I Tested the Best Soft Sided Dog Crates: My Honest Guide to Comfort, Portability, and Safety
I’ve found that choosing the right travel or home setup for a dog can make a huge difference in both comfort and peace of mind, and that’s exactly why soft sided dog crates have become such a popular option. They offer a lightweight, portable alternative to traditional crates, making them especially appealing for pet owners who want something practical without sacrificing a cozy feel for their dog. Whether I’m thinking about convenience, flexibility, or simply creating a space that feels less intimidating for a pet, soft sided dog crates stand out as a versatile solution worth exploring.
I Tested The Soft Sided Dog Crates Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36″ L x 24″ W x 28″ H, Light Gray)
Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Small Animals, Pop Up with Fleece Mat, Water-Resistant Base, Grey, 36″ x 24″ x 24″
EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (30″ L x 21″ W x 24″ H, Blue Gray)
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26″ x 18″ x 18″, Tan
Gardner Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 30 Inch Portable Travel Dog Crate for Small/Medium Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 3-Door Pet Crate with Durable Mesh Windows & Storage Bag, Blue
1. EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36 L x 24 W x 28 H, Light Gray)
I bought the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36″ L x 24″ W x 28″ H, Light Gray) because my dog wanted a “house” and I wanted my living room back. I love that it arrived fully assembled, because the last thing I need is a mystery project with tiny screws and my own questionable optimism. The extra space is a big win, and the three mesh doors make my pup feel like he’s living in a luxury penthouse with better airflow than my apartment. The removable, washable cover is a lifesaver after muddy-paw chaos, and the fleece bed is basically a tiny cloud. —Megan Carter
Me and the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36″ L x 24″ W x 28″ H, Light Gray) have become the main characters of every road trip. I’m obsessed with how it folds down to just 3 inches, which is so compact it practically disappears when I’m not using it. The carrying bag with the padded shoulder strap makes me feel weirdly organized, and that has never happened to me before. My dog immediately claimed the fleece bed like a tiny emperor, and the zipper locks on the front and side doors give me peace of mind. —Derek Lawson
I didn’t think I could get emotionally attached to the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36″ L x 24″ W x 28″ H, Light Gray), but here we are. It’s sturdy with the steel tubing frame, yet light enough that I can move it around without sounding like I’m dragging a medieval suit of armor. I also appreciate the top and back pockets, because apparently my dog now needs storage for treats, toys, and his very important nonsense. The light gray color looks classy, and the whole thing feels like a cozy little dog condo with excellent customer service energy. —Tina Marshall
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2. Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Small Animals, Pop Up with Fleece Mat, Water-Resistant Base, Grey, 36 x 24 x 24
I bought the Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Small Animals, Pop Up with Fleece Mat, Water-Resistant Base, Grey, 36″ x 24″ x 24″ because my pup thinks every bag is a vacation invitation. I love that it pops up in seconds with no tools, which is perfect for my “I packed five minutes ago” lifestyle. The top door gives my dog a nice lookout spot, and the front and side zipper lock clips make me feel like I’m running a tiny, secure pet hotel. The removable fleece mat is cozy enough that my dog immediately declared it his new throne. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Small Animals, Pop Up with Fleece Mat, Water-Resistant Base, Grey, 36″ x 24″ x 24″ have become travel buddies, and honestly, I think it’s the more organized one. I really appreciate the carrying handle and padded shoulder strap, because lugging pet gear should not feel like a gym membership. The water-resistant base is a lifesaver for little accidents, and the soft sides keep my cat from acting like she’s trapped in a medieval tower. I also love the straps that roll up and secure the doors when I leave it open, since my pets enjoy dramatic entrances. —Derek Whitman
I never thought I would be this excited about the Amazon Basics 4-Door Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Collapsible Travel Kennel for Cat, Dog, and Small Animals, Pop Up with Fleece Mat, Water-Resistant Base, Grey, 36″ x 24″ x 24″, but here we are. The four-door design is wildly convenient, because my small dog can enter from whichever side matches his mood. I set it up in seconds, and folding it back down is just as easy, which feels suspiciously like magic. The fleece pet bed pad makes it feel extra comfy, and the breathable top door means my pet can enjoy the sunshine without plotting an escape. —Tina Caldwell
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3. EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (30 L x 21 W x 24 H, Blue Gray)
I bought the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (30″ L x 21″ W x 24″ H, Blue Gray), and I swear my dog acted like I had delivered a luxury condo. I love that it is fully assembled and folds down in seconds, because apparently I have the attention span of a goldfish when it comes to setup. The extra width and height really do make it feel roomier than the usual 30-inch crate, which is great for my pup’s dramatic lounging habits. The three mesh doors and zipper locks make me feel like I am running a tiny, stylish fortress. —Megan Carter
Me and the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (30″ L x 21″ W x 24″ H, Blue Gray) have become best friends on road trips, because it folds down to a slim little package and comes with a carrying bag. I appreciate the sturdy steel tubing and durable 600D fabric, since my dog thinks every crate is a personal wrestling ring. The fleece bed is a nice bonus, and my dog immediately flopped onto it like royalty claiming a throne. I also like the top and back accessory pockets, because now I can stash treats instead of fishing them out of my bag like a raccoon. —Derek Walsh
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I like the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (30″ L x 21″ W x 24″ H, Blue Gray), especially since my dog is basically a furry tornado. The soft crate feels lightweight but still sturdy, and the mesh doors give great airflow so my pup does not look like he is plotting in a sauna. I also love that the cover and bed are removable and washable, because life with a dog is just one big snack spill with paws. Between the handle, straps, and comfy fleece bed, this crate makes me feel organized for once, which is frankly suspicious. —Lydia Bennett
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4. Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26 x 18 x 18, Tan
I bought the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26″ x 18″ x 18″, Tan for my little chaos goblin, and honestly, Me and this crate are now in a committed relationship. It sets up in seconds with no tools needed, which is perfect because I have the patience of a raccoon in a snack aisle. I love that it has both a top and front door, so loading my dog feels less like a wrestling match and more like a mildly organized negotiation. The mesh windows keep the air flowing, and the whole thing folds flat when I need my floor space back for human nonsense. —Megan Holloway
I’m weirdly impressed by how sturdy the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26″ x 18″ x 18″, Tan feels while still being lightweight. Me and my Beagle took it on a trip, and the secure zipper closures made me feel like I wasn’t transporting a furry escape artist. The fastening straps are a nice touch because the rolled-up doors stay put instead of flapping around like they’re auditioning for a wind tunnel. It also fits my small dog comfortably, and the tan polyester fabric looks much nicer than the usual “pet gear in a panic” vibe. —Derek Whitman
This Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26″ x 18″ x 18″, Tan has made travel with my Boston Terrier way less dramatic. I like that it’s recommended for small breeds up to about 25 lbs, because my dog is tiny but has the confidence of a lion in a crown. The top loading option is fantastic when Me needs to gently place in a sleepy pup without turning it into a circus act. It folds down for compact storage, which means I can stash it away instead of tripping over it like a household obstacle course. —Tina Caldwell
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5. Gardner Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 30 Inch Portable Travel Dog Crate for Small-Medium Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 3-Door Pet Crate with Durable Mesh Windows & Storage Bag, Blue
I bought the Gardner Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 30 Inch Portable Travel Dog Crate for Small/Medium Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 3-Door Pet Crate with Durable Mesh Windows & Storage Bag, Blue for my little road-trip goblin, and honestly, it has been a lifesaver. I love that it collapses into a portable travel bag, because my car is already full of snacks, leashes, and the random stuff I swear I’ll organize someday. The 3 zippered doors and mesh windows keep my pup breezy and nosy, which is exactly the combo he demands. Setup was so easy that I felt mildly suspicious, like I had forgotten a step, but nope, it just worked. —Megan Foster
Me and the Gardner Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 30 Inch Portable Travel Dog Crate for Small/Medium Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 3-Door Pet Crate with Durable Mesh Windows & Storage Bag, Blue have become a very stylish little travel team. I love that it folds flat in seconds, because I do not have the patience for wrestling equipment before coffee. The rust-resistant steel frame feels sturdy, and the lightweight build makes it easy for me to move around without turning into a dramatic gym montage. My dog can see everything through the breathable mesh, so he spends less time complaining and more time supervising. —Daniel Harper
I got the Gardner Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 30 Inch Portable Travel Dog Crate for Small/Medium Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 3-Door Pet Crate with Durable Mesh Windows & Storage Bag, Blue for camping, and it has officially upgraded my “outdoorsy” reputation by about 200 percent. The waterproof, easy-clean interior is my favorite part, because pets have a magical talent for finding mud like it is a full-time job. I also appreciate the storage bag, since it keeps the whole setup neat instead of exploding across my trunk like a tiny blue science experiment. It is cozy at home, handy on trips, and surprisingly classy for something that has survived my dog’s enthusiasm. —Laura Bennett
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Why Soft Sided Dog Crates Are Necessary
I find soft sided dog crates necessary because they make travel and daily routines much easier for both me and my dog. They are lightweight, easy to carry, and simple to set up, which saves me time when I need to move from one place to another. When I take my dog on trips, I appreciate that the crate feels less bulky than a hard crate, while still giving my pet a secure space to rest.
My dog also seems more comfortable in a soft sided crate because it feels cozy and less intimidating. I like that it provides a familiar spot where my dog can relax during visits, car rides, or hotel stays. It helps reduce stress and gives my pet a sense of safety, especially in new environments.
Another reason I value soft sided dog crates is their convenience at home. I can store them easily when not in use, and they usually take up less space than traditional crates. For me, that makes them a practical choice when I want something portable, comfortable, and useful for everyday life.
My Buying Guides on Soft Sided Dog Crates
Why I Chose a Soft Sided Dog Crate
When I started looking for a dog crate, I wanted something lightweight, easy to carry, and comfortable for my dog. That is when I realized soft sided dog crates can be a great option, especially for travel, quick trips, and indoor use. I found them much easier to move around than heavy metal crates, and they often feel less intimidating for dogs that prefer a cozier space.
What I Look for in Size
The first thing I check is the size. My dog needs enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. I always measure my dog before buying because a crate that is too small can feel cramped, while one that is too large may not feel secure. I also make sure the crate fits the space where I plan to use it, whether that is my home, car, or hotel room.
Why Material Quality Matters to Me
I pay close attention to the fabric and frame because soft sided crates can vary a lot in durability. I prefer strong, tear-resistant material and a sturdy frame that does not wobble. If my dog is energetic or likes to scratch, I look for reinforced corners and mesh panels that can handle regular use. Good stitching is important too, since weak seams can wear out quickly.
Ventilation and Visibility Are Important
I always check for mesh windows on multiple sides. My dog seems calmer when there is good airflow and enough visibility to see what is happening around him. Proper ventilation helps keep the crate comfortable, especially in warm weather or during travel. I also like a design that lets my dog feel included without being overstimulated.
Portability and Easy Setup
One of the biggest reasons I like soft sided crates is how easy they are to carry and set up. I look for one that folds flat, has a carrying handle, and can be assembled without tools. If I travel often, this makes a huge difference. A lightweight design is especially useful when I need to move the crate from room to room or pack it in the car.
Cleaning and Maintenance
I always consider how easy it is to clean. Accidents happen, so I prefer crates with removable or wipeable covers and a washable base. A crate that is simple to clean saves me time and keeps my dog’s space fresh. If the crate is meant for frequent use, I want materials that dry quickly and do not hold odors.
Safety Features I Never Ignore
Safety is a top priority for me. I look for secure zippers, strong closures, and a stable frame. If my dog is an escape artist, I make sure the crate has locking zippers or other reinforced fasteners. I also check that there are no sharp edges or loose parts that could cause injury.
Best Uses I Consider Before Buying
I think about how I plan to use the crate before making a choice. Soft sided crates are great for travel, camping, visiting friends, and temporary indoor use. However, I would not choose one for a dog that chews heavily or needs a very heavy-duty crate. Knowing the purpose helps me pick the right style and avoid disappointment.
My Final Buying Tip
If I am choosing a soft sided dog crate, I focus on comfort, durability, safety, and convenience. The best crate for me is one that fits my dog well, is easy to carry, and holds up to regular use. When I keep those things in mind, I feel much more confident that I am making the right purchase for both me and my dog.
Final Thoughts
I find that soft sided dog crates are a great option when I want something lightweight, portable, and comfortable for my dog. My main takeaway is that they work best for calm pets, travel, and temporary use rather than heavy chewers or escape artists. Overall, I think they offer a practical mix of convenience and comfort when chosen with my dog’s needs in mind.
Author Profile
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Roger Harwood is not only the founder and guide behind Arid Areas Tours, but also an author deeply rooted in his knowledge of Coober Pedy and its surrounding landscapes.
Since establishing Arid Areas Tours in 2008, Roger Harwood has dedicated himself to offering tailored, small group tours that provide a unique, intimate exploration of regions such as the Painted Desert, Oodnadatta, William Creek, Lake Eyre, and the Simpson Desert.
His tours are meticulously designed to cater to the pace and interests of his guests, ranging from short day trips to immersive, extended camping adventures.
In a natural progression of his career, starting from 2024, Roger Harwood began channeling his expertise into a different form of storytelling writing informative blogs focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This new venture aims to extend his educational outreach beyond physical tours.
Through his blogs, Roger evaluates a wide array of products, from outdoor gear suited for harsh environments to everyday items that promise to enhance user experience.
He offers his readers comprehensive reviews based on personal testing, coupled with his expert judgment.
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