The 7 Best Dog Backpack Carriers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall for Small Breeds

Kurgo Nomad Carrier Backpack

4.6

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Our Ratings

• Performance
  4.5/5
• Quality
  4.5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Comfort
  4.5/5

The dual-use Kurgo Nomad Carrier Backpack is suitable for small dogs that weigh less than 15 pounds, and it can be configured as either a backpack or a carrier, including both backpack straps and two beefy, dual-carry handles.

Our tester—who used the bag to separately cart around their small, 11-pound dogs—found the bag to be comfortable for all involved: “I think that this pack is very well constructed and well-balanced with several points of adjustment.”

The Kurgo Nomad benefits from a classic backpack look that doesn’t immediately suggest a pet carrier. Its broad back panel also offers several ways for your dog to travel, since the compartment can be fully opened or closed, or just allow enough room for a snout to poke out. There’s an interior tether that you can attach to your dog’s collar to keep it in place.

The interior of the Kurgo is lined with waterproof fabric, and the internal pad where your dog sits can be removed and machine washed. The exterior is similarly water-resistant, with a DWR coating that should keep your dog dry next time you’re caught in a downpour together. In addition to the external pockets, which include a large, zippered front compartment and two side stow pouches, the Kurgo Nomad has an interior tablet sleeve.

The bottom of the bag is waterproof with ventilation panels on each side. The zippered main compartment also has two separate zippers, so you can either zip it fully closed or zip up a separate mesh panel for additional ventilation. While we appreciated the multiple ways to ventilate, the mesh is a little too heavy-duty to allow as much airflow as our tester would have liked.

Price at time of publish: $90

_{Dog Tester’s Weight: 11 pounds | Size Recommendation: Up to 15 pounds | Colors: Red, Blue | Dimensions: 15 x 11.25 x 7.5 pounds}

Best Overall for Medium Breeds

K9 Sport Sack Air Dog Carrier

4.6

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Our Ratings

• Performance
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Quality
  5/5
• Value
  3.5/5

If your dog is comfortable in an upright position, the K9 Sport Sack PLUS 2 will make it easy for you to bring it along on adventures. The backpack comes in three sizes, which can accommodate dogs ranging in weight from 8 to 40 pounds. The sizing chart also has length guidelines, so you should measure your dog from collar to base of tail to find the right fit.

Our tester’s senior dog is under 30 pounds and has joint issues, but once inside the backpack it was able to join its human on walks without discomfort. “This product is really helpful and distributes the weight of my dog well,” our tester said.

Once securely inside the backpack, a dog’s head and front legs will remain uncovered for snoot boops, high fives, and paw-shakes. The sides are ventilated with small mesh pockets, and a padded back panel helps to keep your dog cool. For a human’s comfort, the bag features wide straps designed to relieve pressure and a padded back panel. However, our tester found perfectly distributing a larger dog’s weight to be a little finicky, taking multiple strap adjustments before they found a comfortable configuration.

The K9 Sport Sack also includes a 14 x 9 inch detachable storage bag, for carrying additional items like a collapsible water bowl, snacks, keys, and more.

Price at time of publish: $95

_{Dog Tester’s Weight: Under 30 pounds | Size Recommendation: 8-40 pounds and 20-23 inches in length for large | Colors: Black, Mint, Gray, Tie-Dye | Exterior Dimensions: 12 x 11 x 22 inches for large}

Best Outdoors

Kurgo G-Train Dog Carrier Backpack

4.4

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Our Ratings

• Performance
  4.5/5
• Quality
  5/5
• Value
  4/5
• Comfort
  4/5

Made with waterproof, dirt resistant fabric and featuring reflective strips and a sturdy base, the Kurgo G-Train Dog Carrier Backpack is designed for bringing your dog along on outdoor excursions.

“My dog was adequately supported, and I could walk around hands-free comfortably and set the pack down with him in it if needed,” remarked our tester, whose dog slightly exceeds the manufacturer’s suggested weight of up to 25 pounds.

Padded shoulder straps, along with an adjustable strap at the sternum and hip, offer support and help to alleviate pressure. However, when the backpack is on the bag is designed so that dog and human are facing in opposite directions. For our tester, this aspect of the backpack made it feel like the weight of their dog was also pulling away. The carrier comes with two optional stabilization rods that can be placed inside, but that slightly reduces the interior space, and our tester found installation to be tricky.

Mesh on both sides provides ventilation along with slim pockets for easy access to anything you want to keep on hand, like a water bottle or snacks. An internal padded pocket can accommodate a laptop, and there are loops on the exterior for attachment of other items.

Price at time of publish: $107

_{Dog Tester’s Weight: 27 pounds | Size Recommendation: Up to 25 pounds | Colors: Black, Red, Navy, Blue | Exterior Dimensions: 13.5 x 10 X 21 inches}

Best for Older Dogs

Apollo Walker Pet Carrier Backpack

5

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Our Ratings

• Performance
  5/5
• Quality
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5

If you want to give your dog a place to rest while continuing with your walk, this sturdy dog backpack will allow you to continue enjoying the outdoors together. Our tester was pleased with the lightweight construction of the Apollo Walker Pet Carrier Backpack, and their senior toy poodle had plenty of space to relax.

With mesh sides and top, your dog will be able to feel the wind across its little furry body to keep it cool. You can also unzip each mesh panel to let your dog poke its head out, and an internal clip that attaches to a collar or harness will keep your dog securely inside the backpack. For the wearer of the dog backpack, thick padded straps, along with a sternum and waist strap, will alleviate pressure on the back and distribute your dog’s weight.

The stable construction of this dog backpack offers a protected encasement for your pup, but you may find it more difficult to store, because it takes up more space.

Price at time of publish: $40

_{Dog Tester’s Weight: 10-pound Toy Poodle | Size Recommendation: Up to 25 pounds | Colors: Black, Gray, Pink, Blue, Navy | Exterior Dimensions: 16.8 x 11.4 X 12.6 inches}

Best Airline-Approved

Mr. Peanut's Aspen Series Airline Approved Backpack Pet Carrier

4.8

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Our Ratings

• Performance
  5/5
• Quality
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Comfort
  4.5/5

Streamline your airport experience with the Mr. Peanuts Aspen Series Pet Backpack. “The build alone gives you comfort that your pet is comfortable on your back,” shared our tester who found the additional storage pockets and the removable fleece pad to be highly convenient for daily use and while traveling. The bag is designed for use as a pet carrier on commercial flights, but you should always confirm with your airline provider before arriving at the airport.

The backpack features breathable mesh on both sides, the front, and the top, and all four placements can be unzipped for access and viewability. Our tester found the adjustable shoulder straps with padding to be comfortable but felt that a sternum strap would make the backpack feel more secure. It also folds up easily for storage.

Price at time of publish: $89

_{Dog Tester’s Weight: Dachshund, but did not provide weight | Size Recommendation: Up to 14 inches long and 9 inches tall; up to 16 pounds | Color: Gray | Exterior Dimensions: 18 x 14 x 9 inches}

Best Sling Carrier

YUDODO Reflective Pet Sling Carrier

5

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Our Ratings

• Performance
  5/5
• Quality
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5

For small dogs that tend to be anxious, the cross-body design of this carrier will keep your furry friend close by. It distributes the weight of the dog more evenly than a shoulder bag and gives you the hands free experience of a backpack.

Our tester selected the medium sized YUDODO Reflective Pet Sling Carrier for their 12-pound dog. She felt that it offered ample space to keep her dog protected and secure without feeling restricted.

The lightweight sling weighs less than a pound on its own, has a drawstring opening, and is made with a breathable mesh. The adjustable strap has a large buckle closure and a pocket designed for a smartphone. Our tester, who also has a baby at home, found the sling to be very comfortable and convenient for taking her child in a stroller and her dog in the sling on walks and running errands.

Price at time of publish: $29 (for Medium)

_{Dog Tester: 12-pound Mini Schnauzer | Size Recommendation: Up to 14 pounds | Colors: Black, Pink, Teal, Red, Gray, Blue, Orange | Exterior Dimensions: 15 x 3.9 x 7.8 inches}