Have a wee adventure pup who may want or need to hitch a ride? Ruffwear have just released a new lightweight, technical dog carrier that is secure & comfortable (for both you & your dog!)
Ruffwear Hitch Hiker Dog Backpack Carrier Size Chart
To find the best size Hitch Hiker Dog Backpack Carrier Pack:
Measure around your dog's girth/chest at the widest point behind their front legs.
If your dog is exactly between sizes, you can use your dog's back length to help determine whether to size up or down. Back length is from the base of their neck, where their collar sits, to the base of their tail.
** Your dog's chest measure is the primary measure to determine size. Only use the back length if they are exactly in-between sizes.
How high or low your dog will sit in the bag will depend on your dog's unique shape.
Have a puppy?
If your dog is still young and has a little more growing to do, you can try holding the tape measure around their chest at the cut-off measure between the sizes (so 43cm or 56cm). This may help you estimate the growth room left in that size.
You could prop them up inside the pack with a soft towel if they are still very little.
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 so you can easily load or unload your pup. Once your pooch is in the pack, the integrated harness will keep them comfortable, secure and facing forward so they can see the trail ahead. Air mesh side panels at the base boost air flow so they don't get too hot.
For the human, there is a external grab handle that helps you lift and shoulder the pack when your dog is in it. Once on your back, the pack has been designed to evenly distribute your dog's weight and there are cinch straps to pull your dog secure & close. The torso length of the pack is also adjustable.
For your comfort, there are padded shoulder pads, a breathable back panel and a supportive hip-belt. Plus pockets on the hip belt allow you to store your essentials like pick-up bags, treats, and most phones. You can also stash a soft flask, packable bowl, or other extras in the external zippered stretch pocket which is at the base of the pack.
Available in 3 sizes based off your dog’s girth measurement, and comfortably accommodates dogs up to 18kg/40 lbs.
The human hip belt fits waists 53-149 cm (21-58").
How to Choose the Best Size Ruffwear Hitch Hiker Dog Backpack Carrier
Available in 3 sizes - Choose primarilybased on the measurement of your dog's girth - which isaround the widest part of their chest.
If your dog is exactly in-between sizes, you can use your dog's back length to help you choose. Back length is from the base of the neck (where the collar sits), along the spine to the base of the tail. Note: Remember the chest measure is the most important!
Size
Dog's Chest Measure
Max Back Length
XXS
33-43cm (13-17")
48cm (19")
XS
43-56cm (17-22")
56cm (22")
S
56-69cm (22-27")
61cm (24")
Learn How to Sit Your Dog in the Hitch Hiker Dog Backpack Carrier
Key Features of Ruffwear Hitch Hiker Dog Backpack Carrier
Built in adjustable harness with cinch straps - keeps your dog secure & comfortable
Dual locking zippers that open wide!- so you can easily load up or unload your pup!
Air mesh side panels - for better breathability, air flow & temperature management
Adjustable, padded shoulder straps, torso length & hip belt - adjust it so it sits comfortably on yourself as well
Zippered hip belt pockets - for essentials & fits most phones
Zippered external stretch pocket on back - ideal to fit a fit soft sided water flasks (up to 500ml)
Reflective trim for better visibility in low-light - plus a light loop to attach a The Beacon (sold separately)
Sizing based on your dog's girth measurement; comfortably accommodates dogs up to 18kg or 40 lbs
Care
Hand wash only with mild detergent. Air dry.
Materials
Shell (bluesign® approved): 150D polyester (40% recycled) ripstop with nonfluorinated DWR and PU coating
The front harness is great for our kelpie. We are enjoying the ease of putting it off and on and the comfort for our regular leash walks. Also great for training and reinforcing no pulling for an active dog
This is the second ruffwear harness we've bought, great for control if your dog pulls while on lead. The service from Canine Spirit was great, received the harness ahead of schedule.
This is a great product! Fits my corgi really well and I find it is very supportive for them. Minimal rubbing behind their legs with my long breed! 10/10 Product
I've been using this bag when trail walking with my two greyhounds and it's fantastic! No smell. I don't have to manage carrying two or more poo bags with two dogs anymore. It's excellent quality and works great!
Fits our samoyed x golden retriever really well, he has quite a deep chest and the coat fits snugly with some room to lengthen the straps if needed. Only had to use it once so far but feels well made and kept him dry.
Carolyn from Canine Spirit was also very helpful with shipping updates and making sure the coat would fit well.
What a handsome boy you have - and the Mineral Yellow colour looks great against his coat. We're happy to read it is doing well for you boy - thanks for shopping with us :)