Best Dog Backpack Carrier For Hiking

Kurgo Dog Carrier Backpack

First up on our list of the best dog carrier backpacks for hiking is the Kurgo Dog Carrier Backpack.

Scared that your hound will mess up your new bag in an instant? Fear not, this bag features a water-resistant top and a waterproof bottom. Plus, we absolutely love that you can remove the interior pad and pop it in the washing machine – tidying up after your pup has never been so simple.

This sturdy backpack can hold dogs up to 25 lbs in weight and features a window that can either be wide open or covered with mesh to allow constant ventilation. Your dog will be held securely in place by the tether that attaches to its harness.

You’ll be nice and comfortable while carrying your load too thanks to the hip belt and sternum strap that help spread the weight of your pet evenly. Plus, the ventilated back panel will keep that cool air flowing even when you’re on uphill adventures.

But it doesn’t stop there – this bag is just full of features that we love. It’s airline and TSA friendly, it has heaps of storage options (including laptop and tablet sleeves), dual water bottle holders (one for you and one for your pet), a top handle carrier, compression straps… the list goes on – we’d honestly be tempted by this bag even if we didn’t have a pet!

Our major complaint is the price… it won’t be within everyone’s budget. Having said that, if you can afford it, this bag comes with the Kurgo lifetime replacement or repair service so you may never have to purchase another carrier bag again – definitely worth the investment!

K9 Sport Sack Trainer

One of the reasons we love the K9 Sport Sack Trainer so much is because it combines the softness of a dog sling with the security of a carrier backpack.

As the name suggests, this carrier works like a sack – the dog site in the middle with its head peeping out of the top. The side panels of the top are covered with mesh, making this a great carrier for summer hiking, and there are dual side pockets for other possessions too.

There’s a carabiner clip inside at the top that you can clip to your dog’s harness for added security (in case you have a wiggler!) and you can also tighten the side straps to hold your pooch in place.

Available in sizes XS-XXL you can be sure to find the bag that suits your dog – although bear in mind that the XS is the only size that doesn’t come with a lumbar support strap (we don’t want you to feel like you’re missing out!). As well as this lovely, supportive strap, the shoulder straps are moisture-wicking (basically, they repel water) to keep your shoulders sweat-free while you hike.

We do wish this bag had more storage options (a few pockets never hurt anyone) but overall, this is one great backpack at a very reasonable price.

Pawaboo Carrier Backpack

If you’re looking for a backpack carrier for smaller dogs that won’t break the bank, you should definitely check out the Pawaboo Carrier Backpack.

Built for pups or small dogs weighing 5-15 lbs, this backpack has it all at a fraction of the price we’d expect to see. Unlike the other backpacks we’ve looked at so far, this design allows your pet to hang facing outwards and is great for stretching those little limbs (and wagging tails).

The elastic limb-holes are super soft and padded to make sure they don’t rub your pooch raw, and the overall mesh and polyester construction is lightweight, durable, and breathable. Once the limbs are through the holes, zip the main compartment closed and adjust the cross-back shoulder straps to get the perfect fit.

The sponge padding on the shoulders is nice and thick for carrying comfort, and the polyester will naturally repel water, although if it rains a lot there’s not much water protection for your dog overall.

It doesn’t offer any storage for your gear either, so we recommend reaming this up with a fanny pack or small side bag (or, even better, convince someone else to come with you can carry the rest of the gear).

If you want comfort for everyone involved plus great value for money, then this carrier really is a winner!

Lollimeow Pet Carrier Backpack

Love summer hikes but worry about your dog overheating? Fear not, the Lollimeow Pet Carrier Backpack is the perfect solution.

The all-mesh construction of this carrier offers an unprecedented amount of ventilation, which is perfect for hiking in hotter climates. It’s also great for inquisitive dogs that like to know what’s going on – they can curl up at the bottom of the bag and still peek through the (scratch-resistant) mesh.

The window at the top can be left open or zipped closed, and there’s a leash attachment point for peace of mind.

One of the things we like most about this carrier is the dual entry – take your pick from the large side door or the top window. Although this pack is available in just one size, it’s not designed to hold the dogs in one position, which gives them the freedom to move around a little.

The minimalistic approach of this bag does help to keep the weight down, but it means you’re left with just two zippered side pockets for storage. and we love the strap at the front that helps with weight distribution.

Overall, this is a great option for summer hikes calmer dogs that like to stretch but won’t go wild – oh, and it’s very affordable too.

Coppthinktu Carrier Backpack

Time for another legs-out option, but this time with a front-facing possibility, the Coppthinktu Carrier Backpack.

Designed for dogs up to 22 lbs in weight, this backpack offers great comfort for both the carrier and the carried. The canvas fabric is sturdy yet soft, and the mesh panel on the front allows the body of the dog to breathe, although it doesn’t offer any protection from bad weather.

It’s also one of the more secure carriers we’ve come across – there’s a safety hook connecting the collar to the bag plus two buttons on the mouth of the bag so dogs can’t escape over the top (don’t worry though, these buckles are adjustable so you won’t end up choking your pet). There’s also a hanging D-ring on the side for extra gear or even another dog.

The shoulder straps and back panel are heavily padded, although we wish there was a sternum strap or hip belt to help with the weight distribution. There’s aren’t any storage options either, so you’ll have to take an additional bag or fanny pack with you.

If you like the thought of carrying your dog on your front, this bag has been designed with that in mind. Plus, it’s nice and comfortable, there’s no chance of your pooch escaping, and it definitely won’t break the bank.

Petsfit Sturdy Backpack

If you want a carrier that lets your dog take in the surroundings, but offers a bit of protection against bad weather, then we recommend the Petsfit Sturdy Backpack.

Your dog won’t feel trapped in this carrier thanks to the large front mesh window, dual mesh side windows, and a top peephole. This carrier does, however, offer some protection against wind and rain, unlike all-mesh backpacks.

We love that this backpack features two entry points – one at the bottom and one at the side – so your pet can find the one that suits them most. Our absolute favorite feature, however, is the fact that the entire carrier can be collapsed and folded entirely flat for ease of transport – perfect if the car is already crammed full of people and gear (plus it makes for easy storage when not in use).

As well as padding on the shoulder straps and back panel, this bag features chest and waist straps, making it one incredibly comfortable backpack. Although there aren’t many storage options, we’re glad to see that there are at least two side zip pockets for treats or valuables.

It certainly isn’t overpriced, but this backpack does cost more than some of the others we’ve looked at, although we think it’s definitely worth the extra pennies for all of its perks.

PetAmi Carrier Backpack

Bring a touch of luxury along with you on your next hike with the PetAmi Carrier Backpack.

Don’t blame us if your dog doesn’t want to get out of this backpack at the end of the day… with sherpa-lined bedding on the interior, who can blame it?! And you probably won’t mind giving it a few extra minutes to snooze either thanks to the elaborate padding and chest and waist straps for load distribution.

The polyester fabric and sturdy frame will stand up to the test of times as well as repel water and abrasions, although the roof is unsupported and can sag a little. Plus, we love the safety features that will stop your little one from escaping – there’s a clip to attach to your pet’s harness as well as three buckles to make sure no zips come undone.

The dual entrances on either side make putting your pet inside that bit easier, and both sides feature mesh panels for ventilation and exterior mesh storage pockets for poo bags, treats, or any other bits of gear.

On the front of the bag, there’s a zippered mesh window and an exterior zippered pocket for valuables. And if that wasn’t enough, this backpack comes with an included clip-on, foldable bowl, and a name tag on the front for easy identification – how sweet. Oh – it’s also available in a tonne of colors too.

The main issue we have with this bag is that, if you’re tall, the base of the pack is likely to push into your lumbar and get very uncomfortable with time, which is a massive shame because, otherwise, we love this bag!

CozyCabin Backpack

And last but by no means least on our list of the best hiking dog backpacks is the CozyCabin Backpack.

As the name suggests, comfort is the name of the game with this pack. The mixture of padding, Oxford fabric, and the breathable mesh has resulted in one ultra-comfortable cocoon-like carrier.

The head hole at the front is lined with padding and can be adjusted using a pull cord to get the perfect fit. Oh, and you should be comfy too whether you use this as a front- or back-facing carrier thanks to the heavy padding on the shoulders and the cross strap that aids weight distribution.

There’s a safety buckle inside too to attach to your pet’s harness, and the base is fully waterproof and removable for ease of cleaning (although it’s not actually the comfiest, so if your pet’s a diva, throw in a blanket or cushion). We also like the small stash pocket at the front for your valuables, and there are dual mesh side pockets too (although they aren’t the tallest).

Overall, this is an affordable, comfortable carrier available in a range of colors and sizes and it’s very reasonably priced too.