Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Timbuk2 Muttmover Backpack for Dogs: 2026 Review

Share

Review Summary

Our Final Verdict

We give Timbuk2 Muttmover Backpack for Dogs a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Comfort: 4.5/5
Security: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Versatility: 4.5/5

The Timbuk2 Muttmover Backpack is for active and fashionable dog owners who need a comfortable backpack to take their small dogs on adventures. It’s a sleek, modern backpack that appeals to most buyers. Plus, it has a sturdy build and plenty of safety features for cautious pet parents. It’s a secure way to take your dog on hikes, bike rides, and public transportation.

That said, this backpack is really only for small dogs. It is far too small for larger canines and is designed mostly for the smallest dogs.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Timbuk2 Muttmover Backpack for Dogs – A Quick Look

inside view of an opened timbuk2 muttover backpack

Pros
  • Sleek, modern design
  • Comfortable
  • Secure
  • Durable
  • Easy to clean
  • Many different pockets
Cons
  • Not made for longer trips
  • Only one size is available

Specifications

Weight: 3.2 lbs (empty)
Material: Abrasion-resistant nylon exterior, durable mesh interior
Size: Fits dogs up to 20 pounds
Features: Padded shoulder straps, leash attachment points, side mesh panels for ventilation, reflective accents, many pockets

Comfort and Security

The Timbuk2 Muttmover stands out thanks to its comfortable design—for both owner and dog. It has padded straps, adjustable support, and a secure interior. There are leash attachment points inside to ensure your dog is secure at all times. Plus, the back feels very secure and stable despite being a bag!

It’s especially great for smaller dogs who tend to feel anxious and unsafe when out and about. If your little dog doesn’t like to walk on a leash, this bag is a great alternative.

woman wearing the timbuk2 muttover backpack

 

Functional Yet Stylish

Unlike bulky, poorly designed carriers, the Muttmover features a sleek, modern design that’s made to blend in seamlessly. It looks like a normal backpack while providing all the functionality you need in a dog carrier. For instance, it offers ventilation and a wipeable liner, but you can’t tell it has these features just by looking at it.

If you want to carry your dog around without looking like you’re carrying your dog around, the Muttmover is a solid option. We also love all of its storage pockets, allowing it to function as more than a pet carrier backpack.

Small-Dog Focused

As you might guess, this backpack is only designed for smaller breeds. It excels at carrying dogs that are up to 20 pounds. Its size and features are tailored to dogs of this size, and it would be impractical to carry a very large dog on your back.

It provides a very comfortable fit when used with a small dog, and its ventilation is designed for a smaller dog. Small dogs also tend to be more escape artists when it comes to pet carriers, thanks to their smaller size. This bag keeps that in mind with plenty of safety features to keep your furry friend secured.

Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

Frequently Asked Questions

How easy is it to get my dog in and out?

The side opening combined with the roll-down closure makes it very easy to get your dog in and out any way you’d like. While training is recommended to make entry and exit as smooth as possible, you can’t get much easier than this bag.

Is it machine-washable?

All in all, handwashing is recommended. The liner can be spot-cleaned using mild soap and warm water if your dog happens to have an accident. Machine washing isn’t recommended for the bag or the liner, though.

Will my dog be secure?

The adjustable leash attachment point ensures that your dog stays readily attached to the bag, even if one of the exits ends up opening. This feature alone makes this bag much more secure than other options out there.

timbuk2 muttover backpack with pet supplies

Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

What the Users Say

Overall, this backpack earned praise from most users. However, there were slightly different experiences depending on the individual needs and personality of the dog.

Many owners report their dogs love riding in the Muttmover, enjoying the view and feeling secure. The comfortable interior seemed to keep canine passengers content. They also liked how comfortable it was for them. The padded straps and extra belts helped distribute the weight evenly across their body. It prevents backaches, especially for longer walks.

Of course, the style is an added bonus, too. It just looks nicer than many other backpacks, and users readily pointed this out. Many also loved the leash attachment point and secure closure of the bag. Even for dogs that were prone to escaping, this bag helped keep them secure during the journey.

That said, owners also pointed out that this bag works best for very small dogs. While it says that it works up to 20 pounds, the bag works best for dogs that are much smaller than this. Some with dogs around the weight limit reported that the bag just didn’t work as well.

Although the mesh panels offer ventilation, users in hot climates mention concerns about limited airflow for long treks, especially for brachycephalic breeds.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Conclusion

The Timbuk2 Muttmover Backpack is a stylish, secure carrier for smaller dogs, especially if you live in an urban area. It’s not ideal for longer trips or larger dogs, but it works well for small canines for a short time. Many loved the comfortable straps and very adjustable design, allowing just about everyone to wear it comfortably.

Plus, the leash attachment helps keep your dog secure while they’re in the bag. You don’t have to worry about them jumping out of the bag or weaseling their way around the zipper. They’re attached firmly to the bag until you undo the attachment.

Other awesome products you must check out:

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: The Cutest Puppy (April 2, 2026)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

The Hidden Risk in Tall Grass That Most Dog Owners Ignore

Finding a tick on your dog can look like a lot of things, depending on when you catch it. Some are engorged and...

Ask Dr. Paola- Help! My Dog Keeps Barking at the TV! (March 30, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: I’m a Messy Eater (March 26, 2026)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

More related

Mauxie (Maltese & Dachshund Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

If you want a small, mellow pup with the softest coat ever, you can’t go wrong with the Mauxie. This feisty and irresistible...

What Emotions Can Dogs Experience? Canine Feelings Explained

Humans tend to filter the world through the lens of our own experience. We judge the intelligence of other animals using human parameters,...

10 Best Dog Foods for Cocker Spaniels in 2026: Reviews & Top Picks 

Dog food can be a little tricky to pick these days since there are so many vast recipes and brand options on the...

Do Owls Attack Dogs? Vet-Approved Tips to Protect Your Pup

Owls are fearsome creatures and incredible flyers. They are capable of being unmatched predators. If you have noticed an owl in your area...

Keep reading

10 Best Turkey Dog Foods in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Protein is an essential macronutrient that your dog needs to thrive. Unfortunately, not all dogs fare well on all types of protein sources1. It’s simple to find chicken or beef-based dog food options, but turkey or fish aren’t quite as...

Golden Retriever dog eating

Can Dogs Have Prunes? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Dogs can have a number of fruits and veggies, as they are omnivores just like us! However, our systems are a lot different. So, even though we can safely eat prunes, you may wonder if our pups are able to....

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Have-Prunes

Can I Buy Dog Food Using Food Stamps (SNAP)? 2026 Guide

As the economy continues to struggle, many families are finding it difficult to make ends meet. One way that some people are able to save money is by shopping for groceries using food stamps. However, is it possible to buy...

woman buying dog food

OC Raw Dog Food Review 2026: Vet-Reviewed Pros, Cons & Verdict

Review Summary OC Raw dog food is a family-owned business that aims to create tasty raw dog food recipes that are as nutritious and natural for dogs as possible while remaining affordable. This company started small but began to make...

Dogster_OC Raw Dog Food Review

Can You Freeze Fresh Pet Dog Food? Facts & Storage Tips

Fresh Pet is a popular dog food brand with a variety of different flavors and recipes, but can you freeze Fresh Pet dog food? Fresh Pet recommends storing their food in the fridge and feeding it directly from the refrigerator...

fresh Pet Dog Food Chicken Recipe

How Much Canned Food to Feed a Dog: Vet Approved Nutrition Advice

Learning how much to feed your dog and what type of food to offer at various life stages is crucial when deciding on a dog’s diet. It is vital to check out proper measurements based on activity level, age, and...

wet dog food

Can Dogs Eat Chick-fil-A? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Chick-fil-A has been serving up its famous chicken sandwiches and other tasty menu items since 1967. Founder Truett Cathy opened the first Chick-fil-A restaurant in Atlanta’s Greenbrier Shopping Center, and today, the restaurant is the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chain...

Can Dogs Eat Chick-fil-A

10 Best Dog Foods for Akitas in 2026: Reviews & Top Picks

Akitas are large, powerful dogs that require high-quality nutrition to help them maintain a healthy body weight and good muscle mass. The right food can make all the difference in your Akita’s health, but it can be confusing to know...

Akita puppies eating food_New Africa_Shutterstock

Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter