The 6 Best Dog Backpack Carriers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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We love the K9 Sport Sack for its functionality and comfortable design.

In This Article

Travel + Leisure / Kristin Kempa

Bringing your pup along on adventures is one of the highlights of having a furry best friend. But it’s not always easy to do that while also juggling leashes, phones, and all the other items we usually have. Dog backpacks allow us to be hands-free for these endeavors, whether it’s active activities like hiking or camping or traveling in a city instead. Ideal for small to medium-sized dogs, these carriers typically also fit other key items like treats and water, and help distribute the weight across the back for more comfortable canine transport (versus a regular hand-carry option). They’re also a fantastic pick for senior dogs — or those with mobility issues — so that they can still get out and enjoy the outdoors.

With so many options for backpack carriers on the market, we helped narrow down the choices with a series of hands-on tests in the real world, conducted by dog owners over a period of six months. Fourteen products were evaluated for their performance, quality, value, and comfort, and we also spoke with Dr. Heidi Gordon and Dr. Beverly Blinn-Knapp, veterinarians at Burnt Hills Veterinary Hospital, for their expert input on selecting and using backpack carriers for our pets.

It’s comfortable to wear and offers ample interior space for your pup.

Putting it on with your dog inside requires a bit of a learning curve.

The K9 Sport Sack Air is our top pick for its ability to evenly distribute a pet’s weight, even for dogs that are on the larger side. This backpack comes in three different sizes so it’s versatile for a larger range of animals (up to 40 pounds). The ventilated sides increase airflow and the cushioned back panel and shoulder straps with a wider design offer greater all-around comfort while walking with a pet inside.

There are two mesh side pockets for other small items and we found the detachable storage bag was perfect for carrying extra gear and that it easily clipped to the carrier. During testing, we felt our dog seemed relaxed and content while inside, too. The high-quality materials and construction make this a durable carrier that will go the distance, whether commuting with your pup or letting them rest a bit on a longer trek.

The Details: 17 x 9 x 10 (small), 11 x 10 x 19 (medium), 12 x 11 x 22 (large) | 16 ounces (small), 1.4 pounds (medium), 1.5pounds (large) | Nylon | Fits dogs 13–17 inches (small), 17–20 inches (medium), or 20–23 inches (large), all measured from base of collar to base of tail | Holds up to 40 pounds

This features swiveling latches that clip to your dog's harness to keep them safe while moving.

The optional stabilizing rods are tricky to install and take up 1–2 inches of interior space.

We love that the Kurgo G-train Dog Carrier Backpack is equipped to handle the outdoor elements, with a sturdy, waterproof bottom that helps to support your dog both while on your back and when the bag is set on the ground. The swiveling tether latches clip into your dog’s harness to help keep them secure while in the backpack, an important feature for hiking with dogs in a carrier. Top and front handles make the bag easy to handle, and the water-resistant fabric and removable, machine-washable interior padding means it’ll be a breeze to clean. The waist strap is helpful for comfort and stability while hiking as well. During testing, we appreciated that the shoulder straps and back panel featured nice padding, and that the bag itself had several convenient loops for hooking on additional items. There’s also another separate storage compartment for extra items like toys, treats, or kibble, and side pockets for water bottles.

The Details: 13 x 10 x 21 inches | 1.95 pounds | Polyester, synthetic fabric | Holds up to 25 pounds

With padded straps, easy assembly, and plenty of ventilation, this will keep you and your dog comfortable through stressful airports.

It’s important to make sure to check airline requirements for bag sizing before use, as it might not fit under all seats.

Our top pick for air travel is the Apollo Walker Pet Carrier Backpack for its high level of comfort and ventilation due to the design having windows that fold down on several sides. We noticed this carrier was very easy to assemble, noting that connecting the floor padding inside took just seconds. We also appreciated that the carrier was helpful when our toy poodle became tired or wasn’t allowed to walk in particular areas of the airport. Depending on the size of your dog, they may be able to poke their head out the top opening when unzipped, allowing them to look around freely. While flying, the carrier is designed to keep your pup secure, with a leash tether to clip into their harness, along with claw-proof mesh and cozy, plush bedding.

The Details: 16.8 x 11.4 x 12.6 inches | 3.73 pounds | 300D polyester, fleece, mesh

The design is straightforward and easy to use.

It runs a little small.

We love the ease of using a sling carrier, and the Yudodo Reflective Pet Dog Sling Carrier comes in three sizes, fitting a wide variety of small dogs. With this carrier, it’s possible to enjoy hands-free activities with a pup in tow like running errands or even pushing a stroller. We found the sling was much more lightweight than expected, had no shoulder digging, and was very comfortable to wear; for a 12-pound dog, the medium size was ideal. The material is soft yet sturdy, and the mesh front maximizes airflow so your dog won’t get too hot either. If you prefer a crossbody design versus a traditional backpack, this sling is a fantastic option. The material is easy to wipe clean and one outer pocket on the front as well as a small inner pocket are great for holding small items like treats or poop bags. The drawstring closure makes getting in and out a simple task for your dog and the padded strap makes longer wear comfortable.

The Details: Faux leather, polyester | Fits dogs up to 8 inches long (small), 8–10 inches long (medium), or 10–11.5 inches long (large), all measured from base of collar to base of tail | Holds under 5 pounds (small) 5–10 pounds (medium), 10–14 pounds (large)

It’s very sturdy with a hearty structure.

It’s a little heavy.

The Timbuk2 Muttmover Luxe Backpack is ready to roll straight out of the packaging, and we love that it’s a well-constructed carrier with a hard bottom so it can stand on its own. This carrier offers some extra comfort features like wide, padded straps, a cushioned back pad, as well as chest and waist straps. It has plenty of zipping options and completely opened up, making it easier to put a pup inside. We also loved the fantastic extras it came with, like the bonus water bowl, side mesh panels, and a little window for a dog to peek out. This carrier is great for biking or hiking with your dog due to its solid design that will stay put while on the move and offers premium comfort for both you and your pup.

The Details: 13.39 x 9.84 x 18.7 inches | 3.53 pounds | Ripstop nylon and 900D poly | Fits dogs up to 20 pounds

This minimalist bag won't look out of place on city streets.

The harness clip attachment is a bit tricky to use.

For those who want to carry their dog around in style, the Sirius Traveler Dog Backpack is our top pick for its high-end features, lightweight profile, and attention to detail. It comes with deep pockets that have the ability to store additional items such as a water bottle or a leash, as well as a leash clip attachment on the interior, two D-ring hooks on the straps, an exterior zip pocket for additional storage. We also appreciated the cushioning for the owner’s back and shoulders, but our favorite detail was the zipper flap that prevents dog fur from catching on it. We also found it was helpful that the carrier stands up on its own, so it’s easy to load and unload a pup and, and found our dog was relaxed while inside. This carrier’s sleek design makes it appear like a traditional backpack and is versatile to use for everything from walking around the city to traveling with your furry companion, too.

The Details: 17.5 x 11 x 9 inches | 1.8 pounds | 420D nylon | Fits dogs up to 15 pounds

Two dog backpack carriers we liked didn’t make our final list, but offer features that might be helpful to some pet owners.

Kurgo Nomad Backpack: This pack was comfortable to wear and distributed the dog’s weight evenly. It also features ample storage for extra items but it lacks enough ventilation, and we felt our dog would get too hot in the backpack during the warm, summer months.

Jespet & Goopaws Pet Backpack: This bag is versatile in that it can sit on its side and be used as a regular carrier as well as worn with backpack straps. The thick plastic mat on the bottom helps keep the bag’s shape, but it was just a bit too oversized for our needs.

For this test, we asked actual dog owners to put each backpack carrier through a series of hands-on experiments in the real world. While testing these packs, the dog’s comfort level was the top priority and our tests only continued if the pup was happy inside. First, all bags were unpackaged and assembled, if necessary, noting the difficulty of putting it together. Then, each backpack was evaluated on features such as smooth zippers, ample storage compartments, and material quality, before testing out its comfort level when wearing with a dog inside, as well as the ease of getting the dog secured in it.

Each owner walked around with the pack, taking note of how a dog reacted and if they seemed relaxed as time passed. Overall, the backpack carriers were evaluated on their performance, comfort, quality, and value. Over a three-week period, at least two real world tests were conducted using the pack, and each backpack continued to be used for a period of six months after these initial tests, in order to collect more insights.

When shopping for a dog backpack carrier it’s important to consider how and where you’ll be using it. If you plan to use it on a bike, you’ll want something sturdier than if you were traveling on a plane with your dog and need something smaller that fits under the seat. Those going hiking will want to find a pack with waist and chest straps to help with comfort levels and to distribute the weight evenly. If you have a small breed dog and plan to bring it on quick errands or a walk, a sling might be the way to go for you.

Most dog backpack carriers list the weight capacity or pack measurements to help shoppers decide what size works best for their specific pup. Some even include instructions for how to measure your dog correctly to determine which size pack to purchase. Make sure you don’t exceed the weight limit of the pack. You want to make sure your dog has enough room to sit inside the carrier comfortably

“It is important for the dogs to be able to choose positions so they can stay comfortable and avoid pressure sores,” Dr. Gordon shares.

“The dog should be able to sit in it and move a little [so] they can be comfortable,” Dr. Blinn-Knapp adds.

Making sure your dog is comfortable, safe, and happy is key when using a dog backpack carrier. Packs that include a clip-in for the harness will help to keep your dog secure while on the go. Look for carriers designed with ample mesh ventilation areas to maximize air-flow for your dog as well.

“The carrier should have a lot of mesh in the sides so that they have plenty of ventilation,” Dr. Blinn-Knapp explains.

Taking a dog out on adventures big and small requires room for additional items such as treats, water, a leash, toys, etc. Consider purchasing a backpack carrier that has extra pockets or built-in storage areas. Clips on the straps, exterior front and side pockets will tick that box so you can remain hands-free and don’t have to carry another bag.

Yes, backpack carriers are safe for dogs as long as they are used appropriately and it’s the right size for your dog. Letting pups get used to the carrier before using it on a longer adventure is important, as well as proper ventilation.

“Some dogs may not tolerate being in the carrier at all while others may enjoy being carried and associate it with an adventure. Like any new or different experience I would recommend a slow introduction and stop if the dog seems restless or uncomfortable,” Dr. Gordon advises.

This depends on how well your dog tolerates being inside the carrier, however, it’s always important to give your dog breaks so they can get some fresh air, stretch their legs, use the bathroom, and move around.

“I would start with brief carries 5 to 10 minutes to get the dog acclimated. If the dog becomes restless then it’s time for a break. Once a dog is comfortable in the carrier you could probably go 1 to 3 hours but that length of time is something that would need to be worked up to,” Dr. Gordon shares.

The beauty of using a dog backpack carrier is that it can be used for a wide array of activities where you’d like your pup to join you. From backcountry camping to plane travel, the benefit of having your dog in a pack will come in handy in so many situations.

“With ours, the dog was fully contained inside. It was the right size on its side to fit under a plane seat and then you can carry the dog through the airport on your back. My husband says it's easier than it seems and reasonably comfortable,” shares Dr. Blinn-Knapp.

Avoid using a carrier for things like riding on a scooter or motorcycle, as well as with dogs that show signs of discomfort when inside. It’s not recommended to use this type of carrier for larger dogs as they are too heavy for it to be comfortable for either the dog owner or the pet.

When cleaning your dog backpack carrier, make sure to follow the instructions listed on the product website. Most will be made of water-resistant fabric with inserts or padding that can be easily wiped down or put into the washing machine.

An outdoor lover and dog mom herself, T+L contributor Lauren Breedlove has extensive experience adventuring with her pup. She curated this list with testing feedback along with research and her personal knowledge. She also spoke with two veterinarians, Dr. Heidi Gordon and Dr. Beverly Blinn-Knapp, of Burnt Hills Veterinary Hospital in Burnt Hills, New York, to gather additional expert insights.

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