The Red Paw Packs Ultralight Dog Backpack is the lightest full-featured dog pack on the market. At just 9.4 oz (Small), 11.4 oz (Medium), and 12.9 oz (Large), it weighs a fraction of what major brands like Ruffwear or Mountainsmith offer — without sacrificing durability or features. Handmade in Colorado from UltraGrid UHMWPE-reinforced fabric, this pack is built for thru-hikes and beyond.
Why Your Dog Needs an Ultralight Backpack
The story of Red Paw Packs and the ultralight dog backpack started 7 years ago in my college apartment. I had just been introduced to wilderness backpacking through a program at Florida State University, and I instantly fell in love. A few trips later, my golden retriever Lucy entered the picture — and I had a new question: “what am I supposed to pack for my dog and how can she carry it?”
After building a backpack for myself as my first “real” sewing project, I realized my dog needed one too. So I built her a really simple dog backpack with a small roll top bag on each side. It flopped around, barely held much, and got soaked when she swam in creeks — but she wore it and never complained for over 100 miles of hiking.
After years of field testing and many miles hiked across Colorado, Wyoming, and beyond, I finally created the one pack for your dog that they will not mind wearing. It is so lightweight they will not even notice it is there.
Weight Comparison: Red Paw Packs vs Other Dog Backpacks
Most dog backpacks on the market weigh between 1-2 lbs. The Red Paw Packs Ultralight Dog Backpack weighs under 13 oz in every size. Here is how it compares:
| Dog Backpack | Weight (Medium) | Price | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Paw Packs Ultralight | 11.4 oz | $219 | UltraGrid UHMWPE |
| Ruffwear Approach | ~22 oz | $100 | 420D nylon ripstop |
| Mountainsmith K-9 | ~24 oz | $85 | Recycled polyester |
| Non-stop Dogwear Trail Light | ~14 oz | $130 | Hexivent mesh |
| Ultimate Direction Dog Vest | ~8 oz | $80 | Nylon ripstop (minimal capacity) |
The Red Paw Packs dog backpack offers the best weight-to-capacity ratio of any dog pack on the market. While the Ultimate Direction Dog Vest is lighter, it is a minimal running vest with very limited carrying capacity. The Red Paw Packs dog backpack is a full-featured saddlebag design with 4-8L of capacity depending on size.
How Much Weight Can My Dog Carry?
A good rule of thumb is for your dog to carry no more than 15% of their total body weight on a backpacking trip. For a 50 lb dog, that means a maximum pack weight of 7.5 lbs — plenty for their food, a collapsible bowl, and waste bags. With the Red Paw Packs dog backpack weighing just 11.4 oz (Medium), you are spending less than 5% of that weight budget on the pack itself.
Key Features
- UltraGrid UHMWPE fabric — Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene reinforced fabric that is lightweight, abrasion-resistant, and durable enough for thru-hiking
- Adjustable harness system — Fits a range of dog breeds within each size category
- Saddlebag pockets — Balanced weight distribution so your dog walks naturally
- Top Leash Pocket — Stretchy pocket to stow a leash when off-leash, pull it out instantly when needed
- Breathable design — Mesh panels keep your dog cool on warm trail days
- Three sizes — Small (9.4 oz, ~4L), Medium (11.4 oz, ~6L), Large (12.9 oz, ~8L)
What to Pack in Your Dog Backpack
Here is what I typically pack for Lucy on a multi-day backpacking trip:
- 1-2 days of dog food in a ziplock bag
- Collapsible dog bowl (our Ultralight DCF Dog Bowl weighs just 0.2 oz)
- Waste bags
- A small Ultralight Dog Quilt (5 oz) for cold nights
- Any medication your dog needs
Sizing Guide
Measure your dog’s girth (the widest part of their ribcage) to determine the right size:
- Small — 22-27 inch girth
- Medium — 27-32 inch girth
- Large — 32-42 inch girth
When in doubt, contact me with your dog’s breed, weight, and girth measurement and I will help you pick the right size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the dog backpack waterproof?
The UltraGrid fabric is highly water-resistant but not fully waterproof. For creek crossings and rain, your dog’s gear will stay mostly dry. For extended rain, consider putting items in a small ziplock bag inside the pack.
Can puppies wear the dog backpack?
I recommend waiting until your dog is fully grown (typically 12-18 months depending on breed) before having them carry weight. You can let them wear the empty pack on shorter hikes to get used to the feeling.
How do I wash the dog backpack?
Hand wash with mild soap and lukewarm water. Hang to dry. Do not machine wash or use harsh detergents — they can degrade the UltraGrid fabric over time.
One thing I learned hiking and backpacking with Lucy is that your dog needs to travel light — just like you. I hope you find this lightweight backpack for dogs as revolutionary to your backpacking experience as I did.
— Matt Evans, Red Paw Packs
Last updated: May 2026