When it comes to sporty dog/pet carrier backpacks, there’s two that stand out – the Ruffit and k9 Sport Sack dog backpacks.
We thought putting together a Ruffit Dog Carrier vs k9 Sport Sack comparison would be helpful to compare the features and drawbacks of each backpack.
You can also get a better idea of which dog backpack carrier is better for you and your dog.
Let’s check them out!
(*Friendly Disclosure – links to retailers or brands on this page may include affiliate links, and we may receive a commission when you purchase through these links)
Ruffit Dog Carrier vs k9 Sport Sack Comparison: Which Is Better?
If you want to go straight to viewing either of the backpack carriers, you can do so here:
k9
- k9 Sport Sack AIR (on Amazon) – for dogs up to 30lbs, and measuring anywhere between 10 up to 23 inches from their collar to the base of their tail.
Ruffit
- Ruffit Dog Carrier (on Amazon) – for dogs less than 25 lbs, and measuring more than 10 inches and less than 18 inches from their collar to the base of their tail
Ruffit Dog Carrier vs k9 Sport Sack: Summary – Which Should You Get?
Overall, they both dog backpack carriers, but they have different designs.
k9 Sport Sack
You’d get this backpack if your dog weighs up to 30 lbs, measures between 10 to 23 inches from collar to base of tail, & you want a backpack that is enclosed around the sides with a head/front legs opening
Ruffit Dog Carrier
You’d get this backpack if your dog weighs up to 25 lbs, measures between 10 to 18 inches from their collar to the base of their tail, & you are ok with an X strap crossover backpack that leaves your dog’s mid section and back exposed, and essentially has an enclosed pouch for their legs.
This design can be a little more difficult for some dogs to fit in, but most are OK as long as you get the size right.
Ruffit Dog Carrier vs k9 Sport Sack: Differences
The k9 Sports Sack has an enclosed bag design, whereas the Ruffit has an open X crossover strap design
The k9 Sports Sack comes in different colors, whereas the Ruffit only comes in black
The k9 Sports Sack is for dogs up to 30 lbs, whereas the Ruffit is for dogs up to 25 lbs
The k9 Sports Sack is for dogs between 10 to 23 inches from collar to base of tail, whereas the Ruffit is for dogs between 10 to 18 inches from their collar to the base of their tail
The k9 Sports Sack doesn’t have D clips for extra attachments, whereas the Ruffit does
Ruffit Dog Carrier vs k9 Sport Sack: Similarities
Both comes in 4 sizes
Both comes with a collar loop
Both come with storage pockets
Both have a chest strap
Both have padded shoulder straps
Both have ventilated sides
Ruffit Dog Carrier vs k9 Sport Sack: Reviews, & Features
Ruffit Dog Carrier
– Features
A backpack type carrier that straps your dog in with crossover straps (like an X) and allow your dog’s head to be exposed, and top legs/paws to rest on your back
4 sizes available – Small, medium, large and extra large
To measure your dog for a size, measure from their neck/collar to the base of their tail
The backpack is intended for small dogs that measure anywhere from 10 inches up to 18 inches from collar to base of tail
Comes with padding on the straps that strap your dog into the backpack
Has a loop at the top of the carrier to loop with your dog’s collar
Comes with safety loops on the zippers
Come with some storage pockets
Comes with D loops on the bottom straps for other attachments as you require
Has mesh sides for ventilation
Has a chest strap/clip
Has padding on the main straps and on the backpack where it rests on your back
For the people whose dog’s body shape fits the backpack, it seems to work very well
– Potential Drawbacks
Some people find it awkward/difficult to get their dog in the pouch and secure them
Some people find that because of their dog’s body shape, the X straps don’t secure them properly and their dog is at risk of falling out (or at least they feel like they will)
The backpack seems to run a little small – it’s best to round up to the next size up that you think you need
Definitely among the most expensive dog carrier backpacks on the market
– View
– What It Is
The Ruffit dog carrier is a backpack that allows you to carry your dog on your back as you both go on outdoor adventures.
– What It’s Used For
Mainly outdoor activities where you are limited by the leash, terrain, your dog’s size, stamina and age.
For example, walking, light hikes and light cycling.
– Why You Might Not Get It
There’s probably three main reasons:
If your dog’s body shape isn’t a good fit for the carrier – some dogs just don’t fit in it as well as other dogs, mainly due to the shape of their body, and their owner feels like the dog’s body isn’t as secure
If your dog measures less than 10 inches or more than 18 inches from their collar to the base of their tail
If your dog has issues with straps or carriers
If your dog weighs more than 25 lbs
– Alternatives
If you don’t like the exposed crossover strap design of the Ruffit Dog Carrier, you might like to check out the Petsfit Dog Carrier Backpack.
This backpack carrier is for dogs up to 15 lbs, and has enclosed sides and a top open area for your dog’s head.
So, it doesn’t matter as much about the shape of your dog with this carrier.
You can read more about the Petsfit Dog Carrier Backpack in this guide.
k9 Sport Sack AIR
– Features
A dog/pet carrier backpack used for carrying your dog around and outdoor adventures
For dogs up to 30lbs (dogs over 30lbs void the warranty)
It is fully enclosed (you zip it up around your dog) and allows your dog to put it’s front legs out the top and rest them on your shoulder, and have their head exposed too
Comes in a range of sizes from small to Large – for dogs that measures anywhere between 10 up to 23 inches from their collar to the base of their tail.
Comes in a range of colors
Has a sternum strap for extra security on your body
Overall with the straps – it has adjustable neck straps, side straps, chest straps and shoulder straps
Has a safety D ring to hook up your dog’s collar at the top of the backpack
Has dual side pockets for storage
Has ventilated sides
Has a whistle clip
Has velcro sides for attaching different items
Has a 20mm thick bottom rest pad
Materials are hand and machine washable
– Potential Drawbacks
The ventilation could be better for hotter weather – you might want to be careful with it for hot weather
Could do with a waist strap
Slightly expensive for a dog backpack carrier, but it’s worth it
– What Dogs & Activities Is It For
It’s for dogs from 10 up to 23 inches from their collar to the base of their tail, that weigh 30 lbs or less.
You can use it for light outside activities such as walking, biking and hiking, or just for carrying your dog around.
– What Size To Get
Measure from your dog’s collar on their neck to the base of their tail. Sizing is as follows:
Extra-Small: 10-13 inches from collar to base of tail
Small: 14-17 inches from collar to base of tail
Medium: 17-20 inches from collar to base of tail
Large: 20-23 inches from collar to base of tail
Ruffit Dog Carrier vs k9 Sport Sack: Are There Any Other Dog Carrier Backpacks Worth Looking At?
The Petsfit Dog Carrier Backpack has a similar design to the k9 Sports Sack, except it has more room inside, has a rectangular shape and has 4 mesh ventilation sides.
You can check out a review of the Petsfit Dog Carrier Backpack in this guide.
Best Overall Dog Carriers
This guide outlines some of the best overall dog carriers on the market.
Friendly Disclaimers
TheDailyShep.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.
Additionally, TheDailyShep.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links.
TheDailyShep.com are not veterinarians, or animal professionals/experts. Information provided is for informational purposes only – it is not a substitute for professional or qualified advice.
The information is based on either our own thorough research, and/or own experiences, as a means of free speech.
By consuming this information, you accept that TheDailyShep.com do not have client or patient relationship with you, and TheDailyShep.com are not advising you to act on anything you read.
You should always consult your own veterinarian, animal expert, or health care professional and follow their advice before making decisions on all matters.
You can find our full set of disclaimers and T & C’s in the footer of this site
Enjoy your reading, and thank you for being here
','' ); } ?>