Today, we’ll be talking about the Smartelf Dog Backpack. A dog backpack is essential if you intend going hiking, camping, or backpacking with your pooch. To find out the full details about dog backpacks, click here to read our article on the topic.
Smartelf, the maker of the backpack we’ll be talking about today, is a company that produces a lot of different stuff including products for pets and humans as well.
Its products range from toys to tech stuff, to wristwatches for humans. For pets, it makes collars, toys, pet apparel, and other equipment (of course, including backpacks).
That’s all we could gather about Smartelf as the brand doesn’t seem to have a website or social media presence. We gathered what we could from its different shopping pages.
Now that we’re through with the brand, we will be going straight into the review of the Smartelf Dog Backpack. Leggo!
Table of Contents
Who Can Wear The Smartelf Dog Backpack?
Can your dog wear a backpack? You know, medically speaking, have you spoken with your vet and have they given you the go-ahead? If yes, then your dog can absolutely wear this backpack.
However, you might want to know that this backpack runs pretty large and, as such, isn’t for small breeds.
Features Of The Smartelf Dog Backpack
1. Material
This backpack is made with a sturdy, tough, oxford material, and lined with the mesh equivalent.
Oxford material is typically made with synthetic fibers such as polyester. Because of that, it’s tough, durable and water-resistant. Being water-resistant, of course, you can rest assured that they will always remain dry.
Please note that this backpack is water-resistant, not waterproof. So, after a while, water will begin to sip through the material.
As for mesh, this is simply net-like polyester material. It ensures breathability which is very important in ensuring that your dog stays comfortable and doesn’t overheat.
2. 3 Sizes Available
This backpack is available in 3 different sizes, small, medium, and large. Don’t be deceived by the names of the sizes, this backpack is made for traditionally large dogs. “Small” there represents “small large dogs,” not “small dogs.”
To get the right size for your pooch, you’ll need to measure his neck girth, chest girth, and body length. Below this paragraph, you’ll find a picture containing the company’s sizing chart. After measuring your dog, compare what you get with the chart to find the right size for him.
3. Two Detachable Saddles + Harness
This backpack comes as a harness attached to two detachable saddles (bags, pouches, whatever you want to call it). What we like about this sort of design is that it provides you with options.
You can either use just the harness- say you just want to go for a quick walk around the block. Or you could also use the full backpack (the harness and the saddles) for longer trips, trails, and adventures.
Also, with this, when you’re on the trail, your dog can rest properly. Ever been in a situation where you want your dog to rest whilst on a trail, but you’re too tired yourself to remove his backpack and put it on all over again? If yes, you definitely understand what we mean.
For your dog to rest, you’ll simply need to unbuckle the saddles, leaving the harness on. This brings us to the next feature — the buckles.
4. Plastic Buckle Fasteners
This backpack uses plastic buckles to join everything that needs to be joined. From the buckles that attach the saddles to the harness, to the buckles that fasten the straps.
Plastic buckles are quite strong when compared to Velcro straps, and quite weak when compared to metal buckles. So, you can say plastic buckles are at the middle, pretty decent.
The buckles used to connect the saddles are easy to open and lock in place. However, they are designed in such a way that some level of pressure needs to be put on the sides for it to unlock. Don’t get scared, it won’t come undone even if your dog runs through bushes.
5. Rubber Carry Handle
This backpack also comes with a rubber carry handle at the middle, on the back of the harness. It’s useful if you need to quickly control your dog or move him out of harm’s way.
However, we do not advise that you use this handle to lift your dog, it can break, sending your dog crashing to the ground.
6. 4 Pockets (2 For Each Saddle)
These pockets give you room to put all the stuff your dog needs. However, we would advise that when placing weights into these pockets, you put equal or almost equal weights in the two sizes in order to give the backpack some balance on your dog.
Pros of the Smartelf Dog Backpack
1. Comes with shoulder pads to provide some comfort for your dog.
2. Design makes the backpack easy to put on and take off.
3. This backpack comes easily adjustable.
Cons
1. Zippers are crappy.
Alternative Options To The Smartelf Dog Backpack
1. More Affordable Option
If you want to save a few bucks and still get a dog backpack, you should check this out. However, it is important we tell you that this doesn’t come with detachable saddles.
Aside from that, every other feature present in the product in review, is also present in this. Also, we’re glad to tell you that the zippers on this are more durable.
Another beautiful thing about this backpack is that, unlike the backpack in review, it’s available in an array of colors — blue, green, red, orange, which gives you ample options to choose from.
2. More Sophisticated Option
If your tastes run a bit higher-end, then you should check this out. The pockets are really big, providing you with enough space for all your dogs’ essentials and more.
The material used in making the backpack is a waterproof oxford material. This material is not just waterproof, but also scratch-resistant. No matter how much your dog wrestles, the material stays intact.
Also, because it’s waterproof, you can take your dog out in it when it’s raining.
It is available in two bright colors; green and red. It also comes with reflective stripes. With this, you and your dog can stay on the trail late into the night and still be fine, come rain or shine!
Comparison Table
Smartelf Dog Backpack |
Lifeunion Dog Backpack
|
Pettom Dog Saddle Backpack
|
|
| Design | Harness + saddles | Backpack | Harness + saddles |
| Color | Red | Blue, green, orange, red | Green and red |
What Do Other People Think?
Well, there’s a general acceptance towards the backpack. A lot of people like it mostly because it’s really affordable and provides value for money.
However, a section of customers is simply furious about the easily-broken zippers.
What Do We Think?
Did they do a good job? We think so. Could they have done better? Absolutely. But overall, based on the price of the backpack, we’ll say it’s a good backpack.
