye on their furry friend while out and about. The carrier rests on the front of your body instead of your back and has ergonomic padded shoulder straps to ensure your comfort while carrying your pooch. It also has compartments for storing the treats and accessories you want on hand during your travels. Your pup will face forward while riding in this carrier, giving them a great view of everything ahead.
Pros:
- Drawstring top and ventilated sides to keep dogs secure and comfortable
- Fully adjustable padded shoulder and waist straps to distribute your dog’s weight
- Large storage compartments
- Made of durable, water-resistant nylon
Cons:
- Only suitable for small dogs
Yudodo Travel Safe Dog Backpack Carrier
Travel time
Keep your small dog close by with this sling-style backpack carrier from Yudodo. It’s perfect for running errands with your pup, allowing you to carry them around hands-free, just like with traditional carriers. The bag’s cross-body design helps distribute your pup’s weight evenly across your body, making it comfortable to wear for long periods. There’s a hook inside for securing your dog to the bag, and its leather bottom provides extra durability and protection.
Pros:
- Features an easy-to-adjust, extra wide padded strap
- Versatile enough for use in cold or warm weather
- Allows you to easily engage with your dog
- Has a pocket for a cell phone or other accessory
Cons:
- You can only wear it on the left shoulder
Lekereise Airline-Approved Dog Backpack Carrier
If you plan to include your pup in your upcoming travel plans, this backpack carrier from Lekereise is an ideal option. The roomy carrier gives your dog plenty of room to move around when you’re on the go, ensuring their comfort. It’s made with breathable, anti-scratch mesh to keep it well-ventilated and makes it easy to keep an eye on your pooch. Plus, its padded, adjustable straps make it easy to get a good fit.
Pros:
- Made of high-quality, tear-resistant mesh
- Expandable to give your pup more room to stretch out and move around
- Two side pockets for storing pet supplies
- Built-in safety leash to keep your dog secure
Cons:
- It’s not waterproof
Can I carry my dog in a regular backpack?
We don’t recommend using a regular backpack to carry your dog because they don’t have proper ventilation or the necessary features to keep them safe. Moreover, a regular backpack isn’t designed with your dog’s comfort in mind and may not be able to support their weight. Traveling with your dog in a backpack designed to carry them is the best way to ensure their security and comfort.
What size dog carrier should I purchase?
A dog carrier should be large enough for your dog to stand up, lie down, and turn around comfortably. However, bigger isn’t necessarily better. You want to get a carrier with just enough room for your pup to move around. If you purchase one that’s too big, your dog could get injured while traveling.
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