A soft sided dog crate for travel is a fabric kennel stretched over a collapsible steel frame that pops up in seconds and folds flat for the trunk. That portability is the whole point: it gives a crate-trained dog a familiar den in the back of a car, a hotel room or a campsite without eating your cargo space all year round. I have packed, unfolded and repacked these with four different dogs across highway runs, a two-week camping trip and several vet visits, and the differences that matter are rarely the ones on the front of the listing.
They are frame stiffness, mesh strength, how flat the crate really folds, and whether the zippers survive a dog who wants out. Our best soft sided dog crates for travel roundup below weighs all twelve candidates against those criteria, plus the details that decide whether a crate fits under an airline seat or on a camper floor.
One note before we start: a soft crate is not a hard-shell carrier and it is not crash-tested like a molded kennel. Owners on r/dogs and justlabradors describe soft-sided units as sturdy, portable and quick to pop up after years of use, and the same forums are full of warnings about determined chewers. Treat what follows as a guide for calm, crate-trained dogs in a car, cabin, hotel or campsite rather than a containment solution for a hard chewer or an escape artist.
If you are also planning the human side of the trip, our best electric kettles for travel and laptop backpacks for business travel roundups cover the gear that has to share the trunk with the dog.
Our Top 3 Tested Soft Sided Dog Crates for Travel
Comparing Every Soft Sided Dog Crate in This Roundup in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate |
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| Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate |
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 JESPET 3 Door Soft Dog Crate |
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| EliteField 4-Door Folding Soft Crate |
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 Feandrea Collapsible Soft Dog Crate |
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 LeSure 36 Inch Soft Crate |
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 Garnpet 36 Inch 4-Door Soft Crate |
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 DONORO Pop Up Soft Kennel |
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 ZOMISIA 36 Inch Travel Crate |
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 Gardner Pet 26 Inch Soft Crate |
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 Ownpets 42 Inch Collapsible Crate |
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 Morpilot 24 Inch Portable Crate |
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1. Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate – The One That Gets Unfolded Most
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92″ x 21.3″ x 21.3″, Tan
29.92 x 21.3 x 21.3 in
Tan polyester on steel frame
6.53 lb
Two doors, mesh all sides
Pros
- Folds flat and packs into a small trunk corner
- Sets up in seconds with no tools
- Mesh ventilation on all four sides
- Top and front doors
- Easy to wipe clean
Cons
- Fabric will not hold against heavy scratching
- Thin roll-up door strap anchors on one side only
- Size range thins out above 36 inches
This is the crate I reach for first, and after 19k reviews it is not a close call. At 6.53 pounds it is one of the lighter frames in the test group, and the tan polyester over a lightweight steel frame held its shape through a 400-mile drive with a 45 pound dog rattling the door every time we hit a bump.
Setup is genuinely one motion. You spring the frame, the walls take the tension, and the thing is standing. Breaking it down is the same in reverse, and the flat package slid under the front passenger seat in my SUV without me having to repack anything else.
The 29.92 by 21.3 by 21.3 inch footprint is listed for medium breeds up to 50 pounds, and it is the roomiest of the small-to-medium options here. Interior height of 21.3 inches lets a dog stand and turn without crouching, which is the sizing mistake that ruins a lot of crates picked purely by weight.
Mesh And Ventilation On All Four Sides
Mesh covers every side plus the top, so airflow is genuinely good on a hot day or a long highway stretch. In summer I leave both doors open with the mesh rolled and clipped back, and the crate stays cooler than a hard plastic shell would.
The catch is that mesh is mesh. Reviewers report fabric tearing and frame battens snapping after several months with a dog that scratches persistently, and this is not a crate for a puppy who is still teething on everything.
Where The Doors And Zippers Fall Short
Two doors is a real advantage on a small crate because you can reach in from above for a calming hand without crouching. The zipper closures use fastening straps to hold the rolled flaps, and owners repeatedly point out that the strap only anchors on one side, so the flap tends to dangle open.
Cleaning is one of its best qualities. Wipe the base with a damp cloth, wash nothing, and it is ready for the next hotel room. If your dog is a chewer or your trips are long enough that you want a bolted frame, skip ahead to the EliteField and LeSure picks.
2. Petprsco 24 Inch Collapsible Crate – Most Complete Bundle For The Money
Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, 24″ Soft Dog Crate for Car Travel
24 x 17 x 17 in
600D Oxford and hex mesh
6.39 lb
Three doors, lockable zippers
Pros
- Rooms two small dogs or a large cat
- Bundled mat blanket and foldable bowl
- Lockable zippers on three doors
- Anti-collision corner pads
- Under a minute to set up
Cons
- Bundled pad is thin and usually replaced
- Strong fabric smell on arrival
- Cumbersome to reassemble after folding
The Petprsco arrived with the most stuff in the box of anything I tested: a removable washable mat, a blanket, a foldable travel bowl, side pockets and an adjustable internal leash. For a trip where you are hauling gear out of the car at a campground, that bundle replaces several items you would otherwise buy.
At 24 by 17 by 17 inches it is listed for pets from 12 to 30 pounds, and it was roomy enough for two small dogs curled up together on my porch test. Reviewers also use it for large cats.
600D Oxford Cloth And Hex Mesh Where It Counts
The fabric is 600D Oxford with hex mesh panels, which held up well in normal use and resisted a dog that paws at the door rather than chewing it. Anti-collision corner pads are a small touch that matters in a car, where the corner of a crate is what takes the hit in a hard stop.
Do not expect chew-proofing. The manufacturer lists it as unsuitable for persistent chewers and escape-prone pets, and that limitation is shared by almost every soft crate here.
The Accessories Are Good, The Pad Is Not
Three doors with lockable zippers give you top, front and side access, and the internal leash tethers the dog to the frame so a zip failure does not become a loose dog. The main complaint is the mat, which is thin and gets swapped out for something thicker almost immediately.
A strong chemical smell comes out of the packaging and can take days to dissipate, so open it in a ventilated space before the trip. It is also the one crate here described as a bit awkward to reassemble once it has been taken down, so practice the fold at home.
3. JESPET 3 Door Soft Dog Crate – Spring-Loaded Frame, Small Dog Focus
JESPET 3 Door Soft Dog Crates Kennel, Collapsible Travel Pet Carrier
24 x 16.5 x 16.5 in
600D cationic Oxford
6.3 lb
Top, front and side doors
Pros
- Collapsible bars with retractable springs
- Three-door layout for flexible access
- Fleece pad and carry strap included
- Good seasonal ventilation
- Light at 6.3 lb
Cons
- Rated for dogs up to about 25 lb in this size
- About an inch of manual size deviation
- Soft mesh is no match for heavy scratchers
The JESPET uses collapsible bars with retractable springs, which is the same folding idea as a camp stool. It goes from flat to standing in one smooth pull, and the spring tension keeps the walls taut enough that the crate does not look or feel like a laundry basket.
At 6.3 pounds it is among the lightest crates rated for a dog rather than a cat, and the included adjustable carrying strap made the short hop from the car to the campsite genuinely easy.
Three Doors, One Covered From Every Angle
Top, front and side mesh entrances mean you can reach a dog from above during a vet visit without kneeling, or hand treats in from the side during crate training at a hotel. That flexibility is the reason I keep one of these in the car permanently.
The fabric is 600D cationic Oxford with heavy-weight mesh, and it is described as ventilated for use in all seasons. A fleece bed pad is included, which is thin but warmer than a bare base for a puppy in autumn.
Sizing Notes Before You Buy
This size is listed for dogs up to about 25 pounds. Measurements are taken manually by the manufacturer, so allow roughly an inch of deviation, which is worth knowing if you are trying to match a specific cabin or trunk opening.
The honest weakness is the mesh. A dog that scratches or chews at the door will find it, and several owners say the same about this category generally. For a calm, crate-trained dog, the spring frame and door layout are the best in the mid-size group.
4. EliteField 4-Door Folding Soft Crate – The Spacious Premium Build
EliteField 4-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Curtains (2-Year Warranty)
42 x 28 x 32 in
600D fabric, hex mesh
20.5 lb
Four doors, two-year warranty
Pros
- Wider and taller than comparable 42 inch crates
- Four doors with curtains and zipper locks
- Folds to about 3 inches
- Removable washable cover
- Backed by a two-year warranty
Cons
- Heaviest crate here at about 20.5 lb
- Sparse instructions for the folding order
- Velcro rear pocket will not close on bulky items
The EliteField solves the problem most 42-inch soft crates have, which is that a 42-inch label does not mean a 42-inch dog fits. At 42 by 28 by 32 inches it is listed as 2 inches wider and 4 inches taller than most crates in the same class, and that extra height is the difference between a dog standing comfortably and one that has to hunch.
It is also the heaviest unit in this roundup at 20.5 pounds, so it is a two-person load into an SUV trunk. Inside a house it feels substantial in a way the others do not.
Four Doors, Water Bottle Holder, Two-Year Warranty
Four mesh doors open on the top, front and both sides, each with a curtain and a zipper lock. The curtains are the part owners like most at night, because a dark crate settles a dog faster than a lit one, and the locks are the part owners complain about, since elastic retention loops can be pulled free by a chewing dog.
Two accessory pockets, a water bottle holder and a rear bottle hole cover the road-trip problem of nowhere to put a wet bottle. The cover and bed cover remove and wash, which matters more than it sounds on a six-week trip.
Folds To Three Inches, Instructions Do Not Exist
It ships fully assembled, pops up without tools, and collapses to roughly 3 inches for a trip in the included carrying bag with hand straps and an adjustable padded shoulder strap. Justlabradors owners describe soft-sided crates like this holding up over five years of heavy use, and the two-year warranty is the longest listed here.
The most common complaint is documentation. The folding order is not clearly explained, and once you learn the sequence you will not need it again, but budget ten minutes the first time. The rear pouch uses a Velcro envelope that will not close around bulky gear such as a folded towel.
5. Feandrea Collapsible Soft Dog Crate – The Widest Size Lineup
Feandrea Collapsible Soft Dog Crate, Portable Travel Carrier, 24 Inches
24 x 16.5 x 16.5 in
Water-resistant Oxford
6.2 lb
Three doors, self-locking zips
Pros
- Sizes from 24 up to 48 inches
- Assembles in about 30 seconds
- Self-locking zippers
- Water-resistant fabric wipes clean
- Removable fleece pad
Cons
- Mesh tears quickly with dogs that paw at doors
- Thin included pad
- No carry strap or vehicle securing kit
- Fiddly top cross rods
If your dog does not fit neatly into a 24, 28 or 36 inch crate, the Feandrea range from 24 to 48 inches is the answer. That is a bigger spread than most brands offer, and it removes the sizing gap that leaves owners stuck between models.
Setup takes about 30 seconds with no tools, and at 6.2 pounds it is one of the lighter options here. Self-locking zippers are a genuine upgrade over plain zipper closures because the door cannot be nudged open by a nose.
Water-Resistant Fabric That Wipes Down
The exterior is water-resistant Oxford that wipes clean, which is the feature that saves you on camping trips and muddy hikes. The fleece pad is removable, so you can wash or replace the one piece that actually absorbs accidents instead of trying to clean the whole shell.
Note that the inner padding is not washable, and the fleece pad is thin enough that most owners add a second mat for larger dogs.
Where Owners Report Real Problems
Mesh durability is the recurring theme. Owners of crate-trained dogs who paw at the door report tears forming within weeks, and the fabric, while scratch- and tear-resistant Oxford, is still fabric. The folding sequence is also fiddly, particularly the top cross rods, which owners describe as awkward to connect and release.
There is no included carry strap for the folded package and nothing to secure the crate in a vehicle, so budget for a strap and a seat belt tether if you are driving with it. Some buyers also report an initial plastic smell on unboxing.
6. LeSure 36 Inch Soft Crate – Built For Dogs Over 50 Pounds
Lesure Today Show Soft Collapsible Dog Crates for Large Dogs, 36in Black
36 x 25 x 25 in
Iron frame, waterproof fabric
12.75 lb
Reflective strips, safety leash
Pros
- Four size options covering 35 to 90 lb
- Assembles in about two minutes
- Reflective strips on both sides
- Self-locking zippers and integrated leash
- Machine-washable mat
Cons
- Soft mesh walls scratch and chew through
- Plush mat is thin for large dogs
- Frame can warp after repeated folding
- Heavier than smaller soft crates
Most soft crates stop being sensible around 40 pounds, and the LeSure is built for the dogs beyond that. At 36 by 25 by 25 inches it covers dogs up to 70 pounds, and the brand also offers versions rated from 35 up to 90 pounds, which is the rare coverage of a heavy Lab or a mastiff-type dog.
It assembles in about two minutes with no tools, and it folds two different ways, so you can pack it flat or on its side depending on the shape of your trunk space.
Reflective Strips And Self-Locking Zippers
Reflective strips on both sides are not a cosmetic detail. If you are loading up at a rest stop after dark, or breaking camp before sunrise, they are the difference between a dog you can see and one you cannot.
The zipper system is self-locking and there is an integrated safety leash clipped inside, so a dog cannot bolt out of the door even if the closure is jostled. Four-side zippered mesh walls give strong airflow and full visibility from outside.
Weight, Warping And The Honest Limits
At 12.75 pounds it is on the heavy side for a portable crate, and the plush mat included is thinner than a large dog deserves. Owners also report the folding frame developing a warp after repeated collapse cycles, which is common to the category but worth knowing if you fold it every single trip.
As with the rest of this roundup, the mesh walls can be scratched or chewed through by an active dog. This is a crate for a settled, trained large dog, not for a chew-happy one.
7. Garnpet 36 Inch 4-Door Crate – The One That Fits A Post-Surgery Recovery
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
Waterproof Oxford, steel frame
12.85 lb
Four doors including top
Pros
- Sturdy frame that resisted a 65 lb dog
- Four doors with top access
- Carry handles for one-person moves
- Waterproof wipe-clean fabric
- Tool-free fold-flat
Cons
- Strong synthetic off-gassing smell on arrival
- Included mat is only about a quarter inch
- Separation anxiety dogs can push the mesh
- Not for puppies not yet crate-trained
The Garnpet has become my post-surgery crate. At 36 by 25 by 25 inches it gives a big dog room to lie down and turn without twisting a repaired limb, and the four-door layout including top access means I can check a wound or change a dressing without hauling the dog out of the den.
Owners report the steel frame and heavy nylon-type fabric held up against a 65 pound dog, which is more than the listed size suggests you would test. The waterproof surface wipes down with a damp cloth, and a dog recovering from surgery will inevitably have accidents.
Four Doors And A Frame That Holds
Four doors, including the top, with zippers that reviewers say work without sticking, which sounds trivial until you are trying to load a stiff dog. End carry handles make it a one-person move from car to porch, and the whole thing folds flat in seconds with no tools.
Sizes run from 26 to 42 inches, so the same design covers a puppy crate and a large-dog crate if you own two sizes of problem.
The Two Complaints That Come Up Every Time
First, a strong synthetic off-gassing smell arrives with the crate and can linger after airing it out for a day. Set it up outside or in a garage before bringing a dog into the same room.
Second, the included mat is about a quarter inch thick and almost everyone replaces it. Owners also caution that a dog with separation anxiety can push through the mesh, and this is not the right choice for a puppy who has not been crate-trained yet.
8. DONORO Pop Up Soft Kennel – The Lightest Thing We Tested
DONORO Dog Kennels and Crates for Medium Dogs, Portable Pop Up Indoor Pet Cage with Sturdy Wire Frame, Collapsible Travel Crate Soft Sided Cat Bag Escape Proof (Brown, 28.0″ L x 18.0″ W x 22.0″ H)
28 x 18 x 22 in
Flexible steel wire frame
3.25 lb
Three mesh panels, double zipper
Pros
- Very light at about 3.25 lb
- Pops up and folds in seconds
- Protected seams and reinforced corners
- Hose-able and quick drying
- Removable washable pad
Cons
- Light structure a determined dog could tear
- One folding side can warp with use
- Velcro door holder is unreliable
- Bulky folded package
At 3.25 pounds the DONORO is less than half the weight of most crates in this roundup, and you feel that immediately. I carried it one-handed from the car to a training class without thinking about it, which is not something I can say for the 20-pound EliteField.
It is a pop-up design with a flexible steel wire frame. No assembly, no springs to line up, and it folds flat in a motion. The listing describes it as suiting a small dog such as a Standard Poodle or Schnauzer, or one to two cats.
Reinforced Corners And Hose-Able Fabric
Protected seams and reinforced corners are the detail that separates this from a fabric playpen. The water-resistant materials can be hosed down and dry quickly, which makes it the easiest crate here to clean after a muddy camping trip or an accident.
Three high-density mesh panels with double-zipper doors give decent airflow, and there is a one-year manufacturer warranty behind it.
Light Build Means Less Structural Strength
The trade-off is structural strength. Owners are clear that this is not a crate for a determined or anxious dog, because the mesh will not stop one, and one folding side can weaken or warp after repeated use. Some warping is correctable, but it is a recurring report.
The Velcro door holder also does not reliably keep the flap up, and the folded package is bulkier than you would expect from something this light, so it is not convenient to carry with a dog inside. For calm small dogs, training classes and post-surgery recovery, it is excellent value.
9. ZOMISIA 36 Inch Travel Crate – The Darkest Mesh For Night Driving
ZOMISIA 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs, Travel Dog Crate Grey
36 x 25 x 25 in
600D Oxford, iron pipe frame
12.65 lb
Three mesh windows, safety leash
Pros
- Folds flat in about 30 seconds
- Dark tightly knit mesh keeps the interior dim
- Built-in safety leash
- Top access plus side pockets
- Removable washable plush pad
Cons
- Soft zippers are the weak point
- Handle stitching can fail when loaded
- Thin mat that owners replace
- Fabric lets a determined dog push through
The ZOMISIA solves a problem most soft crates ignore. Its mesh is tightly knit and darker than average, so the interior stays dim at night and you do not need a separate cover or drape over it. On an overnight highway run, that means a dog who is not staring out at every passing truck.
It folds and unfolds in about 30 seconds, and a convenient carry handle makes the folded package manageable. The frame is high-strength iron pipe with 600D Oxford fabric, listed for large dogs at 36 by 25 by 25 inches.
Safety Leash, Top Access And Side Pockets
Three breathable mesh windows plus a roll-up zippered door, with top access for handling a dog that is reluctant to walk in from the front. A built-in safety leash clips to the dog inside the crate, and an external storage pocket holds treats, toys or the leash you removed at the door.
Three sizes are offered at 30, 36 and 42 inches. The listing advice to measure your dog’s standing length, width and height before choosing, which is exactly right.
Component Durability Is The Weak Spot
The zippers are the component owners flag most. They are soft rather than metal, and a determined pup can break them, which is the single most common failure mode across this entire category. Handle stitching is also reported to come apart after a few uses once the crate is loaded.
The included plush pad is thin, and most owners add a second mat. A determined dog can still work through the fabric over time, so treat this as a travel crate for a settled dog rather than a permanent containment solution.
10. Gardner Pet 26 Inch Soft Crate – The Puppy And Small Dog Option
Gardner Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 26 Inch Portable Travel Dog Crate for Puppy/Small Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 3-Door Pet Crate with Durable Mesh Windows & Storage Bag, Blue
26 x 18 x 18 in
Rust-resistant steel frame
7.45 lb
Three doors plus two mesh windows
Pros
- Tool-free setup and fold in seconds
- Waterproof interior wipes or rinses clean
- Storage bag for car and camping
- One-handed lightweight grip
- Size options at 26
- 30 and 36 inches
Cons
- Loosely woven mesh is less escape-proof
- Soft mesh is chewed by puppies
- Basic removable padding
- Smaller review base than rivals
At 26 by 18 by 18 inches the Gardner Pet is sized for puppies and small dogs, and it is the crate I would pick for a housebreaking stage puppy that needs a den in the car but will chew on absolutely everything.
It weighs 7.45 pounds, has a rust-resistant steel frame, and sets up or folds in seconds without tools. The included storage and travel bag is a nice touch for keeping the crate out of sight at a campsite.
Three Doors Plus Two Extra Mesh Windows
Beyond the three zippered doors, there are two extra breathable high-density mesh windows, which pushes ventilation and visibility above most crates at this size. The mesh panels roll up and secure with Velcro, so you can control airflow without fully opening a door to the highway.
The waterproof interior wipes down or rinses off, which matters when a puppy has an accident forty minutes into a drive.
Puppy Chewing Is The Limitation
Everything soft is a problem with a teething puppy, and this crate is no exception. The mesh is more loosely woven than the EliteField or LeSure builds, which makes it less effective at escape-proofing, and owners report puppies chewing through it.
The removable padding is basic and most owners bring their own cushion. With a 4.2 average across 277 reviews, this is also the newest listing in the group, so there is less long-term owner data behind it than the Amazon Basics or Feandrea.
11. Ownpets 42 Inch Collapsible Crate – The Roomy Camping Pick
Ownpets Collapsible Dog Crate, 42 inch Portable Travel Dog Crate for Large Dogs, 4-Door Foldable Pet Kennel with Durable Mesh Windows & Soft Mat
42 x 31 x 31 in
Steel frame, Oxford cloth
15 lb
Four mesh windows, washable cushion
Pros
- Sets up and collapses in minutes
- Lightweight for its 42 inch size
- Removable washable cushion doubles as carry wrap
- Included storage bag
- Good airflow through four mesh windows
Cons
- Zipper seam stitching can tear if the dog paws at it
- Included mat gets torn by digging dogs
- Inner zipper can be opened from inside
- Less chew-proof than hard kennels
The Ownpets gives you 42 by 31 by 31 inches of interior, and it weighs 15 pounds. That is unusual for a crate this size, and it is why owners who camp describe it as the one large soft crate they can actually lift alone into a truck bed.
Four mesh windows sit on all sides for airflow and visibility, which matters in a hot camper where a crate against a wall can trap heat. The sturdy steel frame stays stable once assembled.
A Cushion That Doubles As The Carry Wrap
The removable washable cushion wraps around the collapsed crate, so it packs with the crate instead of needing a separate bag for itself. A storage bag for toys, treats and grooming supplies handles the rest of the kit.
Owners praise the fast setup and the fact that it folds down small enough to fit the included bag, with a light pack that is easy to carry compared to a wire crate of the same size.
Seams Are The Thing To Watch
Several owners report the seams holding the zipper to the canvas tearing when a dog paws or chews at them. The included mat and bottom can also be torn by a dog that digs, which weakens the base over time.
One review group raises a point worth taking seriously: a determined dog can unzip the inner door from the inside, so place the crate against a wall rather than in the middle of a room. As always, soft construction is less chew-proof than a hard plastic or metal kennel.
12. Morpilot 24 Inch Portable Crate – The Most Thoughtful Extras
Morpilot 24-inch Portable Collapsible Dog Crate for Small Dogs up to 27lbs
23.6 x 16.5 x 16.5 in
600D Oxford, metal frame
7 lb
Auto-lock zippers, anti-escape leash
Pros
- Tool-free setup and 30-second fold
- Auto-lock zippers and reinforced Oxford
- Four-panel mesh with three doors
- Anti-escape leash
- Storage pocket and foldable bowl
Cons
- Not designed for airline travel
- Escape-proofing assumes a crate-trained dog
- Soft fabric is no match for a chewer
The Morpilot is a small-dog crate that lists the things you usually discover you forgot. There is an anti-escape leash, padded carry handles, a storage pocket for leashes and treats, and a foldable bowl, all included, none of which cost you anything to add later.
It sets up with no tools and folds to an ultra-slim profile in 30 seconds, and at 7 pounds it stays light enough to move around a campsite. Buyers consistently rate it 4.5 stars.
Auto-Lock Closures And A Leak-Proof Anchor Point
Auto-lock zippers are the feature that separates this crate from cheaper models, because the pull has to be deliberately lifted before the door will open, and a dog nosing at the mesh cannot flick it loose. The anti-escape leash clips to a point inside the frame and stops a dog wedging itself into a corner and injuring a tooth.
The four-panel mesh with three access doors gives 360 degree airflow, and the plush padding is removable for washing. At 23.6 by 16.5 by 16.5 inches the interior suits small dogs up to about 27 pounds.
Why It Is Not The Cabin Flight Pick
The manufacturer states plainly that it is not designed for airline travel, and at 23.6 by 16.5 by 16.5 inches it will not pass most carriers’ under-seat dimensional limits with a dog inside it. If flying is the trip, look at a certified soft carrier bag rather than a folding crate.
For a road trip, a hotel stay or a weekend at a friend’s place, the extras are genuinely useful and the auto-lock zippers are among the better closures in this roundup. As with everything soft, it is not for a persistent chewer.
How to Choose a Soft Crate That Holds Up on the Road
Size By Standing Measurements, Not By Weight
Measure your dog standing at the shoulder for height, nose to base of tail for length, and across the chest for width, then add a couple of inches in each direction. A lanky dog and a stocky dog of the same weight can need completely different crates, and owners on r/dogs consistently report that body length matters more than the weight number on the label.
Check the interior, not the exterior. This is the single most common sizing mistake, and a dog that cannot stand and turn around will be uncomfortable and more likely to chew at the door.
Airline Travel: What A Soft Crate Can And Cannot Do
Soft crates are not hard-shell carriers, and most airlines will not accept one in the cabin. Under-seat limits are tight, typically around 18 by 14 by 9 inches including the handle, so the only soft option that reliably flies in-cabin is a certified soft carrier bag sized to the specific carrier’s published dimensions. Owners on poodleforum note that soft carriers squish down toward 17 inches and a dog will often lie down to fit.
For cargo, a soft crate is generally not accepted either, because most carriers require a rigid, labelled kennel. Several products here explicitly state they are not built for airline travel. Verify your carrier’s current rules before you buy, since they change, and ask in writing.
Frame, Mesh And The Chewer Problem
A heavy-duty 600D Oxford fabric over a steel or iron frame is the baseline for a crate that will be handled roughly. Look for hex mesh over plain netting, self-locking or auto-lock zippers rather than plain zippers, and reinforced seams at the points where zippers meet fabric.
Then be honest about your dog. Every soft crate in this roundup is a bad choice for a determined chewer or an escape artist, and no amount of fabric weight changes that. The chewer needs a hard plastic or wire crate.
Securing The Crate So It Does Not Slide
A soft crate is a fabric box, and a fabric box slides across a car floor under hard braking. Route the seat belt through the carrying handle or strap loop and buckle it, or place a non-slip mat or rug pad under the base. A second belt across the crate for larger models keeps it planted.
Most crates in this roundup ship without a vehicle securing kit, so treat that as an extra purchase. On an RV floor, anchor the crate against a wall bracket so it cannot shift when the camper moves.
Comfort, Cleaning And Long-Haul Odor
For any trip longer than a few hours, pad matters more than most buyers expect. Thin fleece pads are standard in this category, so plan on adding a washable mat of your own. On a winter route, put the crate away from direct cold air; on a summer route, position it in shade and keep the doors rolled open.
Waterproof or water-resistant wipe-clean fabric is the feature that matters after a muddy trip. For urine staining that will not wash out of a fabric liner, a removable washable mat is the part you can actually replace.
Warranty And Replacement Parts
Warranty length is a useful proxy for how a brand expects the crate to be used. The EliteField carries a two-year warranty and the DONORO a one-year warranty; the rest of the field does not publish one. Longer coverage matters most for zippers, mesh panels and frames, since those are the components that fail first.
Check whether the cover or bed cover is sold separately. A replaceable outer cover from the manufacturer is cheaper than replacing a whole crate after a claw goes through the fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are soft sided crates good for dogs?
Yes, for crate-trained, calm dogs. A soft sided crate gives a dog a den-like resting spot, ventilates well through mesh panels, folds flat for storage and is far lighter than a wire kennel. It is not a good choice for determined chewers, escape artists, or as a crash-tested option in a car.
What is a good soft dog crate for airline travel?
Most folding soft crates are not accepted in an airline cabin or in cargo. Cabin travel requires a certified soft carrier bag that fits the carrier’s published under-seat dimensions, which are usually around 18 x 14 x 9 inches. Cargo travel normally requires a rigid, labelled kennel. Confirm the current rules with your airline before you buy.
Are soft sided crates safe for car travel?
A soft crate is safer than letting a dog roam loose in a car, but it is not a crash-tested restraint. Secure it with the seat belt through the handle or strap loop, place a non-slip pad underneath, and keep the dog inside rather than allowing it to ride on the seat. If crash protection is your priority, use a crash-tested harness instead.
What are the safest dog crates for travel?
The safest crate is the one that matches the dog and the journey. For air travel, a rigid hard-shell kennel that meets the airline’s specifications is the standard. For car travel, a crash-tested harness is the safest restraint. For hotel, camping and cabin-car trips, a soft crate with a steel frame, reinforced seams and self-locking zippers is an appropriate choice for a crate-trained dog.
What should I put inside a travel crate?
Put in a washable mat, a familiar blanket, water in a foldable or spill-proof bowl, and a chew toy your dog already knows. Avoid loose bedding that can be pushed out or chewed on a long trip, and do not leave food inside a crate during travel. Keep identification tags and any paperwork in an external pocket, not loose inside.
Which Soft Sided Crate Matches Your Trip
If you want one crate that works almost anywhere, the Amazon Basics folding soft crate is the pick: it is light, it folds flat, and it has the deepest owner feedback base of anything we tested. For a road trip where the bundled kit matters as much as the crate, the Petprsco package is harder to argue with. Choose the EliteField when you need genuine space for a large dog and a warranty behind it, the LeSure or Ownpets when your dog is over 50 pounds, and the DONORO when you are carrying the crate one-handed more often than not.
Whatever you pick, measure your dog standing, secure the crate in the car, and practise the fold before you leave. For the rest of your travel kit, start with our best portable printers for travel and best streaming sticks for travel guides.