If you’re searching for the best dog backpack carrier, you’ve come to the right place!
In this Digdoggy.com guide, you’ll learn:
- The top 5 Backpack carriers
- Features to look out for when buying a dog backpack
- The different types of backpack carriers to choose from
And much more!
Below is a quick list of all our top products. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose the best backpack carrier!
| Image | Product | |||
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Our Top pick  | Our Top pick | Morpilot Dog Backpack Carrier
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| View on Amazon |
Best High-end  | Best High-end | Kurgo Dog Carrier Backpack
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| View on Amazon |
Budget Pick  | Budget Pick | Pecute Pet Carrier Backpack
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| View on Amazon |
 | KOPEKS Deluxe Travel Carrier
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| View on Amazon | |
 | PetAmi Deluxe Carrier Backpack
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| View on Amazon |
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Updated On September 13, 2021
Our top pick has to be the Morpilot Dog Backpack Carrier.
This lightweight bag is 16.5 inches tall and 13 inches wide and can hold up to 15lbs of weight.
There is a top entrance and side opening that both have mesh walls allowing for additional airflow. On the back, there is a padded mesh, shoulder straps, and chest strap for added security.
Overall this backpack makes the perfect choice for the majority of dog owners.
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Our Top 5 Backpack Carriers For Dogs
- Morpilot Dog Backpack Carrier (Top Pick)
- Kurgo Dog Carrier Backpack For Small Dogs (Best hiking)
- Pecute Pet Carrier Backpack
- KOPEKS Deluxe Pet Travel Carrier With Double Wheels
- PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier Backpack
What is a backpack carrier for dogs?
This type of backpack is specially designed to help you travel efficiently with a dog.
In most backpack carriers for dogs you will find:
- Storage for dogs
- A travel dog food bowl
- Breathable mesh sides
- Anti-escape hooks/clips
- Additional storage areas for items of choice
These backpacks make a great way to travel easier with your pet while being able to store your own essentials.
What are the different Types of dog backpack carriers?
There are four main types of dog backpack carriers that you can choose from:
Front-Face backpack carriers
The benefit of using a front-facing carrier is that you can see your pet during travel. While they are appealing to look at and super friendly to pets, they are not always the best way to travel over long periods of time.
Rear-Facing backpack carriers
Backpack carriers are probably the most common style you’ll come across. They work best for long-distance travel as you are provided with the most support in comparison to other types of backpacks.
Slings
Slings are super cool and super simple and do what you see in pics. Simply throw it over your shoulder and you’re off to the races.
While they are a great convenient way to travel with your pet, it is not recommended that you take a sling over long-distance travel as you’ll quickly find out how painful it can become carrying this way for long periods of time.
Rolling Carriers
Some bags come with wheels affixed to them and an extendable handle, just like regular luggage. These carriers are usually used for longer trips as they are highly versatile.
As a wheeled carrier that is towed behind in the same way as a suitcase, or with the handle retracted they can be used as a tote bag, or even as a backpack. Very versatile bags that make a long journey more convenient.
What should you look for in a high-quality Dog Backpack Carrier?
Weight Capacity & Size
Weight capacity will help you to determine if your dog can be carried in the backpack. Size on other hand will tell you if they can fit.
I’ve found the sweet spot for size is around 50L to 65L capacity for the majority of travelers.
However, even if your dog is too tall, then some bags feature a removable top for their head to poke out and provide additional space.
Safety & Design
Safety features to look out for include:
- Anti-Escape hooks or clips – clips to your dogs collar and links them to the bag
- Padded shoulder straps
- Strong fastening buckles
- Chest straps
- Breathable mesh sides
- Reinforced internal structures
- Multiple Storage compartments – for storing food, travel kit, camera gear, and more.
- Name tags
Comfort
Ergonomic designs are great to relieve back pain when traveling over long periods. A reinforced base will also provide strong support for your dog to sit on when traveling.
Breathable material on the sides and back will help to keep the backpack cool for both you and your dog. Without this, you may find your back and shoulder to sweat up and become uncomfortable.
Material
Striking a balance between a flexible cloth and a hard strong material is crucial. Figuring out what you will use the bag for should help you make the decision easier.
Nylon and polyester are the most reliable and affordable materials to look for in backpacks.
Nylon
Nylon is strong, durable, and performs well in adverse weather conditions. It also does well in repelling insects and mold explaining why it’s so commonly used.
Polyester
This is silk-like material that’s great for traveling in wet conditions as it dries fast and resists UV’s far better than Nylon.
Read Also: >> What are the top dog strollers for hiking?
Our Reviews of the Top 5 Backpack Carriers For Dogs
Pick #1: Morpilot Dog Backpack Carrier
Morpilot’s Dog Backpack Carrier is 16.5 inches tall and can hold up to 7kg in weight.
The bag has a rigid base with soft fur on the mat which can be removed and washed.
Featuring an ergonomic design with excellent security with the use of chest and waist straps and anti-escape clips fitted to the inside.
Your dog can enter from the front and top exits that can also be used for additional headroom.
Overall, this is a great all-around backpack for most outdoor activities with your dog.
Pros
- Extremely spacious
- Breathable
- Light to carry
Cons
- Bottom of pack not comfortable against back
Pick #2: Kurgo Dog Carrier Backpack
A plus to the Kurgo Dog Carrier Backpack is that it’s TSA airline approved and can be used as a regular backpack or pet carrier in one.
You can carry dogs of up to 25lbs in this bag with a secure interior carabiner that latches onto a harness to keep your pet secure during travel.
The over the shoulder straps can be easily stowed away allowing for the bag to also be carried by hand.
Made with a durable waterproof bottom and a machine-washable pad this product makes a comfortable and convenient pet carrier for hiking.
There are two bottle carriers on either side held in with breathable mesh that surrounds the bag to provide a well-ventilated environment.
Pros
- Lifetime Warranty
- Multi-purpose backpack
- Strong and durable design
Cons
- Needs more ventilation
Pick #3: Pecute Pet Carrier Backpack
The Pecute pet carrier serves as a comfortable secure travel bag.
There is a mesh skylight design at the top of the bag that can easily be rolled up for more airflow.
And additional pockets for storage with breathable venting holes.
While not machine washable, the removable non-slip pad can be used in the expandable rear section that allows for dual use of the bag.
For added safety, the backpack is equipped with anti-escape zippers (with buckles) and a safety belt that can be mounted to your pet’s collar.
You can choose from a range of six colors that are all made with non-toxic, non-irritating materials. This product is a waterproof, dual-purpose carrier that will support any pet of up to 18lbs.
Pros
- Training harness for better walking manners
- Distributes pressure throughout border collies body
- Less coverage to keep your pet cool
Cons
- Can cause chaffing on dogs elbow if adjusted low
Pick #4: KOPEKS Deluxe Travel Carrier
The KOPEKS Deluxe Pet Travel Carrier doubles up as a pet carrier and travel case in one.
You can choose from two sizes (medium or large) that are both made with 600D Oxford fabric with 3 ventilation mesh panels on each side.
Inside is a solid base layered with faux sheepskin to keep your pup warm when traveling. This travel carrier can be taken on most airlines with wheels that maneuver fantastically on airport floors.
Pets of up to 10lbs are the recommended maximum weight with some customers reporting that traveling with pets of 22lbs is just fine.
Each corner is held up with industrial-grade aluminum rods and there are two side pockets for storing loose items such as a mobile phone or pet treats.
Pros
- Airline approved
- Solid base
- Dual purpose
Cons
- No safety strap for pets
Pick #5: PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier Backpack
This PetAmi Deluxe backpack has a collapsible pet bowl that expands to 2 inches deep to feed on the go.
Inside is a safety strap inside to clip into your pup’s collar along with additional safety buckles on each of the zippers to avoid unwanted escapes.
You can choose from 9 colors that all come with padded shoulder straps, front-back, and side pouches, and a cool name tag.
The bag is fitted with two straps that go around your waist and chest and a reinforced structure to prevent the bag from collapsing.
Pros
- Good amount of storage
- Straps are comfortable
- Flap lets dogs head stick out
Cons
- Bottom structure can start to dig into your back
Our Top Pick: Morpilot Dog Backpack Carrier
Our top choice is Morpilot’s Dog Backpack Carrier.
This product provides the best all-round features such as:
- 15.6 inches x 13inches of space
- Top and front exits
- 15lbs weight capacity
- Great airflow
- An ergonomic comfortable design
On the back are a chest strap and waist strap that is both adjustable and mounted to padded strips.
This is a great choice for walking long distances, hiking, or camping.
Find the lowest price here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How safe are dog carrier backpacks?
Dog carrier backpacks are perfectly safe as long as you use them according to the instructions. Of course, the biggest threat is unwanted escapes that are easily prevented with a strong base and anti-escape clips.
How long can You travel with a dog in a carrier backpack?
Most manufacturers do not recommend keeping a dog in a carrier for any longer than 45 minutes at a time. If the dog is sleeping then this may be extended, if the temperatures are high then this may be decreased.
Conclusion
Choosing the right backpack involves looking at what you’ll be using it for and then finding a bag that offers what you need.
Polyester and nylon are the best overall materials and mesh sides provide great air circulation. A good backpack will have strong support, anti-escape hooks, and padded straps.
This guide shares all of the above along with additional features that are best suited for specific purposes.
