The 8 Best Dog Backpacks
Updated by · How we research
Eight saddlebag packs dogs wear on the trail, compared on fit, durability and load. The Ruffwear Approach leads for its lasting fabric and forward-riding bags. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
A healthy adult dog can start by carrying about a tenth of its body weight, and some makers allow up to a quarter, pack included. These saddlebag packs strap on like a harness, so the dog hauls its own water, treats and waste bags. The list is for hikers and campers; carriers that people wear aren't included.
Editor's Notes
November 1, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Editors:
The Ruffwear Approach takes the top spot. One owner's 15-year review shows how long its fabric lasts, and its bags tip the load forward over the shoulders, where a dog carries weight best. The Ruffwear Palisades stays for multi-day trips, and the new Ruffwear Front Range covers trim day hikes.
The OneTigris pack from the old list is now sold as the OneTigris Mammoth, and it stays as the value pick. The Kurgo Baxter and Mountainsmith K9 stay too. The Crest Stone, EzyDog Summit and Outward Hound Denver have disappeared from stores, and we dropped the Doggles Extreme, Go Fresh Pet and Smartelf packs because there's too little behind them. The Wilderdog Backpack and Outward Hound Quick Release are new.
The evidence here came from Ruffwear's and Wilderdog's fit charts and load limits, a 15-year review of the Approach, a trail review of the Palisades and the AKC's load advice. No brand on the list has a recall. This page covers packs the dog wears, not carriers that people wear.
Earlier notes
February 4, 2020:
We wanted to create a list of dog packs that could stand the test of time, no matter how active your pup is, and would make some of the obvious struggles of hiking with a canine a bit easier to manage. On that note, we eliminated the Frontpet Explorer since it was limited in storage space, and we much prefer options that can hold lots of stuff, like the Smartelf 2-In-1 Camping, which can easily contain a few days worth of food, and the OneTigris Rucksack, which not only has plenty of pockets but also has a lot of attachment loops and bungee cords.
Of course, a pup's comfort is important too, so we like how well the Crest Stone 2207 balances weight, but we got rid of the Ruff Armour Rucksack, because it didn't distribute loads evenly. The Doggles Extreme BPEXLG-09 is another top pick for comfort because of its ergonomic design.
Safety is a priority as well, which is why we had to get rid of the RC Canine Ultimate, as its leash attachment proved to be flimsy. The Go Fresh Pet 2-in-1 and the Smartelf 2-In-1 Camping both have reflective trim to improve night time safety. Combine these with a clip-on flashlight and you have the perfect combination for night owl pet owners.
How Much Should A Dog Carry?
Put dense things like water low and toward the front, over the shoulders.
Start light. The American Kennel Club suggests a dog carry about 10 percent of its body weight to begin with (AKC). Makers set higher ceilings: Ruffwear says no more than 25 percent of body weight, pack included (Ruffwear), while Wilderdog caps its pack at 10 percent (Wilderdog). An owner who has used one Approach pack for 15 years keeps loads at 10 to 15 percent and treats 20 percent as the limit (Trailgroove).
For a 60-pound dog, 10 percent is 6 pounds, close to three liters of water. That's plenty for a day hike, and it leaves room to add weight over time.
Balance matters as much as the total. Weigh both bags and keep them even, or the pack will slide toward the heavy side. Put dense things like water low and toward the front, over the shoulders. Begin with an empty pack on short walks, then add weight a little at a time (Backpacker).
Fit Comes From The Chest, Not The Back
Pack sizes are set by chest girth: the distance around the widest part of the rib cage, just behind the front legs. Measure with a soft tape and compare it with the maker's chart (Ruffwear sizing). Ruffwear's four sizes run from a 17-inch to a 42-inch girth, and the company says to choose the smaller size when a dog falls between two.
A good fit sits snug without pinching. Watch the armpits and the belly strap on the first few outings, since that's where rubbing shows up. The pack should stay centered when the dog shakes or climbs.
Not every dog should carry weight. Backpacker's veterinary advice is to wait until a puppy has finished growing, at roughly a year old, and to skip loads for seniors and dogs with arthritis or heart trouble. Long-backed breeds such as dachshunds and corgis need a vet's OK first (Backpacker).
Rain, Rivers And Washing
None of these packs is waterproof. Coated fabric sheds a shower, but water gets in through zippers and seams. Clever Hiker's review of the Palisades makes the same point and suggests dry bags inside for anything that must stay dry (Clever Hiker). A zip-top freezer bag works for treats and waste bags.
Take the pack off before a river crossing. A soaked pack is heavy and can pull a swimming dog off balance. On hot days, unclip it at rest stops so the dog can cool down.
For care, Ruffwear calls for hand washing in mild soap and air drying (Ruffwear), while the Wilderdog pack goes in a washing machine on a gentle cycle (Wilderdog). Empty the pockets and brush out fur and grit first, so zippers keep running smoothly.
How we researched this
We compared 19 packs that dogs wear from 14 brands, including every pack on the earlier version of this page, and screened nine in depth. We read Ruffwear's and Wilderdog's product pages, fit charts and load limits, sellers' sizing details for the rest, a 15-year owner review and a trail review, the AKC's and Backpacker's load and fitting advice, and patterns in owner feedback. We checked every brand for recalls with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and found none.
Sources (9)
- Ruffwear: Approach Pack
- Ruffwear: Palisades Pack
- Ruffwear: Front Range Day Pack
- Wilderdog: Dog Backpack
- Trailgroove: Ruffwear Approach dog pack, a 15-year review
- Clever Hiker: Ruffwear Palisades review
- American Kennel Club: teaching a dog to wear a backpack
- Backpacker: how to safely fit and load a dog hiking backpack
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: recalls
Frequently asked questions
How much weight can a dog carry in a backpack?
Start at about 10 percent of the dog's body weight, as the AKC suggests. Some makers allow up to 25 percent, pack included, but most hikers stay well below that and build up slowly.
How old should a dog be before wearing a backpack?
Wait until the dog has finished growing, usually around a year old, and ask a vet first for seniors, long-backed breeds and dogs with joint or heart problems. An empty pack is fine for practice earlier.
Does a dog need a separate harness under the pack?
No. These packs are built on a harness with a leash ring, so the leash clips to the pack itself. A dog that pulls hard may do better on a separate no-pull harness for walks.
Are dog backpacks waterproof?
No. They shed light rain, but water gets in through zippers and seams. Use dry bags inside, and take the pack off before a river crossing.
How do I choose the right size?
Measure the chest at its widest point, just behind the front legs, and match it to the maker's chart. Ruffwear suggests sizing down between sizes.
Can a small dog wear a backpack?
Yes, if the pack is made for it. Ruffwear sells an extra-small size and Mountainsmith a small one. Keep the load tiny, since a few ounces matter on a small frame.
