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| Outward Hound Denver Urban Backpack |
Backpacks for dogs are becoming increasingly popular. For neighborhood walks, backpacks provide a sense of purpose, and encourage dogs to focus on the task at hand, expending more energy on their walks than they would without a backpack.
As an added benefit, dog packs can have a calming
effect on dogs with fear aggression. They work much the same way the
ThunderShirt does, by wrapping the upper body and applying the same soothing pressure
to the dog's torso.
For those who love to camp and bring their best friend
along for the hike, backpacks allow your dog to carry his own weight. Water, food, bowls and treats can be easily stored
in the saddlebags. If you are new to hiking with your dog, prepare him for
long excursions by starting out on short walks with an empty pack, gradually increasing the load.
Whether you are looking for a backpack for light excursions or
long treks, there are several features you will want to take into consideration, as
the various dog backpacks available on the market are not built with same features or load bearing style. We have selected 5 of the top
selling and top rated dog backpacks and reviewed them with an eye toward comfort, durability and best value.
Update: This article was last updated January 2019. Packs are reviewed in order of durability and fitness of purpose from lightweight city packs to outdoor extreme sports backpacks, increasing in durability as you proceed to the bottom of the review.
Update: This article was last updated January 2019. Packs are reviewed in order of durability and fitness of purpose from lightweight city packs to outdoor extreme sports backpacks, increasing in durability as you proceed to the bottom of the review.
Dog Backpacks 101 – The basics
- A dog should never carry more than 25% of his proper body weight (don’t add more just because he is over weight)
- All packs must be loaded with even weight distribution or they will sag to the over-weighted side
- Adding 1 liter water bottles to the packs is great for increasing the load and your pup’s concentration. For smaller dogs add weight by adding zip lock bags filled with dry beans or rice.
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| The No Frills Outward Hound Backpack |
Dog Backpack Buyers Guide
Dog owners will have different considerations to take into
account depending on the primary intended use of the backpack. In either
instance you will want a backpack that fits securely and does not roll with the
dogs stride, ultimately causing chaffing or sores.
Hikers will need to consider both the in-town features as well as the long excursion features below.
Hikers will need to consider both the in-town features as well as the long excursion features below.
Important Features for Backpacks Used for Neighborhood Walks
- Fit and Comfort: look for fully adjustable 5 point chest and girth straps.
- Avoid putting weight on the loin area of the dog. The weight should be distributed with the greatest weight at the shoulders, then lessening the load on the back as the pack extends to where the rib cage stops. The back pack should not put stress beyond that point on the spine (the loin area).
- Shorter dogs will need shallow saddlebags; they should reach no farther down than 1 inch above the elbow of the dog.
- Your climate determines the proper backpack for your dog. For those in hot climates should look for a backpack with a mesh harness or water bladders to dissipate the heat.
- “Y” designed chest straps help stabilize packs and reduces strain on the neck.
- Reflective tape and bright colors improve visibility for both you and your dog for motorist on rainy days and low light conditions. “Safety Orange” is a popular color for neighborhood walks
Important Features for Extended Hiking Excursions
- Choose a light weight pack at around one pound or less. Your dog will be carrying his supplies and will tire quickly toting a heavy pack in addition to his supplies.
- Look for a sturdy padded handle to help lift your dog through rough terrain and over obstacles.
- Wide, padded girth straps will assist you in comfortably lifting your dog over obstacles.
- Choose a backpack with removable saddlebags, for crossing streams and comfortable rest stops.
- Water resistant material helps preserve food and treats in rain and stream crossings. (Use Ziplock baggies to protect food on overnight hikes)
- Bright color backpacks can aid in rescue should your dog accidentally get separated from you in the wilderness.
- Look for saddlebags that taper towards the rear of the dog as they place the bulk of the weight on the shoulders rather than the spine of the dog.
- Padded harnesses reduce wear on the dog and the possibility of sores or hot spots.
- Select a backpack with tough nylon material or rip stop especially if you will be hiking in an area with rock faces that could tear open the pack.
Best Backpack for Dog Walking
Outward Hound Backpacks with Removable Saddlebags
The Number 1 Best Selling Backpack
Outward Hound by
Kyjen is renowned from making affordable and durable outdoors gear for dogs of
all sizes. Made from the same material
as their life jackets, these backpacks are great for neighborhood walks, but
not durable enough for the rigors of trail hiking.
For in-town use, the backpacks are ideally tapered and can
easily accommodate 1 liter water bottles to add weight and to help focus to the
dog. Treats can be stowed in its pockets, which make the backpack that much
more pleasurable to wear.
However, backpackers complained that when heavily loaded,
the removable saddlebags did just that.
The packs tended to roll to one side or another if not perfectly
balanced, and in some instances slipped off of the Velcro harness attachments
entirely.
Pros:
- Affordable starting at $14.95
- Sturdy Construction
- Tapered design keeps weight focused on the shoulders of the dog
- Lightweight material
- Removable Saddlebags
- Bright colors and reflective accents improve visibility on roads.
- Water bottle holders with elastic straps and mesh pockets for treats, ice packs and keys
Cons
- Not Waterproof or particularly water resistant
- Tends to shift easily if load is not perfectly balanced especially on steep inclines and rough terrain.
- Girth Straps are narrow and handle is not padded, so not a great solution for lifting dogs over obstacles.
- No leash attachment on the backpack harness, you will need a collar or another harness under the backpack.
- Material is not made with rip stop.
- Some users experienced buckles snapping in temperatures below freezing.
is a great backpack for neighborhood
walks, and used in a suburban setting is should last for years. However, we don’t recommend this for hiking
the Appalachian Trail. Those wanting to navigate steep terrain with sharp rock
faces will do better with one of the more expensive, heavy duty backpacks (See Reviews below).Cutest Dog Pack: Denver Lightweight Urban Backpack
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| Denver Urban Lightweight Dog Pack |
As the name suggests, this is a light duty backpack for city dwellers. It can take some running around, but mostly it is designed for neighborhood walks and its good looks.
- The back of the vest is mesh to keep the dog from overheating while carrying his load.
- Sturdy Brass D-Ring leash connector.
- Sturdy padded handle for assisting dog over rocks and streams.
- Will accommodate one water bottle on each side, plus some treats, keys or wallet.
- Has a zippered pocket on each side.
- The price point on these packs make them very attractive for neighborhood walks.
- The large size is under $34.00.
Disadvantages
- Only Come in two sizes Small/Medium and Large /Extra Large the size break happens at around 60 pounds on a broad chest and well rounded torso. If in doubt, go up to the next size.
- Not waterproof
- Not designed for camping and extreme hiking trips
- Saddlebags are not removable
Outward Hound DayPak Dog Backpack
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| Outward Hound Kyjen 22003 DayPak Dog Backpack Adjustable Saddlebag Style |
Advantages:
- Light Duty and Capacity
- D-Ring leash clip
- Breathable mesh harness
- Inexpensive Starts at $23.41
- Comes in two colors blue and day glow green
- Only comes in 3 sizes: small, medium and large
- It appears that the quality of these two new products is inconsistent. While many buyers have found the quality to be good over time, some find issues with it out of the box. Seams are sometimes improperly sown, and give way on the first use, while some straps are simply not sown on at all.
- There is no extra small size for either of these backpacks. Only the Quick Release Saddlebag Backpack comes in extra large.
Best Tactical Dog Pack: The OneTigris Tactical Backpack
Kurgo has replaced the one size fits all Wander Dog Pack, with the new and improved Baxter and Big Baxter Dog Backpacks. The Baxter dog pack is suited to dogs weighing between 30-85 pounds; the Big Baxter is designed for dogs weighing 50-110 pounds. Both models sport and improved large handle for lifting dogs over rough terrain and an ergonomic spine support that contours to the dog's back and spine.
The
leash ring is situated at the back of the harness nearest to the tail. This improves control over the dog and comfort of the pack.
The relatively small harness contours to the
dog to support the rather small saddlebags. Each bag will hold one 16 ounce
bottle of water and another small thing or two such as keys or a cell phone. The
small size of the harness provides some ventilation, making this a good warm weather
pack.
Pro's:
- Affordable starting at $79.99
- Comes with three detachable pouches for carrying extra gear
- Adjustable webbing and a hook-and-loop panel for moral patches
- MOLLE on both side for attachment of other accessories such as magazine pouches, water bottle, snacks, etc
- Mesh interior for better comfort and good ventilation
- Metal leash clip and top handle for effective K9 control
- Comes in 4 sizes Small, Medium, Large and Extra large
Cons:
- Tends to run small so go up a size if you are close to the next dimensions
- Not up to Army tactical standards, but looks good.
Recommendation: This is a sturdy pack for short hikes and and overnight stays in the wilderness. This also doubles as a service dog vest for navigating crowded areas. The bags are handy for carrying water, treats, and muzzles for crowded areas.
Ruffwear Palisades
- The Cadillac of Dog Backpacks
Updated and improved in 2017 the Ruffware Pallisades has all of the bells and whistles
any serious hiker would like to see appointing their best friend. The
saddlebags are positioned in a weight forward design and are easily detached for
rests and crossing streams. This pack and the Ruffwear Approach have the best
balancing design of any of the packs tested.
Designed for long hikes and camping, the pouches have enough
capacity to hold 2 liters of water, food for up to 3 days and collapsible food
and water bowls. Keep in mind when loading it up that a dog should not carry
more than 25% of his body weight.
The strong padded handle with complementary padded girth
straps make this a comfortable pack for both hiker and dog when assistance is
required.
The pack comes with two collapsible plastic water bladders
that are positioned to protect the dog from the gear and work as a cooling
system.
Pros
- Removable saddlebags for rest stops or water crossings
- A modified Web Master™ Harness frame with four attachment points provides load stability and weight distribution
- 1680 denier ballistic nylon
- Collapsible, BPA-free water bottles, 2 included, each with a 1L capacity. These bladders help dissipate heat on long hikes.
- Load compression system secures the load
- Padded assistance handle makes it easy to help dogs up and over obstacles
- Padded Girth Straps
- Trail-ready details: stash pockets and external gear loops
- Single-piece, anodized aluminum V-ring leash attachment provides a secure leash attachment point
- Low-light visibility with reflective trim
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| Ruffwear - Palisades Multi-Day Backcountry Pack for Dogs Buy It Now |
Cons
Interesting one price fits all pricing scheme. No matter
your size you will pay one price, and a stiff price point at that, ranging from
$129.00 – $149.00. Other than the expense, this is an excellent pack that will give you years of service.
Recommendation: This
is a great pack for any situation, neighborhoods, trails warm or cool
weather. If you are camping consider
purchasing this pack, or its it predecessor, which is still available at almost half the price ($82.00). It includes the collapsable hydration bottles and many of the core features of the new model.
Ruff Wear Approach
– Highest in Customer Satisfaction
Ruff Wear Approach – Highest in Customer Satisfaction
Customers can’t think of anything negative to say about this pack, unless they are used to removable saddlebags. That is the single drawback we can find with this dog pack.
The Ruffwear Approach is a slightly scaled back version of
the Palisades, and if money is a consideration the Approach will amply provide
the most bang for your buck. It does not come with the collapsible water
bladders that the Palisades comes with, and as we mentioned the saddlebags are
sewn to the harness.
Like its big brother, the Approach is made with ultra
durable 1680 denier ballistic nylon with solid stitching on the seams. Well
tailored, this pack fits most dogs securely. Again the packs hold a lot of
goodies, so be careful not to overload your dog. 25% of his body weight is the most he should
carry.
Pros:
- Attached saddlebags feature an efficient weight forward design
- The Web Master Harness frame provides load ventilation as well as stability and weight distribution
- Padded assistance handle and girth straps make it easy to help dogs up and over obstacles
- Trail-ready details such as stash pockets, coated zippers and external gear loops
- Y-breast strap and 5 different adjustments to fit your dog.
- Soft padding in sensitive areas.
- Great handle and sturdy leash hook.
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| Buy It Now |
Cons:
- Still an expensive pack relative to the Outward Hound and Kurgo models, starting at $79.95
- NOT waterproof, but water resistant, so put things in plastic bags when hiking.
- Saddlebags are NOT detachable
Recommendation: This is a great pack for hiking and camping trips. The ample saddlebags will hold all of Fido's camping gear, and the pack is built to last.
Granite Gear Alpha Dog Pack - Best Pack for Dogs with Short Legs
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| Best Dog Pack for dogs with short legs and shallow torsos. |
The low profile bags of the Granite Gear Alpha Dog Pack make this pack ideal for dogs with a short distance from the shoulder to the elbow. Heavy duty, this backpack is appropriate for city streets as well as the Rocky Mountains!
The zippers on this pack are large and sturdy, and are easy to operate with gloves on.
Pros:
- Weight forward and ergonomically designed to fit the contours of your dog
- Padded for comfort
- Adjustable for a custom fit
- Dual-side interior zipper pockets for organization, each side can hold 2 - 1 liter water bottles
- Leash hook on the rear of the pack for improved control
- Large reflective accents for visibility from all directions
- Saddlebags hold will a lot of stuff, so be careful not to over load your dog
- Size Small Volume: 8 liters / 488 cubic inches
- Size Medium Volume: 12 liters / 732 cubic inches
- Size Large Volume: 16 liters / 976 cubic inches
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| Buy It Now |
- Saddlebags are Not detachable
- Handle on top is not well padded
Recommendation: This pack tends to run large, so if your dog is near the sizing break point, go down to the smaller size. This pack is comparable in price and quality to the Ruffwear Approach pack. Choose between them based on your personal style preference and the build of your dog.
The each of the packs reviewed is examined in the videos below. The packs are turned inside out so you can find the one that suits your needs best. Many of them look quite different fully loaded on the dog.