Dog Backpack Carrier with Secure Harness System

As someone who enjoys getting out and exploring with Aziza, my Pembroke Welsh Corgi, I've learned that those short little legs aren't always built for extended adventures. The Ruffwear Hitch Hiker has become an essential piece of gear for our outings when she needs a break or we encounter terrain that's just too challenging for her stature. The build quality is immediately apparent. Ruffwear clearly designed this with durability in mind. The polyester construction feels robust without being overly heavy, and the EVA foam padding distributes weight comfortably across my shoulders and back. The breathable mesh panels are a thoughtful touch, keeping Ziza cool even when she's catching her breath after an enthusiastic play session. What I appreciate most is how this carrier balances functionality with comfort for both of us. Getting Aziza in and out is straightforward once you've done it a couple times, and she seems content once settled (no anxious squirming or attempts to escape). The ventilation works as advertised, which matters when you're carrying a furry friend in the Midwest heat. While it's certainly an investment piece, the engineering and materials justify the price point. For anyone with a small dog who loves the outdoors but occasionally needs a lift, the Hitch Hiker delivers exactly what it promises: a hands-free solution that doesn't compromise on quality or pet comfort.

Love this backpack, my beagle had been having some health issues and can't walk far at the moment. But I still have other dogs to walk and he hates being left behind. So this is perfect compromise. He can walk for what he feels up to and then be carried the rest of the way!

I always thought my mini schnauzer would be too wiggly to sit still in a carrier, but Ruffwear clearly knows what they’re doing. I picked up the X-Small for my 16lb pup and it’s a snug-but-secure fit—like the doggy version of a weighted blanket. She nestled right in and rode door-to-door for a 5+ hour travel day, including 2 hours on a plane, without protest. That alone makes this thing worth every penny. From the human side: carrying it is surprisingly comfortable. The hip belt and padded straps actually distribute the weight so you’re not hunched like Quasimodo after 20 minutes. Pockets are well thought-out, the zippers glide, and the breathable mesh keeps it from turning into a dog sauna mid-journey. Ruffwear gear always has that “will last forever” vibe, and this pack feels no different. If I could change one thing, I’d size it up just slightly—she fits, but a little extra wiggle room wouldn’t hurt. Still, she seemed secure and content, which is half the battle with dog carriers. Bottom line: Ruffwear nailed the balance between pet comfort and human ergonomics. Live with the peace of mind that your dog isn’t plotting escape, laff at the sight of their little face peeking out of a hiking pack, and lurv that travel days suddenly got a whole lot easier.

The backpack fit my dog and was comfortable for me to wear. However, none of the colors in the item photos are accurate. It looks like they paid somebody to design these really cool backpacks and by the time I got to production, just went with whatever was cheaper. I ordered what was supposed to be the basalt color. In reality it’s more of a cool gray with contrasting zippers and straps. The red clay one is just red and the river rock green is light blue. I hope they start manufacturing them in the same way they are in the item photo.

Got this backpack to try out with all our pups. We have two senior chihuahuas, a corgi pup and a young shorkie. I will start by saying it's a great dog backpack but make sure you are getting the right size for your dog. The backpack is great quality just like every Ruffwear product we have for our dogs. I think it will hold up great and last many years. It's comfortable to wear and fits me and my husband, but my husband is taller and does need to let the straps out a bit more than me. This will work for hikes, bike rides, adventures in our woods in the winter when we are preparing for maple season. It's not something we will need often but will be very handy when we do and as our dogs get older and are not so full of energy. The pockets are good storing some food/snacks, dog waste bags and a collapsible bowl for drinks. I got the small thinking it would be a good size for our shorkie and corgi but did not expect it would fit our chihuahuas and I was right. I would say the small is prefect for dogs 15-20lbs. Our shorkie is around 16lbs and he fit in it the best, he's our biggest dog. The corgi is a little smaller but long and catchign up fast, she fits pretty good but being a puppy still she was a bit wiggly when we tried her in it. Our shorkie is only 1.5 but he loved it. When we put him down on the floor and opened it up so he could get out he just sat there not wanting to get out. I took it out to try my 10lb chihuahua in it another day and my shorkie got excited thinking he was getting a ride. I didn't bother trying my 5lb dog since the 10lb dog got lost in it. He did sit very well in it though so if it was his size I have no doubt he would love it. Being 15 and 14 my chihuahuas will sit in anything if it means they are gonna get a ride. lol They are not adventurous dogs though unlike our shorkie who wants to go everywhere and anywhere. This backpack will come in handy if the pups need a rest on a hike or are causing mischief and need to be roped in for a little bit or for when our shorkie needs to be forced to take a break because he doesn't know when to slow down and take a breather and a drink.