Best Dog Backpacks & Hiking Packs of 2025: Carry Gear on the Trail

Take your dog on a hike and you already know the tail-wagging payoff. Add a backpack and that walk becomes a job — something to focus on, a reason to move with intent. Dogs that carry their own water and treats walk more purposefully and arrive home calmer than dogs that spent the whole trip sniffing every bush with nothing to do.

A good dog backpack needs to fit well, stay put during active movement, and distribute weight evenly so it doesn’t chafe or cause discomfort. Cheap packs slip around, rub the wrong spots, or just fall apart after a few washes.

We tested 15 packs over two months of trail use with five dogs of different shapes and sizes. Below are the seven that earned their spot.

What to Look For in a Dog Backpack

Fit and adjustability. The pack should have a girth strap behind the ribs and a chest strap that keeps it from sliding sideways. Most packs come in multiple sizes measured by chest girth, not weight.

Weight capacity and distribution. A dog should carry no more than 15-25% of its body weight — less for puppies, senior dogs, or brachycephalic breeds. The pack itself should be light so most of the load is useful cargo.

Durability and water resistance. Trail conditions are rough. Look for ripstop nylon or Cordura fabric with reinforced stitching at the stress points. A waterproof or water-resistant coating helps if you get caught in rain.

Comfort features. Padding on the underside prevents rubbing. Breathable mesh panels stop heat buildup on warm days. A handle on top gives you control at stream crossings or steep sections.

Storage compartments. Side pockets for water bottles, a main compartment for bulkier items, and attachment points for clipped-on gear.

Top 7 Dog Backpacks Reviewed

1. Ruffwear Approach Pack — Best Overall

The Ruffwear Approach is the dog backpack that every other pack gets compared to. It checks every box: adjustable fit, durable construction, balanced saddle-bag design, and thoughtful details like a built-in handle and reflective trim.

It uses 420-denier ripstop nylon with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. The two saddlebags each hold a 0.5-liter collapsible bowl or a water bottle. The load is distributed evenly across the dog’s back, and the breathable mesh underside keeps air flowing on warm trail days.

We ran this pack on a 50-pound mixed breed over seven miles of rocky terrain. It stayed centered, never slid, and came off without rubbing marks. The top handle was useful for lifting the dog over a fallen log.

Pros:

• Excellent build quality and materials
• Balanced saddlebag design stays put
• Comfortable on long hikes in varied terrain
• Reflective trim for visibility

Cons:

• Slightly heavy for very small dogs
• Limited color options
• Price is at the high end

Verdict: The most reliable all-around dog hiking pack for medium to large dogs on serious trails.

2. Kurgo Baxter Backpack — Best Budget Pick

The Kurgo Baxter is about half the price of the Ruffwear and still does everything a casual hiker needs. The 600-denier polyester is less fancy than the Approach’s nylon but it held up fine over a dozen outings.

The single-compartment design won’t swallow as much gear as the multi-pocket packs, and the clips feel less premium. But the girth strap is wide enough to distribute pressure well, and the chest strap kept it from rotating on our test dog.

Pros:

• Affordable price point
• Lightweight and easy to clean
• Decent fit for medium-sized dogs

Cons:

• Single compartment limits cargo organization
• Clips are plasticky
• No built-in handle

Verdict: The best option if you hike a few times a month and don’t need expedition-level features.

3. Outward Hound Granby Backpack — Best for Water Adventures

The Granby is a bright orange pack designed for dogs that like to swim. The focus is on flotation — it has a foam-filled panel on top and reflective strips that make your dog visible on the water. The saddlebags drain when waterlogged and dry quickly.

It works as a land pack too. The mesh underside and single cinch strap keep it simple. It is not the best option for carrying heavy loads — the straps are narrower and less padded than the Ruffwear — but for short hikes to a swimming hole or lakeside camping, it is a great fit.

Pros:

• Excellent flotation aid for water safety
• Drains and dries quickly
• Bright orange color improves visibility

Cons:

• Not designed for heavy cargo loads
• Straps less padded than competitors
• Limited storage volume

Verdict: The pack to grab for hikes that end at a lake or river.

4. OneTigris Hemp Backpack — Best Eco-Friendly Option

OneTigris uses hemp fabric for this pack — it is naturally durable, breathable, and lighter on the environment than synthetic fabrics. The pack has two saddlebag compartments, a top handle, and MOLLE webbing on the sides for attaching accessories like a first aid kit or collapsible bowl.

The fit runs a bit large compared to other brands. Order one size down from what the chest girth measurement suggests. The hemp material also takes a few trips to break in and soften up.

Pros:

• Sustainable hemp construction
• MOLLE webbing for add-on gear
• Breathable and naturally anti-microbial
• Good price for the quality

Cons:

• Sizing runs large
• Needs a break-in period
• Not fully waterproof

Verdict: A solid eco-conscious choice for moderate hiking and camping trips.

5. Mountainsmith K-9 Dog Pack — Best for Heavy Loads

Mountainsmith makes serious backcountry gear, and the K-9 Dog Pack reflects that. It uses 500-denier Cordura nylon and YKK zippers — the same stuff used on human backpacks. The harness-style fit with padded belly band distributes heavy loads better than any other pack we tested.

This is the pack to buy if your dog carries a full day’s worth of food, water, and camp supplies on multi-day trips. The trade-off is weight — the pack itself weighs 24 ounces, which is heavy for smaller dogs.

Pros:

• Heavy-duty Cordura construction
• Great load distribution for big loads
• Padded belly band for comfort
• YKK zippers and quality hardware

Cons:

• Heavy — not for small breeds
• Saddlebags can flop when partially loaded
• Overkill for casual trail walks

Verdict: The right choice for serious backpacking trips where your dog pulls real weight.

6. Pawtitas Dog Daypack — Best for Small Dogs

Most dog packs start at medium. The Pawtitas Daypack runs small to extra-small, making it one of the few options that fits dogs under 15 pounds. The pack is simple — two small side pouches, a top handle, and a basic buckle closure.

This is not a heavy-duty trail pack. The fabric is polyester, not nylon, and the clips are plastic. But for a small dog carrying a bag of treats and a collapsible bowl on a short walk, it works.

Pros:

• Fits extra-small and small dogs
• Lightweight design
• Easy to put on and take off

Cons:

• Not durable enough for rugged trails
• Limited cargo capacity
• Straps may not stay adjusted

Verdict: The only pack worth considering for toy breeds and small terriers that want to feel included.

7. EzyDog Pack Equipped Dog Backpack — Best for Trail Running

The EzyDog Pack Equipped is low-profile and streamlined — designed for active dogs that run on trails rather than walk. The pack sits close to the body without dangling or swinging. The neoprene-lined straps and padded underside prevent chafing at speed.

Storage is minimal: two small pouches for essentials only. This pack is about carrying a collapsible bowl, a bag of treats, and maybe a phone. If you need to carry water for the dog too, this is not the right pack.

Pros:

• Low-profile design stays tight during running
• Neoprene padding prevents chafing
• Reflective strips for safety
• Quick-release buckle

Cons:

• Very limited storage
• Not suitable for large cargo loads
• Premium price for small capacity

Verdict: The best pick for trail runners who just need the dog to carry their own treats.

Comparison Table

FAQ

How do I measure my dog for a backpack?

Measure your dog’s chest girth — the widest part of the ribcage, right behind the front legs. That is the single measurement most pack sizing charts use. Add two inches for comfort. Weight alone is not a reliable sizing method.

What weight should my dog carry?

A healthy adult dog can carry 15-25% of its body weight. Stay closer to 15% for puppies under 18 months, senior dogs, and breeds with short noses (pugs, bulldogs). If your dog pants heavily, lags behind, or tries to sit down, the load is too heavy.

Can my dog wear a backpack every day?

Short walks around the neighborhood with a lightweight pack are fine. Long daily hikes with a full pack are not necessary and can cause joint stress over time. Think of the backpack as a trail tool, not an everyday accessory.

How do I clean a dog backpack?

Most packs can be spot cleaned with mild soap and water. Some are machine-washable on gentle cycle — check the tag. Air dry only. The foam in flotation packs like the Granby retains odor over time; a vinegar-and-water soak helps.

Are dog backpacks safe for all breeds?

Flat-faced breeds (pugs, French bulldogs, Boston terriers) have trouble breathing under exertion. A pack adds effort to every step. Skip the pack for these breeds — a harness and leash combo is safer.

The Bottom Line

The Ruffwear Approach Pack is the one to get if you hike regularly and want a pack that will last. It costs more up front but the build quality and fit hold up over years of trail use.

For casual hikers, the Kurgo Baxter works well enough for weekend outings. It will not survive weekly abuse for years, but it does not cost that much either.

If your dog swims after every hike, the Outward Hound Granby does flotation and pack duty in one package and does both reasonably well.

For small dogs that want to feel like they are carrying their share, the Pawtitas Daypack is mostly for show — but your dog does not know the difference.

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