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: 2025 Review

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:

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

How to Keep Your Dog From Peeing on Your Christmas Tree: 8 Vet-Approved Tips

A beautifully decorated Christmas tree is the centerpiece of the holiday décor in many homes. However, dog owners may find that their pups...

Maltese Tear Stains: Vet-Reviewed Signs, Causes & Care

The Maltese are a playful, gentle dog with beautiful, pure white fur—that is until those strange reddish-brown streaks appear around the eyes. If...

10 Best Ugly Christmas Sweaters For Dogs in 2025 – Review & Top Picks

Whether it’s to keep your pup warm during the cold winter months or purely as a fashion statement, a Christmas jumper is a...

Cane Corso vs Mastiff: Vet-Reviewed Key Differences (With Pictures)

People often confuse the Cane Corso with the giant English Mastiff since they’re both pretty big dogs. Both breeds are loyal, loving, and...

More related

10 Amazing Off-Leash Dog Parks in Denver, CO You Can Visit Today (2025 Update)

If you’re a dog owner living in or visiting Denver with your dog, you’ll be happy to know that the city owns and...

Do Vizslas Make Good Hunting Dogs? Skills, Abilities & Trainability

Vizslas are highly energetic dogs with good temperaments and excellent social skills. They are intelligent and good with kids, and if you decide...

German Shepherd Day 2025: What It Is & When It’s Celebrated

German Shepherds are a popular dog breed, with an estimated population size of over 10 million around the world. They have been a...

5 Best Rugs for Dogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Unless you give your dog frequent baths and daily brushings, it isn’t really possible to keep your home completely clean when you have...

Keep reading

9 Best Dog Foods for Schnauzers in 2025: Vet-Approved Reviews & Top Picks

The key to having a healthy Schnauzer, like any other dog breed, is to ensure that their diet is 100% balanced and rich in the vitamins and minerals they need to thrive. That said, many Schnauzers are susceptible to pancreatitis...

Gray Schnauzer eating food at natural sunlight

Whole Earth Farms Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary If you’re a pet parent, then you’ve probably already heard of Whole Earth Farms dog food just because of their tagline, “Goodness from the Earth.” Whole Earth Farms is dedicated to providing pets everywhere, whether they’re dogs or...

Dogster_Whole Earth Farms Dog Food Review

10 Best Dog Foods for Pomeranians in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Pomeranians have vastly different nutritional needs than dogs of larger breeds. Small dogs have higher metabolic rates than larger dogs and need to take in a sufficient number of calories to stay healthy. You might be surprised to learn that...

Pomeranian eating dry food from green bowl

Shameless Pets Dog Treats Review 2025: Our Expert’s Opinion

Review Summary Shameless Pets is a pet food company that makes both dog and cat treats out of upcycled ingredients — meaning they use surplus and misfit produce (think jumbo blueberries and leftover post-Halloween pumpkins) to make their products. This...

Dogster_Shameless Pets Dog Treats Review

Can Dogs Eat Clover? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Dogs often get into things that aren’t good for them, including toxic plants that grow in your yard. Clover grows in many parts of the world, but is it safe for dogs? Yes, clover is safe for dogs in small...

Can Dogs Eat_Clover

How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Digest Food? Vet-Approved Digestive System Basics

We all know that what we feed our dogs—and how they digest it—plays a key role in their overall health. If you’re wondering how long it takes for a dog to digest their food, unfortunately, the answer is not a...

french bulldog eating or drinking from a bowl

Black Gold Explorer Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Black Gold Explorer is a pet food company that focuses exclusively on kibble for dogs. This company has shown a commitment for over 20 years to producing foods for sporting dogs to maintain their health, longevity, and energy...

Dogster_Black Gold Explorer Dog Food Review

Royal Canin vs Kirkland Dog Food: 2025 Comparison, Pros & Cons

Finding a dog food that’s a great fit for your four-legged friend is a struggle. There are so many brands available, so many ingredients, so much confusion…the list goes on. So, how does a dog owner know which dog foods...

Dogster_Dog Food Royal Canin vs Kirkland