Key takeaways
- Frame: Steel tube frames hold their shape better than fiberglass or PVC rods. Look for frames that lock rigidly when opened, so the roof does not sag onto a tall dog.
- Fabric: 600-denier polyester or heavier resists scuffs and claws. Lighter fabric tears at corners.
- Mesh: Heavy-duty mesh panels on at least three sides keep airflow up in warm weather. Fine mosquito-style mesh tears easily.
- Zippers: Look for lockable or clip-secured zipper pulls. A curious dog can nose a loose zipper pull open.
- Floor: A removable, washable fleece pad and a water-resistant base make cleanup far easier after a muddy hike.
The best soft sided dog crates are lightweight, fold in under a minute, and work well for calm, crate-trained dogs on trips, at dog shows, in hotel rooms, or at a campsite; the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Crate and the Petnation Port-A-Crate are the most popular all-rounders, and the Noz2Noz Soft-Krate Indoor/Outdoor is a good choice when you need more ventilation. What they are not is a containment solution for chewers, escape artists, or puppies in early house training: fabric and zippers are no match for a determined dog.
Who Should Buy a Soft Crate (and Who Should Not)
A soft sided crate is a portable bedroom, not a security device. It makes sense when your dog already treats a crate as a calm place to rest and you need something you can carry with one hand.
| Situation | Soft crate a good fit? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Adult dog, fully crate-trained, travels often | Yes | Light, packable, familiar den in new places |
| Agility or show days, supervised resting | Yes | Fast setup, ventilated mesh, shade-friendly |
| Puppy in house training | No | Accidents soak into fabric; puppies chew mesh |
| Dog that chews or paws at doors | No | Zippers and mesh fail quickly |
| Car travel during driving | Not ideal | Soft frames offer little crash protection |
| Hotel or relative’s house overnight | Yes, if supervised nearby | Quiet, enclosed space the dog recognizes |
Key Specs That Separate Good From Flimsy
- Frame: Steel tube frames hold their shape better than fiberglass or PVC rods. Look for frames that lock rigidly when opened, so the roof does not sag onto a tall dog.
- Fabric: 600-denier polyester or heavier resists scuffs and claws. Lighter fabric tears at corners.
- Mesh: Heavy-duty mesh panels on at least three sides keep airflow up in warm weather. Fine mosquito-style mesh tears easily.
- Zippers: Look for lockable or clip-secured zipper pulls. A curious dog can nose a loose zipper pull open.
- Floor: A removable, washable fleece pad and a water-resistant base make cleanup far easier after a muddy hike.
Soft Sided Crates Worth Considering
EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate
This is one of the most common soft crates for a reason. It has a steel frame, a 600D polyester shell, three doors (front, top, and side), mesh windows, and a fleece mat, and it comes in sizes from about 20 to 48 inches long. The side and top doors make it easier to set down in a tight hotel room or car hatch. Expect roughly $40 to $100 depending on size.
Petnation Port-A-Crate
The Port-A-Crate is a long-running design built around a steel frame with a soft polyester cover and mesh doors. It folds flat with a carrying strap, and users tend to choose it for its simple, durable shape. Prices typically run $45 to $110.
Firstrax Noz2Noz Soft-Krate Indoor/Outdoor
The Soft-Krate line comes in an indoor/outdoor version with lots of mesh for ventilation, which suits warm days at trials or a shaded campsite. The frame folds down with the cover attached. It generally costs $40 to $120 depending on size.
Frisco Indoor & Outdoor Collapsible Soft-Sided Crate
Frisco’s soft crate follows the three-door format with a steel frame and storage pockets for leashes and treats. It is a value-oriented option, usually $35 to $90, and a reasonable pick if you only travel a few times a year.
Sizing: Soft Crates Run Differently
Soft crates are measured on the outside, and the frame and padding take up some interior room. Size up when your dog is between sizes.
| Dog weight | Example breeds | Soft crate length | Typical packed weight of crate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 15 lb | Shih Tzu, Pomeranian | 24-26 in | 4-6 lb |
| 15-30 lb | Beagle, Cocker Spaniel | 30 in | 6-9 lb |
| 30-55 lb | Border Collie, Brittany | 36 in | 9-13 lb |
| 55-80 lb | Labrador, Golden Retriever | 42 in | 12-17 lb |
| 80 lb and up | German Shepherd, Bernese | 48 in | 15-22 lb |
Compare those packed weights with a 42-inch wire crate at around 30 to 40 pounds, and the appeal for travel is obvious.
Introducing a Dog to a Soft Crate
- Set it up at home first. Leave it open in the living room for several days with a familiar blanket inside, so it smells like home before you travel.
- Feed meals inside. This builds a positive association quickly, especially for dogs used to a wire crate.
- Close the door for short periods while you are in the room. Watch how the dog reacts to the fabric walls; some dogs push against mesh, which tells you to keep supervising.
- Practice zipping and unzipping calmly. The noise startles some dogs at first.
- Only then use it away from home. A new place plus a new crate at once is a lot to ask of most dogs.
What Wears Out First
The weak points are predictable. Zipper sliders lose tension after a lot of use and start separating; corners of the shell abrade where they rub on the frame or car floor; mesh near the door tears if a dog paws at it. Wipe the shell after outdoor use, let it dry fully before folding to avoid mildew, and wash the fleece pad separately. Most covers are spot-clean only, so check the care label before putting anything in a machine.
Never leave a soft crate in direct sun on a hot day or inside a parked car. The fabric traps heat even with mesh panels.
Bottom Line
For a calm, crate-trained dog that travels, the EliteField 3-Door is the most versatile soft sided crate, the Petnation Port-A-Crate is a durable classic, and the Noz2Noz Soft-Krate suits hot-weather outdoor use. If your dog chews, paws at doors, or is still learning to be crated, stick with a wire or plastic crate for now and add a soft crate later as a travel extra.
