The Best Tactical Dog Backpack for 2021

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Dogs are often used in service industries, and they are handy companions for the military or police. They are often used for hunting or for sniffing out drugs at airports. Most of the dogs in these industries are trained to wear tactical backpacks so they can carry supplies like food, water, or medical kits.

But it’s not just service dogs that can wear a backpack. Any dog can carry a backpack but make sure you get the right fit for your pooch. A good tactical dog backpack is ideal for dogs that go along on camping trips or hiking expeditions because you can store all the accessories your dog needs for the trip.

With necessities like food and water, your beloved furry friend will always stay healthy and full of energy on your trips.

Tactical Dog Backpack: Our Top Picks

There are many different types of dog backpacks available on the market. In this guide, we’re going to take a look at a few tactical backpacks. These bags differ a little from ordinary dog bags because they offer a firm fit so dogs can run, climb, and jump without feeling restricted or off-balance.

Here is a quick look at some of our favorite options for a tactical dog backpack.

1.Overall Best – OneTigris Dog Backpack With Saddlebags

This backpack by OneTigris is one of the most popular backpacks on the market. It is also our top pick for medium to large dogs because the design is perfect for storing a lot of items.

The backpack is available in three different colors and is made from durable cotton canvas.

We are not too fond of the plastic buckles because they lack durability, but these buckles do make it very easy to strap the backpack onto your dog. You can also adjust the fit of the backpack since the neck and belly straps adjust easily.

This is a good bag for tactical expeditions because it features two large side compartments with zip closures and two envelope compartments. These bags are easy to access and it’s pretty easy to keep the weight even.

Specifications:

Weight – 1.37 Pounds
Sizes – M and L
Color – Black, brown, and green
Main Materials – Cotton canvas
Closure Type – Buckles with zippers on pouches
Adjustability – Neck and belly straps
Compartments – Two main side compartments plus D-ring loops

Pros

Storage pockets are nice and large
Easy access zippers
Storage pockets have an envelope pouch on each side
Top handle gives you a good grip on your dog
Neck and belly strap adjust so you can get a nice and snug fit for your dog
2 D-rings for attaching your leash or other accessories
Backpack is easy to fill to maintain balance

Cons

Not available for extra large dogs
Fabric might be challenging to keep clean
Some pet owners feel the chest strap is a bit snug

2. Runner Up – Pet Artist Tactical Dog Harness

This product by Pet Artist is a close second option for pet owners who love to take their furry friends hiking. This backpack has lots of hook loops where you can attach accessories like a collapsible water bowl or a water bottle.

The pack is available in three different neutral colors. You can also get it in three different sizes including bags for large dog breeds.

The pack doesn’t have compartments attached to it. Instead, you can add loose bags to the velcro or loops. This gives you good flexibility and makes it possible to keep your dog’s carry weight down to a bare minimum.

The only downside is that it might be challenging to distribute weight evenly if you are only attaching one bag. The set includes a pouch, tool pouch, and an EMT bag but you can add lots of other bags if you prefer.

Specifications:

Weight – 2.05 Pounds
Sizes – M, L, and XL
Dog breeds – Medium (beagle, poodle) to Extra large (Golden retriever, labrador)
Color – Black, coyote brown, or green
Main Materials – Nylon
Closure Type – Metal buckles
Adjustability – 4 Adjustment positions to extend the neck, chest, belly, and back
Compartments – 1 Waist pouch, 1 tool pouch, and 1 EMT bag
Waterproofing – Breathable wear

Pros

Available in three different sizes
Available in different colors
Metal buckles are very strong and will hold up over time
Backpack adjusts around the waist, neck, and chest
Fabric is breathable so dogs can stay comfortable
Comes with various pouches and bags
Hoops and loops allow you to connect other accessories
Hoops on both sides makes it easy to hold onto your dog
Convenient fold-up design

Cons

Bag isn’t ideal for even weight distribution
Hard pulling dogs can break free

3. Great Alternative Bag – Winsee Tactical Dog Backpack

The bag by Winsee is a lot like the bag by Pet Artist because you can add or remove small loose pouches as you please. It is ideal for hikers who want full control over the weight they add to their dogs.

The vest has many hooks and velcro where you can attach loose accessory bags or items like a water bottle. It is adjustable at the neck, chest, and belly and it’s available in three different sizes and three different colors.

The vest comes with three removable pouches. One pack is rather large and the other two packs are smaller for storing loose items you might need for your hike.

Specifications:

Weight – 2.26 Pounds
Sizes – M, L, and XL
Dog breeds – Dogs from 35 up to 140 pounds
Color – Black, brown, and light brown
Main Materials – Nylon and plastic
Closure Type – Plastic snap buckle
Adjustability – Adjusts around the neck, chest, and belly
Compartments – 2.2-pound removable bag on each side with hook strips for other accessories

Pros

Available in many different sizes
Suitable for a wide variety of dog breeds
Neck, chest, and belly are adjustable
Quick-release buttons allow you to easily get it off
Has a lot of hoops and velcro strips where you can attach other accessories
Nylon control handle gives you more control over your pet
Harness is very strong
Dogs look very comfortable while wearing the harness
Doesn’t cause pain

Cons

Vest might not be strong enough for hard pullers
Saddlebags can be a bit bulky
Harness can be tough to tighten

4. Most Stylish Backpack – OneTigris Dog Backpack

We love the look of the OneTigris dog backpack. This backpack looks very neat, you can get it in three different colors, and it’s available for medium or large dogs.

The bag has two large 3-liter pouches. These pouches also come with loop panels where you can store other accessories. It’s pretty easy to put on this backpack since it has buckles and a loop belly strap.

The vest can adjust around the neck and chest so you can get a snug and firm fit for your beloved pet. It’s very simple to attach the leash strap but some buyers do feel the strap is positioned a bit too far back.

An additional collar might be useful if your dog is a hard puller.

Specifications:

Weight – 1.32 Pounds
Sizes – M and L
Dog breeds – Medium to large
Color – Black, coyote brown, and ranger green
Main Materials – 1000D Nylon
Closure Type – Buckle, hook-and-loop belly strap, and zipper
Adjustability – Adjusts around the neck and chest
Compartments – Two large 3L pouches at the sides with loop panels for carrying accessories plus umbrella pockets

Pros

Very stylish backpack
Natural colors are ideal for hunting expeditions
Can add weight evenly since it has the same size pockets on each side
Umbrella pockets are ideal for storing other loose items
Can hook other items onto the loops
Bag is nice and light
Adjusts well so you can get a snug fit for your dog
Ideal for medium to large dogs

Cons

Not available in other sizes
Leash strap is a bit far back to offer good leash support
Bags are not waterproof
Back clip is made of plastic

5. Best for Enhanced Visibility – Outward Hound Dog Daypack

The bag by Outward has a sporty design. It is often chosen for the bright colors that make it easy to spot your dog from a distance or at night. The bright colors will also enhance visibility for drivers if you take your dog along on roadside jogs.

The vest is very breathable because it has lots of mesh and thin straps. The straps are easy to adjust and make it possible to fit the vest on bigger dogs.

The vest has 4 storage pockets. Two of these pockets have zippers to keep items sealed and the other two are open so you can easily drop items into the pocket.

It is not made of the sturdiest materials but the bag is ideal for hiking on hot summer days or for taking your dog along when you go jogging.

Specifications:

Weight – 12.64 Ounces
Sizes – S, M, L, and XL
Color – Brown, green, or blue
Main Materials – Nylon
Closure Type – Buckle closure with zipping pockets
Adjustability – Around neck, chest, tummy, and area between neck and chest
Compartments – 4 Storage pockets
Waterproofing – Not waterproof

Pros

Bright colors are ideal for enhancing visibility
Can choose from various colors
Backpack is available in various sizes
Zipper pockets are nice and large
Small storage pockets to the side of your main compartments perfect for small items
Daypack has lots of straps that can be adjusted
Handle at the back gives you good control over your dog if you need him to stay or sit
Easy to put the backpack or leash on
Dogs find it comfortable to wear

Cons

Materials are not extremely durable
Pockets are not waterproof
Might come loose if you have a hard pulling dog

What Is a Safe Weight for My Dog to Carry?

It is very important not to overload your dog. Backpacks are usually pretty light but the stuff you add to them can be quite heavy. Too much weight can tire your dog out too soon and might eventually cause shoulder and joint problems.

As a rule of thumb, dogs shouldn’t carry more than 25% of their own body weight. Dogs with lower energy levels or older dogs might even have a tough time carrying 25% so be extra careful. Keep an eye on your dog to make sure it doesn’t get too worn out by the weight of the bag.

If your dog is wearing a backpack for the first time, then you should start with 10 – 12% of their body weight and gradually increase this weight as your dog grows stronger or becomes more fit. As it gets stronger, you can start adding weight incrementally until you reach 25%. Don’t rush this process or your dog will start to hate the pack.

It’s also very important to distribute the weight evenly inside the backpack. If you add too much weight to one pocket, your dog will feel off-balanced and it can cause spinal problems. This is true even with light loads. Do your best to distribute the weight evenly, no matter how light it is.

Final Thoughts

All of these backpacks can be very handy if you often take your dog hiking. They all feature lots of space where you can store all sorts of accessories like water bottles, pet treats, poop bags, or water bowls.

We do hope this guide can help you find a great tactical dog backpack for your doggo and would love to hear what you thought about these backpacks. Feel free to comment or share your experience with these backpacks.

And if you are also in the market for other quality doggy tools, then we welcome you to have a look at some of our other guides.