Best Dog Backpack Carriers (2026) – Top 10 Reviewed
Dog backpack carriers let you bring your pup on hikes, walks, and adventures while keeping your hands free. These carriers distribute your dog’s weight across your back and shoulders, making them ideal for trails, travel, and times when your dog needs a break from walking.
The best dog backpack carriers have padded straps, ventilated compartments, and secure restraints to keep your pup safe and comfortable. We looked for carriers with proper weight distribution, durable construction, and thoughtful features like storage pockets. Here are our top 10 picks for 2026.
| Product | Weight Capacity | Style | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiking Dog Carrier Backpack | Up to 13 lbs | Rear-facing | Waist belt, 5 pockets | Best Overall |
| Hiking Carrier with Height Pad | Up to 13 lbs | Rear-facing | Height-enhancing pad | Best for Short Dogs |
| Cat Backpack with Play Tunnel | 13-17 lbs | Expandable | Detachable tunnel | Most Unique Design |
| Cat Carrier Backpack – Grey | Up to 15 lbs | Foldable | Lightweight, breathable | Best Budget Option |
| Cat Carrier Backpack – Black | Up to 15 lbs | Foldable | Lightweight, breathable | Best Color Option |
| Ownpets Sling Carrier XL | 15-25 lbs | Sling | Hands-free, reversible | Best for Larger Dogs |
| Ownpets Sling Carrier Beige | 15-25 lbs | Sling | Adjustable, padded | Best for Anxious Dogs |
| Dog Backpack Harness Medium | Small-Medium | Harness pack | Poop bag dispenser | Best Harness Style |
| Dog Backpack Harness Small | Small dogs | Harness pack | Reflective leash | Best for Small Dogs |
| Dog Backpack Harness Large | Medium-Large | Harness pack | Detachable pack | Best for Active Dogs |
1. Hiking Dog Carrier Backpack – Best Overall
Why it stands out: Purpose-built for hiking with an adjustable waist cushioning belt that transfers weight from your shoulders to your hips. Five storage pockets keep treats, water, and essentials organized.
This carrier is designed specifically for trail use, with breathable padded back support that prevents overheating during climbs. The waist belt isn’t just decoration—it’s cushioned and adjustable to properly distribute your dog’s weight like a hiking pack should. Five pockets give you storage for treats, waste bags, your phone, and water without needing a separate daypack. Fits dogs up to 13 lbs.
Pros:
- Cushioned waist belt for weight distribution
- Breathable padded back support
- Five storage pockets included
- Built for actual hiking use
Cons:
- Limited to dogs under 13 lbs
Best for: Serious hikers who want a carrier that functions like proper hiking gear, not just a modified bag.
2. Hiking Carrier with Height-Enhancing Pad – Best for Short Dogs
Why it stands out: Features a padded height-enhancing design that lifts smaller dogs up so they can see over your shoulder and enjoy the view during hikes.
Small dogs often end up staring at the back of your head in standard carriers. This version includes a height-enhancing pad that positions your dog higher, giving them a better view of the trail ahead. All the same hiking-focused features apply: adjustable waist cushioning belt, breathable padded back support, and a 13 lb capacity. The pad is included, not an add-on purchase.
Pros:
- Height-enhancing pad included
- Same quality waist belt system
- Breathable construction
- Better view for your dog
Cons:
- Same 13 lb weight limit
Best for: Small dogs who want to see what’s happening on the trail instead of just your back.
3. Cat Backpack with Detachable Play Tunnel – Most Unique Design
Why it stands out: Expandable design with a detachable round play tunnel that gives your dog extra space and enrichment when you stop. A 2-in-1 carrier that adapts to different situations.
This carrier thinks beyond just transport. The detachable play tunnel attaches when you’re resting, giving your dog room to explore while still contained. The main compartment fits cats up to 17 lbs and dogs up to 13 lbs, with breathable mesh on all sides. The grey and orange colorway is eye-catching, and the expandable design means you’re not always limited to the compact form.
Pros:
- Detachable play tunnel included
- Expandable design
- Higher weight capacity (17 lbs cats/13 lbs dogs)
- Breathable mesh construction
Cons:
- Play tunnel adds bulk when attached
Best for: Dog owners who want a carrier that doubles as enrichment during rest stops.
4. Cat Carrier Backpack Grey – Best Budget Option
Why it stands out: Lightweight, foldable design at an entry-level price point makes this accessible for first-time backpack carrier buyers who want to try the style without major investment.
Not everyone needs a full hiking-focused carrier. This lightweight option handles dogs up to 15 lbs for walks, vet visits, and casual outings. The foldable design stores flat when not in use, and breathable mesh keeps airflow moving. Great for testing whether your dog even likes backpack carrying before investing in a premium hiking model.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly price
- Lightweight and foldable
- 15 lb capacity
- Breathable mesh ventilation
Cons:
- Not designed for serious hiking—lacks waist belt
Best for: First-time backpack carrier buyers or casual use around town.
5. Cat Carrier Backpack Black – Best Color Option
Why it stands out: Same quality construction as the grey version in a black colorway that hides dirt and matches any outfit.
If you prefer black over grey, this is the same lightweight, foldable carrier in a more practical color. Black hides trail dirt, pet hair (from darker-coated dogs), and general wear better than lighter colors. The 15 lb capacity and breathable mesh design remain the same. Folds flat for storage in your closet or car.
Pros:
- Practical black color
- Same 15 lb capacity
- Lightweight and foldable
- Easy to clean appearance
Cons:
- Same casual-use limitations
Best for: Those who want the budget backpack option in a color that stays looking clean.
6. Ownpets Sling Carrier XL – Best for Larger Dogs
Why it stands out: The extra-large 15-25 lb capacity handles dogs that most backpack carriers can’t. The sling design keeps larger dogs secure against your body.
Most dog backpack carriers tap out around 13-15 lbs. If you have a larger small dog or medium-sized breed, the Ownpets sling carrier handles up to 25 lbs. The reversible design lets you wear it on either side, and the adjustable strap with shoulder pad distributes weight comfortably. The pocket stores treats and essentials. Note: This is a sling style, not a traditional backpack—it rests against your front/side, not your back.
Pros:
- 15-25 lb weight capacity
- Reversible wearing options
- Hands-free design
- Pocket for storage
Cons:
- Sling style, not back-mounted
Best for: Medium-sized dogs too heavy for traditional backpack carriers.
7. Ownpets Sling Carrier Beige – Best for Anxious Dogs
Why it stands out: The body-contact sling design calms anxious dogs by keeping them close to your heartbeat and body warmth. The beige color is neutral and attractive.
Dogs with anxiety often do better when they can feel their owner’s body. Unlike backpack carriers that position dogs behind you, slings keep them against your chest where they can hear your heartbeat. The adjustable padded strap ensures comfortable carrying for longer outings, and the 15-25 lb capacity handles most anxious dogs. The beige colorway matches most outfits.
Pros:
- Calming body-contact position
- 15-25 lb capacity
- Adjustable padded strap
- Neutral beige color
Cons:
- Not ideal for long hikes due to front-loading
Best for: Anxious dogs who calm down when held close to their owner.
8. Dog Backpack Harness Medium – Best Harness Style
Why it stands out: Not a carrier—this is a harness your dog wears that includes saddlebag-style pouches for your dog to carry their own gear. Built-in poop bag dispenser is genuinely useful.
This is the opposite approach: instead of you carrying your dog, your dog carries supplies. The backpack harness includes detachable pouches for treats, water, waste bags, and essentials. The built-in poop bag dispenser means you’ll never forget bags on a walk. Reflective leash included for visibility. Great for giving your dog a “job” on hikes, which many working breeds enjoy. Sized for medium dogs.
Pros:
- Dog carries their own gear
- Built-in poop bag dispenser
- Reflective leash included
- Detachable pouches
Cons:
- Not for carrying your dog—they walk
Best for: Active dogs who need a job and can carry their own supplies on hikes.
9. Dog Backpack Harness Small – Best for Small Dogs
Why it stands out: Same harness-pack concept sized for small dogs, with reflective leash for safety and detachable pouches for their miniature load.
Small dogs can carry their own supplies too—just less of them. This sized-down version fits small breeds with the same features: detachable backpack pouches, built-in poop bag dispenser, and reflective leash. The load should be kept light for small dogs (no more than 10-25% of body weight), but it gives them purpose and saves you from carrying everything.
Pros:
- Sized for small dogs
- Same useful features
- Reflective for visibility
- Detachable design
Cons:
- Very limited carrying capacity
Best for: Small dogs who want to participate in carrying gear on walks.
10. Dog Backpack Harness Large – Best for Active Dogs
Why it stands out: Larger capacity pouches for medium to large dogs who can handle a real load on longer hikes and outdoor adventures.
Active, working breeds often thrive when given a task. This larger harness pack lets medium to large dogs carry water bottles, collapsible bowls, treats, and other hiking essentials. The detachable design means you can use it as a regular harness when no carrying is needed. Reflective leash included for visibility on dawn/dusk hikes.
Pros:
- Larger carrying capacity
- Sized for medium-large breeds
- Detachable pack option
- Reflective leash included
Cons:
- Requires proper fit—measure your dog
Best for: Medium to large working breeds who need mental stimulation through “jobs” on hikes.
How to Choose the Right Dog Backpack Carrier
Carrier Type: You Carry vs. Dog Carries
Decide what you need: a carrier where you transport your dog on your back/chest, or a harness where your dog carries their own supplies while walking. Both are called “backpack carriers” but serve different purposes.
Weight Distribution
For carriers where you transport your dog, look for waist belts that shift weight from shoulders to hips—critical for longer hikes. Simple shoulder straps only work for short trips or light dogs.
Ventilation
Dogs overheat faster than humans. Mesh panels on multiple sides prevent heat buildup, especially important in warm weather or during physical activity.
Weight Capacity
Most traditional dog backpack carriers max out at 13-15 lbs. Sling-style carriers handle up to 25 lbs. For larger dogs, harness-style packs let them carry their own gear instead.
What to Avoid
Skip carriers without proper padding, single mesh panels with limited airflow, or designs without any waist support for hiking use. Also avoid overloading harness packs—dogs should carry no more than 10-25% of their body weight.
FAQs
How much weight can a dog carry in a backpack harness?
Dogs can safely carry 10-25% of their body weight, depending on breed, fitness level, and terrain. A fit 50 lb dog could carry 5-12 lbs, while a 20 lb dog should stay under 5 lbs. Start light and build up gradually, and reduce weight on hot days or difficult terrain.
Are backpack carriers safe for dogs?
Yes, when properly fitted and used appropriately. Ensure your dog has room to shift position, adequate ventilation, and isn’t exposed to heat buildup. Take breaks on longer outings and never force a stressed dog to stay in a carrier.
How do I get my dog used to a backpack carrier?
Start with the carrier on the ground, letting your dog sniff and explore it with treats inside. Progress to placing your dog in while stationary, then short walks around the house, then brief outdoor trips. Build positive associations gradually—rushing causes anxiety.
Can senior dogs use backpack carriers?
Yes, and they often benefit most. Senior dogs who can’t walk long distances can still enjoy outdoor time when carried. Ensure the carrier has good padding and support, and watch for signs of discomfort like excessive panting or restlessness.
What’s the difference between sling carriers and backpack carriers?
Sling carriers position your dog against your chest/side and distribute weight across one shoulder. Backpack carriers position your dog on your back with weight distributed across both shoulders (and ideally hips via waist belt). Backpacks handle more weight for longer distances; slings offer more body contact.
Should I use a backpack carrier or let my dog walk?
Both. Carriers are for dogs who tire before you do, puppies building endurance, senior dogs, recovery from injury, or sections of trail with hazards. Let your dog walk when the terrain is safe and they have energy—carrying should supplement walks, not replace them entirely.
Final Verdict
For hiking with small dogs under 13 lbs, the Hiking Dog Carrier Backpack delivers proper hiking gear features including the cushioned waist belt that makes a real difference on longer trails. The five pockets mean you can leave your daypack at home.
If you have a larger dog (15-25 lbs), the Ownpets Sling Carrier XL handles the weight traditional backpacks can’t. And if your dog prefers walking but needs to contribute, the Dog Backpack Harness line lets them carry their own gear—which many working breeds genuinely enjoy.
