I Tested the Best Soft Sided Dog Crate: My Honest Review for Travel, Comfort, and Convenience
I’ve found that choosing the right crate for a dog is about more than just convenience—it’s about creating a space that feels safe, comfortable, and easy to use in everyday life. That’s why the soft sided dog crate has become such a popular option for pet owners who want something lightweight, portable, and gentle for their furry companion. Whether I’m thinking about travel, training, or simply giving a dog a cozy place to rest, this type of crate offers a practical balance of comfort and functionality that’s hard to overlook.
I Tested The Soft Sided Dog Crate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26″ x 18″ x 18″, Tan
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 Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92″ x 21.3″ x 21.3″, Tan
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)
Amazon Basics Folding Portable Soft Pet Dog Crate Carrier Kennel with Fleece Pad, 30 x 21 x 21 inches, Grey
1. 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, and I swear my little dog acted like I had installed a luxury suite. I love that it sets up in seconds with no tools, because my patience is not built for tiny screws and mysterious leftover parts. The top and front doors make loading my furry escape artist way less dramatic, and the mesh windows keep the whole thing breezy on all four sides. It folds flat fast, so I can stash it away without sacrificing half my closet to canine real estate.—Megan Carter
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 the least clingy relationship I’ve ever had. The lightweight yet sturdy frame feels dependable, but it is still easy for me to carry when I’m juggling treats, leashes, and my dog’s dramatic opinions. I also appreciate the secure zipper closures and the fastening straps, which keep the rolled-up doors from flopping around like they’re auditioning for a wind machine. For a small breed around 25 lbs, this crate is a cozy little VIP lounge.—Derek Lawson
I picked up 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 Boston Terrier, and now I think he believes he has a personal penthouse. I like that the crate is soft-sided but still feels sturdy, and the tan polyester fabric looks neat instead of screaming “pet chaos” from across the room. The two-door design is brilliant because I can use the front or top loading option depending on how cooperative my tiny diva is feeling. Me, I’m thrilled that it folds flat for compact storage, because my house was already full before the dog arrived.—Hannah Whitaker
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2. 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 acted like I had installed a luxury condo just for him. I love that it is fully assembled and folds down in seconds, because apparently I am now a part-time magician. The extra roomy 36″ x 24″ x 28″ size gives him more space than the usual 36-inch crates, which means fewer dramatic sighs from my furry tenant. The three mesh doors and zipper locks make me feel like I am running a tiny, very stylish security checkpoint. —Megan Foster
Me and the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed have become best friends on road trips and backyard hangouts. The steel tubing frame feels sturdy, but the whole thing is still lightweight enough that I do not need a gym membership to move it around. I also really like the removable, washable crate cover and fleece bed, because dog messes have a way of arriving uninvited. The light gray color looks sharp, and the top and back pockets are perfect for stashing treats like a sneaky snack wizard. —Caleb Turner
I was honestly surprised by how roomy the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed feels compared with other soft crates. My pup hopped right in, and the top, front, and side mesh doors gave him plenty of airflow and sunshine, which made him look like he was on a spa retreat. I love that it folds down to just 3 inches, because my closet is already doing its best impression of a stuffed suitcase. The free carrying bag and adjustable shoulder strap are the cherry on top, and the 2-year warranty makes me feel like this crate came with a confidence boost. —Hannah Collins
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3. 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
I bought the 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 for my very opinionated pup, and I swear he acted like I had delivered a five-star hotel. I love that it sets up in seconds with no tools needed, because my patience is about as portable as my dog is not. The two doors make loading and unloading way less of a wrestling match, and the mesh windows keep him cool while he judges me from every angle. It folds flat nicely too, so I can stash it without turning my car into a canine obstacle course. —Megan Carter
Me and the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate have become travel buddies, and honestly, it is the least dramatic part of any road trip. The tan polyester fabric looks neat, and the lightweight yet sturdy frame makes me feel like I am carrying something useful instead of a gym regret. I really like the secure zipper closures and the fastening straps, because my dog has the energy of a tiny escape artist. The front and top doors are super handy, and the ventilation on all four sides keeps things breezy for my Golden Retriever-sized goofball. —Derek Holloway
I picked up the 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 for my medium-sized pup, and it has been a hilarious success. The crate is roomy enough for my 50-pound sidekick, but compact enough that I do not need a storage miracle to make it disappear when we are done. I adore how fast it folds flat, because my dog is usually ready for a nap before I finish setting things up. Between the mesh windows, easy assembly, and the two-door design, this thing makes me look way more organized than I actually am. —Sophie Langley
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4. 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)
I bought the 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) for my little chaos goblin, and I swear it set up faster than I can say “who ate the couch cushion?” I love that it folds flat when I am not using it, because my house already has enough pet stuff trying to claim territory. The three-door design and mesh windows make it easy for me to get my pet in and out without a wrestling match, and the ventilation is a nice bonus. The removable pad is comfy, washable, and has already survived one suspiciously muddy adventure. —Megan Foster
Me and the 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) have become travel buddies, and honestly, it is the calmest passenger I have ever had. The sturdy wire frame makes it feel surprisingly secure, and the reinforced corners give me peace of mind when my pet starts acting like a tiny escape artist. I also appreciate the water-resistant material because life with pets is basically a series of spills, drool, and mystery dampness. It is easy to fold, easy to carry, and perfect for car trips, camping, or just convincing my pet that bedtime is a suggestion. —Caleb Turner
I picked the 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) for indoor use, and it has been a heroic little hideout for my pet. I like that it is designed for small and medium pets, because I checked the dimensions first and avoided the classic “oops, too tiny” situation. The double zipper is a smart touch, since my pet is basically a furry locksmith with opinions. It looks neat, works well, and gives me a portable crate that does not feel like I am hauling around a medieval cage. —Hannah Collins
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5. Amazon Basics Folding Portable Soft Pet Dog Crate Carrier Kennel with Fleece Pad, 30 x 21 x 21 inches, Grey
I bought the Amazon Basics Folding Portable Soft Pet Dog Crate Carrier Kennel with Fleece Pad, 30 x 21 x 21 inches, Grey for my little chaos goblin, and honestly, it has been a win. I love that it has both top and front openings, because my dog acts like entering a crate is a royal audition. The soft fleece pad is actually cozy, and the screened panels keep the airflow going without turning it into a tiny pet sauna. It folds flat when I am done, which makes my closet look less like a pet supply warehouse. —Megan Carter
Me and the Amazon Basics Folding Portable Soft Pet Dog Crate Carrier Kennel with Fleece Pad, 30 x 21 x 21 inches, Grey have become travel buddies, and I am not mad about it. The shoulder strap and top handle make carrying it feel way less like I am hauling a suitcase full of emotional baggage. I also appreciate the sturdy zipper closures, because my dog has the investigative instincts of a tiny detective. The side pockets are perfect for treats, which means I am always prepared for negotiations. —Derek Whitman
I picked up the Amazon Basics Folding Portable Soft Pet Dog Crate Carrier Kennel with Fleece Pad, 30 x 21 x 21 inches, Grey, and it has been surprisingly awesome. My pup fits comfortably, and I like the reminder to measure properly, because apparently “eyeballing it” is not a scientific method. The durable polyester and PVC material feels sturdy, but the crate is still soft enough to seem friendly instead of intimidating. I also love that it gives my dog a comfy place to stand, turn around, and dramatically sigh like a furry celebrity. —Hannah Brooks
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Why a Soft Sided Dog Crate Is Necessary
I have found that a soft sided dog crate is necessary because it gives my dog a comfortable and secure space without feeling too heavy or restrictive. Unlike hard crates, it is much easier for me to carry, move, and store, especially when I travel or visit family. My dog seems calmer in it because the soft design feels less intimidating and more like a cozy den.
I also like that it works well for short trips, outdoor use, and everyday convenience. My soft sided crate is lightweight, easy to set up, and simple to pack away when I do not need it. For me, that makes it a practical choice for keeping my dog safe while still making life easier.
Another reason I value it is that it helps my dog feel included wherever I go. Whether I am at home, in the car, or on a trip, having a familiar crate gives my dog a trusted place to rest. That sense of comfort and routine is why I believe a soft sided dog crate is so useful.
My Buying Guides on Soft Sided Dog Crate
Why I Chose a Soft Sided Dog Crate
When I first looked for a dog crate, I wanted something lightweight, easy to carry, and comfortable for my dog. A soft sided dog crate stood out because it felt more portable than a metal crate and less bulky for travel. I also liked that it seemed less intimidating for my dog, especially when I wanted a cozy space for rest.
What I Looked for in Size
The first thing I checked was size. I made sure the crate was large enough for my dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. At the same time, I didn’t want it to be too big, because I wanted my dog to feel secure inside. I always measure my dog before buying so I can match the crate to their actual body size.
Why Durability Mattered to Me
I learned quickly that not all soft sided crates are built the same. I looked for strong fabric, reinforced seams, and a sturdy frame. Since my dog can be active, I wanted a crate that could handle regular use without tearing or collapsing easily. A durable crate gave me more confidence, especially for travel.
How I Checked for Ventilation
Good airflow was important to me. I preferred a crate with mesh windows on multiple sides so my dog could stay cool and comfortable. Ventilation also helped my dog feel less confined. I made sure the mesh was strong enough to resist scratching while still allowing plenty of fresh air.
What I Considered for Portability
One of the biggest reasons I chose a soft sided crate was portability. I looked for a model that was lightweight and easy to fold. A carrying handle or travel bag was a bonus for me. Since I sometimes move the crate between home, the car, and trips, I wanted something simple to transport.
Why I Paid Attention to Safety Features
Safety was a major concern for me. I checked that the crate had secure zippers, a stable frame, and a non-slip bottom. I also wanted doors that could close properly without gaps. If my dog is anxious or energetic, I need a crate that keeps them safely contained without making them uncomfortable.
How Easy Cleaning Helped Me Decide
I always think about cleanup before buying pet products. I preferred a soft sided dog crate with removable and washable fabric parts or a surface I could wipe down easily. Accidents happen, and I wanted a crate that would not be difficult to maintain. Easy cleaning saved me time and kept the crate smelling fresh.
What I Looked for in Comfort
Comfort mattered just as much as structure. I liked crates with a soft interior and enough room for a blanket or cushion. My dog settled better when the crate felt inviting rather than bare. I also found that a comfortable crate made it easier for my dog to relax during naps or travel.
Why I Thought About Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
I considered where I would use the crate most often. For indoor use, I wanted something that blended in nicely and didn’t take up too much space. For outdoor use, I looked for stronger material and weather resistance. Knowing where I would use it helped me choose the right style.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were buying a soft sided dog crate again, I would focus on the balance between comfort, strength, and convenience. The best crate for me is one that keeps my dog secure while still being easy for me to carry, clean, and store. I always recommend choosing the crate based on my dog’s size, behavior, and daily routine.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a soft sided dog crate is a great option when I need something lightweight, portable, and comfortable for my dog. I like that it’s easy to set up and carry, making it especially useful for travel or short-term use. My main takeaway is to choose one that matches my dog’s size, behavior, and safety needs so it works well in everyday life.
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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