If you have a passion for backpacking and a dog, having the chance to take your pup on a backpacking trip is a special experience. It’s no secret that dogs love the outdoors, say the word walk around any dog and sit back and watch their reaction. Those 4 letters bring out a level of joy and excitement in your furry companion that put a smile on anyone’s face.
But where’s your dog going to sleep? There are specific dog beds that are designed to be lightweight, comfortable, and durable. Packing the dog bed from home, in most cases, isn’t a realistic option. That’s where a backpacking dog beds come into play.
Finding
Best backpacking dog bed reviews
Backpacking dog beds are a comfortable way for your dog to get some rest on the trail. Here’s our picks of the best backpacking dog beds for you and your furry companions next adventure.
Chuckit! Travel Dog Bed
The Chuckit Travel Dog Bed is a one of the highest rated dog beds out there, in large part to it’s size and weight. This is a “one size fits most” dog bed, coming in 30 x 39 inches. The wide size and long length mean that it is a perfect fit for small, medium, and large dogs.
It is made with durability and comfort in mind. The bottom of the bed is made of durable, waterproof ripstop nylon that’s made to withstand the rugged nature of trail life. The top of the bed uses double offset quilting with a poly-suede top which provides a comfortable surface for your pup. It’s a completely machine washable bed that fits into a standard size washing machine without shrinking or damaging the integrity of the bed.
Pros:
- Comes with a nylon stuff sack
- One size fits all (most)
- Waterproof, ripstop nylon bottom
Cons:
- Only one side is waterproof
- Nylon side of the bed is noisy
- Similar to a sleeping bag in packed size
- Portable Pet Bed: This travel dog bed has a double offset soft to touch quilted quality construction; Measuring 30 x 39 inches, a poly-suede makes the top, and the ripstop on the bottom adds durability
- Travel Ready: A must have with your best friend on the go, this outdoor bed fits most dogs and is perfect for camping, RV, going to the beach, or to keep it in the car; Machine washable and breathable for quick dry-out
- Go Fetch: Chuckit Performance toys are designed with you and your dog in mind; Try our full range of interactive indoor and outdoor dog toys including tumblers, flyers, fetch toys, chew toys and more
- Chuckit Fetch Toys: Chuckit makes toys that enrich the human animal bond and helps dogs and puppies stay engaged; Try our full line of ball launchers, bouncy balls, frisbees, indoor dog toys, glow toys and more
Ruffwear Highlands Backpacking Dog Bed
The Ruffwear Highlands Backpacking Dog Bed is a made for hiking, camping, and backpacking. It has a durable and water resistant shell that’s quick drying and made to handle sticks, rocks, and other debris found on the trail. It only comes in one size, however, at 35 x 26 inches it will fit most dogs comfortably.
The bed is made out of Synthetic, high-loft Thermore insulation that uses 50% recycled materials. The Polyester shell can withstand the elements and proved an insulation layer to keep your dog warm. It comes with 4 stake loop for securing it to the ground or hanging it to dry.
Overall, this bed weighs just under a pound, coming in at 12.7 ounces. It includes a stuff sack that rolls up into 12 x 4 inches and the combined weight is 14 ounces. The packed size and weight of this backpacking dog bed are what make this model shine.
Pros:
- 12.7 ounces
- Comes with a stuff sack
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Material is 1 inch thick
- High price point
- Bunches up when moved around
- MADE FOR ADVENTURE: The Highlands Bed is a packable, durable dog bed made for comfort and insulation on the trail. Don't let the cold keep you and your pup inside!
- STAY WARM: The lightweight synthetic insulation provides warmth and protection from hard, cold surfaces. The Highlands Bed can be used on its own or combined with Ruffwear's Highlands Pad (sold separately) for extra warmth.
- THE RIGHT FIT: Laid out flat, the Highlands Bed measures 35 x 26 in with a 1 in loft. Packed in its stuff sack, it measures 12 x 4 in. It weighs 12.7 oz.
- GEAR UP AND GO: The Highlands Bed compresses down and can be stashed away in the included stuff sack. Spend less time packing your gear and more time exploring.
Lightspeed Outdoors Dog Bed
Lightspeed Outdoors Travel bed is a 42 inch by 32 inch inflatable dog bed. It’s a little different than the other backpacking dog beds in that it comes with 3 parts. The top layer is made of a soft and thick fleece material that is easily removed for cleaning. The lower portion is a durable polyester mattress that’s both puncture and water resistant.
The lower mattress is self inflating, you simply twist open the nozzle and let air in. The fleece portion of the dog bed is machine washable and there are 3 color options to choose from.
This dog bed doesn’t come with a stuff sack and rolls up when not in use. The rolled size is fairly large, so this isn’t going to work on
Pros:
- Self inflating lower mattress
- Multiple color options
- Durable, soft, and thick fleece blanket
Cons:
- Large packed size
- Lower portion isn’t machine washable
- Heavy (3.7 pounds)
- Open size 42" X 32" X 2"; rolled size 32" X 6"; weight 3. 6 lbs.
- 1. 5" Inner foam mattress self inflates with a twist of a nozzle; adjustments can be made by blowing air in or pushing air out
- Machine washable puncture resistant and water resistant bottom and sides protect the bed from rough surfaces while the fleece top keeps your furry friend comfortable
- Built in nylon Buckle straps for easy storage and transport
Petmaker Roll Up Travel Portable Dog Bed
The
The bed has memory foam sections that keep it from shifting, sagging, and bunching up in the middle of the night. It rolls up into a size of about 8 inches around and 24 inches in length. There is a convenient carry handle, as well as, hook and loop fasteners for hanging it out to dry.
Pros:
- Interlocking memory foam baffles
- Carrying handle included
- Canvas bottom is easy to clean off
Cons:
- Large packed size
- Requires hand washing
- Inconsistent stuffing
- TRAVEL BED FOR DOGS – Ensure your four-legged friend has a cozy place to rest wherever they are. This dog travel mat is perfect for home, travel, hotels, cars, and is the ideal accessory for your dog camping gear.
- MEMORY FOAM PET BED – This padded dog mat is made of interlocking memory foam baffles that keep the foam from shifting, sagging, or compressing offering the perfect combination of comfort and support for pets of all ages and sizes.
- 2-SIDED COMFORT – The dog travel bed has faux fur on one side that keeps your pet warm and cozy, and durable canvas on the opposite side that is easy to clean and helps keep the outside dog bed lasting longer.
- EXTREMELY PORTABLE – The travel bed for dogs is also equipped with hook and loop fasteners and a convenient carry handle that makes it easy to roll up and carry away so you can take your furry friend along for the ride.
Ruffwear Highlands Sleeping Bag for Dogs
This backpacking dog bed works double duty, it’s a dog bed and a sleeping bag at the same time. The Highlands dog bed measures 35 x 36 inches and comes with a 1-inch loft. Once you pack it away in the included stuff sack, the overall packed size is 12 x 4 inches.
The bag unzips about 3/4 of the way around the bed and allows you to tuck your dog in to keep them warm at night. It also comes with ties that can be staked down to keep the bed from moving around and bunching up.
The insulation in the bedding is a lightweight synthetic material that retains heat and adds a layer of cushioning from the earth beneath it. The polyester fabric shell is quick-drying, water-resistant, and machine washable. The landing pad fits into a sleeve that’s on the bottom of the bag and is held in place with a small piece of velcro.
Pros:
- Sleeping bag and dog bed combo
- Small packed size
- Durable material
Cons:
- Doesn’t fit large dogs
- Only one size
- High price poin
- MADE FOR ADVENTURE: The Highlands Sleeping Bag is a packable, durable sleeping bag for comfort and insulation on the trail. Don't let the cold keep you and your pup inside!
- STAY WARM: The lightweight synthetic insulation provides warmth and protection from hard, cold surfaces. The side zipper opens the bag wide for easy entry and zips shut to retain heat.
- THE RIGHT FIT: Laid out flat, the Highlands Bed measures 35 x 26 in with a 1 in loft. Packed in its stuff sack, it measures 12 x 4 in. It weighs 12.7 oz.
- GEAR UP AND GO: The Highlands Bed compresses down and can be stashed away in the included stuff sack. Spend less time packing your gear and more time exploring.
Tips for backpacking with your dog
Backpacking with your dog is something only that dog owners can truly appreciate. You get the opportunity to spend quality time with your pup and they get to do what they love the most, run without walls or fences.
1. Check the local regulatoins
Unfortunately, not all trails are dog friendly and most National Parks don’t even allow dogs on leashes. National forests and local parks are more lenient and allow dogs, however, every park is different.
2. Visit the vet
This is especially important if you have a young dog. You want to be sure that your dog has all the proper vaccinations and is physically able to handle a long backpacking trip. Younger dogs may not be able to handle a multi-day hike or long distance backpacking trip.
3. Be prepared to carry more gear
Backpacking and weight go together like vodka and milk, in other words, weight is not your friend. If you’ve decided to take your pup, plan on taking on extra weight in the form of gear, food, and a bed. Cutting pack weight is always the ultimate goal, but with your
4. Be aware of wildlife dangers
Being aware of your surroundings is something that we do anytime we backpack and with a dog you need to be even more vigilant. In nature there is other wildlife that your dog isn’t used to being around, some are dangerous some are not. Be aware of the wildlife dangers in the area that your backpacking.
5. Sanitize your water
As backpackers, we are accustomed to cleaning our water as we go. Dogs are susceptible to some of the same waterborne pathogens as humans so it’s important to treat the water for you and your dog.
6. Keep an eye on the heat
Dogs don’t dissipate heat the same way as humans, they can only pant and sweat through their paw pads. If your dog is looking for shade and lying down, that’s a clear sign the they need a little break.
7. Watch for wild plants
When a dogs stomach hurts it’s common for them to chew on some grass or leaves to make their stomach feel better. In the wilderness there are plants that can make your dog sick, so it’s best to try and keep them from eating plants. This obviously isn’t always possible, however, it’s good to be aware of what they’re chewing on.
Conclusion
The joy and happiness that a dog can bring you each and everyday is like nothing else in this world. They make you laugh, smile, and are excited to see you no matter what time you get home. It’s natural to want to share the experience of backpacking with your dog, the adventure and freedom of the trail is an experience that’s in their DNA.
Sure, you have to carry more gear, but the juice is definitely worth the squeeze. Finding the best backpacking dog beg gives your pup a comfortable place to sleep on the trail that is all theirs, no sharing your sleeping bag.
