These backpacks for medium dogs can be a great way to give your dog a rest on long walks, get your senior pooch outside sniffing the scents, or carry a puppy who shouldn’t overexert themselves due to growing bones.
All our packs are vet-approved and made so you can get your pup strapped in easily. So, keep reading to find out the best backpack for your medium dog’s body type as well as for your own needs.
No Time? Read Our Quick Picks
Air 2: Lightweight, easy to use, and comfortable, this is K9’s best-known product.
Plus 2: A versatile dog carrier great for day adventures with its extra storage bag.
Knavigate: Durable with in-built comfort and support features, this creme-de-le-creme backpack carrier will keep you both feeling happy on your adventures.
Walk-On: A packable backpack carrier with storage bag and compatible harness. The storage connects to the harness so your dog can tote its carrier around until it’s time to get a lift.
Pick Your Pup's Body Type
Stocky
5 Benefits of backpacks for stocky dogs
Heavier-set dogs can struggle on walks and might need a break every once in a while. Carrying your pooch in a dog backpack is a great way to do this. Here are some benefits of using a pack with your hefty pooch:
1. Your dog gets the right balance of exercise and rest out on a walk.
2. For disabled and senior dogs, the pack allows them to enjoy getting outside without having to walk a step.
3. The pack enables you to take your dog wherever you go without worrying if they can keep up, whether it’s managing difficult terrain, climbing stairs or getting on and off public transport.
4. If you’re in a hurry, simply pack them up and you’re good to go.
5. If your dog is doing an exercise regime to lose weight, backpacks can be a great way to introduce exercise incrementally.
Stocky Dogs Pick 1: Knavigate
Fitted with extra padding and lumbar support straps, this is a brilliant option for your medium-sized stocky dog, not only for their comfort and support but for yours as well.
Best use: Longer, strenuous activities with your dog; for extra support carrying your pooch
Sizes available: XS - XL
Colors available: lunar rock, midnight black
Number of pockets: dual side pockets and zippered hip pockets
Notable features: An internal metal frame, padded shoulder straps, hip belt, bottom storage compartment, dog lumbar support straps, lap belt, safety clip.
The Knavigate is a great backpack for medium, heavier dogs as it is made from durable fabric and holds up to 50 lbs. It’s also a brilliant choice for owners who want to go on long, strenuous hikes or bike rides with their pet or for owners who want extra support carrying their stocky pooch. See below for a detailed look at the Knavigate’s extra comfort and support features.
What you’ll love:
• Durability - this backpack is built to last.
• Extra comfort features - it’s fitted out with a metal frame, padded and adjustable shoulder straps, a padded back panel, a hip belt, and a chest clip to help you support your dog’s weight and distribute it evenly across your body.
• Navigate difficult terrain easily - the internal metal frame keeps the backpack’s load close to your body so you will feel balanced and stable despite carrying your hefty pooch.
• Lots of storage space - the extra-large bottom storage pouch, easy-access hip pockets, and dual side pockets mean you have tons of room for essentials such as food and water as well as toys and treats for your pet.
• Want to go on long hikes and bike rides? This pack allows you to take your dog along on the journey.
• Color choice - choose from 4 different colors.
What your dog will love:
• Back support - dual lumbar straps support your dog’s spine and pull them in closer to your body so they are extra secure.
• Comfort - the padded back panel provides comfort and support as well as neoprene armholesfor your pup’s legs on long journeys.
• An supported uprightposition - angled side-cinch straps keep your dog in the correct position.
• Cool air flow - long mesh side panels will help keep your high-weight pooches cool, particularly on long adventures.
Stocky Dogs Pick 2: Plus 2
A multi-functional storage pack great for longer adventures with your stocky dog.
Best use: Moderate walks, hikes, and bike rides plus public transport.
Sizes available: S - L
Colors available: Jet black, light gray, summer mint, camo blue.
Number of pockets: Mesh dual side pockets plus front pocket on detachable pack
Notable features: Detachable storage pack (14” x 9”), pressure-relieving shoulder straps, adjustable side and back cinch straps, sternum strap with whistle clip, mesh side pockets, ventilated side panels, an adjustable collar enclosure and a wide base.
The Plus 2 is a pack for owners who want to go on medium-difficulty hikes or day adventures with their stocky dog. The extra, detachable storage bag is a real plus here and can be used as a standalone pack when you’re not carrying your pup. The bag provides much-needed back support to both you and your dog.
What you’ll love:
• Versatility - The extra storage bag means you can take along supplies for a day adventure, PLUS it detaches, so you have the option of using it as a pack on its own..
• Extra comfort - the padded back panel and thicker, wider, pressure-relieving shoulder straps are great for carrying your heavier dog, especially on those slightly longer adventures.
• Even weight distribution - the straps and a chest clip keep the weight of your dog, the pack, plus your supplies evenly distributed.
• Adjustable fit - adjust the side and back cinch straps to get the perfect fit on your body.
• Stay hydrated - there's even a spot for a water bladder if you know you'll need extra hydration for the day.
What your dog will love:
• Back support - the extra pack actually acts as a support for your pup’s spine and keeps them nice and snug against you. A padded back panel also provides them with an extra layer of comfort.
• Ventilation - mesh dual side pockets increase the ventilation for your dog on long adventures.
• Security - upper and lower lumbar straps keep your dog feeling supported and extra secured.
• Fur flaps - a fur flap on the zipper is great for long-haired dogs at risk of getting their hair caught!
• Tail room - the wide base accommodates different-sized behinds and tails!
Stocky Dogs Honorable Mention
Conclusion for Stocky Dogs
The Plus 2 is an excellent choice for moderate use and versatility. You have comfort features as well as just enough storage for the day. For even more stability, comfort and support carrying your heavy-set dog, the Knavigate includes the interior metal frame to keep your pup's weight more distributed on your body. The extra comfort features and extra storage pouch on the bottom of the bag make this pack the ideal pack for high-level adventuring. If you’re looking to let your dog roam while having the option to carry it in a pinch or emergency, try the Walk-On, the light and packable carrier and harness your dog can wear on its back until you’re ready to wear it on yours.
No matter which backpack you choose for your medium dog, they’ll give you the opportunity to take your hefty pooch on many adventures.
Proportional Height & Weight Dogs
5 benefits of backpacks for medium, proportional dogs:
Dogs with proportional bodies are likely to be in good shape, but may still need a rest every once in a while, particularly if they are puppies or older dogs. Here are a few benefits to wearing a pack:
1. You can take them on long journeys without worrying about overexertion - particularly useful if they are lower-energy dogs or have shorter legs.
2. If you’re a city-dweller, you can carry your dog safely around the city and on public transport.
3. Young puppies need frequent rests to prevent damage to their growing bodies. A pack is a great way to be outside with them after exercising, particularly if your dog is high-energy and needs a lot of stimulation.
4. If your dog is now a senior, it might be a good time to get a pack if they’re having a harder time getting around.
5. In very cold or hot weather, keep your dog’s paws protected on icy surfaces or hot pavements.
Proportional Height & Weight Pick 1: Walk-On
The Walk-On is an ultra-light but durable, packable backpack that comes with an included storage bag and harness.
Best use: Letting your dog roam, walk, or hike while carrying its own backpack in case of rest, injury, or emergency.
Sizes available: XS - L
Colors available: Anthracite Black, Buttercup Yellow, Sharkskin Gray, Sunset Orange
Number of pockets: 0
Notable features: The backpack includes a sternum strap with whistle clip, lightly padded but wide shoulder strap design to pack down, angled side cinch straps, fully ventilated side panels, an adjustable collar enclosure and a removable base. The storage pack connects to the backpack to serve as lumbar support when the dog is in the carrier. It also connects to the harness so the dog can carry its own gear while roaming on the ground. The harness is made of a breathable, lightweight, and reinforced padded mesh. It has three D-ring connection points to connect a leash and is capable of connecting with both the storage pack as well as the inner backpack to secure your dog inside.
The Walk-On isn’t just a carrier. It is a three part system. Backpack carrier, harness, and storage. There is no other product like it.
What you’ll love:
• Walk or Carry - Take your pup on a walk using the harness and storage bag or give your pup a lift by connecting the harness inside the carrier and putting it on your shoulders.
• Lightweight - It’s made with the lightest rip-stop material to pack down and rest on your dog’s back while still maintaining the strength and durability of our other carriers.
• Comfort and security - The material is lightweight and thin, however the shoulder straps are wide for strength and comfort. This carrier unpacks quickly for any emergency situation. The storage bag buckles to the back of the carrier to provide lumbar support for your dog.
• Color choice - It comes in four colors not available in any other model: Anthracite Black, Buttercup Yellow, Sharkskin Gray, Sunset Orange.
What your dog will love:
• Supported position - side and back cinch straps keep your dog in the correct, upright posture.
• Wide base - the wide base accommodates different-sized pups and their tails. The padded base can be removed for packing as well as cleaning purposes.
• Stay cool - ventilation from top to bottom on both sides of the carrier as well as a harness made with breathable and padded mesh.
Proportional Height & Weight Pick 2: Knavigate
Long-wearing and with extra comfort features, this pack is a great option for very active owners or those looking for extra support carrying their pet.
Best use: Longer, strenuous activities with your dog; for extra support carrying your pooch
Sizes available: XS - XL
Colors available: lunar rock, midnight black
Number of pockets: dual side pockets and zippered hip pockets
Notable features: An internal metal frame, padded shoulder straps, hip belt, bottom storage compartment, dog lumbar support straps, lap belt, safety clip.
The Knavigate’s comfort and support features make it a great choice for owners who want to go on long, strenuous hikes or bike rides with their pet. Check out the features you and your dog will love:
What you’ll love:
• Long-lasting - this backpack is built for heavy use.
• Stability and balance - the interior metal frame gives you all the stability you need to feel safe while adventuring and carrying your supplies and your dog.
• Comfort and support - extra comfort features like the lap belt, chest clip, padded shoulder straps, and padded back ensure you're going to have the most comfortable experience possible carrying your dog’s weight.
• Lots of storage space - the extra-large bottom storage pouch, easy-access hip pockets, and dual side pockets mean you have tons of room for essentials such as food and water as well as toys and treats for your pet.
• Enjoy adventures together - you used to hate leaving your pup behind because you knew they would enjoy your rockin' adventures. Now you don't have to. When the terrain gets too tough or when you need your pup to ride on your back so you can ride on your bike, there's a pack for that!
What your dog will love:
• Security - the dual lumbar straps keep your pup secure while they're riding on your back, even while you travel over tough terrain.
• Comfort - the padded back panel, side ventilation, and neoprene armholes give your pup the comfort they need to ride in style.
• Support - angled side cinch straps keep your dog in the right position, keeping her back supported.
Proportional Dogs Honorable Mentions
Conclusion for Proportional Dogs
The Air 2 is lightweight, has some storage in the side pockets, and provides a bit of extra support for your pup with the dual lumbar straps. It's easy to fold up and store at home or on the go. It’s the perfect pack when you don't need to bring a lot with you and your pup most likely won't be riding on your back for super long periods, but when you need them to, the option is there.
The Knavigate is the mother-of-all-packs for your furry adventure companion. You can pack everything you'll both need for your outings. The interior metal frame provides the needed support for high-level adventurings. Every comfort feature we could think of is included in this pack - padded shoulder straps, padded back, chest clip, lap belt, and side air vents for your pup.
Long Bodied Dogs
5 benefits of backpacks for medium, long-bodied dogs:
1. Help protect your pooch’s long spine. Long-bodied dogs like Beagles and Corgis are at a higher risk of problems such as IVDD (aka slipped disc). Carrying your dog can help prevent injuries or damage from overexertion.
2. You can navigate riskier terrains with your less agile pup secured to you without having to worry about them.
3. Sometimes your dog’s short legs might make it slow-going. If you’re in a rush or on a longer walk, you can simply strap them in and get on the move!
4. If your long-bodied pup is in their senior years and struggles with a lot of movement these days, carrying them outside can still really benefit them by giving them mental and sensory stimulation.
5. Your long-bodied dog probably finds stairs more difficult than dogs with longer legs, right? Wearing a pack around town makes things like getting on and off public transport way easier.
Long-bodied Dogs Pick 1: Plus 2
A multi-functional storage pack great for adventures with your long-bodied dog.
Best use: Moderate walks, hikes, and bike rides plus public transport.
Sizes available: S - L
Colors available: Jet black, light gray, summer mint, camo blue.
Number of pockets: Mesh dual side pockets plus front pocket on detachable pack
Notable features: detachable storage pack (14”x9”), sternum strap with whistle clip, adjustable side and back cinch straps, ventilated side panels, pressure-relieving shoulder straps, mesh side pockets, an adjustable collar enclosure and a wide base.
The Plus 2 is great for owners who want to go on medium-difficulty hikes or day adventures with their long-bodied hound. The extra, detachable storage bag offers versatility plus provides back support for your dog.
What you’ll love:
• Storage and versatility - The detachable extra storage bag provides enough space for a day adventure, plus you have the option to use it as a standalone bag.
• Comfort - the padded back panel is a dream for your back, plus the thick, wide, pressure-relieving shoulder straps and a chest clip keep the weight of the whole pack evenly distributed.
• Adjustable fit - just adjust the side and back cinch straps to get the pack fitted perfectly on your body.
• Stay hydrated - connect your water bladder to the pack and stay hydrated.
• Color choice - four great colors to choose from.
What your dog will love:
• Back support - the extra pack keeps your dog’s long spine supported as they’ll be nice and close to your back. The additional comfort and support of the padded back panel is exactly what your long torso pup needs.
• Security - dual lumbar straps (upper and lower) keeps your pup extra secured and feeling protected.
• Ventilation - mesh dual side pockets increase the ventilation for your dog on long adventures.
Long-bodied Pick 2: Knavigate
Built with extra padding and support features, this is a great option for keeping your long-bodied dog’s spine protected.
Best use: Longer, strenuous activities with your dog; for extra support carrying your pooch
Sizes available: XS - XL
Colors available: lunar rock, midnight black
Number of pockets: dual side pockets and zippered hip pockets
Notable features: An internal metal frame, padded shoulder straps, dog lumbar support straps, hip belt, bottom storage compartment, lap belt, safety clip.
The Knavigate provides great support for dogs with long spines who need extra back support. Its built-in features will help distribute your pup's weight and keep them supported. It’s also a brilliant choice for owners who want to go on long, strenuous hikes or bike rides with their pet.
What you’ll love:
• Durability - a backpack built for long-lasting, hard wear.
• An interior frame - balance and stability on tricky terrain due to the internal metal frame keeping the backpack’s load close to your body.
• Extra comfort - padded and adjustable shoulder straps, a hip belt, and a chest clip keep the bag’s weight evenly distributed.
• Lots of storage - an extra-large bottom storage pouch, hip pockets, and dual side pockets
• No more leaving your dog at home - your pooch can accompany you on long hikes, bike rides, overnight trips, city streets, and more!
What your dog will love:
• Back support - two lumbar straps support your dog’s long spine. These ensure they are pulled in close to your body and extra secured.
• Upright position - angled side-cinch straps that keep your dog’s long spine in a the correct posture..
• Comfort - the padded back panel and neoprene armholes provide comfort for your pet’s legs on long journeys.
• Air flow - long mesh side panels ensure airflow and keep your pup cool.
Long-bodied Honorable Mentions
While we've highlighted the two we think best suit this body type, maybe you're looking for something a bit different. Check out our other models to see if one fits the bill! Refer to the sizing guide to confirm you've chosen the right size for your dog.
Air 2 - more affordable than the Plus 2, this pack has similar features but doesn’t have the detachable storage pack.
Trainer - this light, breathable bag works well for any light activity!
Conclusion for Long-bodied Dogs
The Knavigate is the top-of-the-line dog carrier. The interior metal frame alone really helps support the weight of your long-bodied dog. Add in the lap belt in combination with the sternum clip and you have much better weight distribution than the models without the interior frame. This really is the pack you'll love if you're planning on participating in any strenuous activities with your pup.
If you're looking for a carrier more for shorter nature walks or an afternoon adventure in the city, the Plus 2 gives you what you need! Your pup can walk around with you for a while, and then hop a ride on your back when they need a break. Additionally, the Plus 2 is not quite as bulky to be carrying around on your back when your pup isn't in it when compared to the Knavigate.