Ruffwear Hitch Hiker Backpack Dog Carrier, River Rock Green, Small

At a Glance

  • All Lifestages
$99.99 Chewy Price
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In Stock
FREE 1-3 day delivery
Free 365-day returns

Pay in 4 interest-free payments of $25.00. .

About This Item

Details

  • Lightweight and technical backpack carrier designed for pet parents to take their dogs on outdoor adventures.
  • Dual zippers make it easy to load and unload your dog.
  • Air mesh side panels provide proper air flow and temperature management for your pet.
  • Integrated adjustable harness keeps your dog comfortable and secure while being carried.
  • Reflective trim ensures visibility in low-light conditions for added safety.

Instructions

Size

Learn More About Ruffwear From Our Team of Experts

Questions & Answers

1 Customer Questions


Is there a sizing chart with recommended measurements?

Answer by ChewyApr 29, 2025
The Hitch Hiker comes in three sizes: XXS, XS, and S. Sizing is based on your dog's girth measurement (the circumference around the widest part of their ribcage). If your dog is between sizes, choose the larger size. The human hip belt fits waists 21-58 inches. The Hitch Hiker comfortably accommodates dogs up to 40 pounds. This guidance is less about structural limitations and more about sizing and ensuring comfort for both you and your dog.
4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
39 Ratings

Customers Mention

Chewy identifies key considerations with the help of artificial intelligence and our veterinarians.

Comfort

98% Positive

Durability

95% Positive

Functionality

92% Positive

Weight Capacity

93% Positive

31 Customer Reviews



Rated 5 out of 5 stars
By Andrea on Dec 26, 2025

Just Right

The Ruffwear backpack is just right for our 24 pound Frenchie. My son uses it to help transport her around the neighborhood now that the weather is cold. He has

The Ruffwear backpack is just right for our 24 pound Frenchie. My son uses it to help transport her around the neighborhood now that the weather is cold. He has used it walking and biking. It is just what we needed. We purchased the small size, and that is appropriate for our dog. She seems comfortable, and it has made neighborhood trips easier.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars
By Prajna on Dec 7, 2025

Puppy socialization win!

Until our puppy is cleared to put paws on public ground, this pack has been allowing us to socialize her comfortably. The backpacking-style straps might be daunting

Until our puppy is cleared to put paws on public ground, this pack has been allowing us to socialize her comfortably. The backpacking-style straps might be daunting for the uninitiated, but make for a super comfy ride. Despite some wriggly protests (holiday lawn ornaments were a lil too scary - we got some space), we’ve had no issues with containment. I especially appreciate that with the tension straps she’s supported and will continue to be as she grow.


Rated 4 out of 5 stars
By Stephanie on Nov 16, 2025

Great but could use a few tweaks

I am using this for a 17.5lb JackChi. She isn’t easy to get in but she is agreeable about it. Once in she is happy. I appreciate the waist strap as others I looked

I am using this for a 17.5lb JackChi. She isn’t easy to get in but she is agreeable about it. Once in she is happy. I appreciate the waist strap as others I looked at did not have. But I think it could use two more features to make it perfect. First it needs the top shoulder straps. I am a small frame and I can’t get the pack to sit tight against my back as it leans away from the top of my back. Adjusting the lower straps lifts the hip strap too high, so that is not the answer. Second a place for a strap to carry a leash would be awesome. We tend to use this pack in crowds and let her down as the area clears so carrying a leash is required. Otherwise very happy with the purchase!


Rated 5 out of 5 stars
By Melissa on Nov 23, 2025

Amazing backpack

I was very pleased with how high quality it was (as with most ruffwear products) and loce how ajustable it is. Everyone can use it to carry Kermit. Kermit loves

I was very pleased with how high quality it was (as with most ruffwear products) and loce how ajustable it is. Everyone can use it to carry Kermit. Kermit loves how comfortable and secure he feels.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars
By Leah on Jul 25, 2025

Best doggy backpack ever!

I have gone through a few doggy backpacks to make sure my dog stays cool is comfortable and is safe. This backpack covers all of my concerns as well as is a comfortable

I have gone through a few doggy backpacks to make sure my dog stays cool is comfortable and is safe. This backpack covers all of my concerns as well as is a comfortable backpack for me as well and has all the buckles and bells to make sure I’m carrying my dog properly and not too much strain on my back. I love the hip strap. I think all doggy backpacks should have the hip belt.


Rated 4 out of 5 stars
By Seasnipper on May 23, 2025
Received Free Product

Seems super durable but the fit is a little odd

It will work well for my little dog who is just under 10lbs. She is quite long for her size, so I was mindful of that. The actual backpack itself is good, it feels

It will work well for my little dog who is just under 10lbs. She is quite long for her size, so I was mindful of that. The actual backpack itself is good, it feels really durable and well made. The entire thing is padded and its super adjustable. The only thing that I am confused about is how a dog is supposed to fit all the way down in the pack without it being a little tight for their lower half. For this size at least (smallest size) it seems like the fabric tapers so much that the lower quarter of the pack is a little tight even for my chihuahua mix. If I put a small towel in the bottom of it to prop her up so that she's sitting where there is more fabric, it is not at all a problem.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars
By Ellen on Jul 26, 2025

Very well made and easy to figure out

Buddy is a blind little old man who would crawl inside my skin if he could but he has a hard time keeping up with my other dogs on walks. This backpack is perfect

Buddy is a blind little old man who would crawl inside my skin if he could but he has a hard time keeping up with my other dogs on walks. This backpack is perfect for him. I love the built in harness to keep him safe and strapped in and the straps to go across my chest and waist for comfort. We’ll be using this on a lot of hikes!!


Rated 5 out of 5 stars
By Jenny G on May 23, 2025
Received Free Product

High quality backpack for your pup!

I absolutely love the quality of this backpack. It is sturdy yet light with the right amount of storage options. I haven't had the chance to take it out on the trail

I absolutely love the quality of this backpack. It is sturdy yet light with the right amount of storage options. I haven't had the chance to take it out on the trail yet - I am getting my dog used to it. So far so good. It has a padded breathable back for the human and feels very comfortable. Breathable sides for your pup and a built-in collar to keep them secured. Both hip straps have pockets that my cell phone can fit in along with other smaller items. And, there's another zippered storage area on the bottom that easily holds a water bottle and some snacks. Looking forward to updating this once we go adventure!


Rated 3 out of 5 stars
By Kookie on May 3, 2025
Received Free Product

For smaller dogs, or larger dogs with shorter legs

This is not a product I would buy for my particular animals. Not because I ordered too small a size. If they were still in single digits they would be more bendy

This is not a product I would buy for my particular animals. Not because I ordered too small a size. If they were still in single digits they would be more bendy and able to fit in the correct size. Both my dogs have had ACL surgeries on both back legs. I wouldn’t put them in a confinement like that afraid it would irritate their knees and feel crunched. It probably would work best for smaller dogs or breeds with shorter legs. When I take them shopping, I take them in a double city stroller. They like to stretch out. The back pack seems a bit cramped. It’s just not ideal for my animals


Rated 3 out of 5 stars
By M on Oct 8, 2025

Fits my dog but not the person carrying her

When I get a pack for an xs dog I don't understand why the straps are so small and the torso length is so short.

When I get a pack for an xs dog I don't understand why the straps are so small and the torso length is so short.