Apartment life with a dog usually means a lot of sidewalk miles and not much green space. So when the weekend comes and you finally head out to a real trail, it feels like a big deal for both of you. The tricky part is carrying everything: water, a collapsible bowl, treats, poop bags, maybe a towel for the car ride home. A dog backpack lets your pup carry a little of their own gear, which frees up your hands and gives a busy city dog a fun “job” to do on the trail.
Here are three dog backpacks we think suit weekend hiking days, from a budget-friendly first pack to a trail-tested pack built for years of adventures, plus a simple guide to fit, weight and getting your dog used to wearing one.
Quick Picks
| Pick | Approx. Price | Dog Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PetAmi Dog Backpack Saddle Bag | ~$25–$30 | Medium and large dogs | Trying a dog pack on a budget |
| Kurgo Baxter Dog Backpack | ~$30–$45 | About 30–85 lbs (Big Baxter for larger dogs) | Weekend day hikes with a balanced, adjustable fit |
| Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack | ~$60 | X-Small through Large/X-Large | Regular hikers who want a durable, trail-tested pack |
Prices change often and can vary by size and color. Check the current price at each link.
1. PetAmi Dog Backpack Saddle Bag
Check the PetAmi Dog Backpack on Amazon
If you’re not sure your dog will even like wearing a pack, this is an easy, low-cost way to find out. The PetAmi saddle bag has a 4.1-star average from more than 600 ratings on Amazon, and it’s made from ripstop nylon with two expandable side pockets plus smaller inner pockets for treats, bags and a travel bowl.
It has a built-in poop bag dispenser, reflective stripes for dusky trailheads and parking lots, a reinforced grab handle on top, and a D-ring for clipping on your leash. The straps adjust in several places, and it comes in Medium (about 23.5 to 31 inches around the chest) and Large (about 28 to 38 inches), so measure first. It’s light enough to hang on a hook by your apartment door without taking up closet space.
Best for: First-time pack wearers, short trails and park days, and anyone who wants to test the idea before spending more.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Expandable side pockets plus inner pockets
- Built-in poop bag dispenser
- Reflective stripes, a grab handle and a leash D-ring
Cons
- Sized for medium and large dogs only, so it won’t fit small breeds
- Lower rating than the other two picks
- Not as padded or sturdy as pricier packs for long, rocky hikes
2. Kurgo Baxter Dog Backpack
Check the Kurgo Baxter on Amazon
Kurgo makes a lot of travel gear for dogs, and the Baxter is its classic saddlebag pack. It has a 4.3-star average from almost 900 ratings on Amazon and is backed by Kurgo’s lifetime warranty.
Eight adjustment points help you get a snug, near-custom fit, and a padded spine section helps spread the weight of the two saddlebags evenly across your dog’s back. There’s a large padded handle on top for helping your dog over a log or rocky step, a rear leash hook so it works like a harness, and reflective trim on the sides. The regular Baxter fits dogs about 30 to 85 pounds, and the Big Baxter fits dogs about 50 to 110 pounds. You can machine wash it on gentle or hand wash it, then air dry, which is handy after a muddy trail.
Best for: Medium to large dogs heading out on weekend day hikes, and owners who want a lot of fit adjustments.
Pros
- Eight adjustment points for a snug fit
- Padded spine support to balance the load
- Big padded top handle and rear leash hook
- Machine washable on gentle, with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not made for small dogs
- Some sizes and colors run low on stock, so check availability
- The saddlebags are best for day-hike essentials, not overnight gear
3. Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack
Check the Ruffwear Approach Pack on Amazon
Ruffwear is known for dog gear that holds up to real trail time, and the Approach is its go-to pack for day hikes and overnight trips. It has a 4.6-star average from more than 900 ratings on Amazon.
The saddlebags are cut to sit close to your dog’s body with a weight-forward design, so they bounce less on uneven trails and twisty turns. It’s made from tough ripstop fabric with aluminum hardware, and it has an aluminum V-ring plus a webbing loop for your leash, an inside stash pocket, gear loops on the outside, and a loop for a clip-on safety light. It comes in X-Small, Small, Medium and Large/X-Large, so it’s the only pick here that can fit some smaller apartment dogs too.
Best for: Dogs who hike often, smaller dogs who still want to carry a little gear, and owners who want one pack that lasts for years.
Pros
- Stable, low-bounce saddlebags for uneven trails
- Durable ripstop fabric and aluminum hardware
- Widest size range here, starting at X-Small
- Two leash attachment points and a light loop
Cons
- The most expensive pick here
- Ruffwear sizes by chest girth, so measure carefully
- More pack than you need for an occasional short walk
Buying Guide: Choosing a Dog Backpack for Hiking Days
Measure before you buy. Measure around your dog’s chest at the widest part of the rib cage, just behind the front legs. Some brands also list neck size or weight, but chest size matters most. Check each size chart instead of guessing.
Keep the load light. A common rule is to start with about 10% of your dog’s body weight (pack included) and never go above about 25%. For a 50-pound dog, that means starting around 5 pounds. Ask your vet first if your dog is young, older, or has joint problems. Puppies shouldn’t carry weight while they’re still growing.
Balance both sides. Put the same weight in each saddlebag so the pack doesn’t slide to one side. Heavier things like water bottles go low and close to the shoulders.
Pack the trail basics. Water, a collapsible bowl, treats, poop bags and a small towel cover most day hikes. Keep anything you might need fast, like the leash or first-aid kit, in your own bag.
Look for a leash attachment and a handle. A D-ring or leash hook on the pack means you don’t have to dig for the harness underneath, and a top handle helps you steady your dog on a steep step.
Practice at home first. Apartment hallways and short sidewalk walks are perfect for practice. Start with an empty pack, then add a little weight over a few walks before your first trail day.
FAQ
Is it safe for my dog to wear a backpack?
For most healthy adult dogs, yes, as long as the pack fits well and the load is light. Check with your vet for puppies, seniors, or dogs with joint or back problems, and take breaks on warm days.
What if my dog is too small for a dog backpack?
Little dogs usually can’t carry much. Try the X-Small Ruffwear Approach for a very light load, or let your dog walk free and carry their gear in your own pack. Some owners of tiny dogs also use a human backpack-style carrier for the steep or tiring parts of the trail.
How do I get my dog used to wearing a pack?
Put the empty pack on indoors for a few minutes with treats and praise, then take it off. Wear it on a couple of short neighborhood walks before adding any weight or heading to a trail.
Can my dog wear a backpack on everyday city walks?
Yes. A lightly loaded pack can make a regular walk a little more tiring for high-energy dogs, which can help them settle down back at the apartment. Just keep the load light and watch for rubbing.
Which One Should You Pick?
- Just want to try a pack? The PetAmi Dog Backpack is an easy, budget-friendly way to see if your dog likes it.
- Weekend day hikes with a medium or large dog? Go with the Kurgo Baxter for lots of fit adjustments and a padded, balanced feel.
- Hike often or have a smaller dog? The Ruffwear Approach is the most durable pick here and comes in sizes down to X-Small.
Hang the pack by the door next to the leash and water bottle, and your next weekend trail day will be a lot easier to get out the door for.
More for apartment dogs: Fill the pack with one of our portable dog water bottles and collapsible dog bowls, pair it with one of our harnesses for elevators and city walks, and find dog-friendly parks and trails on our Dog Fun Map. Browse All Guides.
Photo: Giulia Botan on Pexels.
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