Mountainsmith K9 Dog Backpack Review

Bottom Line

The Mountainsmith K9 dog backpack is exceptionally adjustable, making it easy to customize the fit to your pooch. It has six cinch points on top of the pack and standard under-body attachment adjustments. The end result is a pack that’s snug and customizable for dogs of all shapes and sizes. 

The saddlebags are spacious and can hold a lot of gear, so it’s easy to make the mistake of overloading your dog. While the bag’s securely attached, the size of the saddlebags makes it prone to shifting side to side.

It is slightly heavier than some alternatives, but a versatile companion for outdoor adventures. Its mid-range price point also makes it a decent value for the money.

For more insights, check out our guide to the best dog backpacks, where we compare the Mountainsmith K9 to other top-performing options.

How We Tested

We tested the Mountainsmith K9 Backpack over multiple weeks in the rugged terrain of the Cascades and its foothills in central Washington. Our canine testers, ranging from 40 to 90 pounds, carried the pack on day hikes, overnight trips, and urban walks. We assessed its fit, comfort, durability, and overall performance through varied weather conditions.

Fit & Comfort

The Mountainsmith K9 has standard underbelly and chest adjustments but also includes six cinch points on the back of the pack to tailor a more secure fit. These adjustment points work similarly to the ones on human backpacks when we want to draw the load of our pack closer to our bodies. This adjustability allows the pack to conform closely to the dog’s body, and the padded sternum strap and breathable mesh help with the dog’s comfort while hiking.

The ergonomic saddlebag placement sits over the dog’s shoulders, which is standard. However, we do get the occasional shifting during hikes, especially when the bags are not weighted evenly or if our gear tester is particularly energetic. The bag’s fit is as advertised by the manufacturer, but measure your dog before purchasing to get the correct size.

Weight Distribution & Capacity

The Mountainsmith K9 has a large capacity that is tailored to overnight and multi-day trips, but it can also be used for day hikes. With up to a whopping 16L of storage in the large size, the dual pannier compartments provide ample space for your dog’s dry food and trail essentials. The zippers and interior compartments keep items organized. The compartments are noticeably helpful for quicker stops on the trail.

The weight distribution system improves the balance across the dog’s shoulders and back, promoting stability. The pack performed well during testing when loaded with a dog’s food and travel gear. While it stayed stable on parts of the hike, uneven terrain or a bad case of the zoomies caused the bags to shift. Shifting is an inevitable part of using dog packs. But, in the case of the K9, no amount of adjustments or organization could eliminate it altogether.

Durability

The Mountainsmith K9 is constructed from weather-resistant materials and is proving resilient against scratches, mud, and light rain. Its reflective trim isn’t scratching off or losing its shine after exposure to harsh conditions.

During testing, our gear testers put this pack through the wringer. They ran through the brush, rolled around on their backs, and brushed against rocks. Despite this, the pack is holding up quite well, and the zippers don’t inch open.

We will be honest, more testing needs to be done to get the full view of this generation’s longevity. But so far, the pack’s stitching and materials have minimal degradation after several outings. Given that previous CleverHiker gear analysts have relied on this pack for many seasons, and it was our top-recommended dog pack in previous years, we feel pretty solid about this pack’s durability. 

One snag on our confidence in the K9 is that while the zippers performed well in controlled tests, repeated heavy use and exposure to mud and dirt caused the zipper pulls to weaken slightly. We admit we aren’t the best at cleaning this pack after a good romp, so it’s not all Mountainsmith’s fault. A simple solution is to keep up on periodic cleaning of the zippers.

Ease of Use

The Mountainsmith K9 pack is so easy that our dogs can do it themselves. Just kidding, but it really is an easy trick to learn, even for us old dogs. 

We appreciate how the straps are easily identifiable for placement and clasping. Even putting the pack on an excited dog is easy, which is saying something.

Beyond the adjustment points, the padded top handle is large, easy to grab, and beneficial for assisting dogs over rocky terrain or other trail obstacles.

Storage accessibility is another strength of the K9, with zippered pockets that are easy to open even while on the trail. Adjusting the straps initially requires some patience, but the pack stays secure throughout the journey once fitted.

Safety Features

The Mountainsmith K9 has standard safety features for a dog backpack. It has a reflective trim and a very sturdy handle. The handle is quite long on the large backpack, making it nearly the length of the harness. This makes it easy to grab onto, but since the handle is round instead of flat, it isn’t the most comfortable.

The leash attachment point is holding up well against sudden tugs by our excitable gear testers. While the safety features are typical, the pack could have more reflective accents on the saddlebags for better visibility in low-light scenarios.

Weather Resistance

The Mountainsmith K9 dog backpack is not waterproof but is decently water-resistant. We’ve brought it in rain and snow, and the water-resistant fabric and the secure closure of the zippers keep the contents dry. The zippers have protective flaps that help prevent water from seeping into the compartments.

Still, the pack has limitations in heavy and persistent rain, water crossings, or any prolonged exposure to wet brush. When packing items like food or electronics, consider putting them in a dry bag just in case.

Should You Buy the Mountainsmith K9 Dog Pack?

The Mountainsmith K9 Dog Backpack is one of the few packs with a six-point adjustment system on the backpack’s back panel. This feature provides a more secure fit for the dog, tailored to fit their load. 

This pack’s ample storage and durable build provide excellent value for hikers prioritizing versatility. Plus, it is about half the price of comparable competitors’ packs. However, it’s not ideal for dogs with small frames or users needing a fully waterproof pack. Additionally, its slightly heavier design may not suit shorter treks or ultralight hikers.

If you’re looking for a reliable, high-capacity option that balances adjustability, durability, and comfort, the Mountainsmith K9 is a wise investment.

What Other Dog Backpacks Should You Consider?

If the Mountainsmith K9 isn’t the right fit, our guide to the best dog backpacks includes alternatives for different needs and budgets. 

AlphaPak Adventurer Review: The AlphaPak Adventurer has detachable saddlebags and an EZ Latch system for easy transitions from harness to pack mode, making it perfect for casual outings and longer treks. While the Mountainsmith K9 excels in adjustability, the Adventurer has a more secure design and a larger capacity.

Ruffwear Approach Review: If you need more room for gear, the Ruffwear Approach offers one of the largest volumes we’ve tested. Its saddlebags and padded straps are comfortable and stable for extended adventures. Though it’s not as adjustable as the Mountainsmith K9, its spacious design makes it ideal for multi-day hikes.

Outward Hound DayPak Review: If you’re on a budget or need a lightweight pack for short outings, the Outward Hound DayPak is an excellent option. Its ultralight construction and expandable pockets work well for smaller or shorter adventures. While the Mountainsmith K9 offers more durability and adjustability, the DayPak shines for casual use and lighter loads.