10 Best Soft Sided Dog Crates for Travel, Training, and Home Use in 2026

Soft sided dog crates are a smart pick for pet owners who want a lighter, more portable alternative to wire or hard plastic kennels. They’re especially useful for travel, indoor downtime, and dogs that already handle crate time well.

Below, we’ve focused on comfort, ease of setup, airflow, and practical features so you can choose a crate that fits your dog and your routine.

Best 10 Soft Sided Dog Crates Picks for 2026

Roomy Travel Pick – EliteField 3-Door Soft Dog Crate with Bed

If you want soft sided dog crates with a little extra elbow room, this EliteField model stands out for its larger-than-average 30-inch size. It’s designed for quick setup, easy folding, and everyday travel comfort, with mesh doors for airflow and convenient access.

Best For: Owners who want a more spacious soft crate for travel, camping, or overnight stays.

Pros:

• 30″ x 21″ x 24″ size is wider and taller than many other 30-inch soft crates
• Three mesh doors on the top, front, and side improve access and ventilation
• Includes a fleece bed and carrying bag for added convenience
• Removable, washable cover and bed make cleanup easier

Cons:

• Maximum weight recommendation is 40 pounds
• Not aimed at destructive chewers
• Bigger footprint may be less ideal for tight spaces

This is a practical choice if comfort and portability matter most. The extra height and width make it feel less cramped than many comparable soft crates, while the folding design keeps transport simple.

Portable Large-Dog Choice – ZOMISIA 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate

For shoppers comparing soft sided dog crates for a larger dog, this ZOMISIA option offers a 36-inch format with a foldable design that’s easy to move and store. It combines breathable mesh, a lightweight frame, and a plush pad for a travel-friendly setup.

Best For: Large-dog owners who want a collapsible crate for travel and easy storage.

Pros:

• 36″ x 25″ x 25″ size suits bigger dogs better than standard 30-inch models
• Foldable design and handle make transport and storage easier
• Three mesh windows provide airflow and visibility
• Built-in leash and plush pad add everyday convenience

Cons:

• Still intended for dogs that fit the size chart, so measuring matters
• Not the lightest option at 5.74 kg
• Soft construction is not meant for rough chewers

This crate makes sense when you need something portable but still sized for a large dog. The ventilation, storage pocket, and collapsible frame give it a strong travel-first layout.

Lightweight Carrier Option – Zikopomi 30 Inch Portable Soft Foldable Dog Crate

This Zikopomi pick is a straightforward soft sided dog crate built for travel and outdoor use, with a lightweight feel and easy folding design. It uses multiple zippered doors, mesh windows, and a waterproof interior lining to keep the setup practical on the go.

Best For: Small to medium dogs that need a lightweight crate for camping or car travel.

Pros:

• Lightweight 30″ x 21″ x 21″ format is easy to carry and store
• Three zippered doors give flexible entry and exit options
• Five mesh windows improve visibility and airflow
• Waterproof PVC-coated lining is easy to wipe clean

Cons:

• Best suited to extra small, small, and medium dogs
• No included carrying bag listed in the notes
• Not designed for dogs that are likely to chew or escape

If portability is your top priority, this crate keeps things simple and functional. It’s a good fit for owners who want quick setup, decent ventilation, and a compact footprint for travel.

Travel-Ready Pick – Veraste 4-Door Collapsible Mesh Dog Crate

Among soft sided dog crates, this Veraste model is built around portability and careful sizing guidance. It folds down for road trips and hotel stays, includes a carry bag, and uses mesh panels and a steel frame for a secure temporary space for crate-trained pets.

Best For: Medium dogs that need a foldable crate for travel, storage, or short stays.

Pros:

• Foldable design is suited to road travel, camping, and hotel stays
• Four doors make access easier from multiple sides
• Steel support frame and secure zipper closures add structure
• Includes a removable pad and carry bag

Cons:

• Not chew-proof or escape-proof
• Designed for crate-trained pets rather than destructive dogs
• Requires careful setup and locked frame before zipping

This is a sensible pick if you want a soft crate for calm, crate-trained pets and you value compact storage. The four-door layout and included carry bag make it especially handy for travel-focused use.

Compact Travel Pick – Amazon Basics 30" Double-Door Soft Crate

If you want soft sided dog crates that are easy to pack and quick to set up, this Amazon Basics model is a practical choice for everyday travel. It uses lightweight polyester fabric and a sturdy frame, and the double-door layout makes it easier to load and unload your dog in tight spaces.

Best For: Medium dogs that need a lightweight, portable crate for travel and car use.

Pros:

• Sets up in seconds with no tools and folds flat for storage.
• Top and front doors make access easier from different angles.
• Mesh windows on all four sides help with airflow.
• Zipper closures and fastening straps help keep doors secured and tidy.

Cons:

• Recommended for medium breeds up to 50 pounds, so it is not for larger dogs.
• Soft fabric construction is less rigid than a hard crate.

This is a straightforward travel kennel for owners who value portability and simple handling over extra features. It is a sensible pick if you need a crate that stores compactly and works well for routine trips.

Roomy Indoor/Outdoor Choice – Garnpet 36" Collapsible Soft Crate

For shoppers comparing soft sided dog crates for larger dogs, this Garnpet crate stands out for its roomy size and flexible indoor-outdoor design. It combines a steel frame, waterproof Oxford fabric, and breathable mesh windows, giving you a portable crate that is still built to feel stable and easy to maintain.

Best For: Large dogs that need a collapsible crate for home, travel, or outdoor use.

Pros:

• Designed for large dogs with a 36-inch footprint.
• Four doors make access more convenient from multiple sides.
• Waterproof fabric is easy to wipe clean.
• Lightweight and collapsible for storage and transport.

Cons:

• At 12.9 pounds, it is not the lightest option in this group.
• Soft-sided construction may not suit dogs that prefer a rigid crate.

This is a solid pick if you need a bigger soft crate that can move between indoor and outdoor settings. Its easy-clean fabric and foldable design make it a practical option for regular use.

Extra-Large Travel Pick – Amazon Basics 42" XL Soft Crate

If you need soft sided dog crates with more room, this Amazon Basics XL model is built for larger dogs and travel-friendly portability. It uses tan polyester fabric with a lightweight steel frame, and it folds flat for simpler storage when the crate is not in use.

Best For: Large dogs up to 90 pounds that need an extra-roomy crate for travel.

Pros:

• XL size gives bigger dogs more space.
• Sets up in seconds and folds flat for storage.
• Top and front doors make access easier.
• Compatible with car, bicycle, motorcycle, and airplane use.

Cons:

• At 10.5 pounds, it is still a larger item to carry around.
• Soft-sided design is less rigid than a hard kennel.

This model makes sense if your dog needs more interior room than a medium crate can offer. The travel-oriented design and broad vehicle compatibility make it a versatile option for frequent trips.

Space-Saving 4-Door Pick – Garnpet Soft Dog Crate for Medium Dogs

If you want soft sided dog crates that are easy to store and simple to move, this Garnpet model is built around convenience. It folds down for space-saving storage, uses a lightweight frame with carry handles, and still gives your dog a stable indoor or outdoor resting spot.

Best For: Medium dogs and owners who want a portable crate for home use, travel, or quick set-up and storage.

Pros:

• Four doors make loading, unloading, and access easier from multiple angles.
• Steel frame and waterproof Oxford fabric add structure and wipe-clean practicality.
• Mesh windows support airflow for indoor or outdoor use.
• Collapsible design makes it easier to tuck away when not needed.

Cons:

• Best suited to medium dogs, so it won’t fit larger breeds.
• Soft-sided construction is less rigid than a hard crate by design.

This is a sensible pick if your priority is a crate that travels well, stores easily, and still offers a comfortable enclosed space for a medium-sized dog.

Travel-Friendly Large Option – Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate

This Amazon Basics entry is one of the most practical soft sided dog crates if you need a simple travel crate for a crate-trained large dog. It sets up in seconds, folds flat for compact storage, and uses mesh panels plus dual doors to make everyday loading and ventilation easier.

Best For: Crate-trained large dogs that need a lightweight, no-tools travel crate for cars and trips.

Pros:

• Sets up quickly without tools and folds flat when not in use.
• Top and front doors make access and loading more flexible.
• Mesh windows on all four sides help with airflow.
• Designed for large breed dogs up to 70 pounds.

Cons:

• Recommended for crate-trained dogs only.
• Only two doors, so access is less versatile than four-door designs.

If you want a straightforward, proven design for travel, this crate focuses on portability and fast setup rather than extra frills.

Extra-Sturdy Adventure Crate – Collapsible Soft Dog Crate 36 Inch

Among soft sided dog crates, this 36-inch model leans hardest into durability and travel readiness. It pairs a heavy-duty steel tube frame with anti-escape zippers, adds reflective strips and an interior leash clip, and still folds thin enough for road trips, vet visits, or camping.

Best For: Large dogs up to 70 pounds that need a sturdier soft crate for travel, camping, or hotel stays.

Pros:

• Heavy-duty steel tube frame is designed to resist collapsing or breaking under pressure.
• Anti-escape zippers and interior leash clip add security.
• Folds down to 8.6 inches thin and includes a shoulder carry bag.
• Mesh on all sides and a plush mat improve airflow and comfort.

Cons:

• Heavier than some lightweight soft crates at 12 pounds.
• Designed around one size range, so measuring your dog first matters.

This is a strong pick if you want a travel crate that feels more secure and structured than many soft-sided alternatives while still remaining portable.

How We Picked the Best Soft Sided Dog Crates

We looked for Soft Sided Dog Crates that balance portability, structure, ventilation, and everyday usability. The best options should be easy to fold, simple to carry, and sturdy enough for supervised use at home or on the road.

We also prioritized multiple door layouts, mesh panel coverage, and size ranges that work for small to extra-large dogs. For travel, setup speed and compact storage matter almost as much as comfort.

Quick Comparison

Smaller crates are usually best for dogs that travel in the car, visit hotels, or need a familiar resting spot in different rooms. Medium sizes work well for everyday use and most apartment setups, while larger models are better for bigger breeds or dogs that need more room to turn and stretch.

If you want the most versatile choice, look for models with several access points and reinforced frames. If portability matters most, choose a lighter crate with a carrying bag and fast folding design.

Key Buying Factors for Soft Sided Dog Crates

Size and Fit

Measure your dog from nose to tail and from floor to shoulder, then add enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. A crate that is too large can feel less secure, while one that is too small can become uncomfortable fast.

Ventilation and Visibility

Mesh panels improve airflow and help anxious dogs feel calmer by letting them see what’s around them. Good ventilation is especially important for warm climates, car trips, and indoor use in smaller rooms.

Structure and Durability

Soft Sided Dog Crates should have a stable frame, strong stitching, and durable mesh if you plan to use them often. Keep in mind that these crates are best for crate-trained dogs or supervised resting, not for heavy chewers or escape artists.

Doors, Entry, and Access

Multiple doors can make a crate easier to place in tight spaces and can help with loading in and out of cars. This is a practical feature if you use the crate in different rooms or during frequent travel.

Who Should Buy Which Soft Sided Dog Crates?

Choose a compact model if you want a lightweight travel kennel for a smaller dog or occasional use. Go with a medium or large crate if you need a daily indoor resting space or plan to move the crate between home and vehicle often.

If you have a large breed, prioritize reinforced construction and a size that gives your dog room without feeling oversized. For multi-use buyers, the most flexible Soft Sided Dog Crates are the ones with easy folding, strong airflow, and several access points.