A dog backpack is not the same as a dog bag carrier. The first one is something dogs wear, while the second is something you use to move your dog around. If the former is what you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we review the Outward Hound Daypak Dog Backpack.
Outward Hound appears to be a really popular brand in the pet industry. From what we were able to find about Outward Hound, the company has a vision to build a formidable company, create trendy products, and be an industry leader in the world of dog and cat supplies.
PS: We think it’s super cute that Outward Hound encourages its customers to reach out through its “Chief Woof Officer”. Corny, yeah? But actually kinda cute too. Lol.
Table of Contents
Who Can Wear The Outward Hound Daypak Dog Backpack?
Different dogs can wear this dog backpack, the only thing different might just be the way each one using it. Hounds might prefer to use this for hunting trips, while sporting breeds will use it to get more out of their workout.
However, there are a few types of dogs that we do not recommend backpacks for, not just this one in particular, but every backpack.
Is he sick or maybe he just underwent surgery? Is he a small dog? Then this might be too burdensome for him.
Finally, is there a size available for him? Don’t choose a size that’s too big it drags, or too small it’s too tight. If there is no size that fits your pooch’s size, he cannot wear this backpack. You’ll find out more about the sizes available in the features.
Features Of The Outward Hound Daypak Dog Backpack
1. Material
The bulk of this dog backpack is made with mesh material. the other parts, mostly the covering of the pouches/pockets are made with another material (name withheld by manufacturers). The insides of the pouches/pockets are also made with mesh.
What is mesh?
Basically, “mesh” is polyester fabric. The only difference is that mesh is net-like. In other words, you can say that mesh is polyester that has been perforated to the point that it’s a net.
Why mesh?
Well, mesh is a really breathable material, so it makes this backpack usable even on a hot summer day. If you ever need to walk your dog during the summer, say you guys go hiking or something, this works. There’s no fear of overheating and your canine will definitely be alright.
Now although we have seen the benefits of mesh, it can always backfire… Especially when the temperatures drop.
If you prefer the snowy mountains to the wilderness, this is not good at all. In sub-zero climates, your dog needs an extra layer to keep him warm. This backpack will not provide that extra-layer, rather, it’ll let the chilly wind hit his spine.
You need to determine what you want to use this for before getting it. Want to use it when it’s hot? Fine. Want to use it when it’s cold? Bad.
Another thing to consider is rainfall. How often does it rain where you live? If you’re caught by the rain, this backpack will do nothing to protect your dog or the contents inside the bag. Get something else.
2. Design
This Backpack has two pouches on each side. These pouches are set-up like this to create balance. What that also means is that you need to put equal weights in each pouch.
If you don’t put equal weights in each pouch, your dog will be pulling the weight from one side and that is bad for his spinal cord.
Furthermore, this backpack has a tiny chest strap and two underbelly straps. The chest strap joins together with one of the underbelly straps. The second strap hangs from one end of the bag to another, it does not join in the middle, but at the end of the other side.
3. Color
This dog backpack is available in two different colors; blue and green. The shades of blue and green used are quite bright, making them high-visibility colors.
These colors will help you see your pooch better in poor lighting conditions, like at night. If you’ve ever been out till late with your dog, you’re already familiar with the stress of keeping an eye on him. As the sun goes down, it gets harder for you to see him. With these colors, it won’t be so.
4. Sizes Available
This backpack is available in three different sizes; small, medium, and large. If you want to pick the right size for your pooch, do not use his weight as measurement, that is one mistake a lot of people make.
What you need to measure is your dogs’ chest girth. You can measure in centimeters or in inches. After measuring, check with the company’s sizing chart for what size your dogs’ measurement falls under. We’ll place an image with the company’s sizing chart below.
If your dog is in between sizes, order the next size up. That way, the adjustable straps can be altered to make it fit. If you order the size down, the straps won’t be able to elongate more than they already are, to fit your dog.
5. Fasteners And Straps
This backpack uses buckles. No Velcro straps, no zippers, just buckles. A buckle for the chest strap that joins with the underbelly strap, another buckle for the second underbelly strap that runs across.
All the straps on this dog backpack are adjustable. That way, you can keep using the backpack for your dog, even as he grows.
Pros Of The Outward Hound Daypak Dog Backpack
1. Breathability
Just like we’ve pointed out earlier, this backpack is made mostly of mesh material. Because of that, this dog backpack is very breathable and allows for proper aeration.
2. Expandable Pockets
The pockets on this dog backpack are expandable. That means, if you need to put extra stuff in them, you can open a certain zip underneath it, to free up more space.
This is great if you’re going hiking or camping. It’s extra space you can use to put other dog essentials. Things like water bottles treat bags, etc. can be stored conveniently.
Please before stocking the pockets full of load, check the weight of what you’re putting inside. First, they must be equal or very similar. Furthermore, they must not be too much. You can see a vet on how much your dog is able to carry, it varies from dog to dog.
Cons
Adjustable Straps Too Long, They Dangle
This is a clear case of “what set out to be good turned bad”. This backpack contains really adjustable straps, however, they’re very long. While that might seem like a good thing, when you finish adjusting, there’s nowhere to keep the extra strap.
Because there’s nowhere to keep the strap, it’s left dangling about, which is quite frustrating. It can also interfere with your dogs’ movement. Especially if your trail is quite long, that’s not something you want to be worried about.
Alternative Options To The Outward Hound Daypak Dog Backpack
2-in-1 Option
If you want a dog backpack that can also work as a harness, then you totally should get this dog backpack. It’s a backpack as a whole, but you can remove the saddles on the side to reveal a harness.
Bigger Backpack
If you want a bigger backpack, one that will occupy more stuff, then you should check this one out by Kurgo. It also contains reflective stripes, so it’ll be easy to see your pooch.
Quick Comparison Table
Outward Hound Daypak Dog Backpack
|
Go Fresh 2-in-1 Pet Dog Backpack
|
Kurgo Dog Backpack
|
|
| Design | Just backpack | Backpack and harness | Just backpack |
| Color | Green and blue | Grey | Red, blue, black/orange |
What Do People Think?
People like the fact that the pockets are expandable. Because that way, they can add more stuff into the pockets. However, they don’t like the fact that the straps are just left hanging. It’s quite frustrating to have your dog always trip because of the straps.
What Do We Think?
We like the color, we like reflective straps, we like the pockets, we like the backpack. You can easily tie the extra strap into a knot, or cut it off. So, to us, the extra-long straps do not present such a huge whoop. Altogether, a great product from Outward Hound.
