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Why Dog Backpacks Are Worth It
A healthy adult dog can comfortably carry up to 25% of their body weight. That means a 50-pound dog can shoulder 12 pounds of their own gear: water, food, collapsible bowls, and waste bags. That's weight off your back and onto theirs, and most dogs genuinely enjoy having a job on the trail.
During my five years as a vet tech at a mixed-practice clinic in Portland, I frequently recommended backpacks to owners of high-energy breeds. Working breeds like Australian Shepherds, Huskies, and Labradors were bred to have jobs. A backpack gives them purpose on the trail and provides an extra level of mental engagement that a simple walk doesn't offer. My 2-year-old Aussie, Maple, is noticeably calmer and more focused when she's wearing her pack.
I've tested five dog backpacks on Pacific Northwest trails ranging from flat forest paths to steep scrambles. Here are the ones worth buying.
My Top 5 Picks
1. Ruffwear Approach Pack (Best Overall)
The Approach Pack is Ruffwear's flagship dog backpack. It features a saddlebag design that distributes weight evenly across the dog's back. Compression straps keep the load stable when your dog runs. The harness base is padded enough for all-day wear, and there's a sturdy leash attachment point on top.
Why it won: Maple has worn this pack on over 30 hikes. The weight distribution is excellent. Even when one saddlebag is slightly heavier than the other (because I packed unevenly), the compression straps equalize the load. The harness base doesn't shift or rotate during movement. The zipper pockets are waterproof enough to survive a Portland rain shower without soaking the contents.
Best for: All-around hiking. Dogs 25-80 pounds. The top recommendation.
2. OneTigris Dog Pack (Best Budget)
The OneTigris is a tactical-style pack at roughly half the price of the Ruffwear. It features a MOLLE system for attaching additional pouches, rugged canvas construction, and adjustable belly straps for a snug fit.
Why I picked it: If you're not sure whether your dog will tolerate a backpack, the OneTigris is a smart entry point. The MOLLE system is genuinely useful. I've attached a water bottle pouch and a treat bag to the exterior webbing. The honest downside is that it lacks the padding of the Ruffwear Approach. On hikes over 5 miles, the contact points showed more wear on Maple's fur. For shorter hikes and day trips, it's perfectly adequate.
Best for: Budget-conscious hikers, shorter trails, and tactical gear enthusiasts.
3. Mountainsmith K-9 Dog Pack (Best for Long-Distance)
Mountainsmith makes human hiking packs, and their K-9 pack reflects that expertise. The pack features air-mesh chest and belly panels for ventilation, tapered saddlebags that follow the dog's body shape, and dual access zipper pockets on each side.
Why I picked it: For multi-day hikes or long trail days (15+ miles), the Mountainsmith's ventilation system matters. On warm days, the air mesh keeps the dog's body from overheating under the pack. The tapered saddlebag design prevents the pack from catching on narrow trail passages. This is the pack for serious hikers with serious trail dogs.
Best for: Long-distance hiking, warm weather, and multi-day trips.
4. Kurgo Baxter Dog Backpack (Best for Beginners)
The Kurgo Baxter is designed for dogs new to backpacking. The packs are removable from the harness base, so you can start with just the harness and add the saddlebags once your dog is comfortable. The design is simpler and lighter than the Ruffwear.
Why I picked it: When I first introduced Maple to backpacking, I wished I'd had a detachable system. Starting with an empty harness, then adding light saddlebags, then gradually increasing weight is the correct progression. The Kurgo makes that process easy. The packs clip on and off in seconds. Once your dog graduates, you can move to a Ruffwear Approach for more serious hiking.
Best for: Dogs who have never worn a pack before. First-time hiking dog owners.
5. Outward Hound DayPak Dog Saddlebag (Best Lightweight)
At under $25, the DayPak is a no-frills saddlebag for casual hikes. It holds the essentials (water, treats, waste bags) without adding significant weight or bulk. The quick-release buckle makes it easy to take on and off.
Why I picked it: For a casual 3-mile trail walk, you don't need a $60 pack. The DayPak holds enough for a day outing and weighs almost nothing when empty. I keep one packed and ready to grab by the front door. For serious backcountry trips, upgrade to the Ruffwear. For neighborhood trail walks, this is all you need.
Best for: Casual hikes, day walks, and dogs who only need to carry a little.
How to Introduce a Backpack
Want the complete hiking setup? Our Dog Hiking Adventure Kit includes everything from boots to first aid.
- Start with just the harness. Let your dog wear the base harness on regular walks for a week before adding the saddlebags.
- Add empty saddlebags. Let your dog get used to the feeling of the bags brushing against their sides during movement.
- Add light weight gradually. Start with a water bottle in each bag (about 1 pound each). Over two weeks, work up to the recommended load.
- Follow the 25% rule. Never load more than 25% of your dog's body weight. For older dogs or those with joint issues, keep it under 15%.
- Watch for rubbing. After each hike, check the contact points for irritation or fur loss. Adjust straps if you see any.
Weight Loading Guidelines
| Dog Weight | Maximum Pack Weight | Recommended Pack Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 30 lbs | 7.5 lbs | 4-5 lbs |
| 40 lbs | 10 lbs | 6-8 lbs |
| 50 lbs | 12.5 lbs | 8-10 lbs |
| 60 lbs | 15 lbs | 10-12 lbs |
| 70 lbs | 17.5 lbs | 12-14 lbs |
| 80 lbs | 20 lbs | 14-16 lbs |
Important: Never put a backpack on a puppy whose growth plates haven't closed (typically 12-18 months depending on breed). The added weight can damage developing joints. My 9-year-old lab/pit mix, Benny, no longer carries a pack because of his hip dysplasia. Adjust expectations for your dog's age and health.
Try our free tools: Exercise Calculator to determine your dog's hiking capacity, and Heat Safety Calculator to check trail conditions.
The Bottom Line
The Ruffwear Approach Pack is the best dog backpack you can buy. Period. The weight distribution, build quality, and durability justify the price. If you want to test the concept first, start with the OneTigris or the Kurgo Baxter at a lower price point. And remember: the pack matters less than the gradual introduction process. Take your time getting your dog comfortable before loading weight.
Related Reading
- Best Dog Hiking Gear -- Complete trail gear roundup
- Best Dog Boots for Winter -- Protect paws on rough terrain
- Best Portable Dog Water Bottles -- Trail hydration essentials