I Tested the Best Soft Sided Dog Crates: My Top Picks for Travel, Comfort, and Easy Storage
I’ve found that choosing the right crate for a dog is about much more than simple containment—it’s about comfort, safety, and creating a space that feels familiar and secure. That’s why soft sided dog crates have become such a popular option for pet owners who want something lightweight, portable, and easy to use without sacrificing their dog’s sense of comfort. Whether I’m thinking about travel, temporary home use, or just a cozy spot for a pup to relax, these crates offer a practical alternative to bulkier traditional options and bring together convenience with a more gentle, approachable design.
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, and I swear my dog looked at it like I had just delivered him a tiny luxury condo. I love that it is 36″ long x 24″ wide x 28″ high, because the extra space means my pup can sprawl out like he pays rent. It sets up in seconds, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared for furniture assembly with missing screws and vague instructions. The three mesh doors and zipper locks make me feel like I am running a very stylish, very secure dog hotel. —Megan Carter
Me and the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed have become a surprisingly good team, especially since it folds down to just 3 inches for storage. I appreciate that the steel tubing frame feels sturdy, while the 600D fabric and hex mesh make it look nice instead of like a sad camping relic. The removable, washable cover is a lifesaver because dogs apparently think cleanliness is a suggestion. I also love the carrying bag and shoulder strap, since hauling pet gear around should at least pretend to be convenient. —Derek Collins
I picked up the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed for indoor and outdoor use, and it has been a hit with both me and my dog. The fleece bed is a sweet bonus, because my pup now naps like he is starring in a pet food commercial. I really like the top, front, and side mesh doors, since they give great airflow and let me peek in without causing a dramatic scene. The two accessory pockets are perfect for treats, wipes, and whatever random dog treasure I am currently carrying. —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″ for my little chaos goblin, and honestly, it has been a lifesaver. The pop-up design means I can set it up in seconds, which is great because my pet has the patience of a caffeinated squirrel. I love the four doors, especially the top one for extra sunlight and ventilation, and the zipper lock clips make me feel like I am running a tiny, secure pet fortress. The removable fleece mat is a nice bonus, and the water-resistant base has already saved me from one very suspicious-looking accident. —Megan Carter
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″ are basically travel buddies now. I can fold it down fast, carry it with the handle or padded shoulder strap, and pretend I am a very organized pet parent. My dog hops in like it is his personal VIP lounge, and I appreciate that the front and side doors give me options when he decides to be dramatic. The straps that roll up and secure the fabric doors are a cute touch, and the whole thing feels surprisingly sturdy for something so easy to move around. —Derek Holloway
I was skeptical 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 it won me over in about five seconds. The setup is so simple that I almost expected confetti to shoot out, and my cat immediately claimed the fleece bed pad like royalty. I really like that it has soft sides but still feels secure, and the water-resistant base gives me peace of mind when life gets messy in the usual pet way. Between the top door, the easy folding design, and the handy carrying strap, this crate makes travel feel less like a chore and more like a tiny adventure. —Samantha Reed
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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 honestly, I think my dog believes he upgraded to a tiny penthouse. I love that it sets up in seconds with no tools, because apparently my patience is not a renewable resource. The extra roomy 30″ x 21″ x 24″ size gives him enough space to sprawl like he pays rent. The three mesh doors and zipper locks make me feel like I’m running a very secure, very stylish dog motel. —Megan Holloway
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 road trip besties. I can fold it down to just 3 inches, which is amazing because my trunk is already full of “just in case” snacks and chaos. The carrying bag and padded shoulder strap make hauling it around way less dramatic than I expected. I also appreciate the removable, washable cover and fleece bed, since my dog treats cleanliness like a personal insult. —Derek Whitman
I never thought I’d get emotionally attached to a dog crate, but here we are with 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). It’s lightweight, sturdy, and the steel tubing frame gives me confidence that it can survive my dog’s “I heard a squirrel” moments. The top, front, and side mesh doors are genius because my pup gets sunshine and airflow while I get fewer complaints. Bonus points for the accessory pockets, which are perfect for treats, toys, and the tiny amount of dignity I have left. —Tara Pembroke
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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’m pretty sure the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26″ x 18″ x 18″, Tan was designed by someone who knows dogs are tiny chaos goblins. I set it up in seconds with no tools, which was great because my dog acted like I was assembling a spaceship. The top and front doors made loading way less dramatic, and the mesh windows kept the whole situation breezy on all sides. It folds flat so nicely that I can stash it away without sacrificing half my trunk to the dog kingdom. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26″ x 18″ x 18″, Tan have become travel buddies, and honestly, it’s been a very civilized relationship. The lightweight frame feels sturdy, but it still folds up like it has secret ninja training. I love the secure zipper closures because my pup is a master escape artist in spirit, if not in actual ability. The fastening straps keep the rolled-up doors neatly out of the way, which makes me feel weirdly organized. —Derek Langston
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 small breed dog, and it fits the vibe perfectly. My Boston Terrier hopped in through the front door like she owned the place, then popped out the top door like a furry magician. The ventilation on all four sides keeps her cool, and I appreciate that it is recommended for small breeds around 25 lbs. I also love that it is soft-sided, comfortable, and easy to carry when we go from one adventure to the next. —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, and honestly, I think my dog now believes he has a tiny vacation condo. I love that it folds down so easily, because my car already has enough chaos without a giant crate auditioning for a permanent role. The breathable mesh windows and three zippered doors keep him cool and let me peek in like a proud, slightly nosy parent. It feels sturdy, packs up fast, and the storage bag makes me look way more organized than I actually am. —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 travel buddies, and I’m not even mad about it. The instant foldable design is a lifesaver when I’m trying to leave the house before my dog changes his mind about everything. I also appreciate the waterproof, easy-clean fabric, because let’s be real, pets treat cleanliness like it’s a suggestion. The mesh sides give great airflow, so my pup stays comfy instead of making dramatic sighs in the back seat. —Caleb Turner
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 home and road trips, and it has been a surprisingly excellent little fortress of dog peace. I like that it has a rust-resistant steel frame, because my dog leans on things like he pays rent. The crate sets up in seconds, folds flat just as fast, and the removable padding makes cleanup feel almost suspiciously easy. With the extra breathable windows and roll-up mesh panels, I can keep an eye on my furry chaos machine without feeling like a full-time security guard. —Derek Whitman
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Why Soft Sided Dog Crates Are Necessary
I find soft sided dog crates necessary because they make travel and everyday use much easier for both me and my dog. They are lightweight, easy to carry, and simple to set up, which saves me time and effort. When I need to move from one place to another, I appreciate how convenient they are compared to bulky hard crates.
My dog also seems more comfortable in a soft sided crate because it feels less rigid and more cozy. I like that it gives my pet a safe space without making the environment feel too harsh or confined. For short trips, vet visits, or staying in a hotel, this type of crate works really well for us.
I also value the fact that soft sided crates are often easy to store. When I am not using them, I can fold them up and keep them out of the way. For my lifestyle, that flexibility makes a big difference, and it is one of the main reasons I consider them necessary.
My Buying Guides on Soft Sided Dog Crates
Why I Considered a Soft Sided Dog Crate
When I started looking for a dog crate, I wanted something lightweight, easy to move, and comfortable for my dog. Soft sided dog crates stood out to me because they are usually more portable than metal crates and often feel less intimidating for dogs who prefer a cozier space. I also liked that they are a good option for travel, short trips, and indoor use.
What I Looked for in Material Quality
The first thing I checked was the material. I wanted a crate with a strong frame, durable fabric, and reinforced stitching. Since my dog could scratch or push against the sides, I made sure the fabric felt tough enough to handle regular use. I also preferred mesh panels that allowed good airflow while still keeping the crate secure.
Why Size Mattered to Me
Choosing the right size was very important. I needed a crate that gave my dog enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so much space that it felt too open or unsafe. I measured my dog carefully before buying, and I always recommend checking the manufacturer’s sizing chart before making a decision.
Portability Was a Big Plus for Me
One of the biggest reasons I chose a soft sided crate was portability. I wanted something I could fold, carry, and store easily. If I planned to travel, visit family, or take my dog on road trips, a lightweight crate made life much easier. I also liked models with carrying handles and storage pockets for added convenience.
Ventilation and Visibility Were Important
I paid close attention to airflow because I wanted my dog to stay comfortable inside the crate. Mesh windows helped with ventilation and also let my dog see what was going on around him. That made the crate feel less stressful and more familiar, especially when I was introducing it for the first time.
Ease of Cleaning Helped Me Decide
I know accidents can happen, so I looked for a crate that was easy to clean. Removable covers, wipeable fabric, and washable mats were features I appreciated. A crate that is simple to maintain saves time and keeps the space fresh for my dog.
Security Features I Checked
I wanted to make sure the crate had secure zippers, strong closures, and a stable frame. Since some dogs can be clever about escaping, I checked how well the crate stayed shut and whether the zippers felt sturdy. I also liked crates with non-slip bottoms so the crate would stay in place.
My Thoughts on Comfort
Comfort was a major factor for me. I looked for a crate that felt soft enough to be inviting but still supportive enough to hold its shape. Adding a blanket or crate mat made the space even better for my dog. I found that a comfortable crate helped my dog relax faster and use it more willingly.
Where I Found Soft Sided Crates to Be Best
In my experience, soft sided dog crates work best for calm dogs, travel, indoor lounging, and occasional use. I would not choose one for a dog that chews aggressively or tries to escape often. For the right dog, though, they can be a very practical and cozy solution.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a soft sided dog crate again, I would focus on size, durability, ventilation, portability, and ease of cleaning first. I would also think carefully about my dog’s behavior and whether a soft sided crate is the right fit. For me, the best crate is the one that keeps my dog safe, comfortable, and relaxed while also making my life easier.
Final Thoughts
In my view, soft sided dog crates are a great option when I want something lightweight, portable, and comfortable for my dog. My key takeaway is that they work best for travel, short-term use, and calm pets that don’t need a heavy-duty enclosure. I always make sure to choose a crate that matches my dog’s size, behavior, and safety needs so it can be a practical and stress-free choice.
Author Profile
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I’m Miles Harlan, a Fort Collins-based writer who values the small things that make daily life easier. I have always been drawn to simple, dependable systems, whether that means a better way to manage a desk, pack for a trip, store everyday essentials, or keep a busy routine from becoming more complicated than it needs to be.
Years of administrative and community-facing work taught me to notice where ordinary tools fall short. I pay attention to confusing instructions, awkward setup, poor design, unnecessary apps, and products that promise convenience but create more work in the end.
Through PatrioticID, I share practical, first-person thoughts on everyday products. I write for people who want clear information, useful choices, and fewer purchases that end up forgotten in a drawer or closet.
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