Correctly adjusting the dog backpack is exceedingly important. Because it can prevent back pain, tense neck or stinging shoulder pain. We give you a few tips on the way, how you can adjust your backpack properly. So you get the maximum comfort out of your backpack!

A properly adjusted and packed backpack is easier to control. In order for you to move stably and safely with your dog in the backpack, it needs the right body center of gravity. A good sense of balance is especially important in challenging terrain. The right adjustment of your dog carrier backpack can make a big difference. The better it is adjusted to you and your pet, the easier it is for you to carry your backpack including dog, cat and co over a longer period of time.

If you’re not an experienced hiker, you’ve probably asked yourself: why do I need the buckles and straps on my backpack? With a little bit of know-how, you will find that the adjustment options can support the carrying comfort.

We’ll explain how to adjust your dog backpack correctly in just a few steps.

Adjusting the dog carrier backpack

5 easy steps

1. Loosen all straps:

The first and most important step is to loosen all straps—chest strap, shoulder straps, load control straps, and hip belt—on the backpack. This is the only way to optimally adjust the backpack to your anatomy from the ground up and ensure correct load distribution.

2. Determine the position of the hip belt:

Women should place the center of the hip belt over the upper part of the pelvis. Men should position the hip belt (upper edge) approx. 2 cm above the upper part of the hip bone. Now close and tighten – but not too tightly, of course. If the belt is too high, it will constrict the waist; if it is too low, the hip fins will rub against the thighs.

A properly adjusted hip belt takes the load off your shoulders and distributes it to your hips. Some models designed to carry heavier loads also have hip fins. The MountainRock Backpack has a hip belt, while all other models have a padded hip belt with hip fins. Our PaddedPlus hip belt can be added as an option.

3. Adjust the shoulder straps:

Tighten the shoulder straps. But not too tightly, because the main load should still be carried by the hip belt. Make sure that you can still comfortably stretch your arms forward.

Every backpack has adjustable shoulder straps. Once properly adjusted, the dog backpack will sit neatly on the shoulders and will not slip down.

4. Adjust the chest strap:

The chest strap stabilizes the shoulder straps. You can adjust the chest strap up or down, close it with a buckle, and then tighten it. Make sure that your breathing is not restricted.

The chest strap is the least important strap on your dog backpack. It used to help keep the shoulder straps in the correct position. Today, most straps are ergonomically shaped. The chest strap is not designed to carry any weight.

5. Use the load lifter straps:

When you tighten the load lifter straps on your shoulders, the load is carried closer to your back and you have more control.

Dog backpacks for large dogs (from 55 cm back height, as well as all dachshund backpacks) usually have load lifter straps. You can adjust the stabilizing straps on the shoulder straps (at the top). If they are loose, this allows for better air circulation. Suitable when moving on easier terrain. When tightened, they pull the load closer to the body, allowing for better control. Ideal when hiking on more difficult terrain.

Important to know

Adjustment depending on application

Depending on the activity, such as cycling or hiking, the length of the shoulder straps may need to be adjusted slightly to prevent pressure points. Different settings may also be more comfortable depending on the terrain and your posture.

base plate

The base plate of our backpacks is not made of metal, but of a flexible, adaptable material. Similar to a good leather shoe, the base plate adapts to your back when worn and becomes more flexible.

weight distribution

If you are out and about with your dog for a longer period of time, you can loosen or tighten the shoulder straps and load control straps from time to time to distribute the load between your hips and shoulders and relieve both. You can adjust the position of the backpack on your back by loosening or tightening the stabilizing straps and shoulder straps.

Depending on the terrain and your posture, a different setting may be more comfortable. Your posture is different when going uphill than when going downhill or on flat ground. Experiment a little and find the right setting for your application.

Special feature Dachshund Backpack

Please note that depending on your size and back length, the hip belt of this backpack may sit above your hips, but this is fine. This applies in particular to the Dachshund Backpack Mini (S) and the Dachshund Backpack Midi (M). If this is a problem for you, we recommend switching to the PeakStone Backpack or Bulldog Backpack.

Recommended accessories for more comfort

For people who are sensitive to pressure, carry heavy loads for long periods of time, or want to change the position of their backpack from time to time, we recommend the PaddedPlus hip belt. It provides excellent support for the back and hips and ideally supports the bottom of the backpack.

Don’t forget: Tag us on your adventures! #tarigs