Timbuk2 Muttmover Backpack for Dogs: 2026 Review
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Our Final Verdict
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.
Timbuk2 Muttmover Backpack for Dogs – A Quick Look
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Kristin loves to help pet parents create a fulfilling life for their pets by informing them on the latest scientific discoveries and helping them choose the best products for their pets. She currently resides in Tennessee with three cats, four dogs, two fish, and a lizard, though she has dreams of owning chickens one day!
