Is your dog a true explorer? If your adventure companion walks on all fours, then you need to make sure he has the right gear for the journey. Make sure your canine explorer is prepared to conquer nature with the best dog supply backpack.
Dog hiking backpacks are useful for hiking, camping trips, multi-day trips, or even just a long walk. The pack allows your dog to carry his own hiking gear, taking some of the weight off of your pack when you all go on family camping trips.
They are also helpful for giving your dog a good workout. The extra weight of the backpack helps to build and maintain muscle to support joint health.
A great dog hiking backpack is not just any old backpack, though. To keep your fur baby dog safe and comfortable, you need the best dog hiking backpack for your mutt.
To help you find the right pack for your pooch to conquer the trails with, we reviewed some of our favourite best dog backpacks.
We picked our favourite hiking backpacks and broke down the benefits and features of each to help you find the best option for your unique pet and their unique adventures. We'll be reviewing the following top-rated dog backpacks and dog backpack carriers:
Whether you are looking for maximum capacity for multi-day hikes, or something lightweight and simple for beginners, we can help you find the perfect pack for your next adventure.
We'll rank each pack from $ to $$$, with $ being the best budget-friendly dog backpack and $$$ representing the best dog backpacks for hardcore adventure dogs that prefer all the bells and whistles.
The Ruffwear Palisades Dog Pack enhances long weekend backcountry adventures. This is the largest backpack from Ruffwear and is designed for serious hikers and adventure dogs. The backpack ensures your dog’s comfort while walking and hiking.
Take a look at the specs for this impressive pack:
This is a pricey option, but it's the best overall choice for serious adventure enthusiasts. If you are looking for a backpack that meets all of your dog’s needs then this one has it all. In our opinion, the Palisades is well worth the money.
For the more casual hiker and short treks, the Ruffwear Day Pack is the perfect dog backpack for day trips and local trails with your pooch. This pack is big enough to carry basic dog hiking essentials, but not so big that the pack is cumbersome for newbies and smaller doggos.
Check out the Day Pack features to see if it's the right fit:
The price point of this pack is on the lower end of the price range for comparable adventure packs. It doesn’t have upgraded options, like detachable saddlebags, but the smaller saddlebags allow for it to be used as just a harness without being too bulky.
Going on a longer trek with your furry friend and adventure dog backpack? The RC Pets Quest Day Pack holds all your dog's adventure essentials, like poop bags, bottles, outdoor travel bowls, dog bowls, snacks, a dog-first aid kit, and any extra gear your pooch might need.
With 6 connection points of adjustment on the dog carrier, this dog backpack carrier is also a best friend secure harness to keep your dog safe. Just remove the panniers, and you have a lightweight, durable dog harness that fits your dog’s body perfectly. You can easily attach a leash or ID tags.
While not the cheapest dog backpack, the RC Pets Quest Day Pack offers more adjustability and larger saddle bags than similar packs. Avid hikers know that weather is unpredictable, which is why the water-resistant shell is an excellent feature that adds to the value of this dog pack.
The Ruffwear Approach Pack is the smaller, more compact member of the Ruffwear backpack family. It's perfect for long day hikes, camping, and many other outdoor adventures with your dog. The dog backpack carrier is tough and versatile. The V-ring lets you help your furry friend over obstacles.
This is a moderate price point, allowing you to have similar features to the upgraded Palisades Pack with a few of the extras, like spacious saddlebags and additional storage space, for a more manageable cost. If you are looking for a dog backpack for single-day hikes and shorter excursions, then this pack will be suitable for your dog and your budget.
The Kurgo Baxter Pack is proof that a quality dog backpack doesn't have to give you sticker shock. This standard dog backpack is made with durable and lightweight material to stand up to our dog's adventures. If you have a large dog then you’ll need to order a big Baxter. Always measure your dog prior to ordering the backpack.
With 8 points of adjustment on the shoulder straps and chest strap, this pack will fit securely on your dog, giving him a full and comfortable range of motion. The contoured spine support makes the Baxter pack sure that weight is evenly distributed and won't affect your dog's gait. Your pup will forget they are even wearing a dog carrier backpack.
You'll be hard-pressed to find better value and a more secure fit than the Kurgo Baxter Dog Backpack. Though not our cheapest option, it's a very reasonably priced option and offers many of the same benefits as the higher-end brands. It's a little too small for long haul or multi-day treks but is a great lightweight option for casual day hikes.
For really young or tiny dogs, your usual hikes might be more than they can handle. Instead of trying to fit a comically oversized backpack onto your little pup, look for a dog backpack that is designed to carry your dog, not the other way around.
Using a dog backpack carrier can provide several benefits for both you and your dog. The best puppy backpack carriers give you freedom and more. Let’s examine all of the pros of using a dog backpack carrier.
Here are some potential advantages of using a dog backpack carrier:
If you are looking for the best dog backpack carrier in Canada, then the Kurgo G-Train is what you need. Whether you need a backpack carrier for puppies or just a short-legged dog that needs a break, the Kurgo G-Train is the holy grail of hiking carriers for dogs.
With all the functionality of your regular hiking pack, the G-Train backpack carrier also has a comfortable, breathable compartment for most pets under 25 lbs. It's waterproof and well-ventilated to keep your dog cool and comfortable on your hike.
Plus this carrier is designed for your comfort too. The padded and adjustable straps and padded back make it easy to haul around your little dog friend. The Kurgo G-Train is the best puppy backpack carrier for any doggy adventure.
Depending on the size of your dog's backpack and your dog, they can typically carry their own hiking essentials like water, poop backs, treats, pet wipes etc. Make sure both sides of the bag are evenly distributed and don't add more than 25% of your dog's body weight.
Technically no, but it is a great way to take some of the load off of you and to help them build more stamina and strength by adding a little extra weight. Toy breeds, dogs with mobility issues or injuries, and some senior dogs may not be suited for wearing a dog backpack.
Dog backpacks are packs that your dog wears so they can carry some of their own adventure gear, while a dog backpack carrier is a pack that you wear to carry your small or tired dog on a hike.