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Dog backpacks come in two distinct types that serve completely different purposes. The first is a pack your dog wears to carry their own gear on a hike. The second is a carrier you wear on your back to transport a small dog. Both are worth knowing about — but they’re not interchangeable.
Backpacks for Dogs to Carry
A dog backpack sits across the dog’s back and shoulders, with two saddlebag-style pouches on either side for carrying gear. Most fit medium to large dogs. Dogs tend to adapt to them reasonably well — many seem to enjoy having a job to do on a walk or hike.
Most quality brands aren’t stocked in mainstream Australian retail, but are available via Australian Amazon resellers or online outdoor pet retailers.
Ruffwear Palisades Pack
Ruffwear · From $199.95 · Available in 4 sizes
Ruffwear is the benchmark for outdoor dog gear. The Palisades Pack is well-constructed, properly padded, and available in four sizes to suit different breeds. One of the few options that holds up to serious trail use rather than just occasional day hikes. Available through Australian retailers and Amazon. View on Amazon →
Outward Hound Dog Backpack
Outward Hound · From $37.99 · Available in 4 sizes, 2 colours
A budget-friendly option for occasional use. Available in four sizes and two colours — reasonable quality for the price, but not built for heavy trail use. A practical starting point if you want to try a backpack before committing to a more expensive option. View on Amazon →
OneTigris Hiking Backpack
OneTigris · From $110 · Adjustable fit for medium to large dogs
Made from high-density cotton canvas in a vintage-inspired design — a different aesthetic to most nylon options. Adjustable fit suits medium to large dogs. A good option if you want something that looks more considered. View on Amazon →
Kurgo Dog Backpack with Integrated Harness
Kurgo · From $71.99 · Available in 2 sizes, 3 colours
Kurgo built a harness and backpack into one unit — the leash attaches to the same piece your dog carries. Practical for owners who don’t want to fit a separate harness underneath a pack. Available in two sizes and three colours. View on Amazon →
What to Look For
✅ Buying Checklist
Essential Features
- Adjustable sizing — the pack should be adjustable across the chest and girth, not just one point
- Quality stitching — the attachment points take real load; check these particularly on cheaper options
- Padding — should sit comfortably on the back without pressure points on the spine
- Water resistant material — gear inside will get wet otherwise
- Breathable panels — a pack sitting against the dog’s back traps heat; ventilation matters on warm days
- Reflective material — useful for low-light conditions
- Top handle — invaluable for lifting the dog over obstacles on the trail
Fit and Introduction Tips
- Measure your dog’s girth (widest part of the chest behind the front legs) before buying — this is what sizing is based on, not weight or breed
- The pack should sit balanced on both sides — check this before loading
- Introduce the empty pack first on short walks before adding any weight
- Load both pouches as evenly as possible — uneven weight throws the dog’s gait
Weight Guidelines
⚠️ How Much Can a Dog Carry?
A commonly cited guideline is 5–10% of the dog’s body weight. For a 20kg dog, that means keeping the loaded pack under 2kg. This varies by the individual dog’s fitness, the terrain, and the temperature — err on the lower end in heat or on long days.
- Only use a backpack on a fully grown, healthy dog — not puppies or dogs with joint or back issues
- Start well below the maximum — get the dog fit to carry a pack gradually, not all at once
- Small breeds shouldn’t carry proportionally heavy loads just because the percentage works mathematically — use common sense
- If your dog is reluctant to move, slowing down, or showing any discomfort, take the pack off
What to Pack
🎒 Packing Ideas
- Dog shoes — for longer hikes on rough or hot surfaces
- Dog food portioned for the trip
- Collapsible water bowl and water
- Leash — a spare or the primary one when not in use
- Poop bags
- Small first aid items (paw balm, bandage)
- Dog sleeping bag — for overnight trips
Carrier Backpacks (Human Carries the Dog)
A carrier backpack is worn by the human — the dog sits inside facing forward or to the side, with their head out the top. Primarily used for small breeds on hikes, urban outings, or anywhere the dog can’t walk the full distance. The K9 Sport Sack is the most reviewed and widely recommended option available in Australia.
K9 Sport Sack
K9 Sport Sack · From $115 · 13 colours, 3 sizes · Vet-approved design
A well-designed carrier with vet-approved construction — the dog’s weight is distributed to allow a natural spine position rather than forcing the back legs down. Available via Amazon Australia in three sizes and 13 colours. Check that you’re ordering from the Australian listing to avoid high international shipping costs. View on Amazon Australia →
🐾 Before You Buy a Carrier
Not All Dogs Take to Carriers
Some dogs love the elevated vantage point and proximity to their owner. Others find being enclosed uncomfortable or anxiety-inducing and won’t settle regardless of how gradual the introduction. Introduce the carrier slowly — let the dog investigate it, then try brief sessions at home before taking it out. If the dog is consistently distressed, don’t force it.
Health Conditions
Dogs with back, hip, or joint problems may find the carrier position uncomfortable even in a well-designed pack. Check with your vet before using a carrier on a dog with any musculoskeletal issues. The same applies to very young puppies whose joints are still developing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Dog Backpack FAQ
Can all dogs carry a backpack?
Most healthy, fully grown dogs can carry a properly fitted backpack with an appropriate load. Exceptions include puppies (still developing), dogs with back or joint conditions (intervertebral disc disease, hip dysplasia, arthritis), and brachycephalic breeds that overheat easily. When in doubt, check with your vet before adding load to any dog with a known health condition.
How do I get my dog used to wearing a backpack?
Start by letting the dog sniff and investigate the pack, then put it on empty for a short walk around the block. Once comfortable with the empty pack, add a small amount of weight — water is ideal as it’s evenly distributed. Increase weight and duration gradually over several sessions. Most dogs adapt within a few outings; some take longer. Never put a full load on a dog wearing a pack for the first time.
What size K9 Sport Sack do I need?
K9 Sport Sack sizes are based on the dog’s weight and body length. The brand provides a detailed size chart on their website — measure your dog’s back length from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, and cross-reference with their weight. When between sizes, the brand generally recommends sizing up for comfort.
Where can I buy dog backpacks in Australia?
Most quality dog backpack brands are international and not widely stocked in Australian retail. Amazon Australia is the most reliable source for the brands listed above — check that items ship from within Australia before ordering to avoid high international shipping costs. Ruffwear gear is also available through some Australian outdoor retailers like Wild Earth.
