Bottom Line
The Outward Hound DayPak is a great dog pack for shorter romps. We like it best for urban adventures and casual day hikes with our pupper.
Its breathable design, reflective details, and expandable pockets make it a convenient option for carrying essentials like treats, poop bags, or a collapsible water bowl. Just know that there’s not enough space for several days’ worth of gear and food.
One “wet-dog” feeling we have about it: the fit is less secure than other top-performing dog packs. Even when properly adjusted, the saddlebags will shift, especially with active dogs or a bad packing job on your part. While it performed well during testing, it’s best suited for dogs that don’t get the zoomies.
For a more secure and durable option, check out our guide to the best dog backpacks for top-performing alternatives.
How We Tested
We tested the Outward Hound DayPak on several large-breed dogs: a pointer mix and two husky mixes. Testing took place over several weeks on daily walks, day hikes, and overnight backpacking trips in Central Washington. In the field, we are constantly evaluating fit, stability, durability, and overall performance.
Quick Specs
Outward Hound DayPak
Best Small-Capacity Dog Backpack
Price: $40
Weight: 9.7 oz
Volume: Not listed, but it’s big enough for day hikes
Fits Chest Girth: 21-32 in.
Pros
- Good size for small breeds
- Ultralight
- Affordable
- Breathable
Cons
- Capacity isn’t ideal for multi-day trips
- Minimal padding
- Durability
Fit & Comfort
The Outward Hound DayPak is lightweight and designed for city walks and light hiking, but its fit can be a challenge for some fur babies. While the adjustable straps allow for customization, the thinner belly straps and lack of padding mean the pack doesn’t stay as stable as others we tested. The saddlebag-style pockets can shift from side to side, particularly if not packed carefully, which can cause discomfort on longer walks.
During testing, we noticed that the pack fits best on dogs with broader chests, as slimmer dogs experienced more shifting and movement. The mesh harness material is breathable, which is excellent for warm-weather walks, but lacks structure. The result is that it doesn’t conform to the dog’s body as securely as we would like.
While the DayPak is comfortable for short walks with a light load, it can cause mild irritation if worn for extended periods due to the thin straps and shifting saddlebags.
Weight Distribution & Capacity
The DayPak’s weight distribution is fine for carrying small items but isn’t built to carry heavier loads. Unlike more structured backpack designs, the DayPak lacks reinforcement to keep items securely in place. The saddlebags are spacious enough to carry poop bags, treats, and a collapsible bowl, but the weight inside shifts significantly when the dog is on the move.
Our tests found that loading the pockets with more than the weight of two small water bottles caused excessive bouncing, making it clear that this pack was not meant to carry significant weight.
If you’re looking for a pack for your dog to carry only a few essentials on a light walk, it works well, but for any strenuous activities, the lack of anchoring is a drawback.
Durability
The Outward Hound DayPak is built for casual use. The lightweight nylon fabric is prone to wear and tear, especially when exposed to thick vegetation or rocky areas. In our durability tests, dragging the pack across rough surfaces resulted in noticeable scuffing, and we anticipate that frequent use in rugged conditions will shorten its lifespan.
We also tested the zippers, which are easy to use but feel a bit flimsy. They slide smoothly, but given the thin material, we suspect they may degrade over time with frequent use and dirt building up. Keeping the zippers clean can help combat premature wear. The straps and buckles are made of rigid plastic and remained intact throughout testing. The thinner belly straps twist easily, which contributes to the flop factor.
Ease of Use
One of DayPak’s strengths is how easy it is to put on and adjust for different dog breeds and sizes. First-time users will appreciate the straightforward design, though fine-tuning the fit takes some trial and error to minimize shifting during movement.
The three adjustable straps make it simple to get a snug fit, and the quick-release buckles make it a cinch to take off at the end of the day.
Another neat trick of the DayPak is the accessibility of its pockets. The expandable saddlebags offer plenty of space for urban essentials. Still, the small Velcro outer pockets felt impractical since they lacked secure closures (we ended up using them just for rolls of poop bags).
Safety Features
The DayPak incorporates a few standard safety features, including reflective piping. The reflective features enhance visibility during evening walks, which we found especially handy during the winter for post-work strolls. The top handle is secure and provides a good grip for wiggling through some spicy trails or concrete jungles.
However, the leash attachment point is not as strong as we would like. It’s positioned at the rear of the harness, and when attached to a leash, it increases the likelihood of the saddlebags shifting to one side. The safety features are sufficient for casual strolls, but for active dogs or those prone to pulling, a separate, more secure harness would be a better choice.
Weather Resistance
The DayPak offers decent weather resistance for light rain but is not fully waterproof. The nylon material initially repels water, but moisture quickly seeped through the fabric during our submersion test. In rainy conditions, treats and food could become damp if not in a waterproof bag.
The mesh harness dries quickly, which is a plus, but does not provide additional protection against cold or wet weather. This pack performs well for summer walks and dry climates, but if you plan to hike in rainy or snowy conditions, we recommend using waterproof storage bags or waterproofing them yourself.
Should You Buy the Outward Hound DayPak?
The Outward Hound DayPak is an affordable, lightweight dog backpack for casual outings. It’s an excellent option for pet owners who want to introduce their dogs to carrying a pack without committing to a more expensive, heavy-duty model. It has a breathable design and expandable storage, but it only carries enough for essentials like waste bags, treats, or a collapsible water bowl.
Its lack of structure, thin straps, and shifting saddlebags make it less ideal for multi-day treks or carrying more supplies. For those testing the waters with a beginner-friendly option, the DayPak offers good value.
What Other Dog Packs Should You Consider?
If you’re considering the Outward Hound DayPak but want to explore other options, our best dog backpack guide includes a range of packs suited for different needs. Here are a few alternatives that might be a better fit depending on your hiking style and your dog’s needs.
Terrain Dog Lightweight Adventure Pack Review: This lightweight option is a good alternative for day hikes, offering a small capacity with reasonable durability and water resistance. The detachable saddlebags and adjustable fit add convenience, and while it has a similar capacity to the Outward Hound DayPak, it is more durable and has a sturdier harness.
Ruffwear Front Range Day Pack Review: Ideal for short overnight trips or day hikes with extra gear, this pack combines a secure, padded harness with stable saddlebags designed for weight distribution. Its comfortable fit and smart organization make it an excellent choice for active dogs, and it offers more security than the Outward Hound DayPak.
AlphaPak Adventurer Dog Backpack Review: This pack stands out for its secure fit, water-resistant fabric, and detachable saddlebags. The stiff pockets reduce shifting, and the bright colors improve visibility. It can work for overnights and day trips and offers a higher level of durability than the Outward Hound DayPak.
