Want to keep your hands free while running errands or give your furry friend a cozy spot to rest during long walks? The best dog backpack carrier is the perfect solution for small to medium-sized dogs. With various styles available, your dog can sit, lie down, or even peek out while enjoying the ride.
We recently tested 14 of the most popular dog backpacks, sending each one to volunteer testers and their canine companions. As our testers roamed around, we carefully assessed each backpack’s performance, quality, comfort for both dogs and humans, and overall value based on a predetermined methodology.
Our top choice for small breeds is the Kurgo Nomad Backpack, designed like a standard backpack with a convenient zippered front pocket. It features a supportive frame and sturdy bottom, providing a comfortable space for dogs weighing under 15 pounds. For slightly heavier dogs, up to 25 pounds, we recommend the K9 Sport Sack Plus 2 Dog Carrier. This style allows dogs to sit upright, with their front legs out and their face positioned right over your shoulder. Both options are easy to clean and come with extra pockets for treats, collapsible water bowls, and more.
While these are our favorites, there are several other fantastic dog backpacks that our testers loved, offering different features that might suit you and your dog even better.
Best Overall for Small Breeds
Kurgo Nomad Carrier Backpack.
The versatile Kurgo Nomad Carrier Backpack serves as an ideal option for small dogs weighing under 15 pounds, offering both backpack and carrier configurations with convenient backpack straps and robust dual-carry handles.
Our tester, who utilized the bag to transport their 11-pound dogs separately, praised its comfort and balance, stating, “I think that this pack is very well constructed and well-balanced with several points of adjustment.”
The Kurgo Nomad boasts a timeless best dog backpack design that discreetly conceals its function as a pet carrier. Its spacious back panel provides various travel options for your dog, allowing the compartment to be fully closed, opened, or adjusted to accommodate just a snout. An interior tether is included to secure your dog’s collar in place.
Internally, the Kurgo features a waterproof lining, and its removable machine-washable pad ensures easy maintenance. The exterior is also water-resistant, equipped with a DWR coating to shield your dog from rain showers. Alongside external pockets, such as a sizable zippered front compartment and two side stow pouches, the Kurgo Nomad offers an interior tablet sleeve.
The bag’s waterproof bottom features ventilation panels on each side, while the zippered main compartment boasts two separate zippers, allowing for full closure or the option to unzip a mesh panel for enhanced airflow. Despite offering multiple ventilation methods, the mesh material may restrict airflow more than desired, as noted by our tester.
Best Overall for Medium Breeds
K9 Sport Sack Plus 2 Dog Carrier.
If your dog enjoys being upright during adventures, the K9 Sport Sack Plus 2 Dog Carrier provides an effortless solution for bringing them along. Available in three sizes catering to dogs weighing between 8 and 40 pounds, the best dog backpack also includes length guidelines, advising owners to measure from the collar to the base of the tail to determine the appropriate fit.
Our tester, with a senior dog weighing under 30 pounds and suffering from joint issues, found that the backpack allowed their pet to accompany them on walks comfortably. “This product is really helpful and distributes the weight of my dog well,” remarked our tester.
Once nestled securely inside the backpack, a dog’s head and front legs remain exposed for interaction such as snoot boops, high fives, and paw-shakes. Ventilated sides with small mesh pockets and a padded back panel ensure your dog stays cool. The bag is designed for human comfort as well, featuring wide straps to alleviate pressure and a padded back panel. However, our tester noted that achieving a perfectly balanced weight distribution for larger dogs required several strap adjustments before finding a comfortable setup.
The K9 Sport Sack also includes a detachable 14 by 9-inch storage bag for carrying additional items such as a collapsible water bowl, snacks, keys, and more.
Best Outdoors
Kurgo G-Train Dog Carrier Backpack.
Crafted from waterproof, dirt-resistant fabric and equipped with reflective strips and a durable base, the Kurgo G-Train Dog Carrier Backpack is meticulously engineered for outdoor adventures with your canine companion.
Our tester, whose dog slightly exceeded the manufacturer’s recommended weight limit of 25 pounds, found the carrier to offer ample support. “My dog was adequately supported, and I could walk around hands-free comfortably and set the pack down with him in it if needed,” remarked our tester.
Padded shoulder straps, complemented by an adjustable sternum and hip strap, provide stability and help alleviate pressure. However, the best dog backpack is designed so that the dog and human face in opposite directions when worn, leading our tester to feel as though the weight of their dog was pulling away. The carrier includes two optional stabilization rods for internal placement, although our tester found their installation to be somewhat challenging and noted that they slightly reduce interior space.
Mesh panels on both sides offer ventilation, while slim pockets allow for convenient access to essentials like a water bottle or snacks. An internal padded pocket accommodates a laptop, and external loops provide attachment points for additional items.
Best Sling Carrier
YUDODO Reflective Pet Sling Carrier.
The cross-body design of the YUDODO Reflective Pet Sling Carrier is particularly beneficial for small, anxious dogs, ensuring they stay close to their owner while distributing their weight evenly for enhanced comfort. Offering the hands-free convenience of a backpack, this carrier provides a more balanced weight distribution compared to traditional shoulder bags.
Opting for the medium size to accommodate her 12-pound dog, our tester found the YUDODO Reflective Pet Sling Carrier spacious enough to keep her pet secure and protected without feeling confined.
Constructed from lightweight materials, the sling weighs less than a pound and features a drawstring opening and breathable mesh for optimal ventilation. The adjustable strap, equipped with a large buckle closure, includes a smartphone pocket for added convenience. Our tester, who juggles responsibilities at home including caring for a baby, found the sling exceptionally comfortable and practical. It facilitated easy outings, allowing her to simultaneously push her child in a stroller while carrying her dog in the sling during walks and errands.
Best Airline-Approved
Mr. Peanut’s Aspen Series Airline Approved Backpack Pet Carrier
Enhance your airport travels with the Mr. Peanuts Aspen Series Pet Backpack, designed to optimize comfort for both you and your pet. Our tester noted that the sturdy construction assures that your furry companion is at ease while being carried on your back. They found the additional storage pockets and removable fleece pad to be immensely convenient for daily use and travel purposes.
While the best dog backpack is intended for use as a pet carrier on commercial flights, it’s essential to verify with your airline provider before heading to the airport.
Featuring breathable mesh panels on the sides, front, and top, the backpack offers ample ventilation, with all four openings allowing for easy access and visibility. Although our tester found the adjustable shoulder straps comfortable, they suggested that the addition of a sternum strap would enhance the backpack’s stability. Furthermore, the backpack folds up effortlessly for convenient storage when not in use.
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