BEST DOG HIKING PACK:
I find this to be a myth in itself. I see on social media groups; there is always someone asking what the best dog hiking pack is? Sometimes they get a response, sometimes they hear crickets, or someone telling them to look it up in a previous post. Here lies the issue, there are so many things to quantify a product as the best. The question boils down to two things. What is best for your dog and what is best for you – and in that order. Sure you can go out and buy the most expensive pack and then have no money for gas to get to the trailhead. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the consumer web of things.
Finding the right dog backpack or vest for your pup is crucial for the outdoors enthusiast and dog lover. One could potentially spend days or weeks searching for the right options to suit their four-legged friend, going through hundreds of assorted styles to ensure you find the best one. I know I did! To save you time, and help you get out on the trails sooner, I gathered the most vital details about hot dog packs and vests. I understand the importance of making sure that the pack and vest have all the features you need to keep your pup happy, healthy and safe on all of your adventures.
GIVING YOUR DOG A JOB:
If you’re searching for a dog pack, one often overlooked bonus is putting your dog to work. Many dogs have an internal need to work. The funniest thing to see is a group of people standing in the corner of a dog park because a herding pupper put them there without even realizing it. For a dog to help carry the load, to be apart of the team helps deepen your bond and allows them to relax later. Yes, absolutely, they get to romp through the woods and splash in the rivers and enjoy themselves. However, it is their connection to us, that bond we share, and just like people who genuinely care about each other they want to help share the load.
HOW TO PACK YOUR DOG PACK:
For me, trying to keep a dog pack dry is pointless. Liberty is a Labra-puddle through and through. If there is water, she will find it! I prefer a larger saddlebag. Not so SHE can carry more stuff, but it does allow me to better waterproof the items within. I double Ziploc her food to ensure it remains dry. She gets to carry her bowl and other things that I don’t mind getting wet. I try to keep each bag with the same amount of weight. Sometimes I put my dirty socks in her bag so she can wash them in the river for me! I also prefer a dog backpack that is a vest combo. When we take a break, it’s easy to take off, or when we’re at base camp, I can still tether to the vest, etc. I got the pack that worked the best for her, then adjusted the insides to suit the adventure.
There are many things you must consider when going through this list. While Liberty and I are avid hikers and backpackers, I understand there are other’s adventuring their adventure’s and will utilize very similar gear. The activity in itself isn’t always the only thing to consider. Sometimes where you adventure will decide the equipment you need to bring. Here we will talk about weight, materials, style of pack, options, etc. With prices ranging from $15 to over $150, I will leave links so you can get the most up-to-date prices from Amazon. The best part, these can be delivered to your home quickly, getting you on your way.
Once your dog backpack arrives, it will take a bit of trial and error getting it to sit right. At first, I let Liberty wear it without any weight. Then I’ll put a couple of tennis balls in there where we can have some rewarding playtime once we get to our destination. Once I can see the pack is sitting right and isn’t making my pupper uncomfortable I’ll add some kibble that is double ziplocked for added water protection. I only let her carry 10% of her body weight. There are many opinions on this, and I err on the side of caution – besides Liberty hikes many more miles than I do when it comes down to it.
RUFFWEAR – Commuter Rucksack
Ruffwear has multiple options and styles available to fit what you need the most. The Ruffwear Commuter Rucksack Inspired Pack is an excellent option if you’re looking for a pack that will work for everyday adventures, like taking your pup out to the local farmers market. This pack features reflective trim ensuring your dog is easily spotted after the sun goes down, convenient side pockets and a padded handle for comfortable and controlled lifting. The four points of adjustment allow your pup not only to be comfortable but also to have a full range of motion with non-slip straps. The pack weighs at 1.15 pounds. The long-lasting, high-quality pack, has been proven by rave reviews from past customers worldwide. Find the current price on Amazon here.
OneTigris Dog Pack
One thing to keep in mind for the handle on the OneTigris Dog Pack is not to lift your dog with it, isn’t designed for weight bearing. This pack is best for daily walks around the neighborhood, long trail walks and short hikes. The material used is a high-density cotton canvas, which does not harm fur. The color of the article also does not show dirt. It has three adjustable straps, best for medium and large sized dogs. It is on the lighter side at 21 ounces. Find the current price on Amazon here.
RUFFWEAR – Approach Full-Day Hiking Pack
Similar to the Ruffwear Singletrack Low-Profile Hydration Pack, the Ruffwear Approach Full-Day Hiking Pack is also a lightweight pack with five points of adjustment for ultimate comfort. This pack has adventure written all over it! The saddlebags are form fitting, enhancing your dog’s movement. With the lightweight design, this pack is an ideal starter for dogs that aren’t familiar with carrying a pack. This pack weighs in at 1 pound. Similar to other Ruffwear packs, this pack also includes a padded handle and non-slip straps, helping you lift your dog when necessary. The latest version of this pack is available in four separate sizes (X-Small, Small, Medium, Large/X Large). Find the current price on Amazon here.
Kurgo Dog Backpack
The Kurgo Dog Backpack is suitable for walks, hiking, and camping. The design is durable and built to withstand even the toughest outdoor conditions and terrains. It has two saddlebags and an integrated harness. Unlike other packs, there are a total of 8 different adjustment points, giving you the ultimate and most secure fit for your dog. The reflective trim helps keep your dog visible at night. It has a lightweight design, weighing in at 1 pound. The large handles come in handy when needing to help your dog move or for lifting them out of the water or when scrambling over boulders. Another crucial factor about this pack is Kurgo Packs come with a lifetime warranty against any manufacturer defects or concerns, so you don’t have to worry about your pack breaking and to have to pay for a new pack to replace it. Find the current price on Amazon here.
Pettom Dog Saddle Backpack 2 in 1 Saddlebag & Vest
The Pettom Dog Saddle Backpack 2 in 1 Saddlebag and Vest Harness is an ideal bag for overnight adventures in a variety of terrain. One feature that this pack has that you won’t find in the Ruffwear packs is the 600D Waterproof and scratch resistant polyester material, giving it extra durability. By easily removing the bags, you can use this pack as a dog harness for your day to day activities. Like the Ruffwear packs, this pack has padding that gives your dog comfort to move throughout the day. It also has an SBS Waterproof reversed coil zipper and mesh lining, keeping your dog cool during the hotter months. The load compression system ensures your dog stays balanced, and the weight stays put, preventing unnecessary injuries. This pack weighs a total of 1.8 pounds, making it one of the heavier packs. Find the current price on Amazon here.
EzyDog Summit Dog Backpack
One feature that stands out about the EzyDog Summit Dog Backpack is that it has an ID tag attachment point, unlike many other packs. This will help ensure your dog is safely returned to you if they run off on the trail. There’s also a separate rust-proof D-ring that you can use to anchor a dog leash securely. This pack also has two integrated saddlebags, reflective strips, and fully adjustable chest straps. The securable saddlebags come with waterproof zip closures. There is also an outer pocket that is easy for you to access if you’re in a hurry. This pack gives your pup a secure fit, while also providing comfort for long days. It weighs a total of 1.8 pounds. Find the current price on Amazon here.
Canine Equipment Ultimate Trail Dog Pack
With the glow in the dark zippers on the Canine Equipment Ultimate Trail Dog Pack, your dog will have extra visibility at night. The secure webbing harness was designed and used by working dogs. The panniers on this pack are also detachable, both carrying 7L in volume for a total of 14L for the pack as a whole. One handy feature about this pack is it includes a dispenser for waste disposal bags, making them easily accessible to clean up after your pup. It has three adjustable padded straps, a leash attachment point and a handle that you can use to lift your pup. This pack is one of the heavier packs listed, at a total of 1.8 pounds. Find the current price on Amazon here.
OneTigris Tactical Dog Molle Vest Harness Training Dog Vest with Detachable Pouches
One major benefit to consider for the OneTigris Tactical Dog Molle Vest and Harness is that it comes with a first aid kit pouch stored on the pack, which comes in handy for any multi-day adventures you may go on. It also saves you time by not having to buy the first aid kit separately. It has high quality 1000D nylon material, detachable pouches for carrying extra gear and a mesh interior to keep your dog cool. With all the storage capabilities, it’s one of our top options for longer trips. Like the Pettom Dog Saddle Backpack 2 in 1 Saddlebag and Vest and the EzyDog Summit Dog Backpack, this pack also weighs 1.8 pounds in total. The aesthetics of this vest appeals to many people. Find the current price on Amazon here.
Outward Hound Crest Stone Explore Dog Backpack Hiking Gear For Dogs
For the dogs that need extra control during walks and hikes, the Crest Stone Explore Dog Backpack features two different D-ring attachment points for leashes. This pack has a light capacity, making it best for everyday errands and hikes. This pack is lightweight, weighing in at 11.2 ounces. The Crest Stone Explore Dog Backpack is a great option for the dogs that are new to wearing a pack. It also has compression webbing to help balance weight and two large, secure pockets. The mesh on the top of the pack gives your pup extra breathing room and keeps them cool. The bright green color gives it high visibility, keeping your dog safe. Find the current price on Amazon here.
JASGOOD Tactical Dog Vest Harness Handle Training Dog Vest with Detachable Molle Pouches/Patches
The JASGOOD Tactical Dog Vest and Harness has many extra features that other packs may not have, like two separate handles, giving you more control when lifting your pup. These two handles are essential for service and military training. This vest is made from high quality 1000D nylon material and includes an inner rubber waterproof layer, so you won’t have to worry about water damage as fido splashes, romping in and out of the water. There are three detachable pouches instead of the standard two pouches found on other packs. There are also two separate places to attach a dog leash, giving you the ultimate control when you’re out for walks. It has a lightweight design and adjustable straps. It weighs in at 1.81 pounds. Find the current price on Amazon here.
Ruffwear Palisades Dog Pack
If you are planning an upcoming multi-day backcountry adventure with your pup, the Ruffwear Palisades Dog Pack is an option you will want to consider. This pack features removable saddlebags, two collapsible hydration bladders, and a cross-load compression system to help balance out the weight. The saddlebag attachment system uses aluminum hardware and Hypalon fasteners, giving you a strong and secure connection. It has two places to attach leashes, along with external gear loops, providing you with the ultimate control. It also has four points of adjustment to provide comfort and a padded handle. The pack weighs a total of 1 pound. Find the current price on Amazon here.
Pawaboo Dog Backpack, Pet Adjustable Saddle Bag Harness Carrier
Pawaboo Dog Backpack is medium sized, suitable for dogs in the 39-60-pound range. It is one of the lightweight packs, weighing in at 9.1 ounces. The pockets are expandable, helping you carry all the necessities. The harness is breathable, made from 600D Oxford cloth and containing soft padding. Your dog will be comfortable and won’t be bothered at all when sporting this pack. The sturdy buckle allows you to put the pack on and take it off easily. This pack comes in handy for a variety of activities, like jogging, hiking, walking or shopping. Like the all the other packs included, the straps for this pack are also adjustable. Find the current price on Amazon here.
Petacc Tactical Dog Training Vest Harness Pet Hunting Pack Vest Dog Vest Coat
One of the features we like about the Petacc Tactical Dog Training Vest and Harness is that it’s dirtproof, which is a characteristic you don’t often see in dog packs. I don’t think anyone has ever dared to challenge an adventure pupper like this! The nylon material is also waterproof and wearable. This pack is built to last! The pockets include a storage pocket, zipper pocket, and a medical pocket. It has steel handles, giving you extra durability and providing a spot to fasten a dog leash. The Petacc Tactical Dog Training Vest and Harness is appropriate for all sorts of dog training. This is one of the heavier packs included, weighing in at a total of 2 pounds. Find the current price on Amazon here.
GrayCell Dog Pack
To help your dog stay hydrated throughout the day, the GrayCell Dog Pack comes with a collapsible silicone dog bowl, saving you time on having to purchase the bowl separately like all the other packs. Just like the Lifeunion Polyester Dog Saddlebags Pack, the GrayCell Dog Pack comes with four reflective strips, giving you extra visibility at night. This high-quality 600D Oxford Cloth pack is waterproof. The pack features a soft-mesh lined underside, giving your pup extra breathing room and comfort. The built-in rubber handle and D-ring leash attachment are located on the top, to provide extra control when walking your dog. The pack comes in two different size options and weighs a total of 1 pound. Find the current price on Amazon here.
Hanshengday Tactical Dog Vest-Training Molle Harness-tactical dog backpack
Similar to the GrayCell Dog Pack, the Hanshengday Tactical Dog Vest also comes in two available sizes. The two saddlebags are detachable. The material is higher quality with the 1000D material, which is sturdy and breathable. It comes with two handles you can use to lift your pup, giving you more support. It also features firm straps and heavy-duty V-Rings. This pack is one of the more massive packs, like the Petacc Tactical Dog Training Vest Harness, weighing in at 2 pounds. The Velcro allows you to add any additional patches you may want easily. This manufacturer has 15 years of study experience in the pet field. Find the current price on Amazon here.
Lifeunion Adjustable Service Dog Supply Backpack Saddle Bag
The Lifeunion Adjustable Service Dog Supply Backpack is lightweight, but still provides plenty of storage space to bring your essentials along for the adventure. It weighs a total of 12 ounces. The material is 600D two-ply polyester, which is also waterproof. The straps are adjustable, helping you get the desired fit. It also comes with a soft mesh lined underside, to give your pup more comfort throughout the day. This pack is suitable for running, hiking, walking, service or police dogs. Find the current price on Amazon here.
RUFFWEAR – Singletrak Low-Profile Hydration Pack
The Ruffwear Singletrak Low-Profile Hydration Pack has five points of adjustment, allowing you to achieve the ultimate customized fit for your dog. The low-profile side pockets conform to your dog’s body, allowing them to move more quickly. Two collapsible water bottles come with the pack, to ensure your dog stays hydrated on full-day adventures. The water bottles are BPA-free, and each holds about 0.6 liters. The foam padded chest and belly straps will make sure that your dog is comfortable, even if they’re wearing the pack for extended lengths of time. This pack is more lightweight, weighing in at 11.2 ounces. Find the current price on Amazon here.
Go Fresh 2-in-1 Pet Dog Harness and Hiking Dog Backpack
The Go Fresh 2-in-1 Pet Dog Harness and Hiking Dog Backpack has a breathable mesh that gives your dog more ease and comfort throughout the day. It has two quick-release-snap-click removable saddlebags so that you can use the harness by itself for day to day activities. This material is water resistant, but not waterproof like some of the other options. There’s a handy inner pocket that anchors a water bottle. It’s a lighter weight option at 10.4 ounces. This pack works for walking, camping, hiking, and travel. The yellow reflective trim helps your dog stay safe and visible after the sun goes down. The flexible grab handle is located at the top, allowing you to lift your pup when needed. The D-ring is located right behind it, for leash attachment. Find the current price on Amazon here.
Cesar Millan Dog Backpack
The Cesar Millan Dog Backpack helps prevent your dog from getting overheated during the summer months with the breathable mesh-lined on the underside of the pack. The material is water repellent (not waterproof). The straps are made from elastic, which helps the pack move alongside your dog’s motion. Like the other packs, it also has a reflective trim for visibility. It comes in multiple sizes, with the large size fitting dogs that are in between 80 to 120 pounds. This pack weighs in at 1 pound. Find the current price on Amazon here.
Outward Hound Daypak Dog Backpack
Like the Cesar Millan Dog Backpack, the Daypak Dog Backpack also includes a breathable mesh that provides more airflow and breathing room for your pup. It comes in 3 sizes and has adjustable straps, helping you achieve the perfect fit. The four pockets are expandable, so you have plenty of room for snacks, keys and other essentials you want to bring along. It has a light capacity, making it a proficient option for your quick getaways. The two bright color options and reflective piping will help your dog stand out in the darkness and keep your dog safe. This is a great lightweight option since the pack only weighs 10.2 ounces. Find the current price on Amazon here.
Wellver Dog Backpack Saddle Bag Travel Packs
Sturdy buckles make the Wellver Dog Backpack easy to put on your pup. The two pockets are roomy, giving you plenty of space for storage. It comes in small, medium and large sizes with adjustable straps to fit your pup precisely. The material is polyester fiber and mesh, lining, helping your dog stay cool. It is one of the lighter weight options, weighing in at 8.8 ounces. One outstanding factor about this pack is it comes with a 100% Money Back Guarantee, so you don’t have to stress about not being satisfied with this pack. Find the current price on Amazon here.
Mountainsmith K-9 Dog Pack
The Mountainsmith K-9 Dog Pack has an adjustable chest harness that comes with a sternum strap. Unlike a large number of other packs that have multiple straps, this pack comes with one single adjustable strap. It’s made from 210D Nylon and 420D Duramax Nylon material. It also includes a single haul handle at the top of the pack. The air mesh panels on the side provide extra ventilation and breathing room. There is a metal D-ring attachment point for your dog’s leash. This pack also has a good weight, weighing in at 1.1 pounds. One unique factor about Mountainsmith is they consulted with a veterinarian to assist them with the design of their packs, to ensure your dog’s wellbeing. They also have a combined insight of 30 years when it comes to making dog packs! Find the current price on Amazon here.
Smartelf Dog Detachable Backpack Hound Saddlebag for Service Dog
The Smartelf Dog Detachable Backpack is made from sturdy oxford material. The mesh gives it a breathable quality, helping your dog stay comfortable in hotter temperatures. The adjustable straps are easy to adjust to get the fit you’re looking for. The straps are also secure and non-slip. The rubber handle allows you to move or lift your dog easily. There are four separate pockets, giving you the most amount of storage space for water bottles, keys, toys, and dog food. The pack comes in handy for hiking, camping, training and for service dogs. You can use it to help calm anxious dogs and train dogs. This pack weighs in at 12.8 ounces. Find the current price on Amazon here.
If you are seeking the most durable materials for your next dog pack, a “tac-vest” may be the ticket. Some top choices are the OneTigris Tactical Dog Molle Vest and Harness, JASGOOD Tactical Dog Vest and Harness, Hanshengday and the Tactical Dog Vest. These three packs are made from 1000D nylon material, which is an extremely sturdy material that is going to give you the most durability for your money. The Pawaboo Dog Backpack and the GrayCell Dog Pack both feature 600D Oxford Cloth, which is another durable, reliable material.
If your pupper is anything like my Liberty, keeping her dry and out of the water hurts her little puppy soul. If that next adventure includes overnights with scenic lakes, ponds, and waterfalls you may want to lean towards a waterproof or water-resistant option. The JASGOOD Tactical Dog Vest Harness, Pettom Dog Saddle Backpack 2 in 1 Saddlebag and Vest Harness, Pawaboo Dog Backpack, Lifeunion Polyester Dog Saddlebags Pack, Petacc Tactical Dog Training Vest, GrayCell Dog Pack, Hanshengday Tactical Dog Vest, and the Lifeunion Adjustable Service Dog Supply Backpack are all waterproof. The Cesar Millan Dog Backpack and the Go Fresh 2-in-1 Pet Dog Harness and Hiking Dog Backpack are also water-resistant.
The backpacks I see most often when hiking – HANDS DOWN are the Ruffwear and Kurgo packs. A lot of people who had a Kurgo pack later upgrade to Ruffwear, then hand down the other pack to someone else because there is a lot adventure left in it. As a company who is well established, you will also have the best consumer warranties. The warranty or exchange options can be just as important as any other option they offer. The Ruffwear Guarantee covers manufacturing or material defects to ensure that you are satisfied with your purchase on all the Ruffwear Packs. The Kurgo Dog Backpack also has a lifetime warranty against any manufacturer concerns or defects. The JASGOOD Tactical Dog Vest Harness allows for exchanges within 45 days but also covers any quality concerns for 90 days after purchase. The Wellver Dog Backpack also comes with a 100% Money Guarantee in case you are not satisfied with your pack.
Although all the packs mentioned, do include at least one piece of reflective trim or high visibility material, the Lifeunion Polyester Dog Saddlebags Pack and the GrayCell Dog Pack both include a total of 4 reflective strips. The Canine Equipment Ultimate Trail Dog Pack also features glow in the dark zippers. The Crest Stone Explore Dog Backpack, Pettom Dog Saddle Backpack, Lifeunion Polyester Dog Saddlebags Pack, GrayCell Dog Pack, and the Daypak Dog Backpack also all come in bright, vibrant colors that stand out. These packs provide extra visibility after the sun goes down and are packs that you will want to keep in mind if you plan on making overnight trips with your pup.
The most lightweight options are the Crest Stone Explore Dog Backpack (11.2 ounces), Pawaboo Dog Backpack (9.1 ounces), Lifeunion Polyester Dog Saddlebags (8.8 ounces), Go Fresh 2-in-1 Pet Dog Harness and Hiking Dog Backpack (10.4 ounces), Wellver Dog Backpack Saddle Bag (8.8 ounces), Lifeunion Adjustable Service Dog Supply Backpack (12 ounces) and the Daypak Dog Backpack (10.2 ounces). The most burdensome weight option is the Petacc Tactical Dog Training Vest and Harness, which would help larger dogs get the exercise they need.
Whether you will be using your dog pack for hiking, trail runs, camping or everyday activities, there are massive amounts of exceptional features for you to choose from. You can be sure to find the best pack for your pups and lifestyle. Some favorite features include breathable mesh, reflective trim for evening outings and waterproof material. With a high quality, comfortable pack, your pup will be ready to for your next adventure! If you want to learn how to acclimate your dog to the new accessory check out this 🐾RELATED ARTICLE – Packing a Hiking Dog Pack – KEEP IT LEVEL! 🐾
Hopefully, this comprehensive guide hits all of the spots you were looking to cover. IF IT DID, Please share it – it took a long time to get all of the info gathered and I’m sure there are others in the same boat. If it didn’t, leave some comments so that way the next reader may have some more food for thought. As always Hike that Hike and Adventure that Adventure!
