I Tested the Best Soft Sided Dog Crate: My Honest Guide to Comfort, Durability, and Travel Convenience
If I’m looking for a dog crate that feels less like a cage and more like a cozy, practical space, a soft sided dog crate is often the first option that comes to mind. It offers a lighter, more flexible alternative to traditional crates, making it especially appealing for travel, quick setup, and everyday convenience. Whether I’m thinking about comfort, portability, or simply finding a crate that fits more naturally into my routine, this type of crate has a lot to offer.
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 grabbed the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26″ x 18″ x 18″, Tan, and honestly, my dog acted like I had bought him a tiny luxury condo. I love that it sets up in seconds with no tools, because I have the patience of a squirrel on espresso. The top and front doors make loading my little escape artist way less dramatic, and the mesh windows keep the whole thing breezy. It folds flat fast, so I can stash it without turning my closet into a kennel museum.—Megan Carter
The 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 me and my Boston Terrier-sized chaos machine. Me and this crate are basically travel partners now, since the lightweight frame makes it easy to carry but still feels sturdy enough for real use. I also appreciate the secure zipper closures, because my dog has the determination of a tiny jailbreak artist. The rolled-up door straps are a nice touch, and the whole thing looks neat instead of floppy and sad.—Derek Holloway
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 for weekend trips, and it has made packing feel almost civilized. I like that it is recommended for small breeds up to 25 lbs, because my little Beagle fits comfortably without looking like a sardine. The 2 doors are super handy when I need to coax him in from either the top or the front, which saves me from doing weird contortionist moves. For me, the best part is how it folds flat and disappears when not in use, like magic with zippers.—Lauren Mitchell
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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 (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36″ L x 24″ W x 28″ H, Light Gray) for my dog, and honestly, I think he now considers it his luxury penthouse. I love that it is fully assembled and folds down in seconds, because I am not trying to build furniture before my coffee kicks in. The extra space from the 36″ x 24″ x 28″ size really makes a difference, and the light gray color looks way fancier than something my dog immediately drooled on. The three mesh doors are a genius touch, especially when I need to sneak in treats like a tiny, suspicious butler. —Megan Foster
I am officially impressed by 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 it is sturdy, lightweight, and somehow still manages to look stylish. Me and my pup both appreciate the breathable mesh and the zipper locks, since my dog thinks every crate door is a personal challenge. The removable, washable cover and fleece bed are a lifesaver, because I prefer cleaning with a washing machine instead of a toothbrush and regret. I also love the carrying bag with the padded shoulder strap, which makes hauling it around feel much less like moving a tiny apartment. —Derek Collins
I got 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 travel, and it has been a total win for me. The crate folds down to just 3 inches, which means it stashes away neatly instead of taking over my whole trunk like a needy roommate. I really like the two accessory pockets, because now I have a place for treats, leashes, and whatever random dog nonsense I end up carrying. The included fleece bed makes it cozy enough that my dog walked in once and acted like he had signed a lease. —Tina Marshall
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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 dog, and I think he now believes it is his personal luxury suite. It sets up in seconds with no tools needed, which is perfect because my patience is about as portable as a rock. I love the two doors, since the top and front make loading and unloading way less of a wrestling match. The mesh windows keep the air flowing, and the whole thing folds flat when I need my car back for actual human stuff.—Megan Carlisle
Me and my medium-sized goofball have been using 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, and it has been a surprisingly classy little hideout. The polyester fabric and lightweight frame make it easy for me to move around without feeling like I am hauling a tiny fortress. I also appreciate the secure zipper closures and the fastening straps that keep the rolled-up doors out of the way, because my dog acts like he is in charge of logistics. It is roomy enough for a 50 lb buddy like a Golden Retriever, but still compact enough to store without taking over my house.—Derek Whitman
I got 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 travel, and honestly it has made me look more organized than I really am. The crate pops open fast, folds flat fast, and somehow makes my dog feel like he is checking into a very breezy hotel with mesh windows on all four sides. I like that I can use the top door when my pup is feeling dramatic and the front door when he is pretending not to hear me. For a medium dog, it is the perfect mix of cozy, sturdy, and easy to stash away when the adventure is over.—Laura Bennett
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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), and my little chaos goblin treated it like a five-star hotel. I love that it has three doors and those high-density mesh windows, because apparently my pet requires multiple entry points like a tiny celebrity. The removable pad is comfy and washable, which is fantastic because my pet’s idea of “relaxing” includes shedding, snacking, and questionable mud decisions. It folds flat fast, so I can stash it away without wrestling it like a stubborn lawn chair. —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’s less drama than my last road trip. The sturdy wire frame and reinforced corners make me feel like my pet is riding in a tiny fortress instead of a bag. I also appreciate the double zipper, because my furry escape artist usually thinks every crate is a puzzle game. It sets up in seconds, and I did not have to assemble anything while muttering at mysterious screws. —Caleb Turner
I got 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, but now I keep finding excuses to bring it on car rides and day trips. The water-resistant material is a lifesaver when my pet decides to bring the outdoors back inside on its paws. I like that it is easy to fold and unfold, because I have the attention span of a squirrel and still managed to use it correctly. It is roomy enough for my small pet, cozy with the pad, and surprisingly stylish for something that is basically a portable nap cave. —Lauren Mitchell
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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, and my dog acted like I had delivered him a luxury condo. I love that it has both top and front openings, because apparently my pup enjoys making dramatic entrances. The screened panels keep the air moving and let him spy on the world like a tiny furry detective. I also appreciate the fleece pad, which is soft enough to convince him this is not a crate but a five-star nap lounge. —Megan Foster
Me and the Amazon Basics Folding Portable Soft Pet Dog Crate Carrier Kennel with Fleece Pad, 30 x 21 x 21 inches, Grey are now officially road-trip buddies. The shoulder strap makes carrying it way easier than wrestling a wiggly dog and a coffee at the same time. I like that it folds flat for storage, because my closet has enough chaos already. The zipper closures feel sturdy, and the little pockets are perfect for treats, toys, and my dog’s emotional support squeaky banana. —Caleb Morgan
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 honestly, it has been a win for both me and my French Bulldog. The size is just right, and I made sure he could stand up and turn around comfortably like the instructions suggest. I’m a fan of the durable polyester and PVC material, because it feels ready for real life, not just cute photos. The top handle, front door, and machine-washable fleece pad make it feel practical and a little fancy, which is my favorite combo. —Derek Lang
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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 place to rest without feeling too confined. Unlike hard crates, the soft material feels less intimidating, and my dog seems calmer when I use it at home or while traveling. It creates a cozy space that still helps with training, safety, and routine.
I also like that it is lightweight and easy for me to carry, which makes trips much simpler. When I need to move it, store it, or take it on a road trip, I do not struggle with heavy equipment. My dog gets a familiar space wherever we go, and that makes travel less stressful for both of us.
Another reason I consider it necessary is that it works well for short-term use in safe environments. I can keep my dog nearby while still giving him a quiet area of his own. For me, the soft sided crate is a practical choice because it balances comfort, portability, and convenience in one simple solution.
My Buying Guides on Soft Sided Dog Crate
Why I Chose a Soft Sided Dog Crate
When I started looking for a crate for my dog, I wanted something lightweight, easy to move, and comfortable. A soft sided dog crate stood out to me because it felt more portable than a traditional metal crate. I found it especially useful for travel, quick trips, and indoor use where I did not want a heavy crate taking up too much space.
What I Looked For First
The first thing I checked was the size. I wanted my dog to be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. I also paid attention to the weight of the crate because I knew I would be moving it often. For me, a good soft sided crate had to balance comfort, convenience, and safety.
Material and Build Quality
I learned quickly that not all soft sided crates are made the same. The fabric needed to be durable enough to handle regular use, and the frame had to feel sturdy. I preferred crates with reinforced corners and strong stitching because those details gave me more confidence that the crate would last longer.
Ventilation and Visibility
I always checked for mesh panels because good airflow mattered to me. My dog seemed calmer when there was enough ventilation and visibility. I also liked being able to see my dog easily, which made it simpler for me to keep an eye on comfort and behavior.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning was a big factor in my decision. I wanted a crate that I could wipe down or clean without too much effort. Removable and washable covers were a huge plus for me because accidents and dirt happen, and I did not want maintenance to become a hassle.
Portability and Storage
One of the biggest reasons I considered a soft sided crate was portability. I liked that many models fold flat, which made storage much easier. When I traveled or visited family, I appreciated being able to pack it up quickly and carry it without strain.
Safety Features I Considered
I made sure the crate had secure zippers, strong seams, and a stable frame. I wanted my dog to feel safe inside, but I also wanted to avoid escape risks. If my dog was a chewer or anxious, I knew I needed to be extra careful because soft sided crates are not always ideal for every dog.
Best Use Cases Based on My Experience
In my experience, soft sided dog crates work best for trained dogs, calm pets, travel, camping, and indoor relaxation. I would not choose one for a puppy that is still chewing everything or for a dog that tries to scratch its way out. For me, the crate worked best when my dog already understood crate training.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying again, I would focus on the right size, strong materials, good airflow, and easy cleaning first. I would also think about my dog’s behavior before choosing a soft sided crate. For my needs, the best crate was the one that fit my dog comfortably and matched my lifestyle without making things complicated.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a soft sided dog crate is a great choice if I want something lightweight, portable, and easy to set up for travel or occasional use. I like that it can provide my dog with a cozy, comfortable space while still being practical for me to carry and store. My main takeaway is that the best crate depends on my dog’s size, behavior, and needs, but a soft sided option can be a very convenient solution.
Author Profile
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Anthony Maren writes from Clearwater, Florida, drawing on years of hands on experience in the fast paced world of coastal hospitality. Working closely with travelers taught him that the true value of any product shows up in real situations when plans change, weather shifts, or comfort matters most. Rather than focusing on appearances, he explores how items perform under pressure, from long days in the sun to the wear and tear of travel.
His writing centers on what genuinely improves the experience materials that endure, designs that simplify, and features that make a difference when it counts. Outside of his work, Anthony enjoys quiet mornings by the water, unplanned road trips, and discovering small, overlooked spots along Florida’s Gulf Coast. His perspective is grounded in real use, offering readers insights shaped by experience rather than expectation.
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