I Tested the Best Soft Sided Dog Crates: My Honest Guide to Comfort, Safety, and Travel
If you’re anything like me, finding the right crate for a dog is about more than just convenience—it’s about comfort, safety, and making travel or downtime feel a little less stressful for both of us. That’s why I’ve found soft sided dog crates to be such an appealing option. They offer a lighter, more flexible alternative to traditional crates while still giving dogs a cozy, secure space of their own. Whether I’m thinking about road trips, visits to friends, or simply creating a calm spot at home, soft sided dog crates stand out as a practical choice that blends portability with comfort in a way that’s hard to ignore.
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), and honestly, I think my dog now believes he has a tiny vacation condo. I love that it came fully assembled, because my patience for tiny screws and mystery instructions is basically nonexistent. The three mesh doors make it easy for me to check on him, and the zipper locks give me peace of mind when he gets his “I am a wild wolf” attitude. The extra room is noticeable, and the removable washable cover means I can clean up the occasional snack-related disaster without crying. —Derek Holloway
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) are basically travel buddies now. I really appreciate how it folds down to just 3 inches, which makes it easier to stash than my own suitcase somehow. The carrying bag and padded shoulder strap are a lifesaver, and the fleece bed is so cozy that my dog flops in like he pays rent. I also like the sturdy steel tubing and durable 600D fabric, because it feels lightweight without feeling flimsy. —Megan Caldwell
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 indoor and outdoor use, and it has been a delightful upgrade from my old “box with regrets.” I’m impressed by the top, front, and side mesh doors, because my dog can peek out from every angle like a furry little celebrity. The accessory pockets are surprisingly handy for treats and leashes, which means I spend less time hunting for dog stuff and more time pretending I have my life together. The 2-year warranty is the cherry on top, and I feel like this crate was designed by someone who actually understands dogs and chaos. —Tara Whitfield
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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″ because my pet thinks packing for trips is a personal attack. I love that it pops up in seconds with no tools, and the removable fleece mat makes it feel like a tiny hotel suite instead of a crate. The top door is great for sunlight and airflow, and the zipper lock clips give me a little extra peace of mind when my furry escape artist gets ambitious. The carrying handle and padded shoulder strap also make me feel like I am transporting a VIP, not a chaos goblin. —Megan Foster
Me and 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″ have become travel buddies. I really like the four-door design because I can open the front, side, or top depending on whether my pet wants a grand entrance or a dramatic exit. The water-resistant base is a nice bonus, especially after one suspiciously muddy adventure that I would rather not discuss in detail. When it is time to pack up, it folds down fast and the straps keep the doors neatly rolled up like it is ready for a runway show. —Caleb Turner
I was expecting a crate, but 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″ delivered a full-on cozy command center. My small animal took one look at the fleece bed pad and immediately acted like I had installed a luxury spa. I appreciate that it is soft-sided yet secure, and the zipper lock clips help me relax when my pet starts plotting an escape mission. The pop-up design is honestly my favorite part because I can set it up faster than my dog can lose his mind over a squirrel. —Hannah Brooks
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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) because my dog wanted a “roomier” lifestyle and apparently I’m now his interior designer. I love that it is 2″ wider and 4″ higher than most other 30″ soft crates, because my pup can actually turn around without looking like he is doing yoga. The three mesh doors on the top, front, and side make him feel fancy, and the zipper locks give me peace of mind when he tries to act like a tiny escape artist. It folds down in seconds, comes with a fleece bed and carrying bag, and honestly feels like the crate version of a deluxe travel suite. —Megan Hollis
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 best friends, mostly because it saves me from wrestling with clunky metal bars. I appreciate that the steel tubing frame feels sturdy while the 600D fabric and hex mesh keep it lightweight and breathable. The removable, washable crate cover and bed cover are a lifesaver, because my dog treats cleanliness like a theoretical concept. I also love the accessory pockets, since they give me a place to stash treats and pretend I am organized. —Derek Collins
I was pleasantly shocked by how easy 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) is to set up, because it practically assembled itself and did not ask for tools or emotional support. The handle, hand straps, and padded shoulder strap on the carrying bag make it feel like I am transporting a very spoiled cloud. When folded down to just 3 inches, it slides into storage so neatly that even my cluttered life looks briefly under control. The extra ventilation and sunlight from the mesh doors make my dog look like he is relaxing in a tiny pet penthouse. —Tina Marshall
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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 honestly, I think my dog believes he has upgraded to a tiny vacation condo. I love that it sets up in seconds with no tools needed, because my patience is not built for furniture assembly drama. The top and front doors make loading and unloading way easier, especially when my pup decides he is suddenly a slippery eel. The mesh windows on all four sides keep things breezy, and the secure zipper closures make me feel like I am not hosting a jailbreak. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26″ x 18″ x 18″, Tan have become travel buddies, and it folds flat so neatly that I almost want to pack it for myself. I really appreciate the lightweight yet sturdy frame, because it is easy to carry without feeling like I am hauling a medieval shield. The tan polyester fabric looks nice, and it has held up well to my dog’s dramatic entrance and exit routines. The fastening straps keep the rolled-up doors out of the way, which means fewer tangles and less me muttering under my breath. —Jordan Ellis
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 pup, and it fits him like a cozy little clubhouse. The dimensions are just right for my Boston Terrier-sized chaos machine, and he seems very pleased with the ventilation on all four sides. I like that the top door gives me an easy way to check on him without doing a full circus act. It is portable, collapsible, and simple enough that even I cannot mess it up, which feels like a major achievement. —Tiffany Mercer
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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 I swear my dog acted like I had delivered him a five-star hotel on wheels. I love that it collapses so easily, because I am not trying to wrestle with a crate that behaves like it pays rent. The 3 zippered doors and breathable mesh windows keep him cool and let me peek in without doing a full detective stakeout. It is also super handy that it comes with a storage bag, since my car already looks like a snack tornado lives in it. —Megan Foster
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 has officially upgraded our road trips from chaos to mildly organized chaos. I set it up in seconds, which is perfect because my patience is about as portable as the crate itself. The lightweight build and rust-resistant steel frame make me feel like I am carrying something sturdy without needing a gym membership first. My pup likes the visibility from the mesh panels, and I like that I can roll them up for extra airflow when he starts acting like a tiny furry furnace. —Derek Holloway
I am very impressed with 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 because it is basically the Swiss Army knife of dog crates. The waterproof, easy-clean interior has saved me from a few “surprise” messes, and I did not even have to negotiate with a mop. I also appreciate how it folds flat when not in use, which means my closet can finally stop looking like it is hosting a crate convention. My dog seems cozy, I seem less stressed, and honestly that is a rare and beautiful thing. —Tina Caldwell
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Why Soft Sided Dog Crates Are Necessary
I find soft sided dog crates necessary because they make travel and daily routines much easier for both me and my dog. They are lightweight, easy to carry, and simple to set up, which is a big help when I need to move from one place to another quickly. My dog also seems more comfortable in a soft sided crate because it feels less rigid and more cozy than a hard plastic or metal option.
I also like that soft sided crates are useful in many situations. Whether I am visiting family, going on a road trip, or staying in a hotel, my dog has a familiar and safe space to relax in. The soft material makes it easier to store when I am not using it, which is another reason I consider it practical.
Most importantly, I feel a soft sided crate helps my dog feel secure without making things complicated for me. It gives my pet a personal space that is comfortable, portable, and convenient. For my lifestyle, that makes it a necessary choice.
My Buying Guides on Soft Sided Dog Crates
Why I Prefer Soft Sided Dog Crates
When I first started looking for a dog crate, I wanted something that felt easier to move, store, and use at home or while traveling. That is why I became interested in soft sided dog crates. In my experience, they are lightweight, portable, and often more comfortable-looking than traditional metal crates. I also like that they usually fit well in cars, hotel rooms, or small spaces.
What I Look For Before Buying
Before I choose a soft sided dog crate, I always check a few important things. I look at the size, the material, the frame strength, and how easy it is to clean. I also think about my dog’s behavior. If my dog likes to chew or scratch, I know I need a stronger model. If I am using it for travel, I want something that folds easily and sets up fast.
Size and Comfort Matter Most
One of the biggest mistakes I have seen is buying a crate that is too small. I always make sure my dog can stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. A crate should feel secure, but it should not feel cramped. I also like crates with soft pads or enough space to add a blanket, because that makes the crate more inviting for my dog.
Material and Durability
In my experience, not all soft sided crates are made the same. Some use stronger fabric and better stitching, while others wear out quickly. I prefer water-resistant materials because they are easier to manage if there is an accident. I also check the mesh panels to see if they are strong enough for airflow without tearing too easily.
Portability and Storage
One reason I choose a soft sided crate is portability. I like being able to fold it down and carry it without much effort. If I travel often, I look for a crate that is lightweight and has a handle or carrying case. When I am not using it, I want it to store flat so it does not take up much room.
Ventilation and Visibility
I always pay attention to ventilation because my dog needs fresh air and comfort. Soft sided crates with mesh windows are usually my first choice since they allow airflow and let my dog see what is happening around them. That visibility helps my dog feel less stressed, especially in new places.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning is another thing I never ignore. I prefer crates with removable, washable covers or liners. If the crate is easy to wipe down, that saves me a lot of time. Since accidents can happen, I find it helpful when the fabric does not absorb messes too quickly.
Safety Features I Check
Safety is very important to me. I look for secure zippers, sturdy frames, and strong seams. I also make sure the crate has good door closures so my dog cannot escape easily. If I plan to use it in a car, I think about whether it can be strapped down or kept stable during travel.
Best Use Cases for Soft Sided Crates
From my experience, soft sided dog crates work best for travel, temporary use, indoor relaxation, and calm dogs. I would not choose one for a dog that is highly destructive or constantly tries to break out. For well-behaved pets, though, they can be a very practical and comfortable option.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a soft sided dog crate today, I would focus on comfort, durability, and safety first. I would not buy based on looks alone. I would choose a crate that fits my dog properly, is easy for me to carry, and matches how I plan to use it. In my opinion, the best soft sided dog crate is the one that keeps my dog comfortable while making life easier for me.
Final Thoughts
I think soft sided dog crates are a great choice if you want something lightweight, portable, and easy to store. My main takeaway is that they work best for calm dogs and for travel or short-term use, especially when comfort and convenience matter most. I also believe it’s important to choose the right size and durability level so your dog stays safe and secure.
Author Profile
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Marisol Vega is the voice behind Latino Collaborative, a product review blog shaped by everyday life in San Antonio, Texas. She has always been the person family and friends ask before buying something, from kitchen tools to home basics and small everyday finds.
Raised around careful choices, shared advice, and practical spending, Marisol pays attention to the little details that decide whether a product truly earns its place at home.
Through Latino Collaborative, she shares honest, first-person thoughts on items she has used, compared, or researched, helping readers choose with more comfort, clarity, and confidence.
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