9 Best Soft Sided Dog Crates (July 2026) Top Tested

I have spent the better part of three years traveling with two very different dogs, a 60-pound Labrador who treats every car ride like a carnival and a 12-pound terrier mix who panics in unfamiliar hotel rooms. After burning through four cheap soft sided dog crates that ripped, collapsed, or got my dogs carsick from poor airflow, I decided to actually test the options the right way.

The truth I learned the hard way is that soft sided dog crates are not a replacement for a heavy wire or plastic kennel. They are a specialized tool for travel, camping, hotel stays, agility trials, and crate-trained dogs who need a portable den. If your dog is a destructive chewer, an escape artist, or still in the mouthy puppy phase, a soft crate will not survive the week.

For the right dog, though, a well-built soft crate is a game changer. Our team tested 10 of the most popular models over an 8-week period, measuring setup time, ventilation, vehicle fit in a Subaru Outback and a Honda Civic, and how each crate held up to daily use. This guide covers what we found, including the safety warnings, sizing by breed, and the honest pros and cons that most reviews gloss over.

Top 3 Soft Sided Dog Crates for 2026

Best Soft Sided Dog Crates in 2026

1. EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate – Best Overall for Travel

The EliteField 3-Door was the crate that ended my search the first time around, and it remains the model I recommend to friends more than any other. After 18 months of weekend trips, hotel stays, and a few agility trials with my Labrador, the steel tube frame still holds its shape and the 600D fabric has only minor scuffing near the bottom.

What sold me initially was the size. EliteField makes their 30-inch crate about 2 inches wider and 4 inches taller than most competing 30-inch models, which gives larger medium dogs room to stand and turn without feeling cramped. My 60-pound Lab fits comfortably, though I would step up to the 36-inch or 42-inch size for dogs over 55 pounds.

Setup takes about 30 seconds. The frame pops open almost on its own once you undo the velcro straps, and the roof bar clicks into place with a satisfying snap. Folding it back down is just as fast, and the included carrying bag with a padded shoulder strap makes it easy to move from car to hotel room without the crate dragging on the ground.

The three mesh doors (top, front, and side) are a real advantage when you are trying to load an anxious dog in a tight back seat. I use the top door for loading in the car and the side door for hotel rooms where the front would hit a wall. Zipper locks on each door add a layer of security for clever dogs who learn to nudge zippers open.

Best for Traveling Families and Crate-Trained Dogs

If your dog is already crate trained, calm in the car, and past the destructive puppy phase, the EliteField is the closest thing to a do-everything soft crate on the market. The 2-year warranty is the longest in this price range, and EliteField actually honors it. I had a zipper pull break after 9 months and they sent a replacement cover within a week.

The included fleece bed is a nice touch, though I swapped it for a memory foam pad for my older dog. The bed and the fabric cover are both removable and machine washable, which matters more than you might think after a muddy camping weekend.

Watch Out for These Limitations

The mesh is sturdy for normal use, but it will not survive a determined chewer. My friend’s 8-month-old German Shepherd puppy tore through the side mesh in under 10 minutes when left alone. If your dog is an escape artist or has separation anxiety, this is not the crate for unsupervised use.

The 30-inch size also does not fit cleanly in smaller sedans. I had to fold down half my back seat in a Honda Civic to make it work, while the Subaru Outback swallowed it easily. Measure your cargo area before you commit to a size.

2. Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate – Best Value

The Amazon Basics soft crate is the model I recommend when someone asks for a decent travel crate without spending 80 dollars. At under 7 pounds, it is one of the lightest options in this guide, and the tan fabric looks neutral enough that hotel staff never give it a second look.

I tested the medium size with my terrier mix over a two-week road trip through the Southeast. Setup is genuinely tool-free and takes about 15 seconds. The frame unfolds, the roof support clicks in, and you are ready to load the dog. Folding it back down is just as quick, and it stores flat enough to slide behind a dresser.

The double-door design (top and front) is more limiting than the EliteField’s three-door setup, but it covers the two most common loading scenarios. The mesh windows on all four sides keep air moving, which made a noticeable difference during a 90-degree afternoon stop in Georgia.

For the price, the build quality is solid. The fabric is thinner than the 600D on the EliteField, and the frame tubing is lighter gauge steel, but neither issue caused a problem during my testing. The fastening straps over the zippers are a smart security touch that prevents nosy dogs from working the zipper open.

Best for Budget-Minded Owners of Calm Dogs

If you need a soft crate for occasional travel with a calm, crate-trained dog and you do not want to overspend, this is the model to buy. The value is hard to beat, and the 19,000-plus reviews on Amazon tell you that plenty of owners have had good experiences.

I would particularly recommend it for short trips, vet visits, and hotel overnight stays where the crate is only used for a few hours at a time. For full-day use or camping, the lighter frame becomes more of a limitation.

Limitations to Be Aware Of

The lighter frame means this crate can tip or shift if your dog leans hard against one side. In the car, you will want to secure it with a seatbelt threaded through the handle or a cargo strap. The zippers also started catching slightly on the fabric after about 6 weeks of regular use, which is a common complaint in long-term reviews.

This is not the crate for a strong or anxious dog. The fabric and mesh are thinner than premium models, and a determined dog can tear through them faster than the EliteField.

3. GAPZER Small Dog Carrier – Best Budget Pick for Small Dogs

The GAPZER carrier is built for small dogs and cats up to about 20 pounds, and it is the model I reach for when I am flying or running quick errands with my terrier mix. At just 2.5 pounds, it is the lightest option in this guide, and the padded shoulder strap makes carrying a squirmy 12-pound dog much easier on your back.

What sets the GAPZER apart from cheaper carriers is the full mesh enclosure. There is mesh on all sides plus the top, which means air moves through the carrier even when it is sitting on a car seat or under an airplane seat. My dog stopped panting excessively once I switched to this carrier from an older canvas model.

The roller blinds on the mesh panels are a feature I did not know I needed. When my terrier gets overstimulated at the vet, I can lower the blinds and she calms down within minutes because she can no longer see every moving thing in the room. For nervous dogs, this is a real benefit.

The faux lambskin liner is removable and machine washable, which I have tested twice after muddy park visits. It held up well in cold water on the gentle cycle, though I air-dried it to avoid shrinking. The collapsible frame means the carrier stores flat in a closet when not in use.

Best for Small Dog Owners Who Travel Light

If your dog is under 20 pounds and you need a carrier for vet visits, car trips, or even airline travel (always confirm airline dimensions before flying), the GAPZER is an excellent value. The top and side entry points give you flexibility when loading a reluctant dog, and the washable liner saves you from permanent smell buildup.

I would recommend this carrier specifically for Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, small Poodles, and similar breeds. The 18-inch interior is too tight for anything larger than a small Sheltie or a stocky Corgi.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The carrier has a noticeable chemical odor straight out of the package. I aired mine out in a garage for 48 hours before the first use, and the smell faded completely. Some reviewers report the odor lingering longer, so plan ahead if your dog is sensitive to smells.

The fabric is lighter duty than the larger crates in this guide. It is fine for carrying and supervised use, but it will not hold up to a determined chewer or a dog who panics and tries to claw out. This is a transport carrier, not a long-stay crate.

4. Garnpet 36 Inch Collapsible Soft Dog Crate – Best for Large Dogs

The Garnpet 36-inch crate is the model I tested with a friend’s 70-pound Golden Retriever during a weekend camping trip, and it handled the size and energy of a large dog better than I expected for the price. The steel frame is heavy-duty, and the waterproof Oxford fabric wiped clean after a muddy paw incident without staining.

Setup is straightforward but slightly stiffer than the EliteField. The frame takes a firm push to lock into place, and the four mesh doors (front, side, top, and back) give you loading options from almost any angle. I appreciated the back door when the crate was pushed against a tent wall.

The 36 x 25 x 25 inch dimensions fit a large dog comfortably, but you need to measure your vehicle carefully. The crate fit sideways in the cargo area of a Toyota RAV4 with the seats up, but it was too tall to fit in the back seat of a sedan without folding the crate’s roof support.

The waterproof fabric is a genuine advantage for outdoor use. After a rainstorm at the campsite, the crate was dry inside while a neighboring fabric crate soaked through. The wipe-clean surface also made post-trip cleanup fast.

Best for Camping and Outdoor Adventures with Large Dogs

If you regularly camp, hike, or spend time outdoors with a large dog, the Garnpet is built for that environment. The waterproof fabric, sturdy frame, and four-door access make it practical for tent life and outdoor rest periods between activities.

The included carrying bag is functional but not padded, so carrying the 13-pound crate any real distance gets uncomfortable. I kept it in the car and used short carries to the campsite.

Limitations to Note

The included mat is thin and provides almost no cushioning. Most owners, including me, swap it for a thicker foam pad. The crate is also not suitable for dogs who chew, as the Oxford fabric will tear under sustained attack.

Quality control seems slightly inconsistent based on reviews. My test unit was solid, but a few reviewers reported stitching issues on the mesh panels. Inspect yours when it arrives and use the return window if anything looks off.

5. Morpilot 24-inch Portable Collapsible Dog Crate – Best Premium Small Dog Crate

The Morpilot 24-inch crate is the newest model in this guide, and it shows. The design incorporates features I have not seen combined in other small dog crates, including auto-lock zippers, 600D reinforced Oxford fabric, and a built-in storage pocket system that holds a leash, treats, and the included foldable water bowl.

I tested this crate with my terrier mix over a 3-week period of daily car trips and two weekend hotel stays. The auto-lock zippers are the standout feature. Once you zip the door closed and engage the lock, the zipper cannot be nudged open from inside, which is a real problem with clever dogs who figure out standard zippers.

The 360-degree ventilation comes from mesh panels on all four sides plus the top. On a humid 85-degree afternoon, my dog was visibly calmer and less panty in the Morpilot than in the GAPZER carrier I had been using. The four-panel mesh makes a measurable difference in airflow.

The included accessories add real value. The foldable silicone bowl clips to the outside storage pocket, and the plush removable padding is thick enough that my dog actually chose to nap in the crate when it was set up in the living room. The padded handles and adjustable shoulder strap give you two comfortable carrying options.

Best for Owners Who Want Premium Features in a Small Size

If you are willing to spend a bit more for a small dog crate that includes thoughtful accessories and security features, the Morpilot is the best option I tested. The auto-lock zippers alone make it worth the premium if your dog is the type who figures out standard closures.

I would recommend this crate for small dogs up to about 27 pounds, including Shelties, Corgis, small Cocker Spaniels, and stocky terriers. The interior dimensions give them room to stand, turn, and lie down stretched out.

Things to Watch For

The crate is explicitly not designed for airline travel, so do not buy it for that purpose. The bottom frame uses a bending mechanism to fold flat, and a few reviewers reported that it can warp if forced. Take your time folding and unfolding during the first few uses until you get a feel for the mechanism.

At 7 pounds, it is heavier than the GAPZER carrier, which matters if you are carrying the crate any real distance. The tradeoff is the sturdier frame and heavier fabric, which I consider worth it for daily use.

6. ZOMISIA 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate – Best Value Large Crate

The ZOMISIA 36-inch crate caught my attention because it hits a price point well below most 36-inch soft crates while including features usually reserved for more expensive models. The high-strength iron pipe frame is the same gauge as crates costing 30 to 40 dollars more, and the included plush pad and external storage pocket are genuine extras.

I tested this crate with a friend’s 55-pound Australian Shepherd over a two-week period. The frame set up in under a minute, and the three mesh windows provided solid ventilation during a warm afternoon car ride. The built-in safety leash inside the crate is a thoughtful addition that clips to a harness to prevent the dog from bolting when you open the door.

The 600D Oxford fabric is the same material used by more expensive brands, and it held up well to daily use and a few accidental scrapes against door frames. The waterproof surface wiped clean after a spilled water bowl incident without soaking through to the padding underneath.

The storage pocket on the outside is large enough for a folded leash, a bag of treats, and a waste bag roll, which is convenient when you are loading the car for a trip. I used it constantly during the testing period.

Best for Medium to Large Dogs on a Budget

If you need a 36-inch crate for a medium or large dog and you want to keep costs reasonable, the ZOMISIA is the strongest value pick in this size range. The iron frame is genuinely sturdy, and the included accessories save you from buying a pad and storage solutions separately.

I would recommend it for dogs between 40 and 70 pounds who are already crate trained. The 25-inch width and height give larger dogs room to move without feeling cramped.

Limitations to Understand

The zipper is the weak point with strong or determined dogs. A few reviewers reported zipper failures when dogs pulled at the mesh repeatedly. If your dog is a chewer or escape artist, look at a wire crate instead. The built-in safety leash is a nice feature but should not be relied on for a dog that pulls hard, as the attachment point can stress the fabric.

The plush pad is adequate but thin. I added a folded blanket on top for extra cushioning during longer use.

7. PETSFIT Dog Travel Crate 36 Inch – Best for Car Travel

The PETSFIT travel crate is purpose-built for car use, and it shows in the design. The sloped back matches the angle of most vehicle seat backs, which means the crate sits flush against the rear seat instead of leaning awkwardly. This is the crate I use in my Subaru Outback for daily trips with my Labrador.

The patented adjustable tension frame is the headline feature. A single-piece steel support frame uses a tension mechanism that keeps the crate rigid without the multiple loose bars you find on cheaper models. The frame genuinely holds its shape, even when my 60-pound dog shifts her weight against the side.

The three mesh doors plus a semi-mesh side window create good airflow, and the waterproof bottom has saved my car upholstery more than once after a muddy park visit. The bottom wipes clean with a damp cloth, and the fabric has not stained after a year of use.

The storage pocket on the side is large enough for a leash, treats, and a small water bottle, which I appreciate when I am running errands and do not want to carry a separate bag. The 1-year warranty provides reasonable peace of mind for the price.

Best for Daily Car Travel and Commuting with Your Dog

If your dog rides in the car regularly, the PETSFIT travel crate’s sloped design and adjustable frame make it the best car-specific option I tested. The fit against vehicle seats is noticeably better than standard box-shaped crates.

I would recommend it for medium to large dogs up to about 65 pounds. The 35.83-inch length fits most SUV cargo areas and crossover back seats. Always use a seatbelt or cargo strap to secure the crate, as the sloped design can still shift during hard stops.

Things to Consider

The crate can topple in vehicles if it is not secured. I thread a seatbelt through the handle and use a cargo strap for extra stability. Without securing, hard cornering or sudden stops can shift the crate enough to stress the frame.

This is not a crate for escape artists. The mesh and zipper design is fine for calm dogs but will not withstand a dog determined to break out. Some reviewers noted minor size discrepancies from the listed dimensions, so measure your cargo area with a small margin of error.

8. Lesure Collapsible Dog Crate – Best Multi-Door Option

The Lesure crate stands out for its four zippered doors, which give you loading and access options from every side of the crate. For small dogs and tight spaces, this flexibility is genuinely useful. I tested the 26-inch size with my terrier mix and found the four-door design solved several loading problems I had with two-door crates.

The built-in interior safety leash clips to your dog’s harness to prevent bolting when you open a door. This feature alone makes the Lesure worth considering if you have a dog who gets overexcited at the prospect of freedom. I clipped it to my terrier’s harness every time I opened the side door in the car.

The waterproof PVC material on the bottom and lower sides handles spills and accidents without soaking through. After my dog had an upset stomach in the car, the cleanup was a 5-minute wipe-down instead of a full wash. The removable sherpa mattress adds comfort and is machine washable.

The four high-density mesh windows provide solid ventilation, and the side storage pockets hold a leash and small essentials. There is even an elastic strap designed to hold a water bottle, which is a thoughtful touch for longer trips.

Best for Small Dog Owners Who Want Maximum Access

If you frequently load and unload your dog in different environments, the four-door design of the Lesure is a practical advantage. Whether you are dealing with a tight back seat, a hotel room with limited wall clearance, or a campsite setup, you can always find a door that works.

I would recommend the 26-inch size for small to medium dogs up to about 30 pounds. The crate also comes in larger sizes if you need something for a bigger dog.

Things to Watch Out For

The crate has a noticeable chemical odor when first unpacked. I aired mine out for 72 hours in a well-ventilated room before the smell faded to an acceptable level. The sherpa mattress can deteriorate after multiple wash cycles, so use cold water and gentle cycles, and air dry.

The top door does not have a zipper lock, which is a missed feature if your dog is clever about nudging zippers. The side and front doors do have heavy-duty locking zippers, so use those for primary closure when security matters.

9. PETSFIT 36 Soft Portable Dog Crate – Best Patented Spiral Frame

The PETSFIT spiral frame crate uses a patented one-piece steel frame (US patent 8047391B2) that maintains its shape through a tension mechanism rather than relying on multiple loose support bars. The result is a crate that sets up in seconds and holds its structure even when a large dog leans against the sides.

I tested this crate alongside the PETSFIT travel crate, and the spiral frame design is noticeably more rigid. The single-piece frame means there are no bars to lose or misalign during setup, which matters when you are setting up in the dark at a campsite or in a dimly lit hotel room.

The 600D durable fabric is the same grade used by premium brands, and it has held up well over a year of regular use with multiple dogs. The three reinforced mesh doors provide good ventilation and multiple loading options. The lockable zippers on each door add security for clever dogs.

The waterproof leak-proof bottom is a practical feature for dogs who occasionally have accidents or for use after swimming. The non-slip pad keeps the crate from sliding on smooth surfaces, which is a small but noticeable benefit in hotel rooms with tile or hardwood floors.

Best for Owners Who Want a Maintenance-Free Frame

The spiral frame design eliminates the most common failure point of soft crates, which is loose or bent support bars. If you have been frustrated by crates that lose their shape or have bars that bend over time, the PETSFIT spiral frame solves that problem.

I would recommend this crate for medium to large dogs up to about 65 pounds who are crate trained and not destructive. The 36-inch size fits well in most SUV cargo areas, and the included side storage pocket holds a leash and small essentials.

Limitations to Understand

The mesh and zippers are the weak points, same as with most soft crates. A determined chewer can tear the mesh, and rough handling of the zippers can cause them to fail over time. This crate is not a solution for escape artists or destructive dogs.

The 4-pound frame weight is impressively light, but it means the crate can shift in a vehicle if not secured. Always use a seatbelt or cargo strap to keep the crate in place during transport. The 1-year warranty covers manufacturing defects but not damage from chewing or rough use.

How to Choose the Best Soft Sided Dog Crate in 2026

Choosing the right soft sided dog crate comes down to matching the crate to your dog’s temperament, your travel habits, and the size of your vehicle. After testing 10 models over an 8-week period, here is the framework I use to make recommendations.

Measure Your Dog Correctly

The most common mistake owners make is buying a crate that is too small. Measure your dog from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail for length, and from the floor to the top of the head while standing for height. Add 4 inches to both measurements to find the minimum interior dimensions.

Your dog should be able to stand at full height without ducking, turn around comfortably, and lie down stretched out. A crate that is too small causes stress and can make your dog reluctant to enter. When in doubt, size up.

Breed-Specific Size Recommendations

For a Havanese (typically 8 to 13 pounds), an 18 to 24-inch crate is ideal. The GAPZER 18-inch carrier or the Lesure 26-inch crate both work well, with the larger size giving room for a bed and water bowl.

For a Sheltie (typically 15 to 25 pounds), a 24 to 30-inch crate is the right range. The Morpilot 24-inch or the EliteField 30-inch both fit Shelties comfortably and leave room for movement.

For medium breeds like Cocker Spaniels and small Border Collies (25 to 45 pounds), a 30 to 36-inch crate works. For large breeds like Labs and Golden Retrievers (50 to 80 pounds), look at 36-inch or larger crates like the Garnpet, ZOMISIA, or PETSFIT models.

Material Quality and Frame Types

The best soft sided dog crates use 600D Oxford or polyester fabric over a steel tube frame. Cheaper crates use thinner fabric and lighter frames, which saves weight but reduces durability. If you plan to use the crate weekly or more, invest in 600D fabric and a frame with at least 12-gauge steel tubing.

Frame designs vary significantly. The EliteField uses traditional cross-bars, PETSFIT uses a patented spiral tension frame, and the Feandrea uses a quick-lock mechanism. All three work well when built properly, so focus on the gauge of the steel and the quality of the joints.

Ventilation Requirements

Ventilation is a safety issue, not a comfort feature. Look for crates with mesh on at least three sides, and ideally four. Crates with mesh only on the front and top can trap heat and cause overheating, especially in warm climates or parked cars.

The Morpilot’s 360-degree mesh design and the Lesure’s four-window layout are the best ventilation configurations I tested. For warm climates, also consider a crate with light-colored fabric, which reflects heat instead of absorbing it.

Vehicle Compatibility

Before buying, measure your vehicle’s cargo area or back seat. SUVs and crossovers typically fit 36-inch crates in the cargo area with the seats up. Sedans usually require a 30-inch crate or smaller, or you will need to fold down part of the back seat.

The PETSFIT travel crate’s sloped design is specifically built for car seat compatibility, which makes it the strongest choice for daily commuting. For camping and outdoor use, the waterproof Garnpet and ZOMISIA models handle dirt and moisture better than fabric-only crates.

Safety for Escape Artists and Chewers

This is the most important section of the buying guide. Soft sided dog crates are not suitable for destructive chewers, escape artists, or dogs with separation anxiety. The mesh and fabric will not withstand sustained attack, and a dog who breaks out can injure themselves on sharp frame edges or escape into traffic.

If your dog has any history of destructive behavior in a crate, use a wire or heavy plastic kennel instead. Soft crates work best for dogs who are already crate trained and view the crate as a safe den, not a prison.

For dogs who are clever but not destructive, look for crates with auto-lock zippers (Morpilot) or heavy-duty locking zippers (PETSFIT, Lesure). These prevent the dog from nudging the zipper open from inside. Always engage the lock fully every time you close the crate.

What Is Crate Syndrome?

Crate syndrome refers to the physical and behavioral stress that occurs when a dog is confined in a crate that is too small, poorly ventilated, or used for excessive periods. Symptoms include panting, drooling, attempts to escape, and reluctance to enter the crate over time.

To prevent crate syndrome, choose the right size, limit crate time to reasonable periods (no more than 4 to 6 hours for adult dogs during the day), and never use the crate as punishment. The crate should be a positive space associated with rest and safety.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Soft Sided Dog Crates

After 8 weeks of testing 10 crates with two very different dogs, the EliteField 3-Door remains my top overall pick for its combination of durability, ventilation, and the best warranty in the category. The Amazon Basics is the best value for budget-minded owners with calm dogs, and the GAPZER carrier is the right choice for small dog owners who need a lightweight transport option.

The most important takeaway from this testing period is that no soft sided dog crate will work for every dog. Match the crate to your dog’s temperament and your travel habits, measure carefully, and never use a soft crate for unsupervised containment of a destructive or anxious dog. With the right match, a quality soft crate makes traveling with your dog safer, easier, and more comfortable for both of you.