Taking your dog hiking can be a wonderful bonding moment, but you need to have all of their bits and bobs, such as poo bags, treats and water, with you to ensure that all of your pup's needs are met, especially for a big adventure! Dogs love to work with you and be part of the action, so let your pup carry some of the burden by getting them their very own saddlebag, AKA, dog backpacks!
We've scoured the internet to find the best saddlebags for dogs in the UK, read the reviews and compared their quality, size and security to bring you a list of our 10 favourites, including bags with a harness, saddlebags that are waterproof, and packs with plenty of pockets. We've also written a handy buying guide that lets you know exactly what you should be looking out for while shopping. Whether you've got a small dog or a large dog, we've got just the thing!
Quick List - Top Saddlebags for Dogs
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Whether you're going for a quick walk through the park or taking your dog on a five-day hiking adventure through the woods, their saddlebags need to be big enough. You'll need to make sure that there's room to hold all their items, with enough pockets to keep everything organised and tidy.
For simple everyday walks, you'll need just the essentials such as food, treats, bowls and poo bags, so a lightweight backpack will be fine. But, if you're off on an adventure, you'll need something a bit more heavy-duty to store additional items like toys, frisbees and jackets.
Biodegradable poop bags are an excellent thing to pop in your pup's bag - they're good for the environment, and 100% needed!
As all dogs vary in size depending on their age and breed, you must get a backpack that fits. It's great for your dog to be able to help you carry their things, but you don't want to give them so much that they feel uncomfortable and overwhelmed.
In general, dogs can comfortably carry 10-20% of their weight in a saddlebag, but if it's a really well-fitting bag, it can go up to 25%, so knowing your dog's weight is key. Also, check the girth and any other dimensions the company measures to ensure the bag will fit.
The other thing to think about is whether the bag can evenly distribute its weight. The most comfortable saddlebags have pockets on both sides of the pack, ensuring the bag will sit securely without moving around too much.
The next thing you want to look for is whether the bag is made from resistant, durable materials. During long walks and hikes, dogs will rub against trees, knock their bags on rocks and stumble through leaves, branches and sticks, so the material at least needs to be able to withstand a few hard knocks and scrapes. Some of the most common are nylon, cotton and polyester.
It's also worth keeping an eye out for any features in the material, such as abrasion resistance – this will ensure that the bag isn't easily scratched, caught on, or torn apart. That said, even if a bag does include this feature, we wouldn't go giving it to your pup as a chew toy!
If you're hiking with your dog, especially in the UK, you're going to want to make sure that the saddlebag is waterproof or, at the least, water-resistant. This will ensure the items in the bag and your dog's coat will be kept dry throughout your trip.
If you do decide to go for a non-waterproof bag, make sure that it has a few drainage holes so water and moisture can escape. This will ensure your dog's fur doesn't get too wet under the bag, leading to sore spots and chafing, making it very uncomfortable for your pooch.
Talking of water, make sure your pup stays hydrated on their long hikes with a dog water bottle.
When it comes to straps, the rule of thumb is the more, the merrier – or at least a minimum of 4. These straps are essential in ensuring the bag is fitted correctly, and the weight of the content is evenly distributed across your dog's back.
If it's not fitted correctly, the bag can slide around when they jump or move onto different types of terrain, which can be really annoying for them. It can also cause severe chafing if you've got a long walk ahead of you. Also, padded straps will provide much more comfort, especially when the weight of the contents is on the heavier side.
If you've got a well-trained pooch who sticks by your side no matter where you are, you might not need a leash attachment. But, if your dog tends to wander off into the distance, an attachment could be an essential thing to look out for.
With leash attachments, your dog won't need to wear a harness, as you can attach the leash to the saddlebag instead. This minimises the amount of gear the dog has to wear, making them more comfortable and, therefore, more eager to go exploring!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | PetTail Dog Saddlebag | ![]() | Comfortable Dog Backpack With Eight Adjustable Straps | |
2 | Ruffwear Approach Pack | ![]() | A Big, Brightly-Coloured Bag for Long Hikes | |
3 | PETTOM Dog Saddle Bags | ![]() | Breathable Saddlebag With Reflective Safety Strips | |
4 | Wellver Dog Saddle Bag | ![]() | Rip and Waterproof Saddlebag for Adventuring | |
5 | Kurgo Baxter Pack | ![]() | A Fully Adjustable Bag for Every Size and Shape | |
6 | Outward Hound DayPak | ![]() | Doggy Sports Bag Made From a Breathable Fabric | |
7 | Fida Dog Harness Backpack | ![]() | Lightweight Backpack With Handy Poo Bag Dispenser | |
8 | BlackDoggy Expedition Backpack | ![]() | Robust Tear-Resistant Saddlebag Harness | |
9 | Excellent Elite Spanker Tactical Outdoor Dog Harness | ![]() | Durable Nylon Saddlebag With Multiple Pockets | |
10 | OneTigris Hoppy Camper Doggy Backpack|2.0 | ![]() | Canvas Hiking Bag for Canine Explorers |
Our number one choice for a doggy saddlebag is from the brand PetTail. This lightweight backpack is perfect for medium to large dogs and has two roomy pockets big enough to fit everything you need. Plus, it has eight adjustable straps to ensure the bag fits comfortably and securely on their back.
The bag also features reflective straps so that you won't lose your precious pup in the dark. It has an ergonomic design to ensure the weight is evenly distributed across its back and padding to provide the spine with ample support and comfort throughout your pup's adventures.
Our runner up is this bright orange number from the popular dog brand, Ruffwear. It comes in a range of sizes from extra-small to large, has two sizeable compartments plus two smaller ones, and two leash attachments.
This is probably the biggest option on our list regarding how much capacity the bag has for all of your doggy things, so if you've got a big pooch out for an adventure of a lifetime, then perhaps this is the bag for you. It's also waterproof and has five adjustable straps.
In number three, we have the saddlebag from Pettom. This bold and bright hiking bag will ensure that you won't lose your dog while they're out exploring – there's even a reflective strip on either side to keep them safe when on your nightly strolls.
The nylon fabric is breathable, allowing your dog to remain cool even while they're working up a bit of a sweat. It's also high-quality, durable and 100% waterproof – it can even be hand washed. Coming with five adjustable straps, too, it should easily provide enough give to fit your dog well.
Next, we have the lovely saddlebag from Wellver. Their dog bags come in a range of cute designs and feature multiple compartments and pockets so your dog can help lighten your hiking load.
Made from a durable polyester fabric, the bag is breathable, water-resistant and rip-proof. So, no matter how much mischief your pup gets into, it should stay intact. It's also lightweight, padded and features a shoulder strap, so it should make carrying their belongings comfortable.
Next up, we have the Baxter from Kurgo. This one genuinely looks and feels like a hiking backpack, just for dogs. It features two large compartments for all of your doggy goods, plus two smaller pockets for things like poo bags and little treats. The bag is also waterproof and has a leash attachment.
What's especially attractive about this option is the number of straps! With a total of 9 adjustable straps, it is almost guaranteed to fit your pup, no matter what size or breed they are. Plus, you can detach the compartments and just use it as a harness for shorter walks.
Made from a nice, light, breathable mesh, the Outward Hound Daypack is the saddlebag for sporty dogs. Unfortunately, there's no way to tell whether the product is waterproof or water-resistant. We also couldn't obtain any information on how to care for the bag.
We do know is that it features two large compartments and two small pockets, which are ideal for keeping all your pet's things organised. It also has five adjustable straps, which is a definite step up from the bags with only 2 or 3, so you should be able to secure it nicely to your dog's body and shape.
The saddlebag from Fida is more lightweight than many others, which is ideal if you don't want a big bulky item on your dog's back. It's made from high-quality 900D Oxford nylon and comes in four different sizes.
The negatives, however, are that there are only two main compartments, without any inside pockets to organise the contents. On the upside, it does feature a separate pocket specifically designed for dispensing poop bags, which is really handy.
The saddlebag from BlackDoggy is an excellent one for the more rambunctious kind of pup as it's tear-resistant. That means no more worrying if your dog suddenly dives into a bush to sniff out some suspecting scents. The bag will come out intact!
The saddlebag comes with a leash attachment, two large compartments and a reflective trim to make nighttime strolls much safer. However, it does only have a couple of reviews, and there's not much information on the fabric.
Next up, we have the saddlebag from Excellent Elite Spanker. The bag comes in four attractive colours, so you can be sure to find one that suits your dog's coat and style, and it's made from a durable 1000D nylon fabric.
Unfortunately, this one only features two straps, so it might not be the most secure, and the company doesn't advertise how one might wash it or if it's water-resistant. Still, it does have two decent-sized compartments with inside pockets and outside straps to attach further items that you want within easy reach.
To kick off our countdown, we have this stylish number from OneTigris. This green canvas bag is functional and makes your pup look like the adventurer they long to be. It features two side compartments that are big enough for all their belongings and a leash attachment, so you don't need to worry about a harness or collar.
That said, this product does have a few downsides. Whilst it does look the part, the cotton fabric isn't water-resistant at all, meaning that if you go for a walk in the rain, water will soak through the bag, covering the contents and your dog's fur beneath. It also only features two straps, so might not be the most secure.
No. 1: PetTail|Dog Saddlebag
No. 2: Ruffwear|Approach Pack
No. 3: PETTOM|Dog Saddle Bags
No. 4: Wellver|Dog Saddle Bag
No. 5: Kurgo|Baxter Pack
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