Best Pet Backpacks for Hiking & Travel | Top Picks & Buying Guide

Hiking, camping, and travel are some of the best ways to bond with your furry companion. But whether you’re exploring wooded trails or trekking through national parks, carrying all your dog’s essentials (water, food, bowls, treats, first aid, and waste bags) can be a challenge—especially when your hands are full. That’s where a pet backpack becomes one of the most useful pieces of gear you can invest in.

A good pet backpack not only organizes essentials but also gives your dog a sense of purpose by carrying its own gear, improving its stamina and mental engagement on long hikes.

In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll talk about the benefits of pet backpacks, key things to look for in one, top backpack styles, and how to choose the right model for your dog’s needs.

Why Your Dog Might Need a Backpack

Pet backpacks serve several purposes beyond just carrying gear:

🐾 Encourages Physical Activity

Many dogs enjoy having a “job” on the trail—carrying small amounts of weight helps them stay engaged, burn energy, and avoid boredom.

🎒 Keeps Essentials Close

When you’re out on a hike, your dog can carry its own water, collapsible bowl, snacks, waste bags, and first-aid supplies, making your pack lighter and more organized.

🛠 Gives You Hands-Free Mobility

A backpack on your dog means you don’t need to juggle multiple bags yourself, giving you better mobility and comfort while navigating rugged terrain.

🐕 Helps Dogs That Tire Easily

Dogs with limited stamina—whether due to age, small size, or health limitations—can benefit from backpacks that allow them to carry lighter loads and rest as needed.

Popular Types of Pet Backpacks

Pet backpacks come in a few key styles depending on your dog’s role and your adventure plans:

🐶 Dog-Wearable Backpacks

These sit directly on your dog’s back like a vest with saddlebags on either side. They’re ideal for dogs that are strong, healthy, and can walk or hike while carrying moderate weight.

✔ Best for: Day hikes and outdoor activities where your dog walks most of the time.

🎒 Dog Carrier Backpacks

These are soft-sided packs designed to carry dogs that can’t walk long distances—great for small breeds or travel situations where your dog needs to be carried.

✔ Best for: Smaller dogs, urban travel, and hikes that might be too steep or long for your pup.

🐕 Backpack-Style Travel Packs

Not designed to carry your dog, these are larger backpacks for humans that organize your dog’s gear (food, toys, hydration, first aid, etc.).

✔ Best for: Multi-day backpacking trips where both you and your dog are walking plenty.

What to Look For in a Pet Backpack

Choosing the right backpack matters. Here are the most important features to consider:

📏 Size & Fit

Measure your dog’s girth (chest circumference) to pick the right size. A properly fitted backpack should sit snugly without chafing or restricting movement.

🪶 Comfort & Padding

Look for breathable materials, padded straps, and ergonomic designs that distribute weight comfortably across your dog’s shoulders.

🧰 Storage & Organization

Multiple compartments help keep gear organized—water bottles, treats, and waste bags should be easy to access.

🌧️ Durability & Weather Resistance

High-quality backpacks often use water-resistant or ripstop fabric to handle rough outdoor conditions.

🎒 Adjustable Straps & Handles

Adjustability ensures a custom fit as your dog grows or goes on different adventures. Handles can help you assist your dog over obstacles.

Top Uses for Dog Backpacks

Whether you choose a pack to have your dog carry its own gear or a carrier backpack to carry your dog, here’s how they fit in real life:

🏞️ Day Hikes

Day hikes are perfect for lightweight backpacks that carry just water and snacks. The Outward Hound DayPak and Ruffwear Approach packs are popular for such uses.

📦 Travel & Urban Adventures

Carrier backpacks are great for public transit, travel, or times when your pup needs a break from walking.

🥾 Multi-Day Backpacking

For longer trips, choose a sturdy backpack with significant storage for gear and comfort for your dog. Plans can even include multi-day options with more capacity.

🚶 Every-Day Activities

Smaller, lighter backpacks make routine walks more fun and can help carry essentials like waste bags, phone, keys, and water.