The Best Dog Backpack for Hiking: A Complete Guide

Suitable for a pet weighing up to 15 lbs, this Petsfit dog carrier for walking is highly rated among a large number of satisfied owners.

There is a nice choice of colors, including gray, black, pink and green. Chest and waist straps and buckles make sure your pet stays safety in place while avoiding shoulder or back strain for the wearer. Four mesh windows give your pet a good view of the surroundings, while a soft fleece mat keeps them cozy.  

This is one of the smaller backpacks to carry a dog and has a modest price tag to match.

The Ytonet product makes an ideal puppy backpack carrier for those on a budget, and still offers various features for comfort and practicality. There’s a soft pad at the bottom for your pet to sit on, and storage pockets to the sides for all your kit.

Adjustable, padded shoulder straps also make this dog carrier pack comfortable to wear when hiking.    

With a maximum carrying capacity of 17.6 lb, this Pettom backpack carrier for dogs when hiking is also ideal for use on most aircraft. This makes it a top pick among those who are flying to their destination.

Grab handles as well as shoulder straps make it easy to move around when at the airport. There are multiple storage pockets, an inner leash clip, security buckle and a removable fleece mat. Again, chest and waist straps held to ensure an even load.  

Also from Petsfit is this expanding backpack pet carrier for hiking.

What’s handy about this one is the face that you can increase the internal space by a huge amount. This means you can keep your pet contained when stopping for a rest break – without them feeling too confined.

For you, there are wide, pressure-relieving shoulder straps which are both adjustable and breathable. Waist and chest straps also help to ensure the load is secure and evenly spread.  

Again the Pet Ami carrier can carry slightly more weight – up to 18 lbs maximum.

This sleek backpack to put your dog in when hiking comes in a dozen color options. A thick sherpa lining is a feature your pet will love, while good ventilation, a reinforced design and safety straps will keep you both comfortable.

A collapsible pet bowl with clip is included with these pet backpacks for dogs too. 

This is surely the top pick among puppy backpacks for anyone who has more than one pet.

As long as they are small and have a combined weight of no more than 26.5lbs, each can sit in its own cozy compartment. Or the Ibiyaya backpack pet carrier for hiking could accommodate one larger pet instead.

To ensure human comfort, there are padded hip straps, a sternum belt and anatomically-shaped shoulder straps.  

The best hiking backpack for small dogs is the Kurgo G Train dog carrier backpack. With a capacity of 25 lbs maximum, these back packs to carry dogs come in red or black.

Kurgo’s airline approved backpacks to carry dogs in are also ideal for hiking. A waterproof bottom also makes this a great backpack for a puppy. There are stowaway shoulder straps and carry handles to the top and front, and this one can transform into a more conventional pet carrier when required.

A laptop sleeve is even included, plus two water bottle pockets. This ergonomically designed product has lots of padding and straps to spread the load, too. 

Our top pick dog backpack carrier for medium dogs is the K9 dog backpack carrier.

It comes in four sizes, and whichever you choose it is good for a dog weighing up to 30 lbs. Testament to the popularity of this dog backpack carrier for a 30 lbs pet is the fact that they make it in 12 colors.

This US-based company provide a handy sizing chart for guidance when buying, so you can sure of getting the ideal fit. For your comfort, there is a mesh ventilation system to the padded shoulder straps and some handy storage pockets.  

The best dog carrier backpack for a large dog is the K9 Sport Sack Navigate.

Available in five different sizes from extra small to extra large, the biggest XL model can cope with a dog weighing up to 50lbs that is up to 26 inches in length and 37 in girth. A very impressive capacity for anyone seeking a backpack dog carrier in a large size.

Whether you have a Boxer, Collie or Husky, this big dog carrier backpack comes in midnight black or light lunar gray.  

Suitable for small dogs weighing up to 15 lbs, the Alfie Pet Amos lets you carry your dog on your chest.

This leaves your back free for carrying whatever else you need to, and it’s easy to see and pet your dog at all times. There is also the option to use this one as a side sling.

Adjustable, padded and broad shoulder straps ensure a perfect fit. Five pockets, a harness hook and claw-proof ventilated windows are ultra practical features too. 

This AutoWT can carry a dog weighing up to 13 lb. It’s a great alternative to a dog backpack carrier for hiking, as long as your dog is fairly small and light.

Made from soft cotton, the sling is adjustable and comes in your choice of 10 color options. There are buttons and a safety hook to ensure your pet stays in place, while the thickly padded shoulder strap assures your comfort the walking.

A front pocket is included for storage, and this dog carrier for hiking is also machine washable.

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks. 

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

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