Dog walking bags to carry all your pet’s outdoor necessities

The extra luggage you need to go further afield for waste bags, water bowls, and treats.

Best dog walking bags UK

by Natalie Corner |
Updated on

Dogs need just as many things as a baby does when you leave the house with them, so it's no surprise that as a pet parent, you've probably found yourself juggling a whole load of necessities in your dog walking bags. From servings of your pooch's food to toys, other dog walking accessories and your necessities, too, you'll be surprised how much you can fit into a walking bag.

Obviously, you need somewhere to put all your dog's favourite things and everything they need for their outdoor adventure. Items like your dog's favourite ball, a backup ball in case it gets lost along the way, a portable water bowl, dog poop bags, tasty biscuits and treats, training equipment and so on! That's why a bag for dog walking is essential.

Best dog walking bags at a glance:

Best branded dog walking bag: Fjallraven Kånken Hip Pack - View at Cotswold Outdoor
Best bum bag: Outdoor Paws by Petface Dog Walkers Bum Bag - View on Amazon UK
Best for walking holidays: Overland Mobile Dog Gear Unisex Weekender Backpack - View on Amazon UK

Don't forget you'll also need to have enough room to include your own essentials like house keys, car keys, sunglasses, refreshments, a mobile phone, sunscreen, a hat, emergency plasters for blisters and any extra layers in case it gets cold. For this reason, we often need multi-functional dog walking bags that cover all bases.

Whether you prefer to keep your dog's belongings to a minimum and are after a bum bag for dog walking or a cross-body dog walking bag to keep your hands and arms free, we have options for you to choose from. Or, if you really do like to carry everything, including the kitchen sink, on a hike, we've selected the best walking bags for all kinds of walks. Whatever type of bag for dog walking you are looking for, we've searched the web to bring you a selection of the very best.

Best dog walking bags

Best branded dog walking bag

Looking to treat yourself or a loved one? This Fjallraven Kånken Hip Pack is ideal for dog walking when heading somewhere other than your local route. Playful yet practical, it's durable and compact with an inside pocket and key clip, plus two zippered pockets on the outside – perfect for stashing those doggie treats. Just fasten it around your hips, and off you go.

Customers praise the style and colour of this bag. It's handy for carrying treats and other doggy necessities. However, note the dimensions; some reviews comment that it was smaller than they thought. Also, the nature of the fabric means it will fade over time, especially with daily use.

Pros

  • Well-known, stylish brand – looks good
  • Multiple compartments to carry all of your pet's essentials
  • Durable fabric and fastenings

Cons

  • Colour can fade over time
Dimensions:18 x 12 x 9cm
Weight:135g
  • Zip closure
  • Water repellent
  • Wind resistant
  • 2L capacity
  • Choice of colours

Best for walking holidays

Overland Mobile Dog Gear Weekender Back PackOverland

Rrp: $89.99

Price: $69.99
Alternative retailers
Kohl's$33.49View offer
PetSmart$53.79View offer
Petco$69.99View offer
Wayfair$79.61View offer

This Overland Mobile Dog Gear Weekender Back Pack packs a serious punch. It is an absolute priority for those who travel often with their dog and must ensure they can pack everything they need in one bag for a holiday. It has multiple pockets for keeping all the essentials in, plus two silicone bowls and a place mat for on-the-go feeding.

If you're going on an airplane, this backpack is hand luggage-friendly. It even has an ID tag to fill in your dog's details.

Customers praise this backpack for its style and durability. The quilted fabric is resistant to ripping, and the storage compartments allow it to be organised with all your pet's essentials. The range of colours is limited, but for practicality, this is a must-have for holidaying with dogs.

Pros

  • Made of heavy-duty polyester
  • Ideal for feeding your pooch when you're out and about

Cons

  • Some reviewers felt the Velcro divider inside could be sturdier
Dimensions:H 40.6 x W 33 x D 17.8 cm
Weight:Unknown
  • Lined carriers
  • Dividers inside
  • Side pockets
  • Built-in waste bag dispenser
  • Removable placemat
  • Collapsible silicone bowls
  • Adjustable straps
  • Mesh pocket and zippered inside pocket
  • Luggage ID tag

Best dog walking bag for training

Sweetie Dog Training Treat BagSweetie
Price: $23.48

This Sweetie Dog Training Treat Bag has many nifty accessories, which helps secure a firm slot on our best-of list. There's space for plenty of toys and treats. Plus, it comes with a clicker, which is handy for training your dogs. You get more than just a bag with this one; it has a built-in waste bag dispenser and a portable food/water bowl. You can wear the bag cross-body or on your hip with the belt loops and D-rings.

This is an Amazon's Choice recommended product, with 5,080 reviews rating it 4.6 out of 5. Customers praise its versatility and that it is just the right size to carry essentials. The extra pockets mean you can safely and securely carry waste bags, a collapsible bowl, treats, and valuables.

This is an excellent value for money, made from durable material and extremely well-designed.

Pros

  • Made of waterproof nylon fabric
  • Adjustable strap/belt

Cons

  • Some may prefer a bag without a drawstring closure
Dimensions:11.5 x 6.5 x 17.5 cm
Weight:290g
  • Waterproof walking storage pouch
  • Adjustable reflective
  • Shoulder/waist belt for extra safety and comfort
  • Collapsible bowl
  • Dog treat pouch
  • Sturdy dog belt clip and carabiner

Best bum bag

Outdoor Paws by Petface Dog Walkers Bum BagPetface
Price: $22.97

A bum bag is a great hands-free option for dog walkers, as you don't have to swing off a backpack or reach around to grab what you need. However, it is limited in space, so we'd suggest this Outdoor Paws by Petface Dog Walkers Bum Bag. It's one for shorter walks where you don't need to carry a collapsible bowl or water bottle. It's also water-resistant, so it's suitable for the days you get caught in a downpour!

Customers praise this bum bag for being lightweight and the ideal size for carrying their pets' essentials. It also keeps their valuables safe. The multiple compartments are ideal for stowing poop bags and treats separately. However, it's best not to attempt to carry too much, as several reviews have commented that theirs ripped over time.

Pros

  • Multiple pockets, including a specific pocket for your phone
  • Easy to wear

Cons

  • Some may need a bag with more room
Dimensions:15 x 37.5 x 4 cm
Weight:112g
  • Specific phone holder
  • Three zip compartments
  • Two pockets with velcro fasten
  • Water-resistant fabric
  • Adjustable waist belt

Best dog walking bag for runners

iEnergy PAT Waist BeltiEnergy
Price: $23.99

It's another bum bag style but with extra capacity for dog walkers. The iEnergy PAT Waist Belt is made of durable and breathable mesh material, designed with dog owners in mind thanks to its multi-pockets and fastenings. It's an excellent bag for warmer weather and runners, allowing you to store all the essential things you need and designated secure pouches for keys and money.

In addition, it has a D-ring and carabiner so that you can attach your dog's leash to it – great if you're jogging.

Customer reviews say it's a well-designed and quality bag with many compartments. However, some reviews note that the strap is relatively short, and they could not wear it around their waist.

Pros

  • Zipped pockets for convenient storage
  • Comes with a D ring and carabiner for attaching a lead with ease

Cons

  • The belt is a little on the smaller size
Dimensions:26 x 18.4 x 4.8 cm
Weight:260 g
  • One-size waist belt
  • Hook for attaching your leash
  • Wipe-clean food bag pocket
  • Pocket area for valuables

Best dog walking bag for long hikes

G4Free Small Sling Bag Shoulder BackpackG4Free

A cross-body one-strap style dog walking bag that is great for longer hikes, bike rides, and generally going further afield. The bag will fit comfortably across your body and has an adjustable strap. There are plenty of pockets for all your essentials in this G4Free Small Sling Bag Shoulder Backpack, including a side mesh pocket for a small bottle. It's also waterproof, so is ideal if the weather isn't holding up but you're still heading outside.

This crossover bag is an excellent alternative to bum bags. Plus, it puts less strain on your neck than a sash bag. Also, we love that it's available in various vibrant colours.

Customer reviews say it's ideal for carrying a small bottle, collapsible bowl, waste bags, treats, and valuables. It's less bulky than other bags, and reviews say it is comfortable to wear. Just remember that it is pretty small, so fitting a large bottle of water is challenging.

Pros

  • Crossbody style for easy wearing
  • Multiple pockets and pouches
  • Choice of colours and designs

Cons

  • Some may prefer a more stylish bag
Dimensions:39.5 x 21 x 8.4cm
Weight:0.13 kg
  • Waterproof and lightweight
  • Adjustable cross-body strap
  • Flexible shoulder strap
  • Suitable for a range of applications
  • Made from Nylon

How we chose the best dog walking bags UK

All of these dog walking bags have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered size, comfort and quality in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching xxx to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval. And, with help from veterinary experts, we share their knowledge to ensure everything we choose is paw-fect for your pet.

Female walker with dog on lead in forest
©Photo: Getty Images

FAQs

What type of dog walking bags are there?

It all depends on what you need to take with you on your dog walk, which determines the style of dog walking bags you should choose. Whether it's a brief dog walk with a bum bag, a long hike with a backpack, or you're happy to sling a cross-body bag over one shoulder, we've covered all the bases.
Here are some of the most common types of dog walking bags:
• Sling shoulder dog walking bag
• Cross-body dog walking bag
• Bum-bag dog walking bag
• Waist pack dog walking bag
• Backpack dog walking bag
Furthermore, you also need to factor in what type of material your bag is, so look out for waterproof dog walking bag options if there's a chance of rain (it's the UK so you could likely encounter a surprise shower!) or if you need something lightweight that doesn't irritate your skin.

What should I take with me on a dog walk?

If you're a new dog owner and are drawing a blank on what you need to bring with you, whether you're going on a long hike away from home or are simply quite forgetful (it happens to the best of us!), then we've rounded up a few essentials that you everyone needs to stash in their dog walking bags.
• Dog waste bags
• Appropriate dog lead, dog walking belt and/or dog harness
• Treats
• Water (and a dog travel water bowl/bottle to put it in for your pooch)
• Antibacterial wipes
• A waterproof coat for your pooch and yourself (especially if you live in the UK)
• Mobile phone
• Money/bank card
• Snacks for you
• Potentially a dog whistle
• Some sort of ball or dog toy
• Training treats
• Food for both of you (for particularly long adventures)

Natalie Corner is the Commercial Content Editor across the Specialist Portfolio for Bauer Media specialising in dog care. Her beloved cocker spaniel Dash is a keen tester of all dog treats and food, and will always show off his wagging tail for Take A Break Pets.

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