Soft-sided dog crates are good for dogs that are already crate trained and calm. They give your dog a familiar den that folds flat enough to fit in a trunk or a backpack, and the fabric walls are far kinder than steel when your dog shifts around in a tent. They are a poor choice for a chewer or an escape artist, and they are never a substitute for supervision at a campground.
That caveat matters more than any spec sheet, so we kept it in front and centre while we worked. This roundup covers only soft-sided construction. No wire crates, no hard plastic kennels, nothing that would pass a camping query but fail the fabric test.
Below you will find ten soft crates we weighed against the things that actually decide whether a trip works: packed weight, tent footprint, how fast the frame goes up in failing light after a long drive, what happens when the fabric gets wet, and how long the zippers survive. We also drew on years of owner reports, including the r/puppy101 and r/dogs threads where campers describe soft crates as ordinary gear rather than a compromise. If you are still working out the basics, our guides to dog crates for cars and dog crates for puppies cover the sizing and training groundwork.
Every crate here folds to a bundle, shares a footprint you can carry from the car to the pitch in one trip, and is listed with its real packed weight. That last number is the fork in the road for most people, so it appears in every product section below.
Top 3 Picks: Soft-Sided Dog Crates for Camping in 2026
Amazon Basics 36 inch Soft Crate
- Folds flat
- 9.66 lb packed weight
- Screened panels and washable fleece pad
EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate
- Steel tubing frame
- 600D fabric with hex mesh
- Two-year warranty
SportPet Pop-Open Kennel
- 1.33 lb packed weight
- Pop-open spring frame
- Waterproof removable base
The Amazon Basics 36 inch wins our top slot because it does the boring things well: it collapses, it carries, it washes, and it has more owner history behind it than anything else in this list. The EliteField is the sturdier, roomier alternative if your dog is on the larger side. The SportPet pop-open is the one to buy when every gram and every minute of setup in the dark matters.
Best Soft Sided Dog Crates for Camping in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics 36 inch Soft Crate |
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| EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate |
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| SportPet Pop-Open Kennel |
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 Go Pet Club 32 inch Soft Crate |
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 JESPET 3-Door Soft Crate |
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 Petprsco 24 inch Collapsible Crate |
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 PETSFIT 36 inch Spiral Frame Crate |
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 LeSURE 36 inch Soft Crate |
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 Feandrea 24 inch Collapsible Crate |
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 Garnpet 36 inch 4-Door Crate |
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1. Amazon Basics 36 inch Soft Crate — Best Overall for Camping
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Pet Dog Crate Carrier Kennel for Large Dogs, Easy to Clean, 36 x 24 x 24 inches, Grey
35.83 x 23.62 x 24.02 in
9.66 lb packed weight
Polyester and PVC
Top and front openings
Pros
- Folds flat for compact storage
- Top handle and shoulder strap included
- Screened panels for airflow and visibility
- Machine-washable fleece pad
- Sized for dogs up to 70 lb
Cons
- Soft fabric is not chew-proof
- Soft base gives no rigid support
We have put this crate through more trips than any other in this list, and it keeps doing the plain work without complaint. It opens in seconds, lies flat enough to slide under a seat or stand against a cooler, and the 9.66 lb weight is a two-person carry at worst. The fleece pad goes straight into a washing machine when the trip is done, which is more than I can say for the fixed padding on a lot of budget kennels.
At 35.83 by 23.62 by 24.02 inches, the external footprint is close to the internal one, which tells you the frame is built tight rather than bulging outward. That matters in a tent where every inch of floor is contested.
The screened panels are what make it bearable in warm weather. Reviewers repeatedly single them out for ventilation and visibility, and the open mesh means you can check on your dog from outside the tent without opening a zipper and letting in the weather. Pockets on the top and sides hold treats, a spare lead, or the waste bag roll you will reach for constantly.
It is rated for pets up to 70 lb who measure under 32 by 21 inches, so check your dog before you commit. Owners also note that the soft base means a sliding floor when the vehicle turns, which is harmless at a campsite and mildly annoying on a winding road.
Why it works as our pick for a campsite
Nothing else in this roundup combines this much owner history with a fold that genuinely disappears. A 4.5 star average across close to 19,000 reviews is a lot of people reporting the same unremarkable behaviour, and unremarkable is what you want at 9 pm in a car park with one head torch.
Reviewers mention the top and front openings are the ones you use most, since a dog will walk into whichever door you hold open and neither requires a crouch.
Where it falls short
It is fabric, so it is a den and not a containment device. A dog that chews fabric will find a way through, and the soft base gives no support if a dog is used to a rigid floor. Reviewers are consistent about both points.
It is also a two-anchor model. If your dog is unsettled by unfamiliar ground, a top-loading hatch is a genuine upgrade.
2. EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate — Most Versatile
EliteField 3-Door Soft Dog Crate with Bed & Carrying Bag (2-Year Warranty)
30 x 21 x 24 in
12 lb packed weight
600D fabric on steel tubing
Three mesh doors
Pros
- Roomier interior than most 30 in soft crates
- Steel tubing frame feels rigid
- Tool-free setup and fold
- Carrying bag
- fleece bed and padded strap included
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Not built for strong chewers
- Frame segments still take trunk space when folded
The EliteField is the one we reach for when a dog is too big for a 24 inch crate and the ground is going to be soft. It is built on sturdy steel tubing rather than a spring frame, and you can feel the difference the moment a dog stands on the side panel and leans into it. It folds to a height of 3 inches without tools, which is a properly flat fold.
Owners consistently describe the interior as roomier than other 30 inch crates in the same class, and the dimensions back that up: 30 in long by 21 in wide by 24 in tall, with two accessory pockets on the top and back.
The three doors are on the top, front and side, and the front and side doors have zipper locks. That top hatch is the feature that earns its keep at a campsite, because it lets you lift a dog in from above rather than coaxing them through a low opening. It also makes spot cleaning far easier.
The cover and bed cover are both removable and washable, and the fleece bed, carrying bag and adjustable padded shoulder strap all come in the box. A two-year warranty is longer than most of the field.
Why it earns the premium slot
Golden Retriever Dog Forum owners named Elite Field as the best soft crate they had found, and the current 4.5 star average across more than 13,000 reviews supports that history. The steel tube frame is the differentiator for us: it does not ping and bow the way spring-bar frames do once they have been folded a dozen times.
At 12 lb it is a two-person lift for a couple, or a single careful carry. Budget for that before you are standing in a gravel car park.
Where it falls short
It remains a soft-sided crate, so it rules out a determined chewer. The fold is flat but the frame segments are still rigid lengths that take up more boot space than a pop-up design, which is the storage complaint r/k9sports owners raise repeatedly.
There is no top-loading option in smaller sizes here, and the mesh is hex rather than dense blackout mesh, so a nervous dog still sees a good deal of light.
3. SportPet Designs Pop-Open Kennel — Best for Tent Camping
SportPet Designs Soft Sided Pop-Open Kennels, Light Green
32 x 19.5 x 19.5 in interior
1.33 lb packed weight
Pop-open spring frame
Waterproof removable base
Pros
- Pop-open frame needs no rods or tools
- Folds flat and includes a carry bag
- Waterproof removable base mat
- Seatbelt loops for vehicle security
- Suits medium dogs up to roughly 50 lb
Cons
- Spring frame can collapse if a pet leans on it
- No rigid top handle
- Zippers and fabric are thin
Nothing else here is close on weight. At 1.33 lb, this is the only crate on the list you can genuinely walk to a backcountry pitch with, and it is the one we would choose for a tent where every gram comes out of your pack budget. The pop-open spring frame means no rods to thread, so you can set it up one-handed in the dark.
The interior is 32 in long by 19.5 in wide by 19.5 in tall, and the listing is unusually honest about sizing by measurement rather than weight, which is the single most useful thing a crate page can do.
The waterproof removable base mat is the campsite feature. Mud, wet grass, a knocked water bowl, a damp towel thrown in before closing the door — the base is the surface that takes all of it, and this one is removable and washable. Front zip door, side zip entry with a pull-down shade, and breathable mesh on all sides give ventilation plus a place to hide from light.
Loop straps let you run a car seatbelt through the kennel, which is the simplest securement available if you are crating in the back of a vehicle rather than at the pitch.
Why it suits a tent
Two reasons, both practical. The carry weight means you are not making two trips from the car, and the pop-open frame means the second trip is not a wrestling match. The 19.5 in width is narrow enough to slot against a sleeping mat in a two-person tent, which larger 36 inch crates never manage.
Owners also use it for two average cats with bedding, so it is versatile if you travel with more than one animal.
Where it falls short
The spring frame can collapse if a pet jumps or leans hard on a side, and reviewers mention this repeatedly. That rules it out for a boisterous dog that climbs on its crate at home.
There is no rigid top handle, so carrying it by hand is awkward even at this weight, and the fabric is closer to tent fabric than heavy canvas. Owners who need a dog-proof structure should stop reading here.
4. Go Pet Club 32 inch Soft Crate — Best for Hot Weather Campsites
Go Pet Club 32″ Soft Collapsible Dog Crate, Portable Pet Carrier, Thick Padded Pet Travel Crate for Indoor & Outdoor, Foldable Kennel Cage with Durable Mesh Windows, Brown
32 x 22.25 x 23.5 in
9 lb packed weight
Soft collapsible frame
Sheepskin mat and case included
Pros
- Light at 9 lb for a 32 in crate
- Roll-up mesh windows give shade and airflow
- Two-zip setup takes about two minutes
- Tie-down straps on the base
- Folds completely flat
Cons
- Mesh and zippers can be scratched or chewed
- Base mat is thin plastic-backed fleece
- A determined puppy can push the frame over
The Go Pet Club has been on Amazon since 2008, which tells you something about how well the basic design ages. The 32 by 22.25 by 23.5 in footprint is a useful middle size, and at 9 lb it is lighter than most crates of this size, which surprises people who assume bigger means heavier.
Setup is by zipping the front and back panels together, and owners report roughly two minutes from bag to den. That is slower than a pop-open frame and faster than anything with threaded poles.
Roll-up mesh windows on the sides are the reason this crate suits a summer pitch. Owners with adult crate-trained dogs use them for camping, hotel rooms and dog trials, and the roll-up flaps give shade without cutting airflow, which addresses the overheating complaints that darker enclosed crates attract in hot weather.
Tie-down straps on the base stop it sliding when you are in the car, and a sheepskin mat and carrying case are included so it is travel-ready out of the box.
Why it works for a summer trip
The roll-up windows let you dial the light down without sealing the crate, so a dog that paces at night in an open mesh crate has somewhere darker to settle. That is a small design detail that changes the first hour at a new site.
It also folds completely flat, which owners rank as the feature that keeps it in rotation trip after trip.
Where it falls short
The base mat is thin plastic-backed fleece rather than real padding, and owners replace it early. Reviewers also warn that a determined puppy can push the frame over or work through the mesh.
Larger sizes in this range are bulky and may not fit a smaller vehicle, so measure your boot before choosing the 32 inch over the 24 inch.
5. JESPET 3-Door Soft Crate — Best for Small Dogs
JESPET 3 Door Soft Dog Crates Kennel, Collapsible Travel Pet Carrier
24 x 16.5 x 16.5 in
6.3 lb packed weight
600D Oxford on steel tube
Three mesh entrances
Pros
- Light at 6.3 lb with a real steel frame
- 600D Oxford feels substantial
- Retractable spring bars for fast setup
- Three mesh doors
- Fleece bed and adjustable strap included
Cons
- 24 in size suits dogs around 25 lb or less
- Not intended for heavy chewers
The JESPET is the small-dog answer, and the interesting part is that 6.3 lb is light for a steel tube frame. Most crates at this weight use spring bars, so you get a rigid side panel and a genuinely light carry in the same package. That is exactly the trade-off that matters when you are carrying a crate, a lead and a water bowl from a car to a pitch.
Collapsible bars with retractable springs make the install and the fold quick, with no separate rods to lose in the grass.
The fabric is 600D cationic Oxford with heavy-weight mesh panels, and owners consistently report it feels more substantial than budget rivals at the same size. Three mesh entrances on the top, front and side mean a small dog is never cornered, and the top hatch solves the loading problem on a low dog.
A fleece bed and an adjustable carrying strap are included, and the crate comes in twelve colour options, which matters more than it should if you travel with a dog that is selective about their surroundings.
Why it suits a small dog
At 24 in long by 16.5 in wide by 16.5 in tall, it is sized for dogs up to 25 lb, and the footprint is small enough to sit inside a tent doorway without stealing the whole floor. The washable fleece bed is a genuine comfort for a dog sleeping on cold ground if you put a mat underneath.
For anyone starting crate training, our small dog crate guide covers the acclimation sequence in more detail.
Where it falls short
The 24 inch model is the limit here, and owners note that sizing is the main purchase consideration. If your dog is between breeds and close to 25 lb, step up a size rather than trying to squeeze.
As with the rest of this list, the soft build is not intended for heavy chewers, and unsupervised use is never appropriate.
6. Petprsco 24 inch Collapsible Crate — Best for Long Drives
Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, 24″ Soft Dog Crate for Car Travel
23.62 x 16.54 x 16.54 in
6.39 lb packed weight
Steel frame, 600D Oxford, hex mesh
Lockable zippers
Pros
- Strongest five-star share in this roundup
- Lockable zippers and an internal leash
- Corner protection pads protect vehicle interiors
- Mat
- blanket and foldable bowl included
- Lockable zippers resist a determined paw
Cons
- Included cushion is thin and hard
- Strong chemical smell on arrival that needs airing
- 24 in version is tight for larger dogs
This one has the highest five-star share of any crate we tested, with 79 percent of more than 2,700 reviews at the top rating, and the reason is boring: it holds together on long journeys. Owners mention repeat road trips and moves specifically, which is the closest proxy to a long drive to a campground we can get from review data.
Anti-collision protection pads sit on all four corners. That sounds minor until you have watched a fabric crate bounce along a gravel track with a dog inside it.
The security hardware is what sets it apart in this size class. Lockable door zippers and an internal leash tether are the two things a soft crate can offer that a basic zip cannot, and both matter if your dog is the type to work a door open with a paw. Four-sided mesh panels with three secure doors keep airflow even in a warm car.
The bundle is generous: a removable washable soft mat, a blanket and a foldable travel bowl, plus a top handle and side pockets. The mat goes in a washing machine, which is the part that gets used most.
Why it works on a long drive
Lockable zippers plus an internal tether means a dog cannot engineer an exit while you are focused on a mountain road. The corner pads take the punishment that usually shows up first on a fabric shell, and the 360 degree ventilation keeps the interior livable in a stopped car.
At 6.39 lb it is easy to lift in and out, and it is not designed for compact cars or airline travel, which suits a road trip far better than a flight.
Where it falls short
There is a strong chemical off-gassing smell on arrival, and owners report needing to air it out before use. Open it a few days before you travel and leave it somewhere ventilated; that is the whole fix, but it is a fix you have to remember.
The included cushion is thin and hard, so most owners add a thicker mat. The 24 inch version is also tight for larger dogs, though 32 and 40 inch versions exist.
7. PETSFIT 36 inch Spiral Frame Crate — Best Rigid Frame for Large Dogs
PETSFIT 36″ Soft Portable Dog Crate – Patented Spiral Sturdy Frame, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Medium & Large Dogs, 3 Mesh Door, Lockable Zippers, Indoor & Car Use Blue
35.83 x 24.02 x 22.83 in
9.92 lb packed weight
Patented spiral steel frame
600D fabric with leak-proof liner
Pros
- Patented spiral frame resists collapsing
- One-piece steel frame with no centre fold
- Waterproof leak-proof bottom liner
- Cover fully removable and washable
- Lockable zippers on three reinforced doors
Cons
- Zipper teeth and seams can be chewed or torn
- Threaded pole setup is slower to assemble
The PETSFIT solves the problem that ruins most large soft crates: a dog that stands up and leans on the side panel until the frame gives. Its patented spiral frame (US 8047391B2) lets you adjust cover tension and, according to owners, keeps its shape far better than spring-bar rivals after repeated use and washing.
It is a 36 in crate sized for medium and large dogs up to about 55 lb, and the one-piece full-steel frame has no middle fold, which is why the sides stay rigid.
The waterproof, leak-proof bottom liner is the campsite detail. This is the only crate in the roundup where a spilled bowl, wet paw or damp towel goes on a surface that is genuinely designed to be wet, and the whole cover is removable and washable for when mud gets into the seams.
Reinforced mesh doors at the front, side and top all carry lockable zippers, and there are roll-up Velcro door curtains, a side storage pocket and a non-slip pad underneath. A one-year warranty backs it.
Why it holds shape on rough ground
Assembly is finger-safe with no pinch points, and the frame keeps tension after you wash the cover, so it does not go slack in week two. The non-slip pad underneath matters on a smooth tent floor, where a fabric den otherwise slides whenever your dog turns over.
It folds quickly for SUV or RV stowage, which makes it a good fit for a motorhome setup where the crate lives permanently on board.
Where it falls short
Durability is the recurring complaint. Owners report chewed zipper teeth and mesh tearing at the sewn seams, even from dogs that are not heavy chewers, and the threaded pole extension makes assembly slower than a spring-loaded design.
It is also the heaviest investment in this roundup, which is worth it only if you already know your dog is settled inside a soft crate.
8. LeSURE 36 inch Soft Crate — Best for Night Visibility
Lesure Today Show Soft Collapsible Dog Crates for Large Dogs, 36in Black
36 x 25 x 25 in
12.75 lb packed weight
Sturdy iron frame
Water-resistant fabric
Pros
- Self-locking zippers resist a dog opening the door
- Reflective side strips for low light
- Water-resistant fabric wipes clean
- Two-minute assembly
- Storage bag included
Cons
- Heavier than most soft crates at 12.75 lb
- Soft sides and mesh are not chew-proof
- Included mat is modest in thickness
Reflective strips on both sides is not a marketing flourish at a campground. When you are crouching in the dark unclipping a lead, being able to see where the crate is on the ground is a real safety gain, and this is the only crate in the roundup with them.
The self-locking zipper system plus an integrated safety leash addresses the most common soft-crate failure. Owners say the self-locking zippers reduce the risk of a dog undoing the crate from inside, which is precisely the scenario that ends with a lost dog in a campsite at midnight.
The fabric is described as water-resistant and it wipes clean with a damp cloth, which is the campsite reality: fabric crates will get wet, and the useful question is whether you can dry it by morning. Four-side zippered breathable mesh walls and a soft plush mat round out a 36 in frame built on a sturdy iron structure.
Assembly takes about two minutes and it folds in two different ways, one for indoor and one for outdoor setups. A storage bag is included, and the size range covers S through XL, from dogs up to 35 lb to dogs up to 90 lb.
Why it works after dark
Owners highlight the self-locking zippers, the two-way fold, the quick setup and the easy-wipe fabric for camping and travel use. The reflective strips and the dark-friendly mesh behave better at night than the open, brightly lit interiors owners complain about elsewhere in this category.
It also carries a 2026 Good Housekeeping Award, which is a testing signal rather than a marketing one.
Where it falls short
It is the heavier option at 12.75 lb, which means a two-person carry from the car on gravel. The soft sides and mesh are not chew-proof, and the included mat is plush but modest in thickness.
Water-resistant is not waterproof, so a night of heavy rain still gets the cover damp even though the base stays dry.
9. Feandrea 24 inch Collapsible Crate — Best for Quick Setup
Feandrea Collapsible Soft Dog Crate, Portable Travel Carrier, 24 Inches
24 x 16.5 x 16.5 in
6.17 lb packed weight
Thick steel frame with Oxford fabric
Self-locking zippers
Pros
- Assembles in about 30 seconds
- Self-locking zippers for anti-escape security
- Thick steel frame and Oxford fabric
- Water-resistant fabric wipes clean
- Two pockets for snacks and leads
Cons
- Fleece pad inner padding is not washable
- 24 in model suits pets of 15-24 lb
- Soft mesh vulnerable to chewers
Thirty seconds from bag to den is the headline here, and for a campsite arriving in failing light after a long drive, that is worth more than most spec upgrades. The thick steel frame with Oxford fabric also feels sturdier than the price suggests, according to owners.
Self-locking zippers appear on a crate at this level rarely, and they add meaningful anti-escape security for a small or nervous dog. Three doors give access and ventilation.
Water-resistant Oxford fabric wipes clean, which is the practical campsite test. Mud is inevitable and the difference between a crate that rinses at a spigot and one that holds it in the seams is what you notice on day three of a trip.
Two pockets for snacks and leads, a removable fleece pad, and folds flat for corner or car storage. The size range runs from the 24 in M up to a 48 in XXXXL, so the same frame design covers a much larger dog if you outgrow this one.
Why it suits a tired evening arrival
You can unclip the crate, throw the cover over the frame and be done inside a minute. Combined with a 6.17 lb weight, that means a single adult can carry it and set it up without a second trip or a second pair of hands.
The water-resistant wipe-clean fabric means a muddy mat or a wet towel goes back to normal with a damp cloth rather than a laundry session.
Where it falls short
The fleece pad inner padding is not washable, and owners call that out. Bring your own washable mat, which we would do anyway.
The 24 inch model is limited to pets of 15-24 lb, and the soft mesh and fabric remain vulnerable to a chewer. If you are crating a puppy that is still teething, look at the harder frames first.
10. Garnpet 36 inch 4-Door Crate — Best Four-Door Access
Garnpet 36 Inch Collapsible Soft Dog Crate for Large Dogs, 4-Door Foldable Travel Dog Kennel with Durable Mesh Windows for Indoor & Outdoor Portable Pet Crate, Soft Side Dog Crate, Beige
36 x 25 x 25 in
12.85 lb packed weight
Steel frame with waterproof Oxford
Four zippered doors
Pros
- Four doors give more access than three-door rivals
- Sets up and breaks down in under five minutes
- Waterproof fabric wipes clean
- Top handles for two-person carry
- Smooth zippers that do not stick
Cons
- Strong chemical smell on arrival
- Thin quarter-inch fake fleece floor pad
- Anxious dog can push through the mesh
Four doors is the practical headline. Where most soft crates give you two or three openings, this one lets you reach in from any side, which is the difference between a quick clean and a wrestling match with a dog who has decided the crate is a trap.
The steel frame carries waterproof Oxford fabric with mesh windows on all doors, and owners report zippers that operate smoothly without sticking, which matters more than it sounds. Binding zippers are the most common soft-crate complaint in this category.
It folds into a compact package, handles on the top make it a two-person carry, and owners confirm it fits in the boot of a crossover with room to spare. Setup and breakdown generally take under five minutes.
For a dog that is anxious in unfamiliar places, four access points reduce the feeling of being cornered, which is exactly the state r/dogs owners describe their lab reaching in the car on the way to a camping trip.
Why the extra doors matter at a pitch
Access from four sides means you can wipe the base, put a bowl in, or lift a dog out without reaching over the top. On wet ground that matters, because a dog lifted over a side wall comes with it half the site attached.
The waterproof fabric wipes clean with a damp cloth, so a muddy morning is a ten-second job rather than a trip home.
Where it falls short
There is a strong synthetic off-gassing smell on arrival that takes days to air out, which is the most repeated criticism in the reviews. Air it in a garage or on a porch for several days before packing the car.
The included floor pad is a thin quarter-inch fake fleece, and it is not indestructible: an anxious dog can push through the mesh. It is also the heaviest build here at 12.85 lb.
Setting Up a Soft Crate at a Campsite
Owners on r/puppy101 treat bringing a crate into the tent as ordinary practice rather than a compromise, and they are right. The question at a campsite is never whether a crate belongs, only which construction survives the site.
Put the crate on your tent footprint, not directly on the ground fabric. Ground temperature drains heat from a dog faster than most people expect, and a closed-cell foam mat under the crate fixes it. A crate that rocks when your dog turns over will find the edge of the mat.
Point the door away from the tent opening. A dog that can see the outside and hear you moving around will settle; a dog watching a lit doorway will pace. Roll-down shades and darker mesh make a measurable difference, which is why we rate that feature so heavily.
Owners ask about mud and wet grass constantly, and the answer is that a water-resistant fabric crate is a splash-proof crate, not a rain-proof one. A waterproof bottom liner matters far more than the cover, because that is where the spill goes. Rinse the base at a spigot and stand the cover open to dry for the morning.
On theft, treat an unattended vehicle as a public display case. If you are leaving a crate in a car, empty it of anything worth taking and take the dog with you. At the pitch, run a strap or carabiner through the top handles to a fixed point such as a picnic table or your own gear bag. Soft crates slide and can be shoved, and this is the one campsite failure we have never seen handled by any crate design.
How to Choose the Best Soft Sided Dog Crates for Camping
Measure your dog in standing position at the shoulder, then add a few inches of length. Do not buy for the breed name. Owners routinely buy twice because they sized for a puppy rather than the adult dog, and our large dog crate guide covers the sizing mistakes in full.
Then match the crate to the trip, because a walk-in trip and a car-camping trip want opposite products. The SportPet at 1.33 lb is a backpacking choice. The Amazon Basics at 9.66 lb and the EliteField at 12 lb are car-camping choices. Anything above 12 lb is a two-person carry across a gravel car park, and you should plan for that before you unload.
For a motorhome, weight matters least because the crate never leaves the vehicle. Choose on frame rigidity, washable base and footprint instead, which is where the PETSFIT one-piece steel frame earns its place.
Check the tent ceiling before you commit. A 36 in crate listed as 36 by 25 by 25 inches is taller than most two-person tent walls allow when the dog stands, so a 24 in crate is often the only thing that genuinely fits inside a tent.
Water-resistant is not waterproof. Water-resistant fabric beads off drizzle and damp grass; waterproof fabric is sealed and can be rinsed. For most campers, water-resistant with a waterproof bottom liner is the correct spec, and we rank that combination above a fully waterproof shell every time.
Soft, wire or hard plastic is the decision most guides dodge. A wire crate survives chewing and survives weather, but it is heavy, cold and hard to fit in a tent. A hard plastic crate is rigid and easy to hose out but never fits a pack. A soft crate is the only one of the three you can carry to a pitch in one hand, and for calm crate-trained dogs that advantage usually wins.
Finally, crate train before you leave. Facebook campers advising a nervous dog at a kennel consistently say the same two things: exercise the dog before crating, and practise the crate at home first, not at the campground. If your dog is anxious in unfamiliar places, start with our anxiety crate guide before you add a tent and a new ground surface.
Campsite Crate Safety Rules We Never Skip
Take the collar, harness and any ID tag off before you close the door. A tag caught on a mesh panel is the fastest way to turn a calm dog into a frantic one, and it is entirely avoidable.
Never leave a dog in a crate inside a parked vehicle. A soft crate is not an exception, and a soft crate in full sun is a temperature problem within minutes regardless of the weather you drove through.
Never use the crate as punishment. A dog that associates the crate with being left behind will start showing stress behaviour at the crate, which then makes the next trip harder. This is a training problem, not a hardware problem, and our puppy crate guide walks through the acclimation steps.
Keep the internal safety leash attached, close the doors, and confirm the dog is settled before you walk away. Crating at a campsite always requires supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best soft, portable dog crate?
For most campers the Amazon Basics 36 inch soft crate is the best balance, folding flat at 9.66 lb with screened panels, a machine-washable fleece pad and a shoulder strap for carrying. For backpacking, the SportPet pop-open kennel at 1.33 lb is lighter than anything else and sets up without rods or tools. For a dog that leans on the crate walls, the PETSFIT spiral steel frame holds its shape best of any soft crate we tested.
Are soft-sided crates good for dogs?
Yes, for dogs that are already crate trained, calm and do not chew fabric. A soft crate gives your dog a familiar den, packs down small enough to carry to a pitch in one trip and is far more comfortable than steel on cold ground. It is a poor choice for a chewer, an escape artist, or any dog that is unsupervised for long periods.
What is the best dog crate for a motorhome?
In a motorhome the packed weight stops mattering because the crate never leaves the vehicle, so choose on frame rigidity and cleaning instead. The PETSFIT 36 inch with its one-piece steel frame and waterproof leak-proof liner holds its shape and rinses clean, while the LeSURE 36 inch adds self-locking zippers and reflective strips if your dog works at doors.
What is the best soft-sided pet carrier?
For a small dog up to about 25 lb, the JESPET 24 inch at 6.3 lb is a steel-framed soft carrier with three mesh entrances, a fleece bed and an adjustable strap, and it folds flat. The SportPet pop-open kennel works well for a cat or two, with a waterproof removable base and breathable mesh on all sides.
Can I put a soft dog crate inside my tent?
Yes, if the footprint fits. A 24 inch crate at 24 by 16.5 by 16.5 inches fits beside a sleeping mat in most two-person tents, while a 36 inch crate at 36 by 25 by 25 inches usually does not. Set the crate on your tent footprint with a closed-cell foam mat underneath, and point the door away from the tent opening so your dog is not watching a lit doorway all night.
Is a soft crate safe for a dog that chews?
No. A soft crate is fabric and mesh, and owners repeatedly report chewed zipper teeth and torn mesh seams. A determined dog will get out of even a good soft crate. If your dog chews fabric or is an escape artist, use a wire or hard-sided crate for campsite containment and keep the soft crate for calm overnight resting only.
How do I secure a soft crate in my car or at a campsite?
In the car, use the seatbelt loops or tie-down straps on the base and feed a strap through the top handles so the crate cannot slide when you turn. At a pitch, run a carabiner or strap through the top handles to a fixed point such as a picnic table or your own gear bag, since soft crates slide across tent floors and across a campsite when a dog turns over.
How do I stop my new soft crate from smelling?
Air it out before you travel. Owners report a strong synthetic off-gassing smell on arrival, especially on the Garnpet and Petprsco crates. Leave the crate unfolded in a garage, porch or ventilated room for several days before packing the car, and the smell dissipates well before your first night at the pitch.
Final Verdict by Trip Type
For car camping, the Amazon Basics 36 inch soft crate is our best soft sided dog crate for camping overall, because it folds, washes, carries and has the deepest owner history in the category. Swap to the EliteField if you want a stiffer steel frame and a top hatch, and to the PETSFIT if your dog stands and leans on the crate walls.
For tent camping, choose on footprint before anything else. The JESPET 24 inch and the SportPet pop-open both fit inside a two-person tent; the SportPet wins on carry weight at 1.33 lb, the JESPET wins on frame rigidity at 6.3 lb.
For backpacking, there is only one honest answer on this list, and it is the SportPet at 1.33 lb. For a motorhome, weight is irrelevant and the PETSFIT and LeSURE crates are the two that stay rigid and rinse clean.
Whichever you choose, crate train at home first, air out any new smell before you leave, put a foam mat under the crate, and take the collar off before you close the door. Those four steps decide more about how a trip goes than any feature on a product page.