From keeping your hands free while running errands to providing a restful perch for tired paws on long walks, a dog backpack carrier is a great way to bring along a small to medium-sized furry friend.

I’ve backpacked thousands of miles in my heyday, from Utah’s rust-red cliffs to Alaska’s verdant green tundra, and now that I’ve got a trail-obsessed dog, I love bringing her along for the ride and ...