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Honestly how good is it to make our dogs part of outdoor activities? They’re literally the perfect adventure partners.
Now, when it comes to dog backpacks, there’s two types:
- Dog Backpacks for the dogs to carry, and
- Dog Backpack Carriers for the human to carry the dog.
In this article, we’ll explore what’s important to know on the topic of both dog backpacks and dog backpack carriers, and where you can buy them in Australia. Let’s dig in.
Dog Backpacks (for the dogs to carry)
When it comes to outdoorsy adventures, there’s often some packing involved. And if we bring our dogs, there’s dog stuff that needs to come along too – think food, water, the lot.
So luckily, some genius had the great idea to make a backpack for dogs, and now here we are with a bunch of awesome ones to choose from.
Lots of dogs love it because they like having that extra job to do, and it gives us humans more space in our own backpacks.
What is the best dog backpack?
As it’s unfortunately so often the case, the best reviewed dog backpacks can be a bit tricky to buy in Australia, as most options are from overseas brands and many of them don’t ship to Australia.
That said, luckily some of them have resellers here.
Ruffwear Backpacks
Ruffwear is a well-known brand for outdoor dog gear.
Outward Hound Dog Backpack
If you’re after a dog backpack that’s a bit cheaper, you might like the one from Outward Hound.
OneTigris Hiking Backpack
If you prefer a different design, you may like the vintage version from OneTigris that’s made from high-density cotton canvas.
Kurgo Dog Backpack with integrated harness
Kurgo is known for their great dog harnesses, and so it comes as no surprise that they designed a dog backpack with an integrated harness, which makes it super functional.
What’s important when buying a dog backpack?
Similar to human backpacks, cheaply-made, low-quality backpacks may hurt your dog over time, so it’s important to buy a good-quality product and fit it correctly.
Here are some considerations for what to look out for:
- Adjustable sizing
- High-quality stitches
- Water resistant material
- Breathable material
- Padding
- Reflective material
- Handle on top
Can all dogs carry a backpack?
If your dog is fully grown and healthy, carrying a backpack is normally no problem as long as it’s fitted correctly and purchased in the right size for your breed of dog.
Bear in mind that the weight of the backpack should be in-line with your dog’s weight though. In other words, don’t make your little miniature Dachshund carry 7 litres of water bottles.
Also, in the beginning, when you’re training your dog to get used to carrying a backpack, it can help to start with less weight. So, get your dog used to carry the empty backpack first, and then slowly increase its weight.
There’s no general rule when it comes to the maximum weight, as it always depends on your individual dog. However in our research we found multiple sources recommending a range of 5 – 10% of your dog’s body weight.
So, if your dog weighs 20kg, keep the weight of the backpack under 2kg. And make sure it’s evenly distributed so it won’t throw your dog out of balance 🙂
Dog Backpack: What to pack
Here are some packing ideas that may be helpful when going on an adventure:
- Dog shoes, if your dog wears them for longer hikes on challenging surfaces
- Dog food
- Water & bowl
- Leash
- Poop bags
- Toys
- Dog sleeping bag
Dog Backpack Carriers (for the human to carry the dog)
Dog backpack carriers are becoming increasingly popular because they help us bring our dog along to places we couldn’t otherwise.
What is the best dog carrier backpack?
If you have a smaller breed dog, we have good news for you: There’s finally a dog backpack carrier out there that gets great reviews from other dog owners.
It’s an American brand and called the K9 Sport Sack. For Australians the easiest way to buy it is through Amazon. It sold for $115 at the time of writing, and was available in 13 colours and 3 different sizes.
Are dog backpack carriers safe?
There’s no simple answer to this as all dogs are different.
That said, the K9 Sport Sack is Vet-Approved and a lot of work has gone into their design and manufacturing to make sure the dog backpack carriers are as safe and comfortable as possible.
It’s important to take your time to get your dog used to being carried inside a backpack carrier. Start for small periods of time and slowly increase.
Also common sense is important here: If your dog does not look comfortable, don’t force them to stay inside the carrier.
Do dogs like being carried in backpacks?
As mentioned above, all dogs are different, so you’ll have to try it out to find out whether your dog likes being carried inside a backpack.
Some dogs are absolutely fearless and excited to be able to tag along anywhere with their owners.
Other dogs may find the idea of being inside a backpack a bit suss, and won’t warm out to it. Or they may have a health condition that makes it uncomfortable for them.
If you go to the US Amazon listing of the K9 Sport Sack (clicking this link will get you there) , you can read through 2,000+ reviews from other dog owners and their experience.
Be cautious not to buy through US Amazon to avoid paying high shipping fees and custom duties. This is the link for Amazon Australia , and if not out of stock, the backpack should ship from within Australia, however it’s always best to double-check when you’re on the website.
References
- K9 Sport Sack. Health and Safety. https://www.k9sportsack.com/pages/heatlh-and-safety
