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Basalt Gray
Basalt Gray
River Rock Green
River Rock Green
Red Clay
Red Clay
Basalt Gray
Red Clay
River Rock Green
New
5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
2 Reviews

Hitch Hiker™ Dog Backpack Carrier

lightweight, technical dog carrier

Color

Selected: Basalt Gray

Share even more adventures with your canine sidekick with the Hitch Hiker™ Dog Backpack Carrier – a lightweight, technical dog carrier designed so dogs can hitch a ride when needed. The dual locking zippers create a wide opening for easy loading and unloading between trail time and backpack time. Once in the pack, the integrated harness keeps dogs secure and allows them to get comfortable and face forward to see the trail ahead. Cinch straps add extra security and keep dog close to your back when loaded. Air mesh side panels at the base boost air flow for temperature management. 

Use the external grab handle to lift and shoulder the pack. Once on, the pack distributes weight evenly for the human carrying the load, with padded shoulder straps, breathable back panel, adjustable torso length, and a supportive hipbelt for all-day comfort. Pockets on the hip belt give quick access to essentials like pick-up bags, treats, and most phones. Stash a soft flask, packable bowl, or extra layer in the external zippered stretch pocket at the base of the pack.

Available in three sizes based off your dog’s girth measurement, and comfortably accommodates dogs up to 40 lbs. Hip belt fits waists 21-58" (53-149 cm).

DUAL-ZIPPERS

Dual locking zippers open pack wide for easy loading and unloading of dog

AIR MESH SIDE PANELS

Air mesh side panels at the base for air flow and temperature management

INTEGRATED ADJUSTABLE HARNESS

Integrated adjustable harness and cinch straps keep dog comfortable and secure in pack

Additional Features

  • Adjustable and padded shoulder straps, torso length, and hip belt for comfortable wear and carry
  • Zippered hip belt pockets for quick access to essentials; fits most phones
  • Zippered external stretch pocket on back; fits soft flasks up to 500ml
  • Reflective trim for visibility in low-light conditions and light loop for attaching The Beacon™️
  • Sizing based off girth measurement; comfortably accommodates dogs up to 40 lbs
  • Materials

    • Shell (bluesign® approved): 150D polyester (40% recycled) ripstop with nonfluorinated DWR and PU coating
    • Waist/bottom pockets: 150D 91% polyester 9% spandex stretch fabric with nonfluorinated DWR
    • Back mesh (bluesign® approved): 160D nylon mono mesh
    • Shoulder straps: polyester spacer air mesh (100% recycled and bluesign® approved) + layered EVA/CLPE foam padding + shell fabric
    • Webbing: polypropylene
    • Buckles (bluesign® approved): ITW Nexus Mach 1 side-release buckles
    • Made in Vietnam
  • Care

    • Hand wash
    • Mild detergent
    • Air dry
 chart
Select Size

13 - 17 in (33 - 43 cm)

Ratings & Reviews

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 2 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 2 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
2 reviews
  • AC
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Hitch Hiker™ Dog Backpack Carrier XSmall / River Rock Green (355)
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Yesterday
    Durable, easy to use, and high quality: all about the details!

    We have been searching for a well-made and reliable dog backpack for more than a year and were thrilled when we saw Ruffwear launch this new product. We have tried many different backpacks, including the popular K9 Sports Sack, but nothing beats the Ruffwear Backpack! Like all other Ruffwear products, it’s obvious that this backpack prioritized durability, safety, and comfort for the dog. It’s incredibly easy to put the backpack on both of my dogs (one is reactive and the other is a puppy). I prefer to wear the backpack with my dog on the front and the design of this backpack worked for such preference. Both of my dogs seem relatively comfortable in the backpack. I especially love that the backpack has an adjustable harness integrated which enhanced the safety of my dog when inside the backpack. It also made it easy that the sizing of the backpack was the same as my dog’s usual Ruffwear harness size.

    The backpack material is also well-made and uses quality materials (YKK zippers; smooth buckles and zippers; etc)! It’s incredibly comfortable and easy to carry my dogs, who are about 20lbs, in this backpack. The pocket space on the sides of the bag are super helpful in holding poop bags, treats, and anything else that I want to quickly and conveniently get to.

    Overall, an excellent backpack and highly recommend all dog owners looking for a backpack to get this! This backpack is so practical and reliable in that I immediately ordered a second backpack so that I would have one…

  • Elizabeth K.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Hitch Hiker™ Dog Backpack Carrier Small / River Rock Green (355)
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 days ago
    No wiggle room on sizing

    It's excellent construction. Did not work for the dog, but keeping and now the cat goes on walks with us in it.

    My dog's girth fit's a ruffwear small in clothing, harnesses, etc. It's solidly 26.5/27". He is super lean but longer legs and topline (vizsla). I really wanted this to work for us so I could use this rather than the bike trailer.

    I bought it knowing he was a little more than 40 lbs but his dimensions fit the small sized harnesses etc. because his body condition is mostly muscle which is more compact than pudge-kin 40lb dog from a volume perspective. To be clear, i knew this was a risk when we tried it and it's not ruffwear's issue at all, but for anyone else thinking the same thing who might try it and you're on the size edge: your dog probably won't fit.

    I would say their statement "comfortable up to 40lbs" sort of implies to me that you could potentially, less-comfortably fit up to 42/43lbs and in our experience it should be more of a "hard stop at 40lb" notice. Meaning 40lb of properly conditioned, lean dog max will fit in this. My in-shape vizsla a couple pounds over 40lb I could not zip it over the hind quarters (like trying to get a boot over a super high-arch foot where there just isn't enough space) and as a dog with a longer topline (back), even extending the backplate was not tall enough.

    It's super well made, and if you have a boykin spaniel, or a corgi, or similarly-constructed dogs I think you would be fine and totally love this. But most of…