SturdiBag Flexible Height Pet Carrier

The Bottom Line

For pet parents who travel with their pets, SturdiBag Flexible Height PetCarrier is an excellent choice for safe, comfortable, in-cabin airline-approved travel-or simply a visit to the vet. Doubles as a comfy pet bed.

Manufacturer's Site

• Light weight (2 pounds 10 ounces)
• Flexible height, but won't collapse on pet
• Safety tether clips to bag and pet's harness
• Leather grip handle, adjustable shoulder strap
• Padded fleece cushion for pet comfort
• Machine washable

• Flexible roof rods difficult to install
• Cost relatively high

• Soft sided, flexible height
• Sturdy canvas
• Velcro flaps with mesh “windows”
• Both front and top zipper openings, with safety latch
• Storage pockets
• Removable and adjustable handle and shoulder strap
• Available in 14 solid colors and limited prints
• Limited lifetime warranty
• "Large" size $89.95

The SturdiBag is the lightest weight pet carrier on the market, a decided plus when traveling and carrying pets especially on planes. It comes in six sizes, from the SturdiTote (12" round x 13" high) for tiny pets, to the SturdiBag Extra Large Deluxe (20"long x 16" high x12" wide) suitable for jumbo-size cats or small to medium dogs.

I reviewed the "Large" size (18"Lx12"Hx12"W), recommended for pets weighting up to 25 pounds. Safety tested to 40 pounds.

The arched top provides plenty of room for the pet to move around. Spring-like flexed ribs allow it to flex downward and fit beneath airplane seats yet not collapse onto the pet. Two additional flexible rods proved very difficult to install as required in the roof of the pet carrier.

A zippered front offers easy in-and-out, along with an optional zippered opening in the top--both have "safety" clasps to keep pets from unzipping from the inside. The front, back, and top of the SturdiBag include Velcro canvas flaps that can be closed, or rolled open to view the pet through mesh webbing. A small pocket in the back can hold a leash, medication, treats or other pet travel essentials. Tie down loops on each base/corner, and seatbelt safety loops add special safety value.

Soft "egg crate" padded fleece in the bottom, with a foam-core board for support, create a comfortable ride for the pet when carried, or at rest. A removable clip-on tether can be fixed to a D-ring in the bottom of the carrier, and to the pet's harness, to prevent potential "great escapes" during opening.