Two training bags, two very different carrying styles
The Dog Trainer Fanny Pack XL and the Barkin Bag both organize your training gear, but they solve different problems. The DTFP-XL is a wearable tool belt built for active sessions, while the Barkin Bag is a 40L gear bag for hauling equipment between training days, competitions, or travel. Choosing between them starts with how you carry gear during and around training.
Wearable pouch vs. gear bag at a glance
- Carry method: DTFP-XL: waist, cross-body, or chest rig (Chest Rig H Strap sold separately). Barkin Bag: hand or shoulder carry via two sets of Biothane handles (15" and 30").
- Capacity: DTFP-XL: 9.5" W x 7" H x 3" D with six pockets, including a main zippered pocket and a treat pouch. Barkin Bag: 40L total volume, 18" x 14" x 10".
- Treat access: DTFP-XL has an easy-access treat pouch between the zipper compartments, lined with pack cloth for cleaning. The Barkin Bag has no dedicated treat pouch; it is a general gear bag.
- Attachment system: DTFP-XL offers PALS webbing with 2 MOLLE-compatible slots per wing (4 total), a 9"x4" loop VELCRO® panel inside and another on the front. Barkin Bag has a 4"x5" loop panel for patches.
- Closure: DTFP-XL uses zippered compartments. Barkin Bag uses a magnetic closure for quick access.
- Materials: DTFP-XL: Cordura, pack cloth, nylon. Barkin Bag: premium waxed canvas exterior with pack cloth liner and Salute fabric accents.
When the Dog Trainer Fanny Pack XL is the better fit
If you need treats, a clicker, and an e-collar remote within reach while you move with your dog, the DTFP-XL keeps everything on your body. Its modular design converts from a waist pack to a cross-body bag or upright satchel, and you can remove the wings to run it as a chest rig. The treat pouch is lined with pack cloth for easy cleaning, and the front zippered pocket fits a phone, keys, or poop bags. Two quick-access side pockets are sized for a tab leash.
The DTFP-XL fits waist sizes 28"–46" and is made in the USA. Note that it is not designed with an attachment point for your dog, and the manufacturer advises against hooking your dog to it in any way.
Dog Trainer Fanny Pack XL: key specs for active sessions
- Dog Trainer Fanny Pack XL: Measures 9.5" wide, 7" tall, and 3" deep with six pockets, including a large main zippered pocket and a smaller front zippered pocket. These dimensions and pocket layout show how much training gear you can carry on your waist without a separate bag.
Dog Trainer Fanny Pack XL - Dog Trainer Fanny Pack XL: Easy-access treat pouch between the zipper compartments is lined with pack cloth for convenient cleaning. A dedicated, cleanable treat pouch is central to quick reward delivery during training.
- Dog Trainer Fanny Pack XL: PALS webbing on the wings has two MOLLE-compatible slots per side (four total) for an e-collar handheld, bite breaker bar, tactical light, and more. MOLLE compatibility lets you configure the pack for your specific training tools.
- Dog Trainer Fanny Pack XL: Unisex design fits waist sizes 28"–46" and can be worn as a waist pack, cross-body bag, or chest rig (Chest Rig H Strap sold separately). Multiple carry options and a broad waist range make it adaptable to different handlers and training activities.
When the Barkin Bag is the better fit
If your training involves transporting a lot of gear—multiple toys, training aids, extra layers, or travel essentials—the Barkin Bag's 40L capacity gives you room that a wearable pouch cannot match. The waxed canvas exterior develops a patina over time, and the pack cloth liner helps protect against everyday wear and moisture. A magnetic closure provides fast access, and the 4"x5" loop panel lets you add patches.
The Barkin Bag comes with two sets of Biothane handles (15" and 30") for hand or shoulder carry. It is not designed to be worn on the body during training, so it stays at the training field or in your vehicle while you work with your dog.
Barkin Bag: capacity and carry details
- Barkin Bag: 40L capacity with dimensions of 18" x 14" x 10". This volume suits handlers who need to bring a full kit to training days or competitions.
Barkin Bag - Barkin Bag: Premium waxed canvas exterior develops a unique patina over time; durable pack cloth liner helps protect against everyday wear and moisture. The materials indicate a bag built for field use that can handle muddy gear and wet toys.
- Barkin Bag: Includes two sets of Biothane handles (15" and 30") for versatile carry options and a magnetic closure for quick access. Multiple handle lengths and a magnetic closure make it easy to grab essentials without fumbling.
Can you use both together?
Yes. Many handlers pair a wearable pouch with a larger gear bag. The DTFP-XL keeps treats and tools on your body during the session, while the Barkin Bag holds backup supplies, extra layers, or travel items at the edge of the training area. The DTFP-XL's MOLLE wings and loop panels also accept accessories like the Tug Dangler, Ball & Bait Pouch, and Chest Rig H Strap (sold separately) to expand its capacity without switching bags.
What the supplied information does not cover
The catalog does not specify whether the Barkin Bag is waterproof or water-resistant beyond the pack cloth liner's protection against moisture. It also does not list a waist belt or shoulder strap for the Barkin Bag beyond the included Biothane handles. For the DTFP-XL, the catalog does not state a maximum load capacity. These gaps mean you should consider your own gear volume and carry preferences when deciding.
