Ruffwear Palisades Dog Backpack Review: Ready for Epic Hikes Together?
We recently took the Palisades dog backpack out for a long weekend hike with our pup. We’ve tried several dog backpacks over the years, and this one was a winner. It might just be our new go-to pack.
Having our dog carry her gear meant less bulk for us. She’s a working breed and loves having a job on the trail.
What really stood out was how stable and comfortable the pack felt on her, even as we scrambled over rough sections or crossed streams. We liked that the saddlebags could be taken off quickly whenever we stopped to rest.
The included water bladders were super handy. The pack did get a bit bulky when fully loaded, so we’d suggest that it’s best for bigger or more active dogs.
Overview: Ruffwear, Palisades Dog Backpack
The Palisades pack made everything feel a lot more organized. There are a couple of different zipper pockets to keep stuff separated and easy to find. The saddlebags gave us space for food, treats, and water, which freed up room in our backpacks.
It was easy to remove the packs once we got to camp. The fit was easy to adjust and seemed comfortable for our dog on longer hikes.
The padded handle was nice, too, because there were a couple of tricky spots where we had to help our pup over rocks.
On the downside, it’s a bit pricey, but the sturdy build and thoughtful features made us feel it was worth it. We have several other Ruffwear products, and they’re all well built.
It would be nice if other color options were available. But we’re loving this pack and the red looks great on our pup.
Key Features
Flexible, Breathable Construction
We noticed how well the backpack moves with our dog, no matter the trail. The material feels light and flexible, so she didn’t overheat or get weighed down.
Even after hours outside, the pack didn’t cause any rubbing or hot spots. If your dog has a lot of fur (like ours), you’ll want to check for trapped dirt, as stuff can get caught around the straps on muddy hikes.
Removable Saddlebags With Secure Hardware
The best part for us is how easy it is to take off the saddlebags when our dogs need a break. They clip on firmly, and the aluminum hardware keeps everything snug.
There’s no worrying about bags slipping or shifting, even if our dogs are running or jumping. It takes only a few seconds to remove the bags, which makes relaxing at camp much simpler.
If you have a squirmy pup, getting the saddlebag lined up can require a bit of patience, the first few tries. But after a couple of attempts, it gets easier.
Integrated Hydration Bladders
Staying hydrated on the go is a huge deal for us and our dogs. We found the included bladders are easy to fill, pack, and use, and they fit neatly inside the saddlebag and don’t leak.
Since they’re collapsible, we don’t have to carry extra bottles. There’s no weird smell or taste, either, which is nice.
They do take up space in the bag, so we needed to go light on her other gear.
Supportive Lifting Handle and Harness
Sometimes we have to help our dogs over rocks or logs, and the padded handle makes that comfortable for both of us. There’s real support under the belly, and the harness doesn’t dig in.
We liked that the fit could be adjusted in five different spots, so it works for lean or stocky dogs. If your dog is a real puller on the leash, you might want to double-check the fit before you head out.
Reflective Trim and Leash Attachment Points
For early mornings or evenings, the reflective trim is a detail we’re grateful for. It catches any bit of light, so we feel a bit safer walking near roads or in the woods.
Both leash attachment points (the sturdy V-ring and reinforced fabric loop) are easy to reach. We can switch between using a short leash or a longer lead without fuss.
| Good For | Not Ideal For |
|---|---|
| Dogs who like to hike all day | Dogs who pull very hard |
| Multi-day trips | Extra heavy packers |
| Campsite downtime | Wet, muddy trails (needs some cleaning) |
Pros and Cons
Trying out this dog backpack on a hiking trip gave us a pretty honest look at what it does right and where it could be better. Here’s what we found after testing it with our German Shepherd.
Pros
- Feels Strong and Secure
We noticed how sturdy everything felt, especially with the way the saddlebags clip on. Even on rough trails, nothing got loose or wobbled around. - Roomy and Easy to Adjust
There’s plenty of space for our dog’s food, jacket, and even enough treats for a long hike. The harness has a bunch of adjustment points, so we could dial in the right fit without too much fuss. - Handy Features
Those little details like the padded handle (perfect for helping our pup scramble over rocks) and the collapsible water bladders, are seriously useful for longer trips. We liked the stash pockets and loops for extra gear , too. - Detachable Saddlebags
Being able to remove the bags and leave the harness on was a nice touch when hanging out at camp. - Durability
After a few muddy crossings and a lot of up-and-down trails, everything stayed dry and showed almost no wear.
Cons
- Pricey
This backpack isn’t cheap. We felt the pinch in our wallets and wished there were more color options for the price. - Saddlebag Bulk
When fully loaded, the saddlebags can feel bulky, especially for smaller dogs or on tighter paths. Our pup handled it just fine, but some dogs might find it awkward until they get used to it. - Sizing Can Be Tricky
Getting the right fit took us a couple of tries, so it’s super important to measure your dog carefully before ordering. - Water Bladders Aren’t for Everyone
They’re handy but do create extra bulk in the pack.
Designed for multiday treks, the Ruffwear Palisades dog pack features removable saddlebags, multiple pockets and an external daisy chain for storing and organizing your dog's trekking necessities.
Customer Reviews
When we took this pack out for a long weekend, other hikers kept asking us about it. The feedback we saw matches what we felt: it’s really sturdy and fits our dogs comfortably.
Before purchasing, we did a bunch of research, and here’s what others had to say.
Most people seem pretty happy that it adjusts so well, especially for bigger or active pups. One thing we noticed, and several reviewers mentioned, is that it takes a little time to get the fit just right.
The removable saddlebags are handy, users say they hold up even with lots of trail use, and our own dog didn’t seem bothered by them.
We did see a few folks disappointed about the price, which is understandable.
For us, the quality, extra storage, and comfort outweighed those gripes, but it’s worth knowing before you buy.
Getting the Most Out of Your Palisades Pack
When we first clipped the Palisades on our dog, it took a little time for her to get used to the feel. She’s used to wearing backpacks, though, and adjusted pretty quickly. It helped to start with just the harness before loading up the pockets for longer hikes.
The pack has five points of adjustment, so while it did take some tweaking, we got the fit just right after a few minutes. We made sure the straps were snug but not too tight.
The water bladders smelled a bit plasticky at first. They’re super easy to fill, we just rinsed them out a few times and the new-plastic smell went away.
The detachable saddlebags are super handy, especially when we stop to rest. One tip: balance the weight on both sides so our pup isn’t lopsided.
Having those extra stash pockets really makes a difference. Especially for different trip lenghts.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve spent plenty of trail time with the Palisades, so we wanted to share our honest answers to questions we wondered about before trying it ourselves.
How well does the Ruffwear Palisades hold up on long hikes with my pup?
We’ve taken it out for day trips and a multi-day trek, and the build quality stood up to rocks, mud, and river crossings. The materials feel tough, and we noticed very little wear even after some serious adventures.
Heavier loads can make it shift more if we don’t balance both sides. But as long as we double-check the load before setting off, the pack stays put, and our dog seems comfortable the whole way.
Can you tell me about the fit and comfort level for dogs wearing the Ruffwear Palisades?
Fit was something we worried about, but thanks to all the adjustment points, we got it dialed in. Our pup was able to move, run, and even lie down for a mid-hike nap without any chafing or rubbing.
The padded straps and the breathable body helped, especially when we did longer hikes. If there’s a downside, it’s that the fit can take a bit of fiddling the first time, so plan for some extra minutes before your first big outing.
What are the weight and packing capacity like for this backpack?
We can fit all the basics: food for a couple of days, treats, a little raincoat, and those collapsible water bladders. It’s surprisingly roomy but doesn’t feel bulky at all.
Our German Shepherd hauls her own stuff, and the weight feels pretty balanced on her.
Quick Packing Tips:
- Stash the heaviest gear close to your dog’s body.
- Try to keep the total weight between 10–15% of your pup’s body weight.
- The external gear loops make it easy to grab things you need fast.
Have you noticed if the Ruffwear Palisades stays secure on active dogs during trail runs or when they’re playing?
We haven’t had any trouble with the harness or saddlebags staying put. Our pup is very active and the the pack hasn’t slipped or popped off yet.
Tightening the side straps makes a big difference, less bouncing, especially if the pack isn’t stuffed full. If your dog’s a wild one, it’s worth checking the fit now and then while you’re out there.
Are there any tips for ensuring a proper fit when using the Ruffwear Palisades for the first time?
Here’s what we’ve learned:
- Measure your dog and double-check Ruffwear’s sizing chart.
- Start with just the harness, snug but not squeezing.
- Clip on the saddlebags while your dog’s standing still.
- Adjust all the straps bit by bit, watching how your pup moves.
- Take a short local walk first, just to dial in the fit before you hit a big trail.
Treats and a little patience go a long way when your dog’s getting used to the backpack.
What’s the best way to clean and maintain the Ruffwear Palisades backpack after a muddy adventure?
We usually hand-wash ours with gentle soap and warm water. Taking the saddlebags off makes it way easier to get at all the muddy spots.
After that, we hang everything up and let it air dry overnight. By morning, it’s ready for action again.
- Pro tip: Always check the zippers and buckles for dirt or little bits of debris before you stash it away.
- Avoid hot water or machine drying—that stuff can mess up the fabric faster than you’d think.
- If the bladders get grimy, just rinse them out and let them dry out completely before packing them away.
