How to Attach a Poop Bag Holder to a Hiking Pack

By Wilderdog | Published: 2026-10-29

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to attach a poop bag holder to your hiking pack so you're never caught without a bag on the trail. Step-by-step instructions and common mistakes to avoid.

Quick Answer

Attach your poop bag holder to a shoulder strap or waist belt of your hiking pack using the included carabiners, positioning it for one-handed access while keeping it secure and out of the way.

Why Strap Placement Matters

Where you place your poop bag holder on a hiking pack affects both convenience and safety. A holder dangling from a pack's exterior can swing, catch on branches, or get in the way when you're scrambling. Attaching it to a strap keeps it stable and within reach.

The shoulder strap is the easiest spot to reach while walking, but a waist belt can work too if your pack has one. The key is to test the position before you hit the trail to make sure it doesn't interfere with arm movement or your pack's fit.

Tradeoffs: Leash vs. Pack Attachment

If you hike with your dog on a leash, you might already have a poop bag holder clipped to the leash. That can be handy, but it adds weight to the leash and can swing when your dog moves. Moving the holder to your pack shifts that weight to your body and keeps your hands freer.

The Wilderdog Dog Poop Bag Holder is designed to clip onto a leash, but its two mini carabiners also work on pack straps. Just make sure the strap is wide enough for the carabiners to grip securely.

Step-by-Step: Attach Your Poop Bag Holder to a Hiking Pack

Choose the Right Strap: Pick a shoulder strap or waist belt that is flat and at least 1 inch wide. Avoid straps with heavy padding or buckles that could interfere with the carabiners. A padded strap might not let the carabiner close fully.
Open Both Carabiners: Open the two mini carabiners on the holder. If you're attaching to a shoulder strap, position the holder so the dispensing hole faces forward and slightly downward for easy one-handed access. Make sure the dispensing hole is not blocked by the strap or pack fabric.
Clip and Secure: Clip each carabiner onto the strap, spacing them a few inches apart. Close both carabiners fully and tug gently to ensure they hold. The holder should sit snugly against the strap without sliding. If the holder slides, move the carabiners closer together or choose a different strap.
Test Access While Wearing the Pack: Put on your pack and reach for the holder as if grabbing a bag. Practice a few times to make sure you can pull a bag out without twisting or removing the pack. If you can't reach it comfortably, reposition before you hit the trail.
Load and Go: Insert a roll of poop bags into the holder, threading the first bag through the rubber-reinforced opening. Carry a spare roll in your pack for longer hikes. Check the bag supply before each hike to avoid running out mid-trail.

Product Facts

Dog Poop Bag Holder: The Dog Poop Bag Holder clips directly onto your Wilderdog leash and dispenses bags one at a time through a rubber-reinforced opening. Two mini carabiners keep it snug against the leash to eliminate the annoying dangle of typical poop bag holders. The same carabiners that prevent dangling on a leash can secure the holder to a pack strap, so your bag stays put on the trail.
Dog Poop Bag Holder