1. Mac Sports Pet Sleeping Bag
Key Features
Water-resistant nylon shell
Soft microfiber interior and built-in headrest
Recommended for pets up to 60lbs
Includes carry bag
If your dog is more human than canine, this Mac Sports Pet Sleeping Bag in Large might be for him. Similar in style to a human sleeping bag, this luxurious-yet-affordable pet sleeping bag has a water-resistant nylon shell concealing a soft and snuggly microfiber lining. And that’s not all – it even has a built-in padded headrest for a pillow, so your pup can rest his weary head in the ultimate comfort after a hard day’s exploring!
This stylish blue and grey pet sleeping bag is machine washable, so it should be easy to keep it in tip-top condition. It measures 40 x 33.5 inches when open, and is suitable for dogs up to 60lbs – making it a great choice for medium-large breeds. Although it comes with a matching carry bag, several reviews comment that it doesn’t pack down small enough for their dog to be able to carry it on a backpacking trip, with one mentioning that the compressed size is the same as their own human sleeping bag. So, it’s a quality option, but not one for those wishing to pack light!
2. Hero Dog Sleeping Bag for Dogs
Key Features
Slip-resistant orthopedic crate mat
Durable plush fleece cover
Large size: 42 x 28 inches
Suitable for dogs up to 55 lbs
The next entry on our list isn’t so much a dog sleeping bag as a dog camping mattress. The Hero Dog Anti-Slip Dog Bed Mattress is designed for use as a crate mat, and has a slip-resistant base (reviews state this works well) which could be useful to stop your dog sliding around in your car or tent. The 3cm thick cotton orthopedic mattress with fleece cover will provide your dog with a super comfortable bed, and more insulation from hard and cold floors than most dog sleeping bags.
Like most decent dog beds, this mattress is machine washable, and it can also go in the tumble dryer. Whilst this padded bed is a great choice for older dogs or those with joint problems, and it can be folded up, it probably wouldn’t be the best option for a backpacking dog bed (and also doesn’t have a cover for cold nights). We’d recommend this one if you’re travelling by car or campervan, and space and water-resistance aren’t so much of an issue.
3. Boulderlite 2-in-1 Dog Bed and Sleeping Bag
Key Features
Water-resistant, quick-drying nylon shell
Poly-fill high-loft insulation
Includes stuff sack
Available in 2 sizes
The Boulderlite 2-in-1 Dog Bed and Sleeping Bag has been designed specifically with camping in mind. It has a water-resistant, quick-drying nylon shell and a poly-fill high-loft insulation to protect your pup from the cold. There’s a zip around the bottom which, when undone, allows the sides of the bed to unfold into a sleeping bag cover – perfect for those chillier nights in the great outdoors.
All this folds down into the included stuff sack, which can be attached to most dog packs, and makes this option a great, space-saving backpacking dog bed. For the ultimate in camping practicality, the bed also includes 3 stake-out loops to attach it to the ground, or hang it out dry.
4. Chuckit! Travel Dog Bed
Key Features
Quilted cushion with poly-suede top and rip-stop bottom
Fits into nylon stuff sack (included)
Dimensions: 30 x 39 inches
Machine washable
The Chuckit! Travel Dog Bed is a comfortable dog cushion bed that is specifically designed for travel and outdoor use. The double-offset quilted cushion has a poly-suede top to provide your pup with the ultimate comfort, and a water-resistant rip-stop bottom, for durability and to prevent tears on rough surfaces. The bed can be folded up and compressed into the included stuff sack, for easy portability.
There’s no built-in cover for your dog, so it’s not technically a sleeping ‘bag’, which might make it unsuitable for the coldest conditions, but it is a great portable bed for car travel, or if you’re camping or backpacking in warmer climes – it’s lightweight and does pack down small. Many reviews also praise the thickness of the cushion, describing it as being similar to a ‘comforter’ so your fur baby should be nice and cozy. The whole cushion is machine washable (don’t worry, it keeps its shape) and there’s a handy built-in loop to make it easy to hang out to dry.
5. Hurtta Dog Sleeping Bag
Key Features
Portable, water-repellant dog sleeping bag
Lined with heat reflective foil and insulation for warmth
Round design for your dog’s natural sleeping position
Available in 3 sizes
If you’re looking for a dog sleeping bag that is suitable for colder climates (and looks super-stylish to boot!), look no further than this Hurtta Outback Dreamer. Unlike some of the others on this list, this dog sleeping bag is designed for use in cold weather camping. It features a built-in cover, insulation and a heat reflective foil lining, all of which help to keep your furry friend warm and toasty in the great outdoors – there are several positive reviews attesting to the suitability of this sleeping bag for backpacking in cold weather
Other features of this camping dog sleeping bag include a water-repellant outer and a round shape (designed to accommodate your dog’s natural ‘curled-up’ sleeping position) which will further ensure your pup has a comfortable night’s sleep, and the sweetest of dreams in the Outback Dreamer. It’s machine washable, lightweight and packs down easily into the included carry bag. It comes in 3 sizes, and a stylish mustard yellow color that your Instagram feed will appreciate, even if your dog doesn’t!
6. Kurgo Loft Wander Waterproof Travel Dog Bed
Key Features
Waterproof Microtomic rip-stop fabric top
Non-slip waterproof Rufftex bottom
Rolls up for easy portability
Available in 2 sizes
As a practical backpacking dog bed without a cover goes, the Kurgo 1560 Loft Wander Waterproof Travel Dog Bed is hard to beat. This hardy design has a Microtomic rip-stop waterproof fabric top and a waterproof Rufftex non-slip bottom, making it ideal for use outside on damp ground and dewy grass – whilst still being machine washable.
A quilted poly-fill inner makes it comfy for your dog to lie on, although the lack of cover makes it unsuitable for very cold climates. This Kurgo dog bed rolls up quickly and secures closed with Velcro for easy portability, and there’s a convenient handle that can be used to carry or attach it to your luggage. It’s available in 2 sizes, Medium or Large, and a choice of 2 colors, Red or Brown. The only real negative comment that seems to keep arising is that this isn’t a good bed for chewers!
7. Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Dog Bed
Key Features
Made from a warm Sherpa material
12-inch bolster and 9-inch front for orthopedic support
Waterproof nylon bottom
Available in 2 sizes
The Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler Dog Bed Cushion
certainly looks snuggly enough to keep your best friend warm whilst on the road – it looks pretty appealing to us too! This ultra-cozy pet bed has a 12-inch high bolster wall to give your dog a sense of security and a 9-inch front to offer orthopedic support to their head and neck. It’s made from a super-soft Sherpa material that your furry friend will love snuggling into.
As far as practical features for camping go, it has a waterproof nylon bottom and is machine washable – although that’s about it. There’s no cover, and it doesn’t pack down into any sort of stuff sack. If you’ve got the space though, it would be great for older dogs, or those with joint problems. It’s also available in a range of funky colors, to keep style-conscious owners happy too!
8. Ethical Pets Faux Suede Dog Sleeping Bag
Key Features
Faux suede exterior
Cozy plush interior
Machine washable
Suitable for dogs up to 10lbs
And finally, if you have a small fur baby such as a Chihuahua or Jack Russell, take a look at this Ethical Pets Cuddle Cave Pet Bed. This small dog sleeping bag is suitable for pets up to 10lbs, and provides a cozy safe haven for them to snuggle up in. The exterior is made from a stylish faux suede, whilst the interior is lined with a soft plush fabric that will keep your pup super warm.
The Cuddle Cave is machine washable and the insulation is designed to be durable and not clump together – although it doesn’t claim to be waterproof and the bed doesn’t fold down, so it probably isn’t the most practical option for a backpacking or hiking trip. It sure looks comfy though, and we can only imagine how adorable your fur baby will look, all tucked up in there inside your car, tent or RV.
Best Dog Sleeping Bag Buying Guide & FAQ
Still not sure which dog sleeping bag your precious pooch would want to be snuggled up in on your upcoming camping trip? Or even if your dog really needs his own sleeping bag at all? (Trust us, if you don’t want him in yours, he does!) Read on for our full buying guide and FAQs which should clear up any of your remaining quilt-based queries.
Features to Look for in a Dog Sleeping Bag
- Water-resistant
If your dog is going to be using his sleeping bag on camping or backpacking trips, you’re going to want to make sure at least the base is water-resistant. This will prevent moisture from the ground seeping into your pup’s bed, helping to keep him dry and warm.
- Warm and well-insulated
On the same theme as above, you should make sure the sleeping bag is well-insulated, especially if you’re intending for your dog to be sleeping outside in a tent. Ideally, it should also have a cover, so your dog can burrow into it if the temperature really drops. Find out more about dog tents here.
- Easy access for your dog
There’s no point in a dog sleeping bag that your fur ball struggles to get into! Look for sleeping bags with a wide opening or a large side zip, so you can help your dog get in (and tuck him in for the night!)
- Portable
The whole reason you want a dog sleeping bag is more than likely to take it travelling with you – whether that’s in your car or RV, or on a backpacking or camping trip. Either way, you’re going to want the sleeping bag to be easy to transport. If you’re going hiking, look for one that rolls up small into a stuff sack. If you’re in a vehicle, it won’t matter as much, but you should at least look for a bed that doesn’t take up too much room.
- Lightweight
As above, if you’re going backpacking or camping and will be carrying your stuff with you, you will want your dog’s sleeping bag to be as lightweight as possible (as with your own!) You’ll probably want to avoid chunkier designs, such as the Best Friends by Sheri Deep Dish Cuddler Bed, in favor of a thinner (but still well-insulated) style, like the Hurtta Outback Dreamer. For more options, check out our detailed review of dog backpacks.
- Machine washable
Last but not least, make life easy for yourself by choosing a dog sleeping bag that can be machine washed when you get home – bonus points if you can chuck it in the tumble dryer too!
Benefits of Dog Sleeping Bags
- Keeps your dog warm and dry
The best and most obvious benefit to investing in a dog sleeping bag is that it will keep your furry best friend dry and toasty – just like your sleeping bag does for you.
- Good for dogs with joint problems
As well as keeping your dog comfortable, a sleeping bag can actually have health benefits for dogs with joint problems, as it’s much better for them than having to sleep on the cold, hard ground. Take a look at our review of dog joint supplements for more info.
- Encourages your dog to stay with you
Another advantage of giving your dog a designated place to sleep is that it may encourage him to stay in your tent. This can be particularly important for dogs that aren’t used to camping, and who may become agitated or interested in external noises during the night. The last thing you want is your pup ripping his way through canvas to chase an unsuspecting owl!
- Keeps your dog out of your sleeping bag
You might want to keep your dog inside your tent, but you probably don’t want to go as far as letting him in your sleeping bag. Giving him his own bed will ensure no muddy fur balls try and sneak into yours for warmth in the middle of the night!
- Helps ensure a good night’s sleep for you both
Lastly, following on from the above, having a separate, comfy sleeping space for you dog will help ensure you both get the best night’s sleep possible – particularly important if you’re hiking for miles each day!
Check out our guide on Dog Strollers for more info.
Types of Dog Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping bag
This is the type that most resembles a human sleeping bag. Usually made from polyester or nylon, it will have a padded base and a wide zip with a cover, all of which can be packed down into a stuff sack. This is the type of sleeping bag that will generally keep your pup the warmest.
- Mattress
Other travel dog beds are more similar to camping mattresses. These padded cushion-styles work well to protect your dog from the ground, but may not provide the same level of warmth when used alone as a sleeping bag with a cover. They can usually be folded down into some form of carry bag.
- Bed style
The final most common type of ‘dog sleeping bag’ isn’t a sleeping bag at all, but rather a lighter, more portable version of a classic dog bed, with a padded base and border. These usually take up the most space, and so are more suited to use in a car or RV, rather than camping or hiking.
Dog Body Temperature
When camping in the cold you should consider the effect it will have on your dog’s body temperature. Keep in mind that dogs with a thicker coat, country dogs and those accustomed to being outside are unlikely to feel the cold as much as a city dog who rarely goes outside for long periods of time - and therefore probably won’t need such a heavily insulated sleeping bag. If you’re camping in cold weather (or somewhere with low nighttime temperatures) a sleeping bag with a cover is ideal, as it gives your dog the option to cover themselves if they need to, helping them to regulate their own body temperature.
Related Post: Backpack Dog Carriers
Our Top Pick
There are some super-snug pet sleeping bags on this list, but our pick of the best has to be the RUFFWEAR Highlands Sleeping Bag for Dogs. This cozy sleeping bag is water-resistant, fully insulated and has a large side zip to allow your pup easy access. It packs down small into the included stuff sack and is machine washable when you get home. With this awesome dog sleeping bag as part of your camping gear, you and your fur baby are guaranteed to catch some ‘zzzs’ on your next outdoor adventure!
