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Dog Backpacks · Ruffwear Palisades Pack

Ruffwear Palisades Pack — Research Review

Research Review Compiled from verified sources — not hands-on. Last verified July 30, 2026

By Maya · Gear Research & Sizing Editor

The Ruffwear Palisades Pack is a modular, multi-day backpacking pack and the highest-volume pack in Ruffwear's line, built for dogs joining humans on longer backcountry treks (mfg). Its saddlebags are removable so the harness can be worn on its own, and it combines a padded lift handle, six points of adjustment, and three leash-attachment points — including an anodized aluminum V-ring — with reflective trim and a light loop (mfg). Ruffwear states dogs should carry no more than 25% of their body weight including the pack and its contents, and that dogs new to packs should start with a light load and work up (mfg).

Ruffwear Palisades Pack
Photo: Ruffwear

$149.99

Per pack; price varies by size/retailer

Last checked July 30, 2026 at Ruffwear — source . Price may have changed; confirm at checkout.

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Best suited for

  • Multi-day backpacking (manufacturer positioning)
  • Dogs carrying a real share of group gear
  • Owners who want a removable-saddlebag harness usable on its own

Poor fit for

  • Short day hikes (overkill versus a day pack)
  • Dogs new to carrying a load until they are conditioned

Pros

  • Highest-volume pack in Ruffwear's line, sized XS through L/XL (5 L–21 L) (mfg).
  • Removable saddlebags let the harness be worn on its own (mfg).
  • Six points of adjustment for an optimal fit (mfg).
  • Padded handle for controlled, comfortable lifting (mfg).
  • Three leash-attachment points, including an anodized 6061-T6 aluminum V-ring (mfg).
  • 150D polyester shell is bluesign approved with 40% recycled content (mfg).
  • Reflective trim and a light loop for attaching a safety light (mfg).

Cons

  • The most pack in the line — heavier and higher-capacity than most dogs need for day hikes (mfg sizing).
  • Removable saddlebags and cross-load compression add complexity compared with a simpler day pack (mfg).

Overview

The Ruffwear Palisades Pack is described by Ruffwear as a modular, multi-day backpacking pack — the highest-volume pack in its line — intended for dogs joining humans on longer backcountry treks (mfg).

Design and modularity

The pack’s saddlebags are removable, which allows the harness to be worn on its own for approach hikes or water crossings where you don’t want the load (mfg). The base harness carries low-profile integrated zip pockets, an internal mesh pocket, and external gear loops, with six points of adjustment for fit (mfg).

Harness, handle, and leash points

The Palisades includes a padded handle for controlled lifting and three leash-attachment points: an anodized 6061-T6 aluminum V-ring and a reinforced webbing loop on the back, plus a webbing loop on the chest for redirecting dogs that pull (mfg). Reflective trim and a light loop for attaching a safety light round out the visibility features (mfg).

Sizing and capacity

Ruffwear sizes the pack by dog girth (the widest part of the rib cage) from XS (17–22 in, 5 L) through L/XL (32–42 in, 21 L), with pack weights from 15 oz up to 1 lb 11 oz; between sizes, Ruffwear recommends sizing down (mfg).

Load guidance and limitations

Ruffwear states that dogs should carry no more than 25% of their body weight including the pack and its contents, and that dogs new to carrying a pack should start with a light load and work up (mfg). The Palisades is a load-carrying pack, not a climbing or lift-arrest harness. Some retail listings reference included water bladders; the manufacturer’s product page does not list bladders as included, so confirm what’s in the box with the retailer before relying on them (mfg; amz).

Conclusion

The Palisades Pack is the choice when your dog is joining a multi-day trip and carrying a real share of gear, and you value a harness that works on its own once the saddlebags come off. For shorter hikes or dogs just starting out, a lighter day pack is usually the better fit. The claims above are manufacturer- and retailer-stated; measure your dog’s girth and follow Ruffwear’s load guidance before loading the pack.

Safety considerations

  • Ruffwear states dogs should carry no more than 25% of their body weight, including pack and contents (mfg).
  • Dogs new to packs should start with a light load and work up to a heavier load (mfg).
  • Fit depends on girth (widest part of the rib cage); Ruffwear recommends sizing down when between sizes (mfg).

Verified specifications

Brand
Ruffwear
Model
Palisades Pack
Weight
15 oz (XS) to 1 lb 11 oz (L/XL)
Materials
150D polyester shell (bluesign approved, 40% recycled), Laminated molded bonded mesh and perforated foam chassis, ITW Nexus Airloc side-release buckles, Hypalon saddlebag attachment with aluminum pass-through buckle, Anodized 6061-T6 aluminum V-ring, YKK reverse coil zipper
Sizes
XS — girth 17–22 in (5 L), S — girth 22–27 in (10 L), M — girth 27–32 in (13 L), L/XL — girth 32–42 in (21 L)

Sizing & compatibility

XS — girth 17–22 in (5 L)S — girth 22–27 in (10 L)M — girth 27–32 in (13 L)L/XL — girth 32–42 in (21 L)

Fit depends on your dog's measurements. Measure girth (the widest part of the ribcage) and consult the manufacturer's size chart before buying — a poor fit can cause chafing or let an escape-prone dog back out of the harness.

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Sources & research

Read our research methodology and editorial standards →

Research confidence: 86%