The Best 4 Dog Backpack Harnesses: Our Top Picks

Best Dog Backpack Harnesses Summary

• Best Overall Dog Backpack Harness: Fida No-Pull Dog Vest Harness
  Pet dog vest harness of maximum quality, practicality, and durability. 
• Best Budget Dog Backpack Harness: Auroth Tactical Dog Harness
  No-pull and Reflective dog backpack harness that is durable and easy to control. 
• Best Dog Backpack For Hiking: Kurgo Dog Saddlebag Harness
  Reflective and lightweight dog backpack harness with stylish design. 
• Best Dog Backpack Harness For Dog Travel: OneTigris Dog Pack Saddlebag
  Compact design with high-quality material and striking appearance. 

What is a Dog Backpack Harness?

A dog backpack harness is a wearable device that doubles as both a dog harness and backpack. A harness on its own is a wearable garment dogs wear onto which dog owners can attach a dog leash. 

Many dog parents prefer a harness to a collar and vice versa. Some even use them both. Whichever camp you belong to, you’ll love a backpack harness. It gives you the functionality of both a harness and a backpack in one product. 

A harness provides a safe place to attach your dog‘s leash. Dog backpacks or dog carriers divide the load to carry between you and your dog. Not to mention the added weight that makes physical exercise more efficient. 

What are the Benefits of a Dog Backpack Harness?

Here is an in-depth review of the benefits of the dog backpack harness for dogs:

• Lightens your load. Imagine having to carry your own supplies in addition to a water bottle, poop bags, drinking bowl, and treats. With a dog backpack, you can split the weight between you and your dog which makes life easier for you.
• Makes exercise more efficient. Walking one mile with the weight of a backpack takes more energy and focus than walking the same mile with no backpack. This is especially helpful to dogs who are trying to lose weight. It is also beneficial when you have less time for exercise.
• Safer than a dog collar. A pet harness evenly distributes the pressure of a leash across the abdomen, unlike a collar where it is all concentrated at one point of the neck. If your dog was to tug while wearing a harness, there is a lower chance of a throat injury than with a collar. 
• Prevents pulling of the leash. Some harness backpacks have a no-pull ring at the front onto which you can attach a leash. When you use this ring, your dog isn’t able to pull away from you on walks. The ring is designed in a way that makes the dog go around in circles whenever she tries to pull on her leash.
• Makes it harder for a dog to slip out. Since you have to allow space between a collar and your dog’s neck, it isn’t that hard for a creative dog to slip out of one. This is very unlikely with a harness since it is fastened at four points around the torso. 

The Best Dog Backpack Harnesses Reviewed

There are many different dog backpack harnesses available on the pet market. With so many choices it can be hard to find the right one for your puppy dog. To keep things simpler, we have reviewed some of the best products for an active pet life. 

Fida No-Pull Dog Vest Harness

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Summary: Designed to serve more than one purpose, this multiple-use backpack harness delivers on all its promises. As a backpack, the product does well with two fairly spacious pockets that can be tucked away when not in use. As a harness, it is perfect due to its sturdy build that makes it very durable and comfortable. The no-pull ring at the front is ideal for dogs that pull off on their leashes during walks. Every time a dog pulls with this harness, they will just go in circles instead of forward. 

Best use: Walks in the park or around the neighborhood

Sizes available: Small, Medium, Large, and X-large 

Handle: Yes

Number of pockets: Two

Adjustable: Yes

Leash Attachment point: Yes

Pros

• Comes in four sizes
• Bright color and reflective design for high visibility in low light
• Heavy-duty D-rings for extra attachments like a dog leash 
• Handle for easy carrying
• Poop bag dispenser at the back
• Easy to put on and off due to the fast-release buckles

Cons

• Bags have limited storage which may not be sufficient for hiking gear during long hikes

Review: Customers find the Fida backpack harness to be of high quality. They say that it is well-built and holds up well even with intense usage. Dog owners also really enjoy the bonus features like the poop bag dispenser and retractable side bags. 

Auroth Tactical Dog Harness

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Summary: Instead of typical pockets, this backpack harness has an elastic fastened string onto which you can attach supplies like a water bottle or collapsible drinking bowl. The anti-pull ring at the front is great for owners whose dogs run after everything they see in the outdoors. The harness comes in four sizes and has padded straps to protect your dog’s skin from chaffing. 

Best use: Backpack for dogs that like to pull on their leash

Sizes available: Small, Medium, Large, and X-large

Handle: Yes

Number of pockets: None

Adjustable: Yes

Leash Attachment point: Yes

Pros

• Comes in four sizes
• Reflective finish for visibility in low light areas
• Leash attachment point
• Top handle for easy carrying
• Easy to put on and take off
• Padding under the straps to prevent chaffing

Cons

• Has no real pockets for storing supplies

Review: Customers say that the fabric of this harness is very thick and durable. Many report finding controlling their stubborn dogs much easier when using the front anti-pull ring. All in all, the harness is a hit among the dog owners who have tried it. Many recommend it and even gift it to their loved ones.

Kurgo Dog Saddlebag Harness

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Summary: With a beautiful design, spacious pocket size, and high-quality build, it is no surprise that this saddle bag backpack harness is on our list. The backpack has two adequately sized pockets that can carry all the supplies you might need on a hike. It has a handle in case you need to carry your pooch, adjustable straps, and a leash attachment point. Sadly no small size is available for small dogs since it comes in only two sizes: medium and large. 

Best use: Dog hiking backpack

Sizes available: Medium and Large. The Baxter is the medium, while the Big Baxter dog backpack is a large size. 

Handle: Yes

Number of pockets: 2

Adjustable: Yes

Leash Attachment point: Yes

Pros

• Breathable mesh fabric for extra ventilation
• Reflective strips for increased visibility
• Leash attachment point
• Top handle for easy lifting
• Large pockets to fit a variety of supplies

Cons

• No options for small dogs

Review: This harness comes highly recommended by dog parents that have tried it. Many are pleased with the high-quality fabric while others are happy about how beautiful the bag is. Dog parents say they get lots of compliments on how stylish the bag is. Despite the large pockets, dogs enjoy wearing the bag even for long stretched-out walks or hikes. 

OneTigris Dog Pack Saddlebag

Get it on Amazon

Summary: This backpack harness combo is one for the books for its spaciousness and sleekness. The backpack features two large pockets, adjustable straps, a leash attachment point, and a breathable mesh fabric to keep your dog from getting too hot. It comes in three sizes that should fit most dogs but is especially wonderful for small dogs. 

Best use: Travel

Sizes available: Small, Medium, and Large

Handle: Yes

Number of pockets: Two

Adjustable: Yes

Leash Attachment point: Yes

Pros

• Comes in three sizes
• Very easy to put on and off
• Adjustable strap length
• Leash attachments points
• Breathable mesh for ventilation
• Padded straps to minimize chaffing

Cons

• Might be too delicate for large destructive dogs

Review: Customers love how well this backpack sits on the backs of their dogs. They say the bags are spacious enough to carry all the dog gear and dog supplies you need on a walk. One dog parent says the bag carries two 500ml bottles, a collapsible water bowl, treats, towel, waste bags, and a light pullover. Some customers also love the modern, sleek look of the bag. 

What is the Best Dog Backpack Harness?

The Fida No Pull Dog Vest Harness is the best backpack harness. The Fida vest comes in a wide range of sizes, all of which are adjustable, has a top handle, a leash attachment point, and a poop bag dispenser. 

The pockets of the backpack are reasonably sized to carry enough supplies for a normal walk. It is very high-quality and has a very durable fabric that can withstand wear from constant use. 

When choosing a dog carrier backpack harness, keep the following considerations in mind: 

• Size. You should choose the correct size of harness for your dog’s comfort and minimize the risk of injury. An ill-fighting harness can chafe your dog’s skin, and a very heavy pet backpack carrier exerts excess pressure on your dog’s back and joints. 
• Visibility. Opt for a bag with bright colors or reflective strips to help you locate and identify your dog easily in crowded areas and places with low light and visibility. This is especially crucial for parents who take their dogs on hikes in rough terrains like forests. 
• Attachment points. A good backpack harness should have points to which you can attach external gear like a leash while dog walking or hiking. 
• Durability. Choose a product made with good quality thick fabric held together with sturdy stitching. This is to ensure durability and prevent having to constantly replace damaged bags. 
• Price. Find something that is within your budget but still delivers excellent quality and functionality.