The 25 Best Dog Hiking Backpacks for 2021

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Hiking with your dog has tons of benefits for you both: it’s great exercise, gives you quality time to bond, and exposes you to beauty and serenity of nature. Giving your dog his own hiking backpack to wear can add a layer of benefit for your pup because it gives him a purpose and a task to focus on—things many dogs naturally crave.

Packs also help make hikes more challenging, allowing dogs to burn more energy in the same amount of time, thus making him more tired and setting him up for a good night’s sleep. (Not to mention that when your dog carries his own water bottle or waste bags, it helps cut down on the weight of your own pack.)

According to the hiking experts at REI, a dog can carry a maximum of 25% of his body weight in his pack, but you’ll want to consider your pet’s individual health and energy needs, and check with your vet for optimal advice that’s specific to your pet.

If your dog has never worn a backpack before, you may want to start with an empty pack to help acclimate him to the experience. It’s also a good idea to evenly distribute the weight on both sides of the backpack to make carrying it as comfortable as possible.

With that said, take a look below at the 25 best dog hiking backpacks you can buy.

The Best Dog Hiking Backpacks for 2021

From packs large to small, for dogs of all sizes, there’s a dog hiking backpack here to fit your furry BFF on your next outdoor adventure, Happy trails!

Designed for medium and large dogs, this dog backpack is an Amazon bestseller, thanks to its durable water-resistant construction and padded underside.

What we like about it:

• Built-in waste bag holder
• Sturdy metal leash attachment point on back
• Available in neutral colors

You’ll love the stylish gray and pink look of this Doggles dog backpack, and it has plenty of practical features to go along with good looks. Plus, with 2X-small sizing, even tiny dogs can comfortably wear this pack.

What we like about it:

• Durable construction with waterproof material and tough stitching
• Top handle for better control of your dog
• Designed to sit higher up on your pet’s shoulders, so it won’t impede movement

This 2Pet dog backpack has been given a thumbs-up from owners of Great Danes, Bullmastiffs, and other large breeds, making it our pick for extra-large dogs.

What we like about it:

• Easy to put on with an adjustable one-click harness
• Spacious detachable saddlebags
• Available in cheerful pink or blue colors

Water-resistant, the veterinarian-approved design ensures that it’s as comfortable and ergonomic as possible, which is especially important for long hikes. Plus, it’s made from 210D ripstop and 420D Duramax nylons, making it one tough pack.

What we like about it:

• Adjustable straps, including a 4-point chest strap
• Tapered torso strap and a padded sternum strap for maximum comfort
• Handle at the top and reflective trim throughout the harness

For the price, you likely won’t find a better quality dog backpack than this one. It’s lightweight but padded and boasts large pockets and a handle.

What we like about it:

• Made of cooling, lightweight mesh material
• Bags can be easily removed with quick-release buckles
• Yellow reflective trim for safety

This Kurgo dog backpack is lightweight but still provides more than enough room to store the essentials.

What we like about it:

• Blue, red, or black/orange color options
• Leash attachment point in the rear
• Reflective stripes for added visibility

This Trek dog pack for medium breeds is a snap to put on and adjusts for a perfect fit.

What we like about it:

• Large side pocket has a built-in key holder
• Stylish blue color with reflective silver trim
• Interior straps to keep your water bottle in place

This Ruffwear hiking pack is well-worth the investment: It boasts lightweight material in ultra-visible orange and green colors with large pockets and comfortable padding.

What we like about it:

• Nonslip straps ensure the pack stays in place
• Padded handle allows you to help navigate your dog
• Use the V-ring at the top to attach to a leash

Designed for multi-day hiking adventures, this Ruffwear backcountry pack is spacious but has a load stability system to keep weight distributed evenly.

What we like about it:

• Includes two collapsible BPA-free water bottles
• Removable saddlebags allow you to change or lighten the dog’s load at will
• Four attachment points for a sturdy, strong fit

Designed for day trips, this Outward Hound dog backpack’s bright coloring makes your dog stand out easily while on a hike.

What we like about it:

• Lightweight breathable mesh material
• Adjustable straps that don’t impede your dog’s movement
• Four expandable pockets to store gear

Unlike other backpacks, this lightweight Outward Hound Denver pack doesn’t take up too much space and sits up higher on a dog’s shoulders, freeing his lower body to move unhindered.

What we like about it:

• Expandable pockets that are ideal for storing up to a day’s worth of gear
• Adjustable belly straps
• Convenient top handle and D-ring leash attachment

This Outward Hound dog backpack has compression webbing to help balance the weight of the bag evenly, making this backpack extra-comfortable for hiking.

What we like about it:

• The bright green color makes dogs more visible
• Double D-rings for leash attachment, including one on the chest
• Large pockets for storage

For an extra-durable hiking backpack, look no further than this EzyDog Summit one. It’s made of strong ripstop material with rustproof D-rings and reflective trim for added visibility.

What we like about it:

• An additional girth strap helps to further stabilize the bag during descents
• Padded handle on top for controlling your dog
• Both front and rear leash attachment points

This backpack for medium and large breeds not only works as a day hike backpack, but it also functions as a floating device for your dog’s water adventures.

What we like about it:

• Mesh lining and strap placement avoid chafing
• Reflective patch and strips for high visibility
• Includes a bonus water bottle

Bright, neon colors and four wide reflective strips make this Lifeunion dog backpack highly visible in low-light conditions.

What we like about it:

• A collapsible water bowl is included
• Adjustable chest and back straps
• Made of padded and lightweight polyester fabric

This OneTigris dog backpack is extra-secure with velcro and buckles to keep it in place.

What we like about it:

• Durable 1000D nylon fabric
• Breathable mesh lining
• Hidden zippers that won’t get caught in fur

Ample padding and Oxford material make this Petsfit dog backpack a great choice for hiking. Note: According to reviews, this backpack runs large.

What we like about it:

• Each pocket can fit a full-size water bottle
• Top handle for re-directing or controlling your dog
• Metal zippers and D-ring

A padded lining and 500D nylon make this dog backpack a great choice for hiking.

What we like about it:

• Each saddlebag holds 3 liters
• Top handle for re-directing or controlling your dog
• Comes with a 100% quality warranty

You can’t go wrong with this reasonably priced and lightweight dog backpack from Wellver.

What we like about it:

• Two zippered side pockets that are easy to access
• Lightweight mesh material that’s soft and washable
• Top handle and D-ring leash attachment help keep you in control as you hike with your pet

ThinkPet’s dog backpack is constructed with a padded harness and made from lightweight Oxford fabric for a comfy hike.

What we like about it:

• Overhead harness is anti-pulling and easy to take on and off
• Reflective edging for high visibility
• Waterproof zippers

With its striking red and black colors, this OSPet dog backpack is both stylish and functional. Plus, it’s made of tough nylon material.

What we like about it:

• Lightweight padding protects the dog without weighing him down
• Spacious saddle bags expand to accommodate more items
• Adjustable straps to create an ideal fit

If compactness is a priority, this is the dog backpack for you! It packs up into itself for easy portability on camping and outdoor trips.

What we like about it:

• Includes a nametag in case you and your dog get separated
• Durable, exterior ripstop material
• Water repellant

For hard-to-fit large breeds, this Smartelf dog backpack is fully adjustable. All three of its straps can be customized for a perfect fit.

What we like about it:

• Made of durable Oxford mesh material
• Removable packs that allow the pack to transform into a harness
• Rubber handle on back for steering or redirecting your dog in another direction

This comfortable GrayCell dog backpack has padding throughout its design, including the chest area, to ensure no irritation or chafing of your dog’s skin occurs while you hike.

What we like about it:

• Made of water-resistant Oxford material
• Includes a collapsible water bowl
• Available in green or orange color options

This Pettom dog backpack is lightweight and waterproof with a capacity that’s ideal for overnight trips.

What we like about it:

• Durable scratch-resistant polyester material on the outside with a soft, interior mesh lining
• Removable bag transforms the pack into a harness
• Handle on the back allows you to grab or lift your dog if needed

Further Reading

Looking for more hiking gear and tips? Check out the articles below.