Looking for a stylish and comfortable way to bring your cat along on your next adventure? I recently tested the PetSafe Happy Rider Backpack Pet Carrier with my indoor cat, Milo, and was pleasantly surprised by how quickly he adapted to the cat carrier backpack and enjoyed our outing. If you’re like me and want a safe and convenient way to explore the world with your furry friend, this backpack might just be what you need.
With a strong build, thoughtful features, and plenty of comfort for both pets and humans, this cat carrier is designed for adventures big and small. Let’s dive into the details and see how it stacks up!
The Happy Ride® Backpack Pet Carrier lets you take your cat or dog along for every adventure. With room for pets up to 20 pounds, it features mesh windows for ventilation, a cushioned floor pad for comfort, and adjustable straps for a secure fit. Whether you're walking or driving, this carrier provides a safe, stylish, and convenient way to travel with your furry friend.
PetSafe Happy Rider Backpack Pet Carrier Overview
First off, let me share a funny little story! The day the Happy Rider Backpack Carrier arrived just happened to be my daughter Noelle’s birthday. When she came home from work, she saw the box sitting there and exclaimed, “OMG, thank you so much! I’ve always wanted one of these!” Now, I vaguely remember her mentioning it years ago when she was a young teen, but it hadn’t come up in a while. Even though this wasn’t intended as a birthday gift, I couldn’t help but laugh and say, “You’re welcome, happy birthday!” Needless to say, it was Noelle who actually took the first turn testing out the cat backpack carrier. Now on to the review.
Key Features:
- Size and Weight Capacity: Supports pets up to 20 lbs, perfect for cats and small to medium-sized dogs.
- Comfortable Design: Padded back and shoulder straps ensure comfort during long journeys, while the adjustable chest straps help distribute weight evenly.
- Durable and Stable: Pre-installed fiberglass rods and honeycomb support keep the backpack stable and upright, even with a wriggling pet inside.
- Ventilation: Mesh windows on three sides provide excellent airflow, keeping your pet cool and comfortable.
- Convenient Access: Features a quick-access treat opening and side pocket for extra storage, including a zippered pouch for snacks or essentials.
- Safety First: Includes an interior harness tether to keep your pet securely inside and can be fastened to a car seat belt for safe car travel.
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Milo’s First Adventure: My Personal Experience
When I first introduced Milo, my 12 lb indoor cat, to the PetSafe Happy Rider Backpack Pet Carrier, I wasn’t sure how he’d react. To ease him into it, I left the backpack open for a day, letting him explore it at his own pace. After a few hours, I walked into the room to find Milo fast asleep inside the cat carrier backpack—clearly, he had already made himself at home!
Being an indoor cat, he hasn’t had much exposure to the outside world. To my surprise, Milo quickly adapted and seemed to enjoy the adventure!
One of the first things I noticed was how easy it was to get him into the backpack pet carrier. The cushioned floor pad provided a cozy base for him to settle into, and the mesh windows allowed him to safely take in the sights while staying cool and comfortable. The sturdy build of the backpack gave me confidence that it could easily handle his weight without collapsing or shifting.
My daughter Noelle and I quickly realized the importance of adjusting the straps properly. Initially, she didn’t have the straps tightened enough, and Milo was bouncing around a bit. Once we pulled the straps tight against the body, the weight distribution was much better, and the padded straps made it comfortable to carry Milo, even for longer walks. While his weight was noticeable, the carrier’s thick padding and ergonomic design made the fit feel surprisingly comfortable.
Our first outing wasn’t long—just a quick 10-minute walk up a local hill behind our house. Milo was curious but calm, and the convenient treat access point allowed me to give him a quick snack to ensure he was adapting well to the cat backpack carrier. He loved peeking out of the mesh windows, and I appreciated how secure and close he felt during the trip. Once we reached the top of the hill, we let him out for a quick stretch. He seemed content and curious, and when it was time to head home, he happily climbed back into the carrier.
A Note on Size: Milo weighs 12 lbs, but he’s also a long, big cat. While he had a bit of room to move around in the cat carrier backpack, there wasn’t a ton of extra space. I’d say that if your cat is much larger than Milo, this pet carrier might feel a bit snug. It’s perfect for medium-sized cats like him, but for larger pets, you might want to double-check the dimensions to ensure a comfortable fit.
What We Love
The PetSafe Happy Rider Backpack Pet Carrier impressed me in several ways. Here are some of the standout features that make this backpack a great option for pet owners:
- Stylish, Comfortable Design: The backpack’s modern design, paired with padded shoulder and chest straps, ensures that it’s as comfortable for you as it is for your pet. I loved how the navy blue, gray, and leather accents gave it a stylish touch.
- Spacious and Secure: Despite Milo being an indoor cat, he felt secure inside the roomy carrier. The internal tether can attach to his harness, keeping him safely in place, and the mesh windows allow him to take in the surroundings without feeling confined.
- Sturdy Build: The reinforced fiberglass structure gives the backpack extra support, keeping it light and upright even when on the move. I never had to worry about it sagging or caving in with Milo inside.
- Convenient Access Points: The treat access opening on the side is a lifesaver. It allowed me to give Milo treats or pets without fully opening the backpack, which helped keep him calm and engaged during our adventure.
- Ventilation: The mesh windows provide plenty of airflow, ensuring that Milo stays cool and comfortable throughout our outing.
- Multi-Functionality: This backpack isn’t just for walks! It can easily be secured to a car seat with a seatbelt for added safety during car rides, making it a versatile choice for traveling with your pet.
What We Don’t Love
While the PetSafe Happy Rider Backpack Pet Carrier has a lot going for it, there are a few minor inconveniences that I noticed during our test:
- Slightly Small for Larger Pets: While it’s perfect for my 12 lb cat, I can see how larger cats or dogs nearing the 20 lb limit might feel a little snug, especially for longer trips. If your pet is on the bigger side, make sure to double-check the measurements before purchasing.
- Short Break-In Period for the Straps: The straps and back padding felt a little stiff the first couple of times I wore them, but they softened quickly. It certainly wasn’t uncomfortable, just something to be mindful of on your first few outings.
Cat Carrier Backpack Review Final Thoughts
Overall, the PetSafe Happy Rider Backpack Pet Carrier exceeded my expectations, both for comfort and style. Milo, my indoor cat, quickly adapted to the carrier and enjoyed his first outdoor adventure with ease. From the sturdy construction to the thoughtful design features like the mesh windows and treat access point, this cat backpack carrier is built with both pets and their owners in mind.
If you’re looking for a convenient way to bring your cat or small dog (under 20 lbs) along for trips, this backpack is a fantastic option. Just make sure the straps are properly adjusted to avoid any bouncing inside, and if your pet is on the larger side, consider whether they’ll have enough room to move around comfortably.
For me and Milo, this cat carrier backpack has quickly become a new favorite for our outdoor adventures. Whether we’re heading to the park or just taking a stroll around the neighborhood, I feel confident knowing that Milo is safe, comfortable, and enjoying the journey.
The Happy Ride® Backpack Pet Carrier lets you take your cat or dog along for every adventure. With room for pets up to 20 pounds, it features mesh windows for ventilation, a cushioned floor pad for comfort, and adjustable straps for a secure fit. Whether you're walking or driving, this carrier provides a safe, stylish, and convenient way to travel with your furry friend.
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