Ruffwear Palisades Multi-Day Dog Backpack

The Ruffwear Palisades Pack is widely considered the "gold standard" for multi-day backcountry trips with your dog. Its standout feature is the modular design, which allows you to detach the saddlebags when you reach camp, leaving your dog in a comfortable, high-performance harness for side hikes or lounging.

Here is the breakdown of what makes this pack a go-to for serious hikers:

Key Features

• 2-in-1 Design: The saddlebags attach to a modified Web Master Harness frame. You can quickly clip them off for river crossings or breaks without having to unbuckle the whole harness.

   

• Hydration Included: Comes with two 1-liter collapsible BPA-free bladders that fit into dedicated pockets closer to the dog’s body to stabilize the weight.

   

• Compression System: Internal cross-load compression straps cinch the gear down, preventing "sloshing" or shifting as your dog moves.

   

• Support Handle: A large, padded handle on the back allows you to assist your dog over boulders or difficult trail sections.

   

Sizing & Capacity

When in doubt, Ruffwear recommends sizing down if your dog is between sizes.

Is it right for your trip?

The Palisades is Ruffwear's highest-volume pack. If you are only going for a day hike or a single overnight, it might be overkill compared to the Approach Pack (which is lighter and non-removable).

Pros:

• Maximum storage for food, water, and gear (like a dog sleeping bag).

   

• The removable bags are a game-changer for long-distance treks.

   

• High-visibility reflective trim and light loop for safety.

   

Cons:

• It is one of the heaviest dog packs on the market even when empty.

   

• The high capacity makes it easy to accidentally overload your dog.

   

Pro Tip: Experts recommend that a dog should never carry more than 25% of their body weight, and for most dogs, 10–15% is the "sweet spot" to avoid injury.