Outfit your dog for an active day outside together. A good dog backpack for hiking lets your furry friend carry their own water and snacks, turning them into a happy, helpful trail buddy. It’s about sharing the load and the adventure, you know? But not every pack is built for the job.
You need one that’s comfy, secure, and tough enough for real trails. We tested popular options to find which ones truly work—and which ones might just annoy your pup or, worse, chafe. Let’s get your dog ready to hit the path with you.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Dog Backpack For Hiking
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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OneTigris Dog Backpack for Medium & Large Dogs, Mammoth…
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9.5 |
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ONETIGRIS Dog Backpack for Medium & Large Dogs, Nylon…
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9.4 |
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ONETIGRIS Dog Backpack for Medium & Large Dogs, Nylon…
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9.2 |
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PetAmi Dog Backpack for Medium & Large Dogs, Saddle…
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9.1 |
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Himal Outdoors Dog Backpack & Saddle Bag, Tactical Hiking…
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9.0 |
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Ruffwear, Front Range Day Pack, Dog Backpack with Saddlebags,…
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8.8 |
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Ruffwear, Front Range Day Pack, Dog Backpack with Saddlebags,…
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8.7 |
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Ruffwear, Approach Pack Dog Backpack, Weight‑Forward Saddlebags with Flopper…
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8.6 |
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ONETIGRIS Y-Shaped Dog Backpack with Handle, Pockets & No…
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8.4 |
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ONETIGRIS Y-Shaped Dog Backpack with Handle, Pockets & No…
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8.3 |
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Quick Review For Top 10 Dog Backpack For Hiking
OneTigris Dog Backpack for Medium & Large Dogs, Mammoth Nylon Dog Pack Tactical Backpack Harness with Side Pockets for Hiking Walking Training Running
The OneTigris Mammoth Dog Backpack is a tactical-style pack designed for medium to large dogs who are your active partners. Its built from super tough 1000D nylon, so it can handle brush, rocks, and general trail wear. The mesh lining inside helps with breathability, which is key for keeping your dog comfortable on longer hikes or runs. This isn’t just a harness; it’s a practical piece of gear meant to let your dog carry their own essentials.
Let’s talk about the storage, because it’s thoughtfully laid out. The main compartment is a 3-liter pouch, perfect for carrying your dog’s food, some toys, or a collapsible bowl. On either side, there are two spacious pouches ideal for water bottles or extra treats. Each of these side pouches also has an exterior pocket with a bungee cord, great for quickly stuffing a rain jacket or securing a trekking pole. Plus, you’ll find loop panels on the sides if you want to attach even more gear.
A smart feature is the hidden zippers. They’re designed to tuck away, which helps prevent your dog’s fur from getting caught and makes it harder for the zippers to snag on things or open accidentally. Getting the fit right is crucial, and this pack focuses on adjustability and security. The belly strap uses sturdy UTX-Duraflex buckles and has a hook-and-loop section for fine-tuning, ensuring the pack stays snug and doesn’t slide around.
ONETIGRIS Dog Backpack for Medium & Large Dogs, Nylon Backpack for Dogs Tactical Pet Backpack with Side Pockets for Hiking Walking Training Running (Orange, Medium)
The ONETIGRIS Dog Backpack for Medium & Large Dogs is a tactical-style pack built for active adventures with your canine companion. It’s designed to let your dog carry their own essentials, freeing up your hands and making hikes, long walks, or training sessions more practical and enjoyable for both of you.
Constructed from durable 1000D nylon with a breathable mesh lining, this backpack is made to withstand the rigors of the trail while keeping your dog comfortable.
The material is tough enough to handle brush and wear, but the lining helps with air circulation so your dog doesn’t overheat. The fit is crucial for any dog pack, and this one features an adjustable harness system with hook-and-loop belly straps and secure UTX-Duraflex buckles. This allows you to get a snug, custom fit that wraps well around your dog’s neck and belly, ensuring the pack stays securely in place without shifting or chafing during movement.
Storage is a key feature here.
The main compartment offers a 2-liter capacity, perfect for carrying your dog’s food, treats, or a collapsible bowl. On either side, you’ll find two spacious pouches, each with an exterior horizontal pocket and cross-bungee cords. This setup is ideal for carrying water bottles or strapping on extra gear like a jacket or a small towel. A thoughtful detail is the hidden zippers design.
ONETIGRIS Dog Backpack for Medium & Large Dogs, Nylon Backpack for Dogs Tactical Pet Backpack with Side Pockets for Hiking Walking Training Running (Brown, Medium)
The ONETIGRIS Dog Backpack for Medium & Large Dogs is a tactical-style pack built for active adventures with your canine companion. It’s designed to let your dog carry their own essentials, freeing up your hands and making hikes, long walks, or training sessions more practical and enjoyable for both of you.
Constructed from tough 1000D nylon with a breathable mesh lining, this backpack is made to withstand the rigors of the trail while keeping your dog comfortable.
The material is durable enough for brush and rough terrain, but the lining helps with air circulation so your dog doesn’t overheat. It’s a balance meant for lengthier outings where function is key.
Storage is a major focus. The main compartment offers a 2L capacity, perfect for carrying your dog’s food, favorite toys, or cleanup bags. On either side, you’ll find additional pouches with exterior horizontal pockets and cross-bungee cords.
These are incredibly handy for securing a water bottle, a collapsible bowl, or even a small umbrella. There’s also two loop panels on the sides if you need to attach even more gear, giving you lots of flexibility.
A smart hidden zippers design addresses a common frustration. The zippers are tucked away to prevent your dog’s hair from getting caught in them, and this also makes it more difficult for the pack to accidentally come unzipped while your dog is on the move.
PetAmi Dog Backpack for Medium & Large Dogs, Saddle Bag for Dogs to Wear for Hiking, Pet Backpack Harness Dog Pack with Reflective Side Pockets for Walking Running
The PetAmi Dog Backpack for Medium & Large Dogs is a versatile saddle bag designed to make outdoor adventures with your canine companion more convenient and organized. This isn’t just a harness; it’s a practical piece of gear that allows your dog to comfortably carry their own essentials, freeing up your hands and your own backpack space. Crafted from durable ripstop nylon, this backpack harness is built to last.
It features multiple compartments, including two expandable side pockets and several inner storage pockets, giving you plenty of organized space for treats, collapsible travel bowls, toys, a small first aid kit, and your keys or phone. A built-in poop bag dispenser means you’re always prepared to clean up, which is a really handy feature that’s right at your fingertips.
The design includes multiple adjustable straps, including chest and belly straps, to ensure a secure and custom fit that won’t chafe or shift during movement. A mesh padding layer provides breathable comfort against your dog’s fur, keeping them cooler on long treks. Safety and control are integral to this vest. It comes equipped with a sturdy top grab handle, perfect for assisting your dog over obstacles or keeping them close in tricky situations.
Himal Outdoors Dog Backpack & Saddle Bag, Tactical Hiking Backpack for Large Dogs with Side Pockets & Adjustable Strap
The Himal Outdoors Dog Backpack & Saddle Bag is designed for pet owners who love to bring their large canine companions on extended outdoor adventures. This tactical hiking backpack moves beyond a simple carrier to become a functional piece of gear for your dog, allowing them to contribute by carrying their own essentials.
Its built focuses on durability, comfort, and practical utility on the trail.
Crafted from rugged 600D nylon fabric, this backpack is built to withstand the rigors of the outdoors, offering excellent resistance against tears and abrasions. The interior features a breathable mesh lining, which is crucial for keeping your dog cool and comfortable during long hikes by promoting air circulation.
This combination means the pack can handle rough terrain while prioritizing your dog’s wellbeing, even on warm days.
Fit is everything with a dog backpack, and this model is highly adjustable to ensure security and comfort. It comes with two main adjustable straps that allow you to achieve a snug, custom fit around your dog’s chest and neck. The pack is designed to fit a range of large breeds, accomodating neck sizes from 22 to 31.5 inches and chest sizes from 29 to 35.8 inches.
Ruffwear, Front Range Day Pack, Dog Backpack with Saddlebags, 5-Point Adjustment, 3 Leash Points, Padded Handle, Internal Mesh Pockets, Reflective Trim, Light Loop, River Rock Green, Medium
The Ruffwear Front Range Day Pack is a dog backpack designed to feel like a harness but function as a proper set of saddlebags. It’s built for active dogs and their people, whether you’re planning a full-day hike, a trail run, or just a walk where your dog carries their own gear. The core idea is comfort and utility, letting your dog participate in the adventure by carrying their essentials.
Fit is everything with any dog gear, and this pack gets it right.
It features a foam-padded chassis and five separate points of adjustment. This system aims to prevent the bouncing and shifting that can cause chafing during movement. The goal is a secure, bounce-free fit that stays put, so your dog can just focus on the trail ahead.
If your unsure about sizing, Ruffwear provides a sizing chart and a how-to-fit video to help you measure correctly, ensuring a proper and comfortable fit.
The saddlebags themselves are radial cut for better movement and include internal compression straps. This design helps stabilize the load, giving your dog a balanced feel while carrying their things. It’s perfect for holding daily adventure must-haves: a collapsible water bowl, some snacks, poop bags, or a lightweight jacket.
Ruffwear, Front Range Day Pack, Dog Backpack with Saddlebags, 5-Point Adjustment, 3 Leash Points, Padded Handle, Internal Mesh Pockets, Reflective Trim, Light Loop, Basalt Gray, Large/X-Large
The Ruffwear Front Range Day Pack is a dog backpack designed to feel like part of your dog, not just gear strapped on. It’s built for the trail, whether that’s a full-day hike, a run, or just a neighborhood walk where your pup carries their own stuff. The core idea is simple: it fits like a harness but works like a pack.
A big part of that fit comes from the foam-padded chassis and the five points of adjustment.
This system aims to eliminate bouncing and shifting, which prevents uncomfortable rubbing. The goal is a secure, bounce-free fit so your dog can move naturally without the pack being a distraction. Getting the right size is crucial, and Ruffwear provides a sizing chart and a how-to-fit video to help you measure correctly. A proper fit means more comfort and confidence for both of you on every outing.
The saddlebags are radial cut and designed with trails in mind.
They include internal compression straps to stabilize the load. This lets your dog carry their daily essentials—like water bottles, snacks, and waste bags—giving them a sense of purpose. The build uses recycled ripstop and mesh, making it a lightweight yet durable option.
Ruffwear, Approach Pack Dog Backpack, Weight‑Forward Saddlebags with Flopper Stoppers, 5‑Point Adjustable Fit, Padded Handle, Dual Leash Points, Reflective Trim, Campfire Orange, Large/X-Large
The Ruffwear Approach Pack Dog Backpack is designed for dogs who join you on serious outdoor adventures. It’s more than just a bag; it’s a piece of hiking gear engineered for your dog’s comfort, stability, and ability to contribute. The core idea is letting your dog carry their own supplies—like water, food, and a bowl—which can be surprisingly satisfying for them and lighten your load. A key feature is it’s trail-ready and balanced design.
The radial-cut saddlebags and weight-forward construction are crucial. They position weight over your dog’s shoulders, not their swinging sides. This, along with the clever ‘flopper stoppers,’ keeps gear stable and minimizes bounce. That means your dog can navigate rugged trails, twisty turns, or thick underbrush without the pack swinging awkwardly and throwing them off balance. It’s all about maintaining their natural agility.
Getting the fit right is essential for any dog pack, and the Approach Pack aims to make that straightforward. It features a 5-point adjustable fit system with straps at the chest, girth, and sternum. This lets you customize it snugly to your dog’s unique shape. A proper fit ensures comfort, prevents chafing, and gives you better control. The pack also includes a padded top handle, which is incredibly useful for assisting your dog over obstacles or in tricky spots.
ONETIGRIS Y-Shaped Dog Backpack with Handle, Pockets & No Pull D-Rings, Lightweight Hiking Gear for Dogs Hunting Camping Travel (Large, Green)
The ONETIGRIS Y-Shaped Dog Backpack is built for active dogs and their owners. Its core is the unique Y-shaped harness design, which sets it apart from standard vests. This shape wraps around your dog’s chest and shoulders, hugging the torso without restricting their natural movement. It prevents the gear from slipping sideways, which is a common issue, and it evenly distributes any weight you load into the packs.
This makes it a secure and comfortable platform, whether your using it for a weighted training vest or just for carrying their adventure essentials.
You’ll find multiple points of control for different situations. There’s a sturdy top grab handle thats perfect for helping your dog over a log, into the car, or through a tricky spot. For leash walking, it offers two D-ring attachment points. Theres one on the back for regular walks, and a no-pull ring on the front chest strap.
Attaching your leash here gives you gentle steering control if your dog tends to pull, making hikes more enjoyable for both of you. The construction uses durable, water-resistant nylon thats built to last but remains surprisingly lightweight. Breathable no-slide mesh lining adds to your pup’s comfort, even on longer outings, preventing chafing and overheating.
This backpack is practical, too. It features zippered saddle bags on each side, giving your dog a job to do.
ONETIGRIS Y-Shaped Dog Backpack with Handle, Pockets & No Pull D-Rings, Lightweight Hiking Gear for Dogs Hunting Camping Travel (Medium, Green)
The ONETIGRIS Y-Shaped Dog Backpack is designed for active dogs and their owners who love to get outside. Whether you’re planning a day hike, a camping trip, or just an adventurous walk, this harness system aims to be a versatile and comfortable piece of gear for your medium or large dog.
Its core is the Y-shaped harness design. This isn’t just for looks; it helps prevent the harness from slipping sideways during movement.
More importantly, it hugs your dog’s torso comfortably without restricting their shoulders. This design is key for evenly distributing weight if you use the backpack pockets or add weighted inserts, making it a stable platform for carrying gear. Your dog can move naturally without the pack throwing them off balance.
You have multiple points of control for safety and convenience.
There’s a sturdy top handle that’s perfect for giving your pup a quick assist over a log or lifting them safely into the car. For leash attachment, you get two D-rings. The one on the back is for standard walks. The front chest D-ring is a no-pull attachment point; clipping your leash here can gently discourage pulling by redirecting your dog’s momentum sideways, which many trainers prefer. The construction uses tough, resistant nylon that can handle dirt, water, and abrasion from the trail.
Dog Backpack For Hiking Buying Guide
A specialized pack makes bringing your dog more practical. A dog backpack for hiking lets your canine companion carry their own water, food, and toys, freeing up space in your pack and giving them a job to do. But not all packs are created equal. Here’s what to look for to ensure a safe and comfortable hike for your best friend.
Fit & Adjustability
This is teh most critical factor. A poorly fitting pack will chafe and annoy your dog, ruining the hike. Look for a harness-style design with multiple adjustment points—around the chest, belly, and sometimes the neck. You should be able to slide two fingers snugly under any strap. A good fit prevents the pack from swinging side-to-side or rubbing.
Pack Capacity & Weight Limit
How much should your dog carry? A common guideline is 10-25% of their body weight, but always start with less for training. Check the pack’s listed capacity and ensure it’s appropriate for your dog’s size. The bags should sit evenly over their shoulders, not their lower back. Remember, you’re adding weight to their frame, so balance and proportion are key.
Material & Durability
This gear needs to withstand trails, weather, and the occasional roll in the dirt. Look for durable, water-resistant fabrics like Cordura or ripstop nylon. Reinforced stitching at stress points is a must. Breathable mesh panels on the underside help prevent overheating, making a huge difference on long, warm hikes.
Safety Features
Your dog’s safety is paramount. A sturdy handle on top is essential for quick assists over obstacles or stream crossings. Reflective trim or bright colors increase visibility in low light. Ensure the pack doesn’t interfere with your dog’s natural gait or their regular harness if you need to clip a leash. A comfortable dog is a happy hiking partner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Backpack For Hiking
How do I choose the right size backpack for my dog?
It’s all about fit. You need to measure your dog’s girth, which is the widest part of their chest. Use a soft tape measure. Then, check the manufacturer’s size chart. The pack should sit snugly on their back without rubbing. You should be able to fit two fingers under the straps.
How much weight can my dog carry?
A good rule is no more than 25% of their body weight. For many dogs, that’s just a few pounds. Start with an empty pack, then add a little weight on short walks. Build up slowly so they get use to it. Never overload them.
What features should I look for in a good hiking backpack?
Look for adjustable straps, sturdy handles, and breathable material. Reflective strips are great for safety. Pockets should be easy to access and balanced on both sides. A secure leash attachment point is also really helpful on the trail.
Can any dog wear a backpack?
Most healthy, adult dogs can. But it’s not for puppies, seniors, or dogs with health issues. Brachycephalic breeds (like pugs) often struggle. Always check with your vet first, especially if your dog has any joint or breathing concerns.
How do I introduce my dog to wearing a backpack?
Go slow. Let them sniff it first. Put the empty pack on for just a few minutes indoors. Give them treats and praise. Gradually increase the time they wear it before you ever add weight. Make it a positive experience.
What should my dog carry in their pack?
They can carry their own supplies! Think small bags of food, collapsible water bowls, poop bags, or a light jacket. Never put breakable, heavy, or vital items (like your keys or their leash) in their pack. You carry the important stuff.
Are there any safety tips I should know?
Yes! Always check for chafing, especially under the straps. Ensure the weight is even in both side pockets. Provide plenty of water breaks. On very hot days, it might be better to let them carry nothing so they don’t overheat. Watch your dog’s energy and comfort level closely.
Conclusion
Let your pup contribute to the adventure responsibly. It’s a fantastic way to build their confidence and give them a real job to do. Start with a light load and watch their pride grow with every trip. You’ll both enjoy the trail more knowing you’re sharing the load.
Remember, the right gear makes all the difference. A well-fitted dog backpack for hiking is a simple tool that turns a walk into a true partnership. So grab your pack, check your pup’s fit one more time, and head out the door. Your next great memory on the trail is waiting for you both.