Review: Outward Hound Daypak Dog Backpack (2018)

If you're looking for a dog backpack, you're likely planning an adventure with your pup. If, like me, you often take your dog hiking and exploring, your dog has probably tried many different packs over the years. Have you been searching for a lightweight, comfortable option? The Outward Hound Daypak may be right for your Fido.

When you're out and about with your dog, it's important to bring along the right supplies. Your dog will definitely need water and a bowl to drink from. If you're going to be spending most of the day away from home, he'll also need some food and treats to keep his energy up.

Let's not forget about the toys, leash, collar, bug spray, and all the other supplies that you may want to bring along for your pet. All of this stuff will make your pack a lot heavier, so why not let Fido carry his own belongings?

A dog backpack like the Outward Hound Daypak will fit your pet the same way a harness does, securing around your dog's neck and chest. Some designs offer a pack that fits on top of your dog's back, like a traditional backpack for humans. Others, like the Outward Hound Daypak, have saddlebags that hang on either side of the harness.

The saddlebag design is more comfortable for your dog, and disperses the weight off of your dog's back. As long as you ensure the weight in both bags is fairly even and the total weight is proportionate to your dog's size, it shouldn't bother him at all to carry his own supplies.

Your dog should NEVER carry more than 25% of his body weight in his pack. For our 75-pound Labrador, Saddie, that means she can't carry any more than 18 pounds in her pack. Of course, age, weight and health condition will be factors in this decision.

Senior dogs, overweight dogs and dogs that are not in top health, may only be able to carry 10-15% of their body weight. For Saddie, that would be just 7-11 pounds. The best advice that I can give you is to check with your veterinarian to be sure that your dog is in a good condition to carry a backpack.

RELATED: Dog Hiking Gear Guide – 13 Items You Need for Hiking with Dogs

Outward Hound Daypak Dog Backpack Review

As you can see in the photo above, the Outward Hound Daypak fits Saddie very well. It's a very lightweight pack, which is must for me when shopping for a doggy backpack. The breathable mesh material and nylon fabric don't weigh a lot, and they keep your dog from getting too hot on your adventure.

In the photo above, you can see the traffic handle that sits in the middle of your dog's back. This is another must for me. Saddie is very well behaved and stays right next to me when walking or hiking, but you never know what may be coming up around the next bend in the trail.

Whether you choose the Outward Hound Daypak or another backpack for dogs, it's important to choose one with a traffic handle. If another hiker approaches or your dog sees something enticing (like a squirrel or bird), you can quickly grab the handle to ensure he stays right next to you where he belongs.

This pack features 4 adjustment points to allow you to get the best fit. It's also available in 3 sizes:

There are specific measuring instructions on the Outward Hound website. It's important that you measure for a dog backpack and find one that fits properly. A pack that is too tight could cause chaffing and irritation. A backpack that is too loose will shift around, not keeping the weight of its contents in the proper place. This could lead to serious strain on your dog's back, resulting in permanent damage.

The Outward Hound Daypak also features reflective piping, which will keep Fido seen if you're walking early in the morning or in the evening. There is a D-ring on the back of the pack to secure a leash, as well.

Now, let's talk about the capacity. There are 4 expandable pockets, which you can see in my video review above. There is plenty of room for all of your dog's belongings in this back. Of course, I do have the ‘Large' size, so I'm not sure if the smallest size will be able to fit a full size water bottle or collapsible bowl.

I do wish there was more padding in the chest area. Saddie is comfortable while wearing the Outward Hound Daypak, but I feel better when she's in a harness with a padded chest plate. As you can see in the photo on the right, this one only has nylon straps around the chest.

You can purchase the Outward Hound Daypak on Amazon. It is available in blue or green, and the price depends on the color and size that you choose. Prices range from $16.89 to $45.65 at the time of this review.

It's very fairly priced, and is comparable to other dog backpacks of the same quality. I think the Outward Hound Daypak offers a great value for the money. It's comfortable and lightweight, plus it serves its purpose very well. There is plenty of room for all your dog's supplies, and it fits well. I think it would be more comfortable with a little more padding around the chest, but all-in-all it's a great product.

READ NEXT: Top 5 Best Dog Backpacks and Saddle Bags