There’s a particular kind of humiliation that comes from being out-hiked by your own dog while you’re sweating through a backpack full of his water, his treats, and his poop bags. Meanwhile, he’s trotting along carefree, tongue out, not carrying a single thing.
That ends today.
I started looking into dog backpacks after a camping trip where I carried 15 extra pounds of dog gear up a mountain. My dog, meanwhile, jogged ahead like he was on a casual morning stroll. Something about that felt deeply unfair. So I went down the rabbit hole and landed on the Ruffwear Front Range Day Pack — a purpose-built hiking backpack for dogs that costs around $65 and has the build quality of actual human outdoor gear.
Ruffwear isn’t some random Amazon brand cranking out cheap nylon bags. They’re basically the Arc’teryx of dog gear — based in Oregon, obsessed with quality, and priced accordingly. The Front Range Day Pack is their lightweight day-hike option, and honestly, it looks better constructed than half the backpacks I own.
Pros
- Actually fits well. Five-point adjustment means it stays put without shifting around. My dog didn’t do the “walking weird” thing I expected.
- Reflective trim + padded handle. The handle on top is clutch for helping your dog over rocks or logs. The reflective bits are great if you’re out past sunset.
- Enough storage for a day hike. Two saddlebags with internal mesh pockets — fits water, treats, poop bags, a collapsible bowl, and still has room.
- Three leash attachment points. You can clip a leash directly to the pack instead of needing a separate harness. Smart.
Cons
- Pricey for what it is. At $65, you’re paying for the Ruffwear name. There are $20 alternatives that… exist. They’re just worse in every way.
- Not for tiny dogs. If your dog is under 20 pounds, this is overkill. My friend’s French Bulldog looked absolutely ridiculous in it (but also kind of majestic, so maybe that’s a wash).
- Loading takes practice. You need to balance weight evenly on both sides, or your dog will list sideways like a tipsy sailor. There’s an art to it.
Who This Is For (And Who It’s NOT)
Get this if: You hike with your dog regularly and are tired of being a pack mule. Your dog is at least 30 pounds and reasonably fit. You want gear that will last longer than one season.
Skip this if: Your “hike” is a 15-minute walk around the block. Your dog is the size of a guinea pig. You’re not prepared to hear “your dog has a backpack?!” from every single person on the trail. (Strangers WILL comment. Prepare yourself.)
Also, if your dog has joint issues or is a senior, talk to your vet before loading them up. A loaded backpack adds stress, and not every dog should be carrying extra weight — even if it’s just water and treats.
Speaking of outdoor adventures with dogs, we also tested the Ruffwear Float Coat dog life jacket last summer and it held up beautifully. Ruffwear consistently makes gear that survives real trails, not just Instagram photos.
The Verdict
Look, I was skeptical. Putting a backpack on a dog feels like one of those things that looks ridiculous but solves nothing. Turns out it actually works — my dog carried his own water, treats, and waste bags for a solid 4-hour hike without any issues. The pack didn’t shift, he didn’t seem bothered, and I had significantly less weight on my own back.
Is it necessary? No. Your dog won’t die without a backpack. But if you spend real time on trails together, having your dog pull their own weight (literally) makes the whole experience better for both of you. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about watching your golden retriever trot along the trail with saddlebags like a tiny, furry pack mule.
Grab yours on Amazon — and try not to take too many photos of your dog wearing it. (You will fail at this.)
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up