{"product_id":"astronaut-capsule-pet-backpack-padded","title":"Astronaut Capsule Pet Backpack - Padded EVA Cat \u0026 Small Dog Carrier","description":"\n\u003cp\u003ePet carriers usually make you pick a side. Soft bags are light and comfortable to carry, but they collapse the moment anything presses against them. Hard plastic shells hold their shape but are heavy, noisy, and unforgiving when they knock against your hip on every step.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eastronaut capsule pet backpack\u003c\/strong\u003e sits between the two. Rigid PE panels form the structure, a layer of EVA foam cushions it, and durable Oxford cloth covers the outside. The result holds its shape like a hard shell but absorbs impact and rides quietly against your back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat The Three Layers Do\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePE panels\u003c\/strong\u003e run through the walls and base, so the carrier keeps its shape when it's set down, leaned on, or wedged between legs on a bus. Your pet's space stays their space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEVA foam\u003c\/strong\u003e is the layer a hard shell doesn't have. It absorbs knocks rather than transmitting them, which means bumps land as a dull cushioned press instead of a sharp crack against plastic - noticeably less startling for an animal already unsure about travelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOxford cloth\u003c\/strong\u003e on the outside resists abrasion and scuffs, doesn't crack in cold weather the way rigid plastic can, and doesn't squeak against your jacket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Window\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA domed viewing panel lets your pet watch what's happening rather than travelling blind in a dark box. For a lot of cats, not being able to see is the stressful part - they can hear everything and place none of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt works both ways: you can check on your animal at a glance without stopping and unzipping, which matters more than it sounds on a longer walk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePlease Read This Before You Buy\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny carrier with a clear dome heats up in direct sunlight.\u003c\/strong\u003e The panel lets light in and traps the warmth it creates. Ventilation helps, but it doesn't cancel out sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKeep it in shade, don't use it on hot days, and never leave it in a sunny spot or a parked car - not even briefly. Cats and flat-faced dogs overheat much faster than owners expect, and they can't tell you it's happening. Check on them regularly; the window makes that easy, which is one thing this design genuinely gets right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn a cool or mild day, in shade, for a short journey, it's comfortable. In summer sun, no capsule carrier is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat You Get\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSemi-rigid PE and EVA construction\u003c\/strong\u003e with an Oxford cloth outer\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDomed viewing panel\u003c\/strong\u003e so your pet can see out and you can see in\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVentilation ports\u003c\/strong\u003e for continuous air circulation\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePadded shoulder straps\u003c\/strong\u003e that spread weight across both shoulders\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTop carry handle\u003c\/strong\u003e for lifting in and out of a car or setting down at the vet\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZip closure\u003c\/strong\u003e that opens wide enough to lower a cat in rather than posting them through a gap\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExternal size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e35 × 36 × 27 cm (approx. 13.8 × 14.2 × 10.6 in)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStructure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePE panel with EVA foam layer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOuter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOxford cloth\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCarry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePadded shoulder straps and top handle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn the box\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 × pet backpack\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMeasure your pet from nose to base of tail and check they can sit upright without their head pressing the top. Space runs out before weight does on carriers this size - an animal who can't turn around comfortably is too big for it, whatever they weigh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSuits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCats\u003c\/strong\u003e on vet trips, moves and short outings\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSmall dogs\u003c\/strong\u003e - Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles, Miniature Dachshunds\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublic transport and city walking\u003c\/strong\u003e, where a soft bag gets squashed\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNervous travellers\u003c\/strong\u003e who react badly to the noise and hardness of a plastic shell\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCold-weather use\u003c\/strong\u003e, where rigid plastic goes brittle and unpleasant to handle\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConfident, curious animals\u003c\/strong\u003e who like watching the world\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAnd Doesn't Suit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCats who hide when stressed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Some animals want darkness, not a view. If yours presses into the back corner at the vet, a covered carrier is kinder.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLong journeys.\u003c\/strong\u003e Built for short trips.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHot weather.\u003c\/strong\u003e As above.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMedium and large dogs.\u003c\/strong\u003e The space isn't there.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAnyone needing it to pack flat.\u003c\/strong\u003e The PE structure means it holds its size in storage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eThe First Few Trips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlmost every complaint about any carrier traces back to the same mistake: it was introduced for the first time on the way to the vet. Ten minutes of preparation avoids it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003col\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeave it open on the floor\u003c\/strong\u003e for a few days first. Let them investigate on their own terms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePut something familiar inside\u003c\/strong\u003e - a blanket that smells of home.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeed a few treats in there\u003c\/strong\u003e with the bag stationary and open.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTry a short carry around the house\u003c\/strong\u003e before a real journey.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOpen the zip only somewhere enclosed\u003c\/strong\u003e, never on a street or in a car park.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCare\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWipe the Oxford outer with a damp cloth and mild detergent, and spot clean rather than soaking - the PE panels inside shouldn't be submerged. Clean the viewing dome with a soft cloth only; alcohol, solvents and abrasive cleaners cloud clear panels permanently, and a fogged window defeats the point. Air dry fully before storing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow is this different from a hard shell capsule?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA hard shell is moulded plastic throughout - maximum rigidity, heavier, and it transmits every knock straight through. This one uses PE panels with an EVA foam layer, so it holds its shape but cushions impacts and stays quiet against your back. If you want maximum protection choose the hard shell; if you want structure with more comfort, this is the middle ground. Both are in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cats\"\u003eCats collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow is it different from a soft carrier?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA soft bag collapses when pressed and can't stand up on its own. This holds its shape, so your pet keeps their space on a crowded bus and the carrier stays upright when you put it down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat size pet fits?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt suits cats and small dogs. Measure your animal against the dimensions above rather than going by weight - space is what runs out first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use it on a plane?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAirline rules vary a great deal and change often; many require a fully soft-sided bag for cabin travel. Check your specific airline's current specification before booking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs a harness included?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. It's worth using your pet's own harness and clipping them before you open the zip - that's what stops a startled animal bolting. Harnesses are in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cats\"\u003eCats collection\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dogs\"\u003eDogs collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA Note On Measurements And Colour\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions are measured by hand and may vary slightly. Colours can appear different across phone and monitor screens depending on lighting and calibration - the item itself is the accurate reference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse the rest of our travel and carrier range in the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cats\"\u003eCats collection\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dogs\"\u003eDogs collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pawbertons","offers":[{"title":"Blue","offer_id":51166308040740,"sku":"CJJJCWMY00015-Blue","price":68.22,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"Orange","offer_id":51166308073508,"sku":"CJJJCWMY00015-Orange","price":62.37,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"Purple","offer_id":51166308106276,"sku":"CJJJCWMY00015-Purple","price":62.37,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"Red","offer_id":51166308139044,"sku":"CJJJCWMY00015-Red","price":62.37,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"Yellow","offer_id":51166308171812,"sku":"CJJJCWMY00015-Yellow","price":62.37,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0801\/0717\/5972\/files\/1112309855220.jpg?v=1785048370","url":"https:\/\/pawbertons.com\/products\/astronaut-capsule-pet-backpack-padded","provider":"Pawbertons","version":"1.0","type":"link"}