How To Choose The Best Dog Backpack Carrier For Hiking
By Courtney John
Every person has different interests and hobbies they enjoy doing in their life. Some people have an active lifestyle who loves doing more physical activities, including swimming, jogging, dancing, and hiking. In contrast, other people appreciate doing things with less physical movement, such as painting, singing, or just leisurely reading a book at home.
Whatever you want to do is totally up to you. It could be based on what piques your interest, how you are influenced by others, or who your companion is. Each individual could do their preferred activities alone, with their family, or even with their canine friends.
Who Needs a Dog Carrier Backpack?
The simple answer to that question would be various types of dog owners. This includes pet owners whose dogs are diagnosed with separation anxiety, active dog owners who frequently go hiking or camping with their dogs, and owners whose dogs cannot walk for a long time.
With the use of dog carrier backpacks, owners whose pet dogs are diagnosed with separation anxiety will not be left at home alone again unless necessary. You can take your pets while grocery shopping, when eating outside, on public transport, or even wandering around the town using your motorcycle or bicycle. You will never have to worry about leaving your pets unattended.
If you're an active dog owner who loves hiking and taking long walks with your pet, dog carrier backpacks are the perfect equipment for you. While hiking is a form of exercise that you and your beloved pet can benefit from, making them walk for an extended amount of time is harmful to your dogs. By using the carrier backpacks, you can still go on a hiking or camping trip together.
How to Choose the Right Carrier Backpack for Hiking?
You should be aware of specific key components before purchasing a dog carrier backpack for hiking. Knowing what these factors are, you are ensuring that you will choose the most compatible backpack designed for your dog and the trip's needs.
Here are some simple components you need to consider when picking the best carrier backpack for your dog:
Dog Size
Carrier backpacks are available in various sizes to accommodate different types of dogs, which is why it is crucial to consider the size of your pet. To correctly choose the size of a carrier bag, measure your dog's height and length first.
Start measuring your pet's back from its neck, where the collar is located, then down towards the base of your pet's tail. After that, measure the height of your dog, from the top of their shoulder, then down to the ground. Depending on what type of carrier you plan to buy, except wearable carriers, add a few inches for a little bit of wiggle room.
Certain brands have their own size guidelines, so make use of that as they can be helpful. If they have an online page, read the reviews and from previous customers to determine if the bags are the right size for you or not.
The perfect carrier backpack will allow your pet to quickly turn around their heads and stretch out or curl up when they are lying down. Getting a bag larger than your dog will increase the risk of them falling off the bag while buying smaller carrier bags than your dog may cause them discomfort on your trip.
Dog Weight
After your dog’s size, the next thing to consider is the dog’s weight. Make sure to choose a carrier backpack that can hold the full weight of your dog. You must compare the backpack's maximum weight capacity to the weight of your dog. Make sure to take the dog's current weight, not the weight from 6 months ago.
Durability
Dogs are active animals and sometimes don't stay still for an extended amount of time. They also love to chew everything, which is why it is smart to invest in durable dog carrier backpacks. If you purchase carrier backpacks with a thin mesh and cheap materials, you're waiting for an accident to happen.
Quality materials are used to ensure the sturdiness and durability of the bag. Investing in good quality bags will save you money in the long run because you do not need to purchase another bag every other month.
Durable bags will also hold all your dog's weight, ensuring it is safe to use during your hike.
Breathability
Our furry companions are warm-blooded animals that are prone to get hot quickly. Pay close attention to whether the material used in making the bag is breathable and safe for your pet. When you are hiking, you will usually be under the sun for a long time.
Enough ventilation and constant airflow will ensure that your pets will not suffocate while hiking. Make sure that the pets will not overheat inside the bag by purchasing breathable dog carrier backpacks.
Choose Your Preferred Style
There are different designs to choose from when picking out your dog carrier backpack for hiking. Each of the designs provides certain advantages and disadvantages, which will help you find the best bag depending on your intended activities and comfort.
Closed Carriers
As the name indicates, closed carriers are enclosed bags where you can't see anybody part hanging from the bag. They are versatile carriers that can be used in various activities, not only for hiking. You can use this carrier when grocery shopping, using public transit, using a bicycle, and even a flight cabin.
Heads Out Carriers
This type of carrier has a closed bottom but allows your pet's head to be outside. There is a hole on the top of the bag where your dog can poke its head through. There is little chance of overheating and suffocation with this type of carrier.
Leg Free Carriers
Leg free carriers allow your dogs to be carried around like a baby. You are putting your pet in some harness where the legs are hanging out. While your dogs will look adorable in these carriers, pay more attention to their comfort.
Takeaway
Dog carrier backpacks are an essential item you must have to accommodate your beloved pet's needs going outside, especially if you have an active lifestyle and enjoy bonding together by hiking and camping.
You could choose many options when buying dog carrier backpacks, but you should always consider the factors mentioned above before purchasing. Ensuring that you purchase the correct dog carrier backpack for hiking will save you money and improve your pet's safety when you hike.
Author’s Bio
Courtney John is a freelance writer for animal and pet care for over a decade now. She is also a volunteer dedicated to animal rescue and welfare, working for different organizations all over town. She lives with her two adopted cats and rescue dog.
