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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.)
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dog-hiking-backpack-6.jpg)
Kurgo Dog Backpack
Available in several colors, this high-quality dog backpack is lightweight but still provides plenty of space for your dog’s gear.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dog-hiking-backpack-1.jpg)
OneTigris Blaze Tracker Dog Pack
This Amazon-bestselling dog backpack features underside padding and water-resistant construction.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dog-hiking-backpack-2.jpg)
Doggles Dog Extreme Backpack
This stylish dog backpack comes in a range of sizes to suit different breeds, including 2X-small for tiny dogs.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dog-hiking-backpack-3.jpg)
2PET Dog Backpack
You can’t go wrong with this well-reviewed dog backpack for extra-large breeds like Great Danes and Bullmastiffs.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dog-hiking-backpack-4.jpg)
Mountainsmith K-9 Dog Pack
This extra-tough pack boasts a veterinarian-approved design.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dog-hiking-backpack-5.jpg)
Go Fresh 2-in-1 Dog Hiking Backpack and Harness
This affordable but quality dog pack is a great deal for the price.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dog-hiking-backpack-6.jpg)
Kurgo Dog Backpack
Available in several colors, this high-quality dog backpack is lightweight but still provides plenty of space for your dog’s gear.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dog-hiking-backpack-7.jpg)
The Trek Travel Pack
This adjustable dog backpack was designed with medium-sized breeds in mind.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/REI_670c4ff0-cc70-483d-8da9-688f347a7de6.jpeg)
Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack
With its lightweight design, large pockets, and comfortable padding, this dog backpack may be worth the investment.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/REI_-536a3bea-d39c-49d9-be35-65d9569b6421.jpeg)
Ruffwear Palisades Dog Pack
This backcountry dog backpack boasts two removable saddle bags that allow you to adjust this pack’s weight.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dog-hiking-backpack-8.jpg)
Outward Hound Daypak Dog Backpack
Designed for day trips, the bright coloring of this dog backpack helps your dog stand out while hiking in nature.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dog-hiking-backpack-9.jpg)
Outward Hound Denver Urban Pack
This compact dog backpack can hold up to a day’s worth of gear,
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dog-hiking-backpack-10.jpg)
Outward Hound Crest Stone Dog Backpack
This dog backpack features compression webbing to help balance the weight of the bag evenly and more comfortably on your dog’s back.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dog-hiking-backpack-11.jpg)
EzyDog Summit Dog Backpack
Made with strong ripstop material, this dog hiking backpack is extra-durable.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dog-hiking-backpack-12.jpg)
Bum’s Pack Dog Backpack
This dog backpack floats in water, making it a great option for both land and sea adventures.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dog-hiking-backpack-13.jpg)
Lifeunion Dog Saddlebags
The bright neon color of this dog backpack provides more visibility for your pet in low-light conditions.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dog-hiking-backpack-14.jpg)
OneTigris Dog Backpack for Hiking
The extra-secure buckles on this dog backpack will help keep it in place on your pet.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dog-hiking-backpack-15.jpg)
Petsfit Dog Backpack
The ample padding of this dog backpack makes it ideal for hiking trips.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dog-hiking-backpack-16.jpg)
Military-Style Dog Pack
Another great choice for hiking, this military-style dog backpack is made from durable nylon material.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dog-hiking-backpack-17.jpg)
Wellver Dog Backpack
This lightweight dog backpack is a great deal for its reasonablee price.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dog-hiking-backpack-18.jpg)
ThinkPet Outdoor Dog Backpack
This lightweight dog backpack is constructed with padded fabric to make it extra-comfy.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dog-hiking-backpack-19.jpg)
OSPet Saddle Bag Backpack
This stylish red and black dog backpack is designed with spacious saddle bags to fit more items.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Petsmart_5296045.jpeg)
Arcadia Trail Packable Dog Backpack
This compact dog backpack is space-efficient for camping trips.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dog-hiking-backpack-21.jpg)
Smartelf Dog Backpack
This fully adjustable dog backpack is a great pick for hard-to-fit breeds.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dog-hiking-backpack-20.jpg)
GrayCell Dog Pack
The padding throughout this backpack can help reduce any irritation or chafing of your dog’s skin.
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
![](https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dog-hiking-backpack-22.jpg)
Pettom Dog Saddle Backpack
This dog backpack is waterproof, lightweight, and has a capacity that’s ideal for overnight trips.
Further Reading
Looking for more hiking gear and tips? Check out the articles below.