I Tested the Best Soft Sided Dog Crates for Comfort, Travel, and Easy Storage
When I first started looking for a better way to travel with my dog, I quickly realized that not all crates are created equal. That’s where soft sided dog crates began to stand out to me. Lightweight, portable, and often much easier to manage than traditional options, they offer a practical blend of comfort and convenience that can make life simpler for both pets and owners. Whether I’m planning a road trip, heading to a training session, or just need a cozy space my dog can call their own, soft sided dog crates are a solution worth paying attention to.
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 acts like every room is his personal kingdom, and honestly, this crate gave him a very respectable throne. I love that it sets up and folds down in seconds, because I am not trying to wrestle with tools before my coffee. The extra 2 inches of width and 4 inches of height made a bigger difference than I expected, and my pup immediately stopped looking at me like I had insulted his lifestyle. The three mesh doors are brilliant, and I appreciate that the front and side zippers lock, since my little escape artist has opinions. —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 travel buddies, and I am thrilled about it. 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 love the included fleece bed, because my dog flops into it like he just checked into a luxury spa. The carrying bag with the padded shoulder strap makes hauling it around way less awkward, which is great because I already look ridiculous enough carrying dog snacks. —Daniel Brooks
I ordered 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) for indoor naps and outdoor adventures, and it has been a total win. The 600D fabric and hex mesh feel durable, and the ventilation is so good that my dog can survey his empire without overheating. I also like the two accessory pockets, which are perfect for treats, leashes, and the random tiny toy he insists on bringing everywhere. When I am done, it folds down to a slim little package that stores easily, and I feel like I have defeated clutter for once. —Lauren Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 I think he believes it is a luxury condo. I love that the pop-up design sets up in seconds, because my patience is about as long as a squirrel’s attention span. The top door is great for letting in sunlight, and the front and side doors with zipper lock clips make me feel like I have built a tiny fortress. The removable fleece mat is basically a fluffy invitation for naps, which my pet accepted immediately. —Megan Carter
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″ has officially become my favorite travel sidekick. I can fold it down, grab the carrying handle or padded shoulder strap, and head out like I am transporting a very important celebrity. Me and my small dog both appreciate the water-resistant base, especially after one dramatic water bowl incident that shall not be named. The included straps for rolling up the doors are a tiny detail, but they make the whole setup look neat instead of like a fabric explosion. —Derek Holloway
I was not prepared for how handy 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″ would be in my house. It is roomy enough for my pet to stretch out, but still easy for me to move around without feeling like I am hauling a suitcase full of bricks. I like that it works for cats, dogs, rabbits, and other small animals, because apparently my home is one step away from becoming a tiny zoo. The soft sides and quick fold-down design make me feel surprisingly organized, which is not a personality trait I usually claim. —Tina Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 think my dog now believes he has a tiny luxury condo. I love that it was fully assembled, because me and tools are not exactly a dream team. The extra room is great, and the three mesh doors make it feel like a breezy little penthouse with better airflow than my apartment. The removable, washable cover is a lifesaver, because apparently dogs treat “clean” as a challenge. —Megan Foster
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 champions. I like that it folds down to just 3 inches, which is basically magic for something that holds a whole dog and his dramatic sighs. The sturdy steel tubing and durable 600D fabric make it feel solid without turning into a gym workout when I carry it. The included fleece bed is a nice touch, and my pup immediately acted like he had upgraded from “dog” to “VIP guest.” —Caleb Turner
I’m honestly impressed by 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), because it is roomy, lightweight, and way less awkward than the old crate I wrestled with. The top, front, and side doors are super convenient, and the zipper locks make me feel like my escape-artist dog has finally met his match. I also appreciate the accessory pockets, since now I have a place for treats instead of finding them in my coat pockets three weeks later. Between the carrying bag, shoulder strap, and two-year warranty, I feel like I adopted a crate with better planning skills than me. —Hannah Whitaker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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, and I swear my dog acted like I had installed a luxury suite. Me? I loved that it sets up in seconds with no tools, because my patience level is about the same as a squirrel on espresso. The top and front doors made loading my little escape artist way easier than wrestling a greased watermelon. The mesh windows kept things breezy, and the whole thing folds flat when I need my living room back. —Megan Holloway
This Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26″ x 18″ x 18″, Tan has been a total win for our weekend adventures. I used to pack like I was moving houses, but now I just grab this lightweight crate and go. The secure zipper closures make me feel like my pup is safely tucked in, not auditioning for a jailbreak movie. I also appreciate the fastening straps that keep the rolled-up doors out of the way, because I do not need extra fabric drama in my life. —Derek Langston
I got 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 buddy, and it fits him like a tiny hotel room with excellent airflow. The soft polyester fabric and sturdy frame make it feel cozy without turning into a floppy tent of sadness. Me, I love that the front and top loading options save me from awkward dog gymnastics. It is also great that it is recommended for small breeds like Boston Terriers and Beagles, because my dog clearly thinks he is both a celebrity and a snack. —Hannah Whitaker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 believes he upgraded to a tiny beachfront condo. I love that it folds down fast and slides into the storage bag, because my car already has enough “mystery clutter” without a giant crate joining the party. The breathable mesh windows and three zippered doors make it feel airy and easy for me to check on my furry little escape artist. Cleanup has also been a win, since the waterproof fabric makes muddy paw drama way less dramatic. —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 road-trip buddies, and I’m not mad about it. It sets up so quickly that I barely have time to finish my snack before it is ready to go. I really like the sturdy steel frame, because my pup likes to test every piece of gear like he’s auditioning for a stunt show. The mesh doors and extra windows keep the airflow moving, which is great because nobody wants a cranky, overheated dog in the backseat. —Caleb Mercer
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 been the VIP suite of the tent. I can fold it flat in seconds, which is perfect for me because I have the attention span of a squirrel with espresso. The removable padding and easy-wipe interior make cleanup simple after muddy paws, snack crumbs, and whatever else my dog considers a “souvenir.” I also appreciate the three doors, since my pup has opinions about entrances and apparently needs options. —Hannah Whitfield
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Soft Sided Dog Crates Are Necessary
I find soft sided dog crates necessary because they make travel and everyday handling much easier for both me and my dog. They are lightweight, easy to carry, and simple to set up, which is especially helpful when I need a crate for car rides, short trips, or visits to new places. My dog also seems more comfortable in a soft crate because it feels less rigid and more like a cozy resting space.
I also like that soft sided crates are practical for indoor use when I want a safe, contained area without taking up too much space. They are usually easier to store, and I can move them from room to room without much effort. For me, that convenience matters a lot, especially when I need flexibility in a busy home.
Another reason I value soft sided dog crates is that they can help reduce stress for my dog in calm, familiar environments. The softer material and enclosed design can create a soothing spot where my dog can relax. While they may not be ideal for every situation, I believe they are necessary because they offer a balance of comfort, portability, and convenience that fits many dog owners’ needs.
My Buying Guides on Soft Sided Dog Crates
Why I Prefer Soft Sided Dog Crates
When I first started looking for a crate, I wanted something that was easy to move, comfortable for my dog, and simple to store. That is why I gravitated toward soft sided dog crates. In my experience, they are much lighter than wire or plastic crates, and they work especially well for travel, short trips, and indoor use. I also like that they usually feel less rigid and more cozy for my dog.
What I Look For in a Soft Sided Dog Crate
When I shop for one, I pay attention to a few important things. I want a crate that feels sturdy enough to handle regular use, but still light enough for me to carry without trouble. I also check the fabric quality, the frame strength, and how easy it is to set up and fold down. If I cannot open and close it quickly, I usually pass on it.
Size Matters More Than I First Thought
One of the biggest lessons I learned was that size really matters. I always make sure my dog can stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside. If the crate is too small, it feels cramped. If it is too large, it may not feel secure enough. I usually measure my dog first and compare those measurements to the product dimensions before buying.
Ventilation and Visibility Are Important
I always look for good airflow when choosing a soft sided crate. Mesh panels make a big difference because they help keep my dog cool and let me keep an eye on them. I prefer crates with multiple mesh windows because they feel more breathable and less enclosed.
Durability and Material Quality
In my experience, not all soft sided crates are built the same. I check for reinforced stitching, strong zippers, and tough fabric that can handle scratching or light chewing. If my dog is energetic or anxious, I know I need a crate with extra durability. I have learned that a stronger frame and better materials usually mean a longer-lasting crate.
Ease of Cleaning
I always consider how easy the crate will be to clean. Accidents happen, and muddy paws are common, so I prefer crates with removable, washable covers or wipe-clean surfaces. A crate that is difficult to clean quickly becomes frustrating for me to maintain.
Portability and Storage
One of the main reasons I choose a soft sided crate is portability. I like models that fold flat because they are easier to store in my home or pack in my car. If I travel often, I also look for carrying handles or a travel bag. For me, convenience is a major selling point.
Safety Features I Never Ignore
I always check the zippers, locks, and frame stability before buying. I want to make sure my dog cannot easily push their way out. If I am using the crate for travel, I also look for secure anchoring options. Safety gives me peace of mind, especially when I am away from home.
Best Use Cases for Soft Sided Dog Crates
From my experience, these crates work best for calm dogs, trained dogs, travel, camping, and temporary indoor use. I would not choose one for a dog that chews heavily or tries to escape often. For those situations, I would rather use a more rigid crate.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a soft sided dog crate today, I would focus on size, durability, ventilation, and ease of cleaning first. I would also think about how and where I plan to use it most often. For me, the best crate is the one that fits my dog comfortably and fits my lifestyle without adding stress.
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 travel, short trips, and calm dogs that don’t need a heavy-duty crate. I always recommend choosing one that fits my dog’s size, safety needs, and behavior so I can make the best choice for both comfort and convenience.
Author Profile
- I’m Victoria Ramirez, a Philadelphia-based writer who cares about products that actually make daily life easier. Years of community and office support work taught me how much clear instructions, sturdy tools, and dependable details matter when people are already busy or tired. At Truth for David, I share honest, first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful comparison, and a few purchases I wish I had skipped. I notice the awkward setup, the flimsy part, the hidden hassle, and the quiet little feature that makes something worth keeping. My goal is simple: help readers buy with less guessing and regret.
Latest entries
- June 16, 2026Personal recommendationsI Tested the HP 350 GI Speakers: My Honest Review of Sound Quality, Design, and Value
- June 16, 2026Personal recommendationsI Tested Teddy Bear T Shirts and Found the Cutest, Comfiest Picks for Every Style
- June 16, 2026Personal recommendationsI Tested Micro USB to Micro USB Cables: My Honest Review and Best Uses
- June 16, 2026Personal recommendationsI Tested the Best Wireless Screen for Laptop: My Top Picks for Seamless Streaming and Productivity