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.
Obviously, you need somewhere to put your dog's favourite ball, a backup ball in case that gets lost along the way, a portable water bowl, dog waste bags, tasty treats, training equipment and so on!
Not forgetting 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, we often need multi-functional dog walking bags that cover all bases.
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If you prefer to keep your dog's belongings to a minimum and are looking for a dog walking bum bag, 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.
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 and a bum bag, or a long hike with two solid straps like a backpack, or you're happy to sling a cross-body bag over one shoulder, we've covered all the bases.
Furthermore, you also need to factor in what type of material your bag is, so look out for waterproof options if there's a chance of rain (it's the UK so it's highly likely you could encounter a surprise shower!), or if you need something lightweight that doesn't irritate your skin.
Types:
• Sling shoulder dog walking bag
• Cross-body dog walking bag
• Bum-bag dog walking bag
• Waist pack dog walking bag
• Backpack dog walking bag, available in small, medium or large
The best dog walking bags
Pet Room Dog Walking Bag
Best compact dog walking bag
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This compact bag can be worn as a belt around the waist or hung over the shoulder. It has five different pockets to hold everything you need, making it easy for you to grab your essentials quickly without fiddling around. There's space for your own essentials which can be kept secure with zip fastenings. Owners rate this 4.5 out of 5 stars, making comments such as, "everything you need", "well made", "good quality" and "highly recommend".
Dimensions: 38.1 x 0.76 x 2.54 cm
Weight: 160g
Features:
High-quality fabric
Three ways to wear
Drawstring closure to keep treats safe
Front zipper pocket.
Treat pouch
Waste bag holder
Dog training clicker
Collapsible dog bowl
Adjustable belt
Review: "What a great little bag. I bought this for my rescue dog who is highly motivated by food, and he is learning so quickly with the clicker. It's a great little clicker and whistle with a springy type wrist cord that will fit around any size wrist. The water bowl is really good quality and is perfect for on the go. I love how you pop a roll of poop bags in the outer pocket, and you can pull one through at a time. I normally had all my pockets full of them.
"The bag itself can go round the waist or over the shoulder, and is very well made. The main part of the bag is big enough to put a packet of treats, your phone and a small purse in whilst the small front part is perfect for your keys. I love this bag and always take it when I'm out with my dog now."
Mobile Dog Gear Weekender Back Pack
Best for walking holidays
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This dog walking bag is packing a serious punch. Although at the pricier end of the scale, it is an absolute must-have for those who travel often with their dog and have to make sure they can pack everything they need in one bag for a holiday.
Dimensions: H 40.6 x W 33 x D 17.8 cm
Weight:
Features
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
Review: "I love this bag! It can fit so much of my dog's stuff into it, perfect for when I take my dog to work or to stay at a friend's! Everything is really good quality and very comfortable. There was a bit of an issue with delivery where it was missed off my order but customer support was fantastic and sent out another straight away!"
Sophie Allport - Woof Dog Walking Bag
Best for style
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We love this adorable illustrated dog walking bag from pet brand Omlet. The Sophie Allport bag features the artist's 'woof' print and has enough pockets for treats, poo bags, collapsable bowls and your essentials. Ideal for any new pet parent.
Dimensions: H 6cm x W 13cm x L 19cm
Weight: 0.2 kg
Features
Adjustable waist or shoulder strap
Multiple pockets
Stylish dog illustration design
Zip fastening
D-rings for extra attachments
Dog Training Treat Bag
Best for training
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This dog pouch comes with lots of nifty accessories which helps secure it a firm slot on our best-of list. It also comes in handy for training your dogs when you need to quickly reward your pup.
Dimensions: 11.5 x 6.5 x 17.5 cm
Weight: 290g
Features
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
Review: "The absolute best treat bag we've tried so far!! What more can I say... It holds loads, and the clicker is great. The bowl is beyond brilliant, although it is a tiny bowl it's plenty big enough for my Golden Retriever and the second it hits the floor dogs swarm from nowhere to share the water. My Puggle is a master at treat bag destruction and despite a couple of attempts, he hasn't managed to make a mark on this one, and even better he can't mug me for treats during the walk thanks to the amazing drawstring and fabric closure. All in all, it is simply fantastic!!"
Outdoor Paws by Petface Dog Walkers Bum Bag
Best bum bag
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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. It is limited on space so we'd suggest this is one for shorter walks where you probably don't need to carry a collapsible bowl or water bottle. It's also water-resistant, so good for the days you get caught in a downpour!
Dimensions: 15 x 37.5 x 4 cm
Weight: 112g
Features
Specific phone holder
Three zip compartments
Two pockets with velcro fasten
Water-resistant fabric
Adjustable waist belt
Review: "Really useful product for dog walking. It holds all I need and I clip on a poo bag holder for easy access. It could do with being more durable though as I have a small hole in my first one and after 18 months needed to re-stitch some of the internal seams as the treats were finding their way in with the spare lead and ball."
Radley Zip Around Bumbag
Best luxury dog walking bag
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Looking to treat yourself or a loved one? This Radley zip-around bumbag is ideal for dog walking when you're heading somewhere other than your local route. It's stylish yet still compact, crafted in mock croc featuring two zipped compartments as well as interior card slots and a press stud back pocket to slide in dog treats.
Dimensions: W36 x H18cm
Weight: 0.6kg
Features
Zip-around compartments
Wide strap with adjustable slider
Textured mock croc
Compact and durable
Tried & Tested by Deputy Commercial Content Editor, Natalie Corner: "Sometimes you want to add a little extra style on a dog walk with friends and this Radley bumbag is ideal for that. Although it may not be the first port of call when looking for a practical bag but it doubles up perfectly and I can still use it when I'm not dog walking. There are plenty of compartments for my belongings and doggie essentials too!"
iEnergy PAT Waist Belt
Best for runners
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Another bum bag style, but with a lot of extra capacity for dog walkers. It's made of durable and breathable mesh material, designed with dog owners in mind thanks to its multi-pockets and fastenings. It's a great bag for warmer weather and runners, allowing you to store all the important things you need along with designated secure pouches for keys and money.
Dimensions: 26 x 18.4 x 4.8 cm
Weight: 260 g
Features
One-size waist belt
Hook for attaching your leash
Wipe-clean food bag pocket
Pocket area for valuables
Review: "Absolutely love this! Perfect for when I go running when I take my friend's dogs out and can store everything I need without having to carry my keys and plastic bags etc in pockets! Definitely a must have for any dog walkers/owners who love to exercise and are fed up having to carry rucksacks etc. Really good quality and very comfortable to wear."
'Paw Pattern & Dog Icons' - Personalised Dog Walking Bag
Best for dog lovers
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We adore this personalised dog bag. While it may not have as many pockets as other options on our list, Yappy offers pet owners the chance to customise their bag with a design that looks like their own pooch, as well as choose from six different colourways. This makes a great gift for any dog lover or a treat for yourself to show your pet just how much you love them!
Dimensions: 19 x 18 x 5cm
Weight: Unknown
Features
Yappy.com exclusive customised dog design
Colour Options Available
Made from satin-twill material
Removable flap for easy clean
Adjustable strap, 102cm when fully extended
Zip compartment underneath flap
Review: "Great bag, fits in treats and poo bags along with my mobile phone and door key. Will make life so much easier in the summer months when I don’t have coat pockets to fill. Great design."
MALEDEN Unbalance Backpack
Best for long hikes
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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, including a power bank pouch so you can charge your phone along the way and don't run the risk of running out of battery. It's also waterproof, so is ideal if the weather isn't holding up but you're still heading outside.
Dimensions: L 17.78 x W 6.9 x H 35cm
Weight: Unknown
Features
Waterproof and anti-scratch
Adjustable cross-body strap
Padded shoulder
Power bank pouch
Made from Nylon
Available in four colours
Durable for hiking, camping, climbing, running and bike riding
Review: "Needed a lightweight bag for essentials when walking the dog. I don't get on with backpacks and this bag is perfect for my requirements. Room for poo bags, treats, tissues, pair of specs, pen, hay fever tablets etc with a bit leftover. The strap includes a pocket for iPod or similar. Comfy to wear and easy to access. Keep it stocked and just pick it up when I want to go."
Dog Walking Bag by The Dandy Dog Company
Best smart dog bag
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This dog bag is smart and stylish and definitely one for those that don't want to be obviously carrying a bag full of poo bags and treats. It's plain enough to be unisex, so no qualms as to whose responsibility it is to carry the bag of essentials when you're out together. It can be worn either across the body with a strap, or through a belt using the sturdy loop on the back.
Dimensions: H16.5 x W12.5 xD8cm
Weight: Unknown
Features
Waist or crossbody strap
Made from 100 per cent cotton canvas
Three zipped compartments
Available in five colours
Review: "Great, sturdy little bag, with plenty of room for a phone, lead, poo bags, treats etc. Very well made, love it - but would be tempted to use it for other things and not just for dog walking. Really handy little bag for taking to the shops with your phone, room for shopping bags inside etc - very happy with the product indeed and would have no hesitation in recommending to anyone."
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
• Antibacterial wipes
• Raincoat (especially if you live in the UK)
• Face mask
• Mobile phone
• Money/bank card
• Snacks for you
• Potentially a whistle and some sort of ball or dog toy