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Basalt Gray
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Red Clay
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Basalt Gray
River Rock Green
4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
74 Reviews

Hitch Hiker™ Dog Backpack Carrier

lightweight, technical dog carrier

Color

Selected: Basalt Gray

Choose size

Sizing Chart

Ruffwear's apparel features an active, tailored fit that hugs close to your dog's body, designed to move with their natural range of motion. Measurement is determined by your dog’s chest girth, measured around the widest part of the rib cage. Coverage may fit slightly shorter or longer depending on your dog’s proportions. If between sizes, size up for a more relaxed fit, or down for a more snug fit.

Girth Max Back Length Size
13 - 17 in (33 - 43 cm) 19in (48cm) XXS
17 - 22 in (43 - 56 cm) 22in (56cm) XS
22 - 27 in (56 - 69 cm) 24in (61cm) S
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Better With Each Design

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Trail Tested Promise
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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 or about 18 kg. 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

Hitch Hiker™ Dog Backpack Videos

  • About the Hitch Hiker™ Backpack

    Learn more about the Hitch Hiker™ from Kristen and Emma.

  • Hitch Hiker™ Backpack FAQs

    Learn how to fit, adjust, and use the Hitch Hiker™ Dog Backpack Carrier with Vita and Lucky.

chart
Select Size

13 - 17 in (33 - 43 cm)

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
Based on 74 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 61 Total 4 star reviews: 12 Total 3 star reviews: 1 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
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74 reviews
  • Sharon H.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 month ago
    Fun way to bond with a puppy!

    Just adopted an Irish Setter puppy and she can’t get on the ground until she’s still immunized so I’m using the pack so that we can go for hikes with my other dog Scout who is 11 years old he can go for miles and miles while I’m carrying Huck. My hope is in a year or so that my oldest dog can also fit in the pack because he’s definitely having mobility issues. Love that I can spend time with both my older dog and my puppy, and the pack makes it possible really comfortable to wear and love it! @huckoftheirish

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  • Judith N. S.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 months ago
    Backpack carrier

    At first the backpack was too small by the measurement table recommendations but i exchange it and size up and it work perfect. I love it is very comfy and there is no way she can get out.

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  • Allyson
    Verified Reviewer
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    3 months ago
    Perfect for our anxious big boy!

    This is Blake - an extremely anxious mama’s boy who can be extremely destructive (ripped out kitchen cabinets at one point) when left alone. We’ve tried all the training and drugs but have moved to acceptance and just bring him everywhere possible. Even in pet strollers he can get unhappy but this backpack has been a game changer, he loves it and even had a 2 hour nap in it on the weekend with his max time in the bag being 3 hours. Blake is a lab mixed with some kind of bulldog/corgi/hound situation and was brought to the city by the SPCA from a remote indigenous community around 2 years old. He is around 26-27” long and weighs around 35 lbs with short legs. Last picture shows his size and shape next to a 5lb friend. As a plus size individual I am very happy with the fit and comfort too. Our family is super happy with this purchase from both a function and quality standpoint!

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  • Lars M.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    5 months ago
    Great dog backpack

    The backpack was purchased for our dachshund so that he can go on bike rides with us.

    The fit is great and the dachshund clearly feels comfortable in the backpack.

    The comfort when cycling is great.

    Can recommend this backpack with great pleasure, great product.

    Translated from German
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  • Anna K.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    5 months ago
    The most comfortable pack for both of us!

    I was so hesitant about size for my 16 1/2 year old 7.5lb chihuahua. Everything he wears ruffwear related is a XXS, and I thought that would be too small, but I went ahead, and it’s pretty darn perfect. He loves it so much he falls asleep! It’s like a papoose! It hugs him and me. I’m so so happy with this. I think this is going to be great for giving him a chance to still be with us outside even though a mile is about his limit for walking. Now he can be carried the rest of the way!

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