Best Cat Carrier Backpacks for Hiking (and other stuff)

One thing I’ve always been a little envious of dog owners for is that take their furry friends everywhere, from camping and hiking trips to outdoor restaurants to trips to Home Depot.

I recently discovered that there’s a way we cat owners can do something similar. (Well, kinda.)

Taking your cat on a hike, to the vet, on an airplane, or just for a day out has become a thousand times easier thanks to the handy little invention we know as the pet backpack! Now you never have to leave Fluffy home alone again! Just pop your pet into your bag and get going.

So, if you’re looking for an easy and hands-free way to take your best friend with you wherever you go, look no further than this list of the best cat carrier backpacks on the market! You’ll find only the highest quality, durable, and secure backpacks to ensure your feline friend is happy, comfortable, and stylish while on the move.

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Petrip Cat Carrier Cat Backpack Carrier for Large Cats

Petrip Cat Carrier Cat Backpack Carrier for Large CatsPetrip Cat Carrier Cat Backpack Carrier for Large CatsPetrip Cat Carrier Cat Backpack Carrier for Large Cats

 

Does your kitty have a little extra junk in the trunk? Well, then the Petrip Cat Carrier may be the perfect choice for you! This airline-approved backpack can carry cats up to 18 pounds and was designed with even the chunkiest of felines in mind.

The Petrip is made from durable and eco-friendly materials (including PU leather) and is scratch-resistant to survive even the sharpest claws. It is also waterproof, making it ideal for taking on the go, no matter the weather.

This stylish backpack comes with a bubble window (sometimes referred to as “space capsule design”) for both your cat’s visibility and to give your cat a view. It has breathable mesh panels and nine air holes for ventilation.

There are three separate zip-up doors to help your cat inside, and if your cat is the wriggly-type, there is also a helpful snap hook to stop it from escaping.

Cleaning the Petrip couldn’t be easier. The fabric and leather only require a wipe down with a damp cloth, and you can pop the removable pad straight into your washing machine.

When not in use, the Petrip can be folded down for easy storage. This feature also makes it super portable.

This reviewer, who hikes and travels with her cat often, created a video demo of this carrier bag and discussed what she loved about it:

… First of all, I like this coffee color. It is durable and is easy to wash when it got dirty. It has a very fashionable design with the bubble. My best friend and I took a road trip with my cat. People stopped us everywhere to take pictures with the cat and checked out this awesome cat bag.

It is more comfortable wearing the bag with my cat in it than any other “cat backpack” I have purchased. The straps are wide enough and I felt comfortable during the trip. It saved me more energy hiking with the cat backpack on …

It is very easy to get the bubble and other parts on and off the bag. There is a snap hook inside to keep my cat safe. It is a really nice cat backpack. There are may holes and a big mesh for air to go through, makes my cat easy to breathe. It is easy to put my cat inside because both sides can be opened and the front opens too.

My cat LOVES this backpack. He is 15 lbs now. When he is inside, there is a lot of room for him to move. The bubble window is very nice, and he can look at the outside world …

 

Pros:

  • Good ventilation
  • Airline approved
  • Good for bigger cats
  • Easy to clean
  • It folds down for storage

 

Cons:

  • It may be too big if you have a smaller cat

 

Click here to see a photo of a 15-pound cat enjoying this bag.

 

PetAmi Deluxe Cat Backpack for Hiking

PetAmi Deluxe Cat Backpack for HikingPetAmi Deluxe Cat Backpack for HikingPetAmi Deluxe Cat Backpack for Hiking

 

Another excellent choice for bigger cats is the PetAmi Deluxe Backpack. The PetAmi measures 12.5″ L x 10.2″ W x 16.3″ H, making it the ideal choice if you want to give your cat a little bit of extra space to stretch its legs.

It comes in a variety of colors, including heather grey (see photo above), heather taupe, red, pink, light blue, and royal blue.

This well-ventilated backpack is sturdy and well reinforced to allow your pet to move around freely without worrying about having the carrier collapse. With two side zippers and one on the front, you can unzip the bag to give your cat food, water, or even just a reassuring pat.

The PetAmi comes with a mesh window to allow visibility both in and outside of the backpack and even has a few exterior pockets for holding your pets’ necessities.

The bag comes with a collapsible pet bowl that can slip into these pockets easily, making it an excellent choice for using as a water bowl on longer trips.

If you struggle with back pain, you don’t have to worry about carrying your precious kitty around! The backpack includes chest and waist straps and buckles to relieve some of the weight from your back, making it a comfortable experience for both you and your cat.

The PetAmi is lined with thick and cozy Sherpa bedding, which will help keep your cat warm and relaxed. It can be more challenging to clean than other bedding materials, though, so if you hate the thought of cleaning the Sherpa, you may want to lay a small hand towel or something similar over the top.

You can also choose your favorite PetAmi color for your pet. The Deluxe backpack has nine colorways to choose from, including black, three different shades of grey, taupe, light and royal blue, pink, or red.

Pros:

  • Well-ventilated
  • Reinforced to prevent collapsing
  • Chest and weight straps
  • Various colorways to choose from
  • Good for bigger cats

 

Cons:

  • Sherpa bedding may be challenging to clean

 

morpilot Foldable Backpack Carrier for Small Cats

morpilot Foldable Backpack Carrier for Small Catsmorpilot Foldable Backpack Carrier for Small Catsmorpilot Foldable Backpack Carrier for Small Cats

 

The Morpilot Backpack is the perfect choice if you live in hotter climates, or you want to give your cat some extra shade. It is also one of the most affordable backpacks on the market without compromising on quality.

Made from eco-friendly polyester, this backpack is spacious (13” L x 11” W x 16.5” H), scratch-resistant and durable. It’s great for most cats and can accommodate up to 15 pounds of weight.

This is one of the best backpack carriers for ventilation and uses four mesh windows for ideal air circulation. You can also open the top of the backpack to let your furry friend stick their head out. This is a fantastic option for more anxious cats.

Don’t worry about them escaping out the top, either! The Morpilot comes with a built-in safety strap to prevent your cat from wriggling free and possibly injuring itself.

If you want to give your cat a little more shade, the top mesh window can be closed off with a sunshade while still maintaining enough of a gap to allow airflow (but not direct sunlight) through.

The bottom of the carrier has a double-sided cushion for maximum kitty comfort. However, we have found that the fluffier side can make it more difficult to wash if your pet has an accident!
Not only is the Morpilot comfortable for your feline companion, but it’s made for your comfort too! The backpack has chest and waist straps to reduce back pressure and has wide mesh straps to allow for breathability on your shoulders.

One Amazon reviewer, who has a 10 pound maltipoo, called this backpack “almost perfect” and shared her personal list of pros & cons:

Cons:

  1. The lanyard is lightweight and the hook is small making it troublesome to attach to the restraint vest. It easily attaches to the collar ring – no issues there.
  2. The lower belt could be heartier to take some of the weight off one’s back and redistributed to the hips
  3. If it only had a way to attach to a seatbelt, this one device could be used as a backpack, car seat, and airline carrier bag.

Pros:

  1. Well constructed and keeps shape without collapsing
  2. The clasps on the zippers keeps the dog secured
  3. Plenty of pockets for food, water and collapsible bowl included with purchase

I definitely recommend this item. The cons I mentioned are more like desired enhancements to make this the perfect item.

 

Pros:

  • Good for hotter climates
  • Made of eco-friendly materials
  • Spacious
  • Great ventilation
  • Sunshade to prevent excess sun exposure

 

Cons:

  • The cushion can be difficult to clean

 

<a href=”https://amzn.to/3FxiZKL” rel=”sponsored noopener” target=”_blank”>Click here to see a couple photos of a pretty kitty about to go for a bike ride in this backpack.

 

LOLLIMEOW Waterproof Bubble Backpack Carrier

LOLLIMEOW Waterproof Bubble Backpack CarrierLOLLIMEOW Waterproof Bubble Backpack CarrierLOLLIMEOW Waterproof Bubble Backpack Carrier

 

The LolliMeow is one of the most stylish-looking cat backpacks around. With the entire front of the bag making up a clear bubble window, you can be sure that you’ll get tons of compliments on your adorable furbaby.

Designed to accommodate cats up to 12 pounds, the LolliMeow is ideal for small to medium cats. It is made of high-quality, pet-safe materials that are waterproof, scratch-resistant, and super easy to clean.

There are nine ventilation holes and mesh on either side of the bag to allow good airflow into the bag, increasing your cat’s comfort. There is also a built-in security leash attached to the inside of the bag, so even the craftiest fluffball won’t be able to escape!

The LolliMeow’s dimensions are 11.4” L x 11” W x 16.5” H. The backpack has been airline-approved because of its compact size, making it an easy way to take your cat on flights without worry.

Pros:

  • Airline approved
  • Stylish design
  • Made of high-quality materials
  • Easy to clean
  • Waterproof and scratch-resistant

 

Cons:

  • Not ideal for bigger cats

 

Click here to see a quick video clip of a kitty going for a “walk” in this backpack.

 

Expandable Bubble Hard Cat Carrier Backpack

Expandable Bubble Hard Cat Carrier BackpackExpandable Bubble Hard Cat Carrier BackpackExpandable Bubble Hard Cat Carrier Backpack

 

Traveling can be tiring, so why not get your cat the ultimate cat carrier when it comes to comfort? The HUO ZAO Expandable Cat Carrier is designed to expand at the back, pulling out into a small tent.

This tent allows your cat some extra leg room to laze about, stretch its legs, or even explore a little when set on the ground outside.

The backpack has a small bubble window at the front, allowing your cat to look out and calm some of its anxiety. It has nine breathing holes and two mesh windows for good ventilation and is water-resistant. So, whether you’re taking the backpack out in rain or shine, the Expandable Cat Carrier is built for any weather.

Comfort is a significant factor when considering a cat carrier backpack. We love that the HUO ZAO comes with padded shoulder straps and a chest buckle for ultimate comfort when doing outdoor activities like hiking.

The hard outer shell of the backpack makes it durable enough to withstand biting and scratching and is even airline approved. It can accommodate cats up to 12 pounds, making it an excellent choice for small to medium cats.

Amazon reviewer Vanessa had this to say:

My cat is a fat boi (~13-14 lbs). I … needed a good carrier to keep my cat in for a ~3 hour drive … I left it out for him to get used to and he had no problem getting in and out of it. It expands to a nice roomy size.

I’ve used it as a carrier to take him to his vet and I always get compliments on it. During the 3 hour car ride, my cat was able to comfortably lie down and curl up. It has good ventilation and bubbled windows for him to peak out of. As soon as it starts cooling down, I plan on using it to take him for walks to see the world lol …

Pros:

  • Airline approved
  • Expandable back
  • Durable outer shell
  • Padded shoulder straps and chest buckle
  • Waterproof

 

Cons:

  • Not ideal for bigger cats when folded down

 

Click here to see a short video review of this cat carrier.

 

The Fat Cat Hiking Backpack for Larger Cats

The Fat Cat Hiking Backpack for Larger CatsThe Fat Cat Hiking Backpack for Larger CatsThe Fat Cat Hiking Backpack for Larger Cats

 

The Fat Cat Backpack comes in two sizes: mini and large. The mini is a great ‘little brother’ to the large backpack and can comfortably carry smaller cats. It boasts all the same features in a more compact size. But you know what they say – dynamite comes in small packages!

And the Fat Cat really is dynamite. The quality of this backpack is unbeatable, and if you have a particularly chubby cat or even two medium-sized cats that you want to take along with you when you go out, this is the backpack dreams are made of!

The large backpack measures 15″ L x 11″ W x 18″ H and comfortably fits two average-sized cats. It can even hold over 20 pounds of weight – that’s a whole lot of cat!
The claw-resistant material is easy to maintain, lightweight, and durable. And, best of all, this backpack is also airline-approved! So, you can take to the skies with your furry friend with ease.

The Fat Cat has breathable mesh sides and air holes to regulate proper airflow. The mesh top can zip open, so your cat can peek their head out while you’re adventuring together.

The front of the carrier also has a bubble window for shy cats that may not be comfortable enough to pop their head out of the top opening. Either way, your cat will be able to enjoy going along with you into the world!

Pros:

  • Two size options are available
  • Suitable for more than one cat
  • Over 20 pounds of weight capacity
  • Airline approved
  • Lightweight and durable

 

Cons:

  • Expensive

 

Rolife Cat Backpack Carrier

Rolife Cat Backpack CarrierRolife Cat Backpack CarrierRolife Cat Backpack Carrier

 

The Rolfie Cat Backpack Carrier is designed with the ultimate safety and security in mind for your pet. Made from high-density canvas materials, the backpack is rigid, reinforced, scratch-proof, and durable.

And it’s great for any cat! It has a carrying capacity of up to 20 pounds, so if your cat is bigger than most, you can rest easy knowing that even the biggest of cats will have enough room to enjoy the carrier comfortably.

The Rolfie is airline-approved and has a bubble window with a secured locking ring to keep your pet protected while still giving it the freedom to see outside. There are several holes and vents for oxygen flow, but our favorite feature is the environmental control.

The mesh panels on the side of the bag can be left open to keep the backpack cool in summer or hotter climates. But, in the winter or in areas where it’s colder, the mesh panels can be closed to trap enough warmth inside of the carrier to keep your pet feeling cozy. There is still good ventilation and airflow when the panels are closed.

The backpack has front pockets for an ideal way to store and carry your cats’ necessities on trips, like a foldable or collapsible water bowl, treats, or even one or two small toys.

There are safety belts on the inside of the carrier to ensure that your pet is secure and prevents them from escaping if you open either of the large side openings.

The front of the bag also has a wide opening for easy accessibility and to help calm your cat down if it is feeling anxious.

For increased comfort, the Rolfie has wide shoulder straps and a solid and durable handle for carrying.

Reviewers particularly liked how this backpack unzips and can be stored almost completely flat to save space.

Pros:

  • Suitable for safety and security
  • Airline approved
  • Made of high-density canvas
  • Up to 20 pounds of carrying capacity
  • Environmental control for any season

 

Cons:

  • It may be too big for everyday use

 

Are Cat Backpacks Cruel?

I dunno … Is it cruel of me to put my cat in a carrier when I have to take him to the vet, even though it makes him miserable and he cries the entire way? Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

And some of these backpack carriers featured in this post (particularly the Huo Zao) look like they’d be more comfortable than what I’m currently using for vet trips.

As far as using them for hikes and gallivanting about town — I can’t speak from experience, but I will say that:

  1. You should give the cat plenty of time to used to the backpack, as opposed to just stuffing him in and hitting your favorite hiking trail. Put it the living room with some treats inside it and let him discover it and check it out. Eventually take your cat for a little walk around the house. Get him used to it gradually.
  2. The idea is not to leave him in there for 2 or 3 hours straight. Let him out for a potty and/or water break. Combine it with a leash for part of the trip. Or limit its use to shorter walks.

I’ll also say that I discovered in my research that some cats genuinely like these backpacks, in the same way that cats always have a desire to climb into bags and boxes.