How to Get Your Dog Into the PACKMATE® Motorcycle Carrier Backpack

So you've got your PACKMATE® and you're ready for your first ride together. But as Mike explains in his step-by-step video guide, getting your dog into the carrier isn't something you want to rush — there's a specific sequence that makes the whole process safe, comfortable, and stress-free for both of you.

Before You Start: Build Positive Associations

The most important step happens before you ever unzip the carrier. Introduce your dog to the PACKMATE® and pair it with good things. Have treats ready. Let your dog sniff and explore the carrier freely while you reward them throughout. The goal: when you grab the PACKMATE® in the future, your dog runs toward you, because they know treats and an adventure are coming.

The ride itself is the second reward. Taking your dog to a park afterward — letting them run and enjoy themselves — reinforces that the carrier means good things. This is the #1 thing new PACKMATE® owners skip, and the #1 reason first rides go poorly.

Know Your Carrier: Key Components

Internal Support Harness — The most critical safety component. Wraps around your dog's torso, distributes their weight evenly across your back, and provides spine support. Never put your dog in the carrier without this fully fastened.

Neck Support — Included with every PACKMATE®. Keeps your dog's head centered and facing forward. Without it, dogs tend to hang their neck sideways — uncomfortable for them, destabilizing for you.

Chest Pouch — Removable front pouch for your phone, wallet, keys, and poop bags.

Shoulder Strap Leg Restraints — Keep your dog's legs centered on your back so they don't dangle or shift your load.

Expandable Side Zippers — Three built-in sizes: small (fully retracted), medium, and large (fully expanded). Each side adds 8 cm when expanded — 16 cm total — to suit most medium and large breeds. Always follow the sizing guide to stay within your dog's maximum chest circumference.

Back Leg Hole Zippers — Opened during loading, closed before riding.

Front Leg Holes — At the top of the carrier; your dog's front legs come through here.

Booster Blocks (optional add-on) — Foam inserts for the base of the carrier, each adding 3 inches of height. Two stacked = 6 inches total lift.

Step 1: Prepare the Carrier

  1. Unclip all four contouring straps on the front cover
  2. Unzip the front cover (the "jacket covering") to open the face of the carrier
  3. Confirm only the top two straps of the internal support harness are connected
  4. Open the back leg hole zippers
  5. Optional: clip the hip belt to the carry handle to keep it out of the way

Surface matters. Always load on grass or a soft surface. Asphalt, cement, rocks, or gravel will scratch the synthetic leather and plastic clips.

Step 2: Load Your Dog

  1. Thread your dog's head through the loop of the internal support harness
  2. Guide your dog's front legs through the front leg holes, one at a time
  3. Guide the back legs through the back leg holes, tucking the tail between their legs and lifting the carrier up over their hips
  4. With all four legs inside, connect the bottom two harness straps and adjust until snug
  5. If using the neck support, snap it to the zipper tab at the top of the front cover on each side
  6. Zip the front cover closed, keeping fur clear of the zipper teeth
  7. Connect and snug all four contouring straps
  8. Fasten each of your dog's legs to the shoulder strap leg restraints
  9. If using neck support, clip the neck support straps to the D-rings on the shoulder straps
  10. Guide the back legs up into the carrier, then zip the back leg holes closed

Step 3: Lift Your Dog Onto Your Shoulders

  1. Ensure shoulder straps are fully extended
  2. Unclip the hip belt from the handle if you attached it earlier
  3. Left hand supports your dog's back while holding the strap; right hand lifts your dog by the stomach up onto your right shoulder
  4. As your right arm goes through the strap, rotate your dog onto your back — bend slightly forward and shift weight high on your shoulders
  5. Connect and adjust the chest clip and hip belt
  6. Tighten the shoulder straps and use the elastics to remove slack
  7. Connect the chest pouch to the D-rings on the shoulder straps

Step 4: Getting Your Dog Down After the Ride

  1. Unclip the chest clip, then the hip belt, then both shoulder straps
  2. Reach back, grip the bottom of the carrier, and rotate your dog off your shoulders
  3. Place them gently on the ground

Watch the Full Video Walkthrough

Tips for Your First Ride

Start short. Keep your first ride to 10–15 minutes. Let your dog get used to the motion and sound before pushing distance.

Check balance on the ground first. Before mounting up, stand tall with the carrier on and confirm everything feels centered and secure.

Follow the sizing guide. The chest circumference limits exist for safety. A carrier that can't close properly can't provide the support it's designed to give.

Always end with treats. Every ride, without exception. You're building a lifetime of positive riding associations.

Questions about fit or setup? Contact us — we're here to help.

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