Taking your dog hiking and/or biking with you is one of life’s greatest joys. It’s honestly incomparable.
However, long walks can often be exhausting for your dog, even if it’s a big breed with stamina. This is where a pet carrier backpack comes in.
In this article, I’ll attempt to explain how to choose the right dog carrier backpack for dogs weighing 60 lbs or more. I’ll also list the products on the market that cater to the needs of large dogs.
Be warned! Other articles claim to show you the top 8, 9, or more large dog backpacks but in fact very few options exist!!!
There are few brands that make these things and few options out there.
We’ll cover our favorite brand, K9 Sport Sack, below as well as some other emergency options and how to DIY your own backpack if you can’t find something that works.
Note: If you click some of the links in this article we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Table of Contents
Best Dog Carrier Backpacks for Up to 60 lbs
The K9 Air Plus Sport Sack is the best large dog carrier based on our tests.
Here’s a quick table compiling the research of everything we found out there:
Table could not be displayed.Top Pick up to 80 lbs – K9 Sport Sack Kolossus
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The K9 Sport Sack Kolossus comes in a variety of colors and sizes from Extra Small to XX-Large. The latter is sturdy and can carry up to 80 pounds. It’s a combination of comfort, functionality, and durability.
It has plenty of pockets and compartments. There are dual side pockets for easily reachable snacks or GPS. There’s also a removable storage pack with a hydro port for your water bottle.
As for breathability, this bag is made of a padded back panel with proper airflow and provided with side cooling venting zippers. These features ensure better ventilation for your dog and prevent overheating. It also comes with a detachable dog hood to protect your dog from rain or sun.
Moreover, it’s made for your comfort, too. There are shoulder straps and lumbar straps, both of which are built for weight distribution and prevention of back pain or injury. Additionally, the patented Outlast Temperature Regulating Fabric equips the backpack to maintain optimum body temperature.
Pros
- Perfect for older dogs with walking problems or hip dysplasia (source)
- Extra features and storage compartments
- Durable and Sturdy
- Looks good, not some janky cobbled-together option
- Good ventilation
- Comfortable for your shoulders and back
- Outlast temperature-regulating fabric
- Variable sizes and colors
- Weight distribution straps
Cons
- Not particularly comfortable for your dog
- Hard to get the dog to fit inside
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The K9 Sport Sack Knavigate is an excellent option for those looking for a pet backpack that holds up to 50 lbs. It provides additional storage pockets and compartments that make it perfect for older dogs with walking problems.
The temperature-regulating fabric keeps the backpack at an optimum body temperature, while the durable and sturdy construction ensures significant longevity of use.
While this backpack may not be particularly comfortable for your dog, it is easy to put on and take off.
Pros
- Another K9 favorite
- Holds dogs up to 50 lbs
- Padded shoulder straps
- The same extra features, storage compartments, and other great features offered by all K9 Sport Sack products
Cons
- Again, not particularly comfortable for your dog
- Again, hard to get the dog to fit inside but this is true for all dog backpacks
For Short Trips, Stairs, and Emergencies – Coodeo Dog Sling
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The Coodeo Dog Sling is perfect for short trips, stairs, or emergencies. It’s easy to pack as a backup and fits just about any size dog. However, it can be tiring if you have to carry your pup long distances as all the weight is on one side of your body. We recommend this for short trips or when you need a backup plan for your pup.
Overall, the Coodeo Dog Sling is a great tool to have on hand when you are out and about with your pup. It can help make those stairs, emergencies, or short trips much easier and more comfortable for both of you.
Pros
- Easy to pack as a backup
- Can carry just about any size dog
- Easy to get even finicky dogs into
- Can be shared with two people so that two people are sharing the weight of the dog – much easier if you have to go far in an emergency or your dog is super heavy!
Cons
- Does not work for long hikes! We only use this on stairs or to bring along on hiking trips where we expect our dog to make it but then they overheat or something goes wrong and we don’t have far to go to get them back in the car
- All the dog’s weight is on one side of your body
DIY Backpack for Large 60-80 lb Dogs
If one of our top picks above doesn’t work out for you then you can always go with a DIY dog backpack. Thankfully, it isn’t too hard to make and you can customize it so that your pup gets the perfect fit.
Watch a demo of how to make it in this video.
You’ll need 3 items:
- A large external frame backpack (I’ve used and recommend this one) or any frame used by hunters to bring back large game
- A large canvas bag
- Some camping webbing straps
Warning – Even biking with my small 11 lb dog on my back about 10 miles a day eventually destroyed my lower back. Do not carry a 60 lb dog regularly – use a bike trailer or other similar solution. Don’t cause yourself and your pup any serious injury!
How to Choose a Pet Carrier Backpack?
Knowing what exactly to look for is crucial for the shopping process. There are a few features you should consider before purchasing. Here are some of them.
Ventilation
Long hikes mean your dog will spend a lot of time in your backpack carrier. You have to ensure proper air entry and ventilation. You don’t want your dog to get a heat stroke.
Look for bags with mesh front and sides for ideal ventilation. If you live in a cooler climate, bags with mesh ventilation windows can also do.
Comfort
Comfort is indispensable, both for you, as well as for your dog. To avoid back pain, look for backpack carriers with high-quality padded shoulder straps and a ventilated back.
As for your dog, the inside of the backpack should be soft, padded, and breathable. Also, consider whether your dog will be more comfortable with its legs inside or outside.
Durability
A backpack for outdoor activities has to be strong and sturdy, especially if you’re frequently carrying 60 pounds of cuteness inside.
Although incredibly cute, your dog will scratch the lining of your backpack at every chance he gets. This is why you should always invest in a good one, that doesn’t bulge or break down.
Security
The backpack should close securely from the outside, to prevent your dog from falling out and getting injured. Therefore, some backpacks are equipped with a locking device, such as a hook or a carabiner, to attach to the leash.
Additions
Some of the backpacks are provided with additions that often come in handy. Most bags come with pockets in which you can store snacks, wipes, and water bottles.
Some also come with wheels for when you get too tired from carrying your dog around. You can both take a rest by just pulling the backpack.
Ease of Cleaning
It’s important to look for a bag that doesn’t accumulate waste or maintain a bad odor. You should routinely clean your bag by hand washing it with warm water and mild soap or spot cleaning using a brush.
The Verdict
Shopping for a dog carrier backpack is a challenge, let alone one for large dogs. Although the market is saturated with brands, few of them offer bags that carry dogs of 60 pounds or more.
K9 Sport Sack is one of these brands that’s committed to the comfort and safety of you as well as your dog. It delivers on its promises with top-notch quality and functionality.
It’s equipped with all you need in a hiking backpack, including storage pockets and a hydro port. It’s my go-to option.
Another brand that has given attention to large dogs is Coodeo but this is only for dog slings that will help you carry your dog in a pinch. It’s minimalistic and gets the job done. We hope Coodeo eventually branches out into large dog backpacks as well but only time will tell.
My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.
