In this Sturdibag vs Sherpa vs Sleepypod Comparison, we take a look at 5 popular pet carriers from these brands:
– The Sherpa Deluxe Pet Carrier Bag
– The Sturdibag Pet Carrier w/ heavy mesh
– The Standard Sturdibag Pet Carrier w/out heavy mesh
– The Sleepypod Air Pet Carrier
– The Sleepypod Atom Pet Carrier
We’ve considered which of these pet carriers might be best for you, and why.
We’ve taken into account the uses, features and of course price of the carriers.
We’ve also done a specific Sleepypod Air vs Sturdibag comparison at the bottom of this guide, as some people request it.
Let’s take a closer look!
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Sturdibag vs Sherpa vs Sleepypod Pet Carrier Comparison: Which Is Better?
Sherpa
- Sherpa Deluxe Pet Carrier (on Amazon) – for pets up to 22lbs, fits pets up to 18″ in length x 11″ in height
Sherpa also do the Sherpa Element Duffle Pet Carrier (on Amazon), and Sherpa on Wheels Pet Carrier (on Amazon).
Sleepypod
- Sleepypod Atom Dog Carrier (on Amazon) – measures 17 (long) x 10.5 (wide) x 2.5 (tall) inches, and is for pets 12 lbs or less. A smaller version of the popular Sleepypod Air. Designed for foot travel, car travel and airline travel.
- Sleepypod Air In Cabin Pet Carrier (on Amazon) – For dogs up to 15 lbs, Measures 22 L x 10.5 W x 10 H inches, and the carrier weighs 4 lbs
You can also read a comparison guide of the Air vs Atom here.
Sleepypod also has the Mobile pet bed:
- Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed (on Amazon) – a 2 in 1 pet bed, and a carrier for car travel. largest size measures 17 inches in diameter, and is 6.5 inches tall. It’s for pets 15 lbs or less. Smaller Mini size fits under most airline seats
SturdiBag
- SturdiBag Pet Carrier w/ heavy mesh (on Amazon) – approved on most major US airlines for in cabin travel, measures 12 H x 12 W x 18 D inches, for dogs up to 30lbs
- Standard Sturdibag Pet Carrier, Small (on Amazon) – Small is 10 x 10 x 18 inches, and is for toy sizes pets up to 10 lbs
- Standard Sturdibag Pet Carrier, Large (on Amazon) – Large is 18 inch length x 12 inch height x 12 inch width, and is for pets up to 25 lbs
- Standard Sturdibag Pet Carrier, Extra Large (on Amazon) – XL is 20 x 12 x 16 inches, and is for pets up to 35 lbs
Some other pet carriers that Sturdibag has are these models:
- Sturdibag Pet Carrier Cube (on Amazon) – measures 12 inch length x 12 inch height x 12 inch width, and is for dogs up to 10 lbs
- Sturdibag Pet Carrier With Divider, Large (on Amazon) – measures 18 inch length x 12 inch height x 12 inch width, and can carry up to 50lbs
- Sturdibag Pet Carrier With Divider, Extra Large (on Amazon) – measures 16 H x 12 W x 20 D inches, and can carry up to 50lbs
- Sturdi Products Incognito Discrete Pet Carrier (on Amazon) – For pets up to 10lbs, and measures 16D x 8W x 15H
Sturdibag vs Sherpa vs Sleepypod Pet Carrier – Which Is Best For You?
If we were to take into account price, range of features and number of uses, we’d pick the Sherpa Deluxe Pet Carrier as the best of the three.
It’s designed for foot, car and plan travel, and has almost every feature you’d want in a carrier.
Second, we’d pick Sturdibag Pet Carriers, and third we’d pick the Sleepypod Carriers.
None of the carriers have anything majorly wrong with them – it’s highly unlikely you’d be disappointed with any of them.
The only thing we would note is that the Sturdibag w/ heavy mesh is a compressible carrier, and some people report that in order to fit it under a standard airline seat in cabin, you do have to compress it. It sometimes won’t fit in it’s elongated shape.
Apart from that you’d have to pay attention to the weight capacity and dimensions of each of the carriers. Make sure your dog is small enough to fit in them.
How do you measure your dog for a carrier? Take two measurements:
One from the base of the tail to your dog’s chest
The other is from the ground to the top of your dog’s shoulders
Sturdibag vs Sherpa vs Sleepypod Pet Carrier: Similarities
The biggest similarity between the carriers is that they are all designed for foot, car and airline in cabin travel
The carriers all have fairly similar features including but not limited to:
Dual side and top entries
Removable and washable bed mats inside the carriers
Shoulder straps that are adjustable
Carry handles
Seatbelt straps
All the carriers are designed for toy to small sized dogs
Sturdibag vs Sherpa vs Sleepypod Pet Carrier: Differences
Price is a fairly big difference between all the carriers
Dimensions are slightly different between the carriers
Weight limits/capacities are also different
The Sturdibag and Sleepypod Carriers have a couple of extra features such as tether points inside the carriers, a collapsible design and crash tested (the Sleepypods are crash tested) designs for example that the Sherpa doesn’t have. They also have a range of colors to choose from
The Sleepypod Atom is a smaller and more compact version of the Air
Sleepypod Air vs Sturdibag: Which Should You Get?
In our opinion, the Sturdibag Pet Carrier with heavy mesh is the better of the two options when compared to the Sleepypod Air.
It’s more affordable, and is designed for heavier pets, with double the weight limit of the Air – 30 lbs weight limit compared to 15lbs.
Because it’s 4 inches shorter than the Air, it doesn’t need to be compressed to be fit under an airline in cabin seat.
Sleepypod Air vs Sturdibag: Similarities
Both can be used for air, car and foot travel
Both have an attachment point for a tether inside
Both have front and top entrances
Both have seatbelt straps
Both have a carry handle
Both have a shoulder strap
Both have storage pockets
Both have removable and washable bed matts inside
Sleepypod Air vs Sturdibag: Differences
Sturdibag has a 30lbs weight capacity, whereas the Air has a 15lbs weight capacity
Sturdibag has a range of carrier options, including the two most popular – with and without the heavy duty mesh
The carriers are slightly different dimensions
The Sleepypod Air is crash tested
The Sturdibag has tie down points
The Sturdibag has a tension rod design
The Sturdibag with heavy mesh only comes in black, whereas the Standard Sturdibag and Sleepypod Air both come in a range of colors
Sturdibag Pet Carrier Reviews & Features
SturdiBag Per Carrier (with heavy mesh)
– Features
Designed for travel, specifically by car, airline or by foot
Approved on most major US airlines for in cabin under seat travel
Made of a light fabric with tension rods that give it shape and prevent it from collapsing
Includes a comfort pad/bed that is machine washable
This model has heavy mesh for added durability
Measures 12 H x 12 W x 18 D inches
Weighs 3.1 lbs
For pets up to 30lbs
Has an attachment point for a tether inside
Has a roll up door entrance and exit point
Has a top entry/exit
Has seatbelt straps
Has a carry handle
Has a shoulder strap
Has 4 tie downs
Has a rear pocket for storage
– Potential Drawbacks
No major drawbacks – overall a good carrier bag
– View
View the SturdiBag Pet Carrier (on Amazon)
Standard Sturdibag Pet Carrier
– Features
Has many of the same features as the Sturdibag Pet Carrier with heavy duty mesh, except this one comes with standard mesh
Comes in a greater selection of colors
Small is 10 x 10 x 18 inches, and is for toy sizes pets up to 10 lbs
Large is 18 inch length x 12 inch height x 12 inch width, and is for pets up to 25 lbs
XL is 20 x 12 x 16 inches, and is for pets up to 35 lbs
– View
View the Standard Sturdibag Pet Carrier, Small on Amazon
View the Standard Sturdibag Pet Carrier, Large on Amazon
View the Standard Sturdibag Pet Carrier, Extra Large on Amazon
Sturdibag Pet Carrier With Divider
– Features
Has many of the same features as the heavy mesh, and standard pet carriers
Comes in different colors
Has two pet compartments to carry two small pets in one carrier.
The divider may be unzipped to convert to a one compartment carrier.
It can be used with or without the center divided.
Large measures 18 inch length x 12 inch height x 12 inch width, and can carry up to 50lbs
XL measures 16 H x 12 W x 20 D inches, and can carry up to 50lbs. It is larger than most airline requirements, but people have used it in cabin before.
– View
View the Sturdibag Pet Carrier With Divider, Large on Amazon
View the Sturdibag Pet Carrier With Divider, Extra Large on Amazon
Sturdibag Pet Carrier Cube
– Features
The smallest and lightest pet carrier in the Sturdibag range
Carrier toy sized pets up to 10 lbs
Comes in various colors
Measures 12 inch length x 12 inch height x 12 inch width
– View
View the Sturdibag Pet Carrier Cube (on Amazon)
Sturdi Products Incognito Discrete Pet Carrier
– Features
For pets up to 10lbs
Measures 16D x 8W x 15H
Has a double zippered side door and top for easy access for your pet
When you want to be Incognito, cover the mesh windows with attached privacy flaps
Flaps stow away into convenient storage pockets when discretion is not needed
Additional large pockets on each side
Slim padded carrying strap
– View
View the Sturdi Products Incognito Discrete Pet Carrier on Amazon
What Types Of Pet Carriers Does Sturdibag Do?
They have the following lines of pet carriers:
Standard
Heavy Mesh
Cube –
Divider
They also do an Incognito Bag.
Which Sturdibag To Get?
– Standard
For pets up to 35lbs. For car, airline and travelling by foot. Has a range of sizes and colors.
– Heavy Mesh
Most popular carrier. for pets up to 30lbs. For car, airline and travelling by foot. Has heavy mesh material.
– Cube
For two pets up to 50lbs total. The lighest and smallest of Sturdibag’s carriers.
– Divider
For toy sized pets up to 10lbs. For carrying two pets at a time.
– Incognito Bag
For toy sized pets up to 10lbs. For discrete carrying of your pet.
Sherpa Pet Carrier Reviews & Features
Sherpa Deluxe Pet Carrier
– Features
This dog carrier is designed for foot, car and airline in cabin travel.
A soft sided pet travel carrier for dogs up to 22lbs
Very affordable
For foot, car and plane travel
Comes in 3 sizes from Small through to Large
Large measure approx. 19” L x 11.75” W x 11.5” H
Comes in different colors
Has carrying handles and an adjustable shoulder strap
Has a seatbelt strap for attaching in cars
Is the right dimensions to be placed under the seat for most major US airlines.
Comes with a machine washable faux lambskin liner inside the bag
Has a spring wire frame that makes up the bag for strength but also flexibility
Has mesh windows for ventilations
Has both top and side entry
Has a storage pocket for storing items
– Drawbacks
No major drawbacks
– View
View the Sherpa Deluxe Pet Carrier on Amazon
Sleepypod Dog Carrier & Mobile Pet Bed Reviews & Features
Sleepypod has the Sleepypod Atom Dog Carrier, the Air In Cabin Dog Carrier, and the Mobile Pet Bed.
Sleepypod Atom Dog Carrier
– Features
A pet carrier for car and airline travel
A smaller and more compact version of the Sleepypod Air
Crash tested for the car
Has a strap on either side of the carrier for attaching to a seat belt
Fits under most airline seats in cabin
Outside of the carrier can be wiped down, and interior bedding can be removed and washed
Folden dimensions of the carrier are 17 (long) x 10.5 (wide) x 2.5 (tall) inches
Carrier weighs 3.2 lbs
For pets that weigh 12 lbs or less
Comes in different colors
Comes with ventilation mesh on different sides of the carrier
Has top and side entry points
Has a safety tether inside the carrier
Carrier folds flat for storage while not in use
Has several pockets for storing your pet’s items
Comes with a shoulder strap
Comes with a carry handle
– Potential Drawbacks
Not one of the cheaper pet carrier on the market
Only for pets 12 lbs or less – toy sized pets
Apart from that it’s a great carrier
– View
– Who Might It Be For
People who have pets 12lbs and less
People whose pets
People who want a pet carrier for car travel
People who want a pet carrier for airplane travel
People who prefer the Sleepypod Atom design and features and size over the Sleepypod Air
Who Might It NOT Be For?
People with pets over 12 lbs
People whose pets won’t fit
People looking for a cheap pet carrier
People who prefer the Sleepypod Air in design or for other reasons
Sleepypod Air In Cabin Pet Carrier
– Features
A pet carrier designed specifically for car and airline travel
Meets most major US airline in cabin requirements
Car crash tested
Compressable – from 22 inches in length down to 16 inches in length
Has a top and ends access and exits for pets
Has mesh panels for ventilation
Completely folds flat for storage or transport when your pet isn’t inside
Has a trolley pocket which allows you to attach the carrier to your wheeled luggage handle for example
Has storage pockets for doggy items
Comes with a removable and washable bedding mattress inside the carrier
Exterior of carrier is made of luggage-grade, ballistic nylon
Has a water repellent polyester liner
Has a removable privacy panel
Has a safety tether inside the carrier
Has an adjustable shoulder strap for carrying
Has a padded carry handle
Comes in 6 different colors
For dogs up to 10-15 lbs
Measures 22 L x 10.5 W x 10 H inches
Weighs 4 lbs
– Potential Drawbacks
Only has one set of zippers so you can only open one end at once
The carrier fits under most airline seats only when compressed, not in it’s normal size
The velcro could be better quality
Slightly expensive for what it is
– View
– Who Might It Be For?
People looking for a pet bed and pet carrier 2 in 1
People looking for a pet carrier for both the car and planes
People with pets that will fit in a carrier that is 22 L x 10.5 W x 10 H inches (your pet should be smaller than these dimensions each way by about 2 inches to fit)
People with pets that are about 10-15 lbs
Who Might It NOT Be For?
People who want a cheap airplane pet carrier
People with pets bigger than 10-15lbs
Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed
– Features
A mobile pet bed and carrier in one
The top carrier mesh dome can be removed where there is a pet bed underneath
Has seat belt straps for car travel
Bedding is removable and washable
Exterior of bed and carrier is made of luggage-grade, ballistic nylon
Has an adjustable shoulder strap
Has a padded carry handle
The Mini size fits below most major US airline seats
Has passed a crash test for cars
Comes in a wide range of colors to choose from
Comes in 2 sizes – mini, and medium
Mini Size measures 13 inches in diameter, and is 5 inches tall. It’s for pets 7 lbs or less.
Medium Size measures 17 inches in diameter, and is 6.5 inches tall. It’s for pets 15 lbs or less
– Potential Drawbacks
Not the cheapest bed/carrier on the market
Not for pets bigger than 15lbs
Not for pets bigger than 16 inches when laying down
– View
– Who Might It Be For?
Those with pets that are 15lbs and under
Those with dogs who will fit on a pet bed that is 17 inches in diameter and smaller
Those looking for a pet bed that doubles as a carrier for car travel
Those who want a pet bed that is car crash tested
For the Mini size, those looking for a bed/carrier that fits under airline seats
– Who Might It NOT Be For?
Those with pets bigger than 15lbs
Those with pets who are too big for a 17 inch diameter bed
Those who want a carrier designed specifically for airline travel
Other Dog and Pet Carriers For Airline Travel
Check out this guide with some of the most popular and airline approved pet carriers.
Best Overall Dog Carriers
You can see a list of the best overall dog carriers in this guide.
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