The Barking Bag Review: Is This the Ultimate Dog Walker's Companion?

As any dog owner knows, a simple walk is never just a walk. It's a full-on expedition that requires treats, poo bags, balls, water, keys, a phone, and often a soggy, slobbery toy on the way back. For ages, I’ve been that person juggling a lead, a separate water bottle, and pockets bulging with essentials. That's why I was so intrigued by the Barking Bag, and after purchasing the "Original" version, I have to say it’s been a bit of a game-changer for our daily outings.

For a website dedicated to finding the best local dog walks, it seems only right to review the gear that makes those walks easier. Here’s my honest take on the Original Barking Bag.

Barking Bag

First Impressions: Compact but Capacious

My first thought was that the Barking Bag strikes a great balance with its size. It’s not a cumbersome, oversized satchel, but it’s deceptively spacious. It’s compact enough to be comfortable on a long trek, but the clever design, which apparently even got the nod on BBC's Dragons' Den, means you can fit an incredible amount inside.

The Pockets: A Place for Everything

This is where the Barking Bag truly shines. It’s clear this was designed by dog owners, for dog owners.

  • The Water Bottle Holder: This was a huge selling point for me. There’s a dedicated drawstring mesh pocket on the side that holds a water bottle, meaning I don't have to carry it separately. Keeping my dog hydrated is non-negotiable, and this is a massive win. If I could suggest one small improvement, it would be to make this holder slightly more flexible. It’s a bit of a tight squeeze for our particular water bottle, and an elasticated design with an adjustable strap would make it perfect.

  • The Poo Bag Dispenser: We’ve all done the "fumble"—rummaging in a deep pocket for a poo bag in a hurry. The Barking Bag has a built-in dispenser on the front, making it incredibly easy to grab a bag exactly when you need one. Simple, but genius.

  • The "Used Bag" Solution: One of the most talked-about features is the side pocket designed to hold... well, the used poo bags. It’s a breathable, wipe-clean pocket that keeps the unpleasant cargo separate from everything else until you find a bin. I've also found this pocket is the perfect size for a wet, muddy ball.

  • Internal & External Storage: Inside, there’s a secure zip pocket, which is where I keep my phone and keys. The front has an easily accessible flap pocket that’s perfect for treats (essential for training) and other little bits.

Barking Bag

Attaching the Essentials

One of my favourite features is the versatility. The bag comes with strong D-rings and carabiner clips on the front. As the user of a foldable water bowl, this is perfect. I just clip the bowl straight onto the bag, and it’s always there when I need it. I’ve seen other walkers attach hand sanitisers or even a dog whistle to these clips.

A Little Bonus For You: We're so impressed with the Barking Bag that we've arranged a little something for our readers. If you decide to buy one through the link below, you can get a 10% discount on your order.

Full disclosure: For every purchase made through our link, we receive a £5 cash reward. This helps us continue to find and share the best local dog walks and products with you!

Click here to get 10% off your Barking Bag

What I Love Most

  • Hands-Free Walking: Between the cross-body strap and the various clips and pockets, it leaves my hands completely free to manage the lead, throw a ball, and give out pats.

  • Organisation: No more dumping everything into one big "dog rucksack." I know exactly where my keys, treats, and bags are at all times.

  • Premium & Practical: What sets the Barking Bag apart from cheaper alternatives is the quality of the materials. It feels genuinely premium, with sturdy metal clips instead of plastic, and a tough, rip-proof fabric that’s easy to wipe clean after a muddy walk. While some reviews mention it's not 100% waterproof in a torrential downpour, it holds up perfectly in the typical British drizzle.

The Verdict

The Original Barking Bag has genuinely made my dog walks more organised and less stressful. It’s a dedicated, purpose-built "nappy bag" for dog owners that solves all the little problems we face every day.

By combining the features I personally find most useful—the water bottle carrier, the poo bag dispenser, and the clips for a foldable bowl—with a high-quality, practical design, it’s become an essential bit of my dog-walking kit.

If you're tired of the pocket-juggling act, I’d highly recommend checking it out. Don't forget to use our referral link to get 10% off your purchase!