3 Hands-Free Dog Walking Bags to Keep Walks Easy

I’m going to come right out and say it: there’s no single best dog walking bag. Every company that’s tried to design purpose-built dog walking bags has fallen short in at least one area. And I think I know why… we all carry different things.

For me, a messenger / crossbody bag with multiple compartments works perfectly, but you might prefer something that clips to your belt, fits snugly around your waist, or has a mesh pocket for a pet water bottle or toys. With that in mind, here are three dog walking bags that cover different styles and needs, so you can pick the one that works for you. 

I’ll give you the pros, cons, my take, and the hot takes I gleamed from other users that make them standout choices. 

The 3 Hands-Free Dog Walking Bags You Ought to Know About…

1. WESTEND CHOICE Crossbody Bag: My Personal Go-To ( & a Budget Bag)

Best for:

Regular use, multiple-dog households, and longer daily treks.

Pros:

• Simple design with multiple compartments
• Back zip pocket fits your phone securely
• Front compartments are perfect for treats, poop bags, and tick removers

Cons:

• Not as weatherproof as I’d like
• Tricky to clean (though I’ll share a workaround later)
• No outer clips or attachments for toys

My Take:

This is technically just a casual crossbody messenger bag, but it’s the one I rely on daily. The layout works perfectly for dog walks: poop bags in the front, tick removers in the smaller pocket, treats in the main compartment, and my phone and vape in the back zipper. Everything is easy to grab without rummaging around.

What Makes It Stand Out:

The adjustable strap. I keep it set at my waistline, so when I move my hand to the bag, my Staffies know to fall into line with me—it’s become part of our training using the “on” command. 

I also like the hidden zip pocket inside the main compartment; that’s where I’d stash cash for training classes. Now, it’s change for the odd snacks on longer walks. It’s a small touch, but handy for staying organised week to week.

Check the WESTEND CHOICE Crossbody Bag on Amazon

2. Barking Bags Original Dog Walking Bag: The Purpose-Built Option

Best for:

Dog owners who walk in all-weather conditions, like to stay organised, and prefer having compartments for every item.

Pros:

• More dedicated compartments than most dog walking bags
• Integrated poop bag dispenser
• Breathable mesh side pockets for wet toys or bottles

Cons:

• Can feel heavy once loaded (tempting to overpack)
• Surprisingly tight for fitting a phone if everything else is inside

My Take:

I remember seeing this bag on Dragon’s Den and wondering if dog walkers really needed something that specific. Fast-forward to today, and it’s become a bit of a trend. It’s not a gimmick—far from it—but it’s definitely better suited to short, structured walks than long treks with multiple dogs. 

For me, it would feel cramped if I tried to carry a spare lead, my phone, and enough treats for both of my Staffies.

What Makes It Stand Out:

The dedicated compartments. That outer mesh pouch works fine for a small pet water bottle (around 500ml), but you’ll have to choose between bringing a bottle or a toy. The marketing makes it look like you can do both, but in reality, it’s a trade-off. 

Still, the sturdy build and weather-resistant material give it an edge for dog owners with one dog who do daily walks, rain or shine.

Check the Barking Bags Original on Amazon
(and see what other owners are saying in the reviews too).

3. Pecute Large Dog Treat Pouch Bag: The Best All-in-One Kit

Best For:

Single dog owners who go on longer adventures.

Pros:

• 5-in-1: treat pouch, poop bag dispenser, collapsible bowl, bottle holder, and multi-way strap
• Wear over the shoulder, around the waist, or clipped to your belt
• Enough storage for single-dog households

Cons:

• Drawstring fastener, not a zip
• Circular design can tip if a water bottle is in the side pouch

My Take:

It’s a neat-looking bag and seems shower-proof. Like most dog walking bags, it’s really intended for owners with one dog. The complaints about tipping mostly stem from the water bottle compartment. My workaround: carry the water separately. 

On long hikes, I keep a 2L bottle in a hiking bag and either clip their smaller pet travel bottles (link) to one of the clips on the Vario 6 lead, or stash them in the mesh side compartment of the hiking backpack. Very few bags have balance when a water bottle is on one side. 

What Makes It Stand Out:

It’s designed to carry more than most dog walking bags. The collapsible bowl means you won’t need a separate bottle tray, leaving the mesh side compartment free for a toy or other items. 

A training clicker clips on easily, and the integrated poop bag dispenser keeps everything in one place. Compared to attaching dispensers to leads—which often break—this bag protects the essentials inside, keeps things tidy, and reduces fumbling on walks.

Check the Pecute Large Dog Treat Pouch Bag on Amazon 

Dog Walking Bag Buyer’s Guide: What to Look For

Choosing the right dog walking bag is more than picking a trendy design. Here’s what to consider so your walks are easier, safer, and hands-free:

How It’s Worn

• Shoulder, waist, or clipped? Consider how you like to carry it.
• Crossbody bags let you keep the bag close to your body, giving quick access to treats and tools while keeping your hands free.
• Waist or belt attachments keep the bag out of the way, but anything clipped to the outside (like a water bottle or collapsible bowl) may swing and get in your way when bending.

Material & Weather Protection

• Look for water-resistant or shower-proof material to protect electronics, treats, and other essentials from rain or damp.
• Some bags, like the Barking Bags, are purpose-designed for all-weather walks. Others, like casual crossbody bags, might not hold up in downpours but can work well with some extra care.

Capacity & Organisation

• Make sure the bag can fit your essentials comfortably: phone, wallet, keys, and dog items like treats, tick removers, and poop bags.
• A good zippered compartment for your phone is essential if you want hands-free access or use Bluetooth headphones during walks.
• Multiple compartments help you keep things organised so you’re not fumbling mid-walk. Consider what you will be carrying and buy a walking bag that keeps them within easy reach with no or minimal fumbling. 

Accessory Compatibility

• Check if the bag has clips or loops for external attachments, like a collapsible water bowl, pet bottle, or toys. Carabiner clips can be attached to some bags.
• This is especially useful for longer hikes where you might need extra gear, but consider that dangling items can get in the way when bending or stooping.

Ease of Cleaning

• Treats crumble, water spills, and muddy paws will find their way onto your bag. Washable material is a must. Most are handwashable, but it helps to have wipeable interior liners too. 
• Look for bags that are easy to wipe down, machine washable, or at least have compartments you can clean separately. 

A Handy Insert to Keep Your Dog Training Bags Cleaner

One of the few drawbacks of any dog walking bag is that they’re handwash only. Treats crumble, water spills, and occasionally slobbery noses find their way inside. A simple solution is to use a silicone dog treat pouch as an insert.

A pouch like the Navaris Silicone Dog Treat Pouch fits neatly inside the main compartment or larger bags. It keeps wet or high-value treats — like boiled chicken bits — contained, protecting the lining from sogginess and lingering smells.

You can use it as a standalone treat pouch for training sessions, or as a removable insert that’s easy to wash in the dishwasher. It’s a small addition that makes weekly walks and training sessions much easier to manage. 

Conclusion

For daily walks with multiple dogs or longer treks, the WESTEND CHOICE Crossbody Bag is a versatile, hands-free option with easy-access compartments for treats, poop bags, and essentials. For single-dog owners who want a purpose-built, all-weather bag with organised compartments, the Barking Bags Original Dog Walking Bag is ideal for short to medium walks. And for longer adventures or hikes with one dog, the Pecute Large Dog Treat Pouch Bag provides an all-in-one solution with a treat pouch, collapsible bowl, bottle holder, and poop bag dispenser.

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