Outward Hound PupPak Dog Front Carrier, Small, Grey – Hands-Free Hiking & Camping Pet Backpack for Small Pets up to 10 lbs, Padded Straps, Breathable Mesh, Water-Resistant, Safety Clip

I just took my cat for her first walk today! She went in it right away (of course, cats love small spaces), I zipped it up and walked her down to the street and around back up our winding path (fairly good distance). While she didn't outright purr while walking (but she did when I first put her in it), she was calm and attentive to everything outside. She was against my chest--I wore it to the front instead of the back--so could feel my body heat through the backing--and was soothed by it and the enclosed space. I'll now start taking her for walks with my dog, working her up to a full walk little by little.I've been looking for something that would be small enough to keep her snug, but large enough for her to move and see out of, trying to find something that was made for front carrying, but couldn't find anything. I didn't want the front carrier by Kyjen because it only had a draw string for the front which makes the top very small. And, I'm not positive she couldn't work her way out of the drawstring closure. I wanted a zippered carrier that maintained the top space as large as the bottom, and inescapable.As to the durability and style of the pack: It seems very well made, as well made as regular backpacks I've purchased for myself in the past. While I can't close the top strap that would ordinarily go across the top of the chest, as it's now going across the width of my upper back, the other straps are easily adjusted and work fine without using the chest strap. I can put the thick strap across the back of my waist and draw the straps in tightly, very easily. I like the pockets for carrying treats for her and my dog. So I have my hands free to walk my dog, hold the cat, hold whatever else I need in my backpack pockets, and take them both with me more often.My cat is about 12 lbs so weight is not an issue. Of course, cats are more flexible in their positions than dogs are so it really depends on the shape and maneuverability of your animal rather than just poundage. I think my cat would fit quite well with 5 extra pounds on her, but probably no bigger. Since I don't see her gaining weight, it doesn't matter. In my case, it works just as I'd hoped it would, is as well-made as I wanted and expected, arrived quickly and is perfect.First other place I'll try this is at Petsmart when I go for food, etc.

When you have a dachshund, or, in my case, a mini dachshund (or any dog with a long back), you have to be very careful about what type of carrier you use. Your puppy or adult has to be able to lay down in the carrier to prevent back injuries with those long backs. Carriers where they have to sit up are just not very comfortable or safe for a long back puppy. Now, finding carriers that allow this is not as easy as one would think. Not many carriers actually allow them to lie down like this. When I saw this carrier, I knew it was one I would need to try. My puppy is only 13 weeks old (9 weeks when I got her) so I could not put her on a leash and just walk her as she was not fully vaccinated and our vet said not until she is 22 weeks old. This means, a lot of carrying puppy in my future. I needed a carrier. This one works and is comfortable for both of us!I put a blanket inside to give her something soft to lay on, and throw a couple of her favorite toys inside and she is happy.PROS:The carrier has a collar/harness clip inside to hook to her harness to keep her safe and prevent her from jumping out.There is a very nice, large pocket on it where you could keep training treats, your keys, or wallet. My phone fits perfectly in this pocket which is very convenient.When she is in the carrier, the shoulder strap is very comfortable for me.The sides are adjustable to make sure she can see, get in and out, and keep her level on my hip.There are nice side vents to allow for air flow through the carrier, not just over it.CONS:I do wish that the adjustable side straps were on the opposite end as the collar/harness clip because she thinks it is a great chew toy but that is the only thing I would see as a con.Overall, I do see it as a great carrier for any puppy but very useful for my mini dachshund and any other long back puppers out there.Would be great if they made it in other colors as well, but the grey is very nice and I cannot complain. If you want a comfortable carrier where your puppy can lie down, this is a great one to try.

My 12 lb chihuahua mix fits just right into a small size. I carry her in front with the straps crossed in back and it is very comfortable. The board in the bottom seemed to fold in half right away which was either by design or not, and created a comfortable seat. The only thing I would upgrade it with is a utility pocket. We have enjoyed it for years. Very simple and made with sturdy material.

I like the concept, my dog likes riding in it, but I'm returning it because:The one I got does not have the same coloring as the picture. Mine is a bland shade of gray all over, no accents or dark gray or black.The zippers stick. From the moment I took it out of the box. Impossible to open/close pockets while trying to hang on to a leash.So hard to get it on my back without traumatizing my pup. I have to find an elevated surface to place to pack, put her in, then hold it while I twist around and move myself into the straps.Once my dog is in there we are both happy. She gets a ride and I don't have to look at this ugly backpack. She's an 8lb chihuahua mix who can't walk as long as I can and loves to be carried. She can just barely poke her head over the edge when I leave the zipper open a crack. It looks like she could ball herself up in the bottom if she wanted to sleep. Unfortunately the way the opening is larger than the base makes it feel like she could fall right out if I left it unzipped. It feels top heavy. I'm usually on my own so I don't have anyone to help me put it on or check that it's secure.For folks asking about using it on a plane - NOPE! Definitely not. The size seems about right but the material is way too flimsy. The moment you lay it on its side it collapses.I loooove the pockets! But since the dog is unsteady and the zippers are hit or miss its impossible to grab my wallet or phone out of them without several minutes of shuffling and repositioning.