$39.99
Best suited for
- Light day hikes and neighborhood walks where you want your dog to carry water and a few essentials
- Owners who want a low-cost intro pack before investing in a technical pack
Poor fit for
- Multi-day backpacking or heavy loads, where a structured technical pack is the right tool
Pros
- Breathable mesh harness keeps the dog cooler than a solid pack, per Outward Hound
- Four storage compartments with expandable pockets
- D-ring leash attachment and reflective accents
- Low price for trying a dog pack
Cons
- A budget mesh pack is less structured and less durable than a technical pack for heavy use
- Fit can be tricky on narrow-bodied or deep-chested dogs
Overview
The Outward Hound DayPak is an entry-level dog backpack meant for day hikes and everyday walks. It is the budget option in the dog-pack category — a way to let your dog carry their own water and treats without paying for a technical pack.
Construction and storage
According to Outward Hound, the DayPak uses a breathable mesh harness as its base, with two saddlebags per side (four compartments total), expandable pockets, a D-ring leash attachment, adjustable straps, and reflective accents. The mesh keeps air moving across the dog’s back, which matters more than it sounds on a warm day hike.
Sizing and fit
The DayPak is sized by chest girth across Small, Medium, and Large. The Medium fits roughly a 21–27 in girth for dogs of about 30 lb and up. As with any pack, a correct girth fit is what keeps the saddlebags from shifting, and narrow-bodied or deep-chested dogs can be hard to fit on a simple mesh harness.
Intended uses and limitations
Outward Hound positions the DayPak for light day hikes and city walks where the dog carries a modest load. It is not a structured technical pack, so it is not the right choice for multi-day trips or heavy loads — keep the total weight to a small fraction of the dog’s body weight and balance the two sides.
Availability
The Outward Hound DayPak is listed on Amazon (ASIN B00MNSKLXI) and through pet retailers.
What the sources say — summary
Outward Hound describes the DayPak as a breathable-mesh saddlebag dog backpack with four storage compartments, a D-ring leash attachment, adjustable straps, and reflective accents, sized by girth across three sizes for light hiking and city walks.
Sources
This review is based on the Outward Hound DayPak product page and the Outward Hound DayPak listing on Amazon (ASIN B00MNSKLXI).
Safety considerations
- Keep total load to a small fraction of the dog's weight and balance both sides evenly.
Verified specifications
- Outward Hound
- DayPak
- Breathable mesh harness, Lightweight nylon saddlebags, Reflective accents
- Small, Medium, Large (fit by chest girth; Medium ~21–27 in, min ~30 lb)
Sizing & compatibility
Fit depends on your dog's measurements. Measure girth (the widest part of the ribcage) and consult the manufacturer's size chart before buying — a poor fit can cause chafing or let an escape-prone dog back out of the harness.
Comparable alternatives
Related reading
Sources & research
Read our research methodology and editorial standards →
- Manufacturer Backpack for Dogs — Outward Hound DayPak
- Amazon API Outward Hound DayPak Dog Backpack — Amazon listing