Kyjen Outward Hound Backpack Carrier, Blue

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $51.49
Sale Price: $33.29
Today's Bonus: 35% Off

I bought this as a gift for a severely handicapped senior citizen to carry her little Canine Assistant chihuahua with her when she goes out in her motor chair or rides in a car. It is VERY high quality, and has side pockets to carry a small water dish, a small food dish and treats. I was very impressed with the high quality and low price. Although you don't get to choose which color you receive, it is truly a good product for a small dog or a quick trip to the vet with a small cat on a public bus. It also has a collar clip inside, but needs just a slightly thicker and softer padding in the bottom for comfort, but that's so easy to do yourself. I think if it was just 2 inches deeper and an inch wider, the dog (or a cat) would be able to curl up on the bottom more comfortably, but it can be worn in front or in back as it has a human waist strap to secure it from falling off.

Click Here to Read More Reviews >>

Thought this was a great idea to carry the pooch around in. Took it on a couple trips, and wanted to share some information with folks so they know what they're getting. Thoughts:

1) Our dog is 11.5 pounds (very small Boston Terrier) and could only sit, not lay down in the pack while strapped on. This leads me to recommend the backpack only for the smallest of dogs.

2) There is a hook at the top of the pack on the inside and a quick-detach on the outside. Presumably, one is to hold the top flap open while the other attaches to the dog's collar. Great idea, poor execution: there's no support on the floor of the backpack so when you put the dog in, it collapses around them. There's no play on the backside of the pack it's attached to the human's back. But when the pack collapses down, the front becomes too loose and, without some way to keep her in, our dog was nearly falling out. Ah! But put this little clip on and she'll be just fine right? No: it chokes the dog because the clip is not long enough (and not elastic). What's really required here is a hard-bottom support mechanism so the animal can sit without the bag collapsing around them. I'm not sure this wouldn't happen with even the smallest of dogs.

To see what I mean, try this: take a standard shopping bag and hold both of the handles with one finger. Holding the bag open, it may stay there on its own accord; but drop a can of soup in, and, without proper sturdiness on the bottom, the can simply collapses the entire bag. Now, imagine putting a small plank of wood on the bottom: you can stack several cans. I hope that makes sense.

3) Because of #'s 1 and 2, our poor pup had to be rather compressed inside with the top zipped up. The material allows air through, but it would have been perfect if she could have just hung her head out, checking people out and making a scene.

4) The bags on the front and side were great for holding treats, doggie dropping bags, leash, etc...

All in all, there's few things like it so I'm not upset I bought it. I will likely find a bigger backpack and modify it for our purposes though: 11.5 pounds is bigger than we thought... :)

Buy Kyjen Outward Hound Backpack Carrier, Blue Now

I found this backpack for sale in a couple of places on Amazon and on other pet product sites, but the specifications were not consistent, so I emailed the manufacturer (Kyjen) for clarification, thinking there was more than one model and that the models had different weight limits. However, according to Kyjen's response, they only make ONE style, so all the other higher priced listings are the same as this one!!! They no longer sell it in colors other than black, but said that some retailers may still have colored ones in stock. For example, here is another listing, currently, at nearly twice the cost: http://www.amazon.com/Outward-Hound-Backpack-Pet-Carrier/dp/B000CQG46G/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1324953252&sr=1-1.

Per Kyjen, the dimensions (exterior) are 14.5 x 14.5 x 10.5 and the pack's weight is 6 pounds and it is recommended for dogs no more than 20 pounds. Unfortunately, their weight information is not accurate either!

What I actually measured: The (interior) width is roughly 11" across the back and tapers to about 7" in the front in a semi-circle shape. The interior back height is roughly 13.5" and slopes to an interior front height of roughly 11". The empty pack weighs 1 pound 8 oz; it is very light and definitely not the 6 pounds the company said.

Our 8 pound Yorkie fits well in the pack and can see out the top when she is sitting. She can lie down if she curls up a bit, which is fine since most pets like to sleep curled up. Even though the product title currently says "6 lbs Total", the pack will hold a larger pet. However, I cannot imagine a pet weighing anywhere near 20 pounds fitting in this pack, unless it was sitting up only. I believe Kyjen's "no more than 20 pound" limit speaks more about what the bag is rated to hold, but not a realistic weight a pet could actually weigh and still fit comfortably in this pack.

I added several pictures above, including one with our Yorkie in the pack, and a couple showing a half gallon carton, which is probably a better reference to compare your own pet's size. So that you won't be disappointed, do take the time to measure your pet to see if it will fit comfortably, using the interior measurements (do NOT go by weight alone).

What needs improvement?

1) A side pouch or net for a water bottle would have been great. However, you might be able to squeeze a small bottle in the front pocket.

2) If the pack was just a little wider on the inside, it would be more comfortable for lying down and would additionally, comfortably, accommodate many 10-15 pound size dogs.

The backpack is well made and feels durable, though it is very light weight. There is plenty of storage between the three pockets and they will easily hold a day's worth of treats and dry food, as well as a few personal items. The pack holds its shape well (even when empty or not being worn). The 1" thick bottom cushion, which compresses to 1/2", seems comfortable and it is removable for cleaning. Regarding the interior clip, I would not recommend attaching this to your pet's collar; it is safer to use a body harness and attach it to that. If your pet is very short, you may need to add a large link to make it long enough, but nothing that your pet could get tangled in!

I highly recommend this backpack for its functionality, light weight and quality, and the twenty five dollar price is awesome too!

Read Best Reviews of Kyjen Outward Hound Backpack Carrier, Blue Here

This is a durable and well made backpack. I did some research before buying and decided on this pack. Lots of pockets for extra storage. Well made zippers. Mesh is not cheap and withstands rugged wear and tear on the trails. Straps are sturdy and waist strap is nice added feature for stabilizing pack when carrying a "moving load." I bought this backpack for camnping/hiking with my lhasa apsa. She's getting old and can't make it as far as she used to. Only downfall is I wish it was a little bigger; the details are right on for sizing. My girl fits in it but barely. If you have a long-bodied dog like mine who doesn't weigh much it may be a bit snug.

Want Kyjen Outward Hound Backpack Carrier, Blue Discount?

This backpack is great. You take your dog with you in just about any store without people noticing him. I have tried several different doggie bags and none of them worked because my dog always seemed squished in them. This backpack works well my dog is 12 pounds and he fits perfectly. I even leave the top open and attach his harness to the backpack so he is safe and secure. It is very durable and the straps hold the backpack in place so you're not straining your back. The best part is you can take your dog out with you all the time and your hands can be free to do your shopping or anything else without worrying about your dog.