Ruffwear Palisades Dog Backpack Review

Bottom Line

The Ruffwear Palisades is one of our top dog backpacks for multi-day trips, thanks to its spacious saddlebags and dog-first design. We spent several months hiking with our dog through the varied terrain of eastern California, using it everywhere from desert to the alpine, focusing in particular on how it performed in the backpacking context. 

The pack incorporates several elements that provide a supportive fit for dogs of all sizes. Though some dogs’ bodies won’t be a perfect match for the cut of the Palisades- we experienced some pack shifting on our narrow-waisted dog- six points of adjustability make it easy to tailor the Palisades to your dog’s specifications. 

The pack prioritizes comfort, using well-ventilated, breathable foam for the body of the harness and a saddlebag design that keeps weight centered over the dog’s shoulders. The high-volume pockets provide more than enough room for the food, water, and accessories your dog might need for several days in the backcountry. The only downside to this generous capacity is that you’ll have to be careful to not overload your pup. 

The Palisades comes at a steeper price than many other options on our lineup of favorite dog backpacks, but its durable build and thoughtful design are made to last for years of hiking, even when worn by the most zoomie pups. The pack has a modular build with detachable saddlebags, which allows the harness to be used separately for day hikes and shorter outings. No matter the trip length, the Palisades is a functional, multi-purpose option, but for those looking to bring their dog deeper into the backcountry and for longer, it is a top recommendation. 

How We Tested

Applying her experience working with an off-leash dog hiking company, gear analyst Marion Tucker researched dozens of dog backpacks before finally putting the standout products to the test with her own husky-collie mix, hiking the trails of California’s Eastern Sierra.

For several months, she observed how her pup handled the pack and how the pack handled conditions varying from rocky alpine scrambles to dry desert environs.

Fit & Comfort

Ruffwear designed the Palisades with all dogs in mind. The pack is available in four different sizes- XS, S, M, and L/XL- which span 17-42 inches of chest girth. Though these sizing options are typical for Ruffwear products, they offer a wider range than other brands, making the Palisades more accommodating for a variety of dogs. 

The Palisades has 6 adjustment points: two at the chest and four wrapping underneath the belly. The belly straps have plastic buckles that clip together for straightforward attachment, as well as additional buckles to adjust the straps’ tightness. The portion of the pack that goes around the chest doesn’t unclip, but slides easily over the dog’s head once belly clips are undone. Buckles on each side of the chest straps allow tightness to be adjusted. All of the straps’ loose ends tuck into the harness, keeping them out of the way and preventing them from dragging on the ground. We found this a particularly helpful aspect with our dog, whose tendency to wander off-leash kept him from getting snagged on brush. 

With this multi-point adjustment system, the Palisades offers an incredible range of adjustability, making it easy to size the pack to your dog’s specific shape. Our dog’s waist narrows towards his butt, and we did find that the rear set of belly straps couldn’t quite tighten as much as we’d like. It was difficult to cinch the straps to the necessary tightness to keep the pack in place, which contributed to some side-to-side shifting while he was wearing it. Certain body types might encounter limitations, but for the most part, the Palisades is a highly adjustable option that accommodates a variety of dog sizes.

Although we did see some shifting with the Palisades, our dog didn’t experience hot spots or chafing while wearing it. The harness component of the Palisades is made of breathable, lightweight EVA perforated foam, making it easier and more comfortable to wear over long distances. 

Ruffwear also incorporates “flopper stoppers” into the design of the saddlebags. Webbing loops with snap closures mount the saddlebags in place and prevent them from flopping around while the dog is in motion. This element streamlines the pack and minimizes movement, helping it remain balanced and secure on the dog’s body.

Weight Distribution & Capacity

The Palisades is built for multi-day treks and is Ruffwear’s highest volume pack. The design features two spacious pockets with a capacity of 5 to 21 liters, depending on the pack size. Our dog wore a medium, which has a volume of 13L. The saddlebags had plenty of room for food, water, and accessories. There’s space to fit an entire water bottle in the pack pocket, if water carry is necessary. 

The biggest issue with the size of the Palisades’ pockets is the danger of overloading the pack. It’s not recommended that dogs carry over 25% of their body weight, including the weight of the pack itself. The spaciousness of the pockets means you’ll have to double-check that you’re not accidentally overloading the pack. 

The saddlebags have a radial shape that centers gear over the dog’s shoulders- a point on their body that’s better equipped to handle more weight. Each pocket has a mesh interior pouch for organizing items and allows heavier items to be stowed closer to the dog’s body. 

The top of the pack is also fairly wide, which enables it to sit securely over the dog’s back, covering more surface area for extra stability. We did notice some shifting with the Palisades, but some of this issue could have been mitigated with a better distribution of weight.  

One of our favorite elements of the Palisades is its modular design. The saddlebags are removable, allowing you to use the harness independently. For day hikes or shorter trips, it’s handy to shed the extra weight while still retaining the harness’s practical and safety features. 

The harness also has two low-profile pockets for additional storage. Though they’re much slimmer than the saddlebags, they have the perfect amount of space for small snacks, accessories, and poop bags. We love that this design gives the Palisades a dual function, enhancing its versatility for everything from days of backpacking to an afternoon out.

Durability

Ruffwear uses high-quality materials in the construction of the Palisades, proving it a durable choice for the toughest trail conditions and capable of resisting wear and tear. Our dog wore the Palisades hiking amidst prickly desert plants and scrambling over granite talus. Even when bumping up against rough textures and careening through spiny brush, there were no tears or rips in the pack. 

150-denier polyester is used for the main body of the pack. This tough, burly fabric is built to be rugged. It’s tear-resistant, water-resistant, and incredibly durable. Ruffwear also incorporates anodized aluminum for a leash attachment point and aluminum buckles for the saddlebag mounting. The use of metal adds extra strength and security to these points, which endure heavy movement and strain. 

The worst the pack sustained in our testing was some minor dirt stains, which easily washed out with soap. Ruffwear states that the Palisades needs to be hand-washed with mild detergent and air-dried. As long as a gentle hand is used, we wouldn’t anticipate the pack to experience any degradation with multiple washings.

Ease of Use

The Palisades has an intuitive design that’s easy to use right out of the box. The belly straps on the pack attach with basic clips, and all the straps have buckles for adjusting tightness. The nylon straps slide smoothly through the buckles, making the adjustment process quick. We were able to get the pack on our dog and fitted to his body in about a minute. Dialing in the fit was simple, and the straightforward adjustment method was easy to figure out. 

We had no issues retrieving the contents of the saddlebags once our dog was wearing the pack. The bags offer easy access via a single zipper running the length of the pocket. The wide mouth opening makes it convenient to reach in and grab whatever’s needed without needing to slow your dog’s pace significantly. 

The trickiest aspect of the Palisades is removing the saddlebags to use the harness independently. Small aluminum buckles mount the saddlebags to the top of the harness. These buckles slide through small slits to detach the saddlebags. It’s somewhat tricky to navigate the buckles through the slits and requires a bit of finger dexterity, but the narrowness of the slits ensures that the saddlebags stay secure and movement-free when attached. 

Safety Features

When hiking with our dog off-leash, the bright color popped in contrast to both forest greenery and sandy desert landscapes. Though it’s not high-vis, we appreciate having a brighter color choice that helps us keep an eye on our dog and gives other hikers a visual heads up when approaching. 

A thin reflective trim runs across each pocket of the saddlebags and around the strap adjustment points on the chest harness. The trim on the pockets is clear and unobstructed, providing a useful reflective glow when walking in lowlight conditions. The harness strips are more minimal and less practical – we’d prefer something more obvious or larger, particularly when using the harness sans saddlebags. 

Ruffwear uses a metal D-ring for the primary leash attachment on the Palisades. It’s sewn onto the harness with a sturdy piece of webbing and reinforced stitching. The ring proved resistant to the sharp tugging of our 55ish pound dog, remaining strong and secure. There are also two other points for attaching a leash, at the chest and rear of the pack. Both are reinforced webbing loops that aren’t as bulletproof as the metal D-ring but are still very strong. 

The pack’s top handle continues in this vein and is attached securely with extra-reinforced stitching designed to withstand sudden movement. It provides a good grip in the hand and makes it easy to grab in case your dog needs to be lifted or restrained by hand. 

It’s not included, but the top handle also has a loop for mounting a light for added visibility when hiking in dimmer conditions. Ruffwear sells the Beacon light, which is specifically designed for their products.

Weather Resistance

The lightweight materials used in the Palisades make it well-suited for tackling warmer temperatures. The foam harness is dotted with vent holes and covered with a thin and breathable mesh. The top of the pack also has a hole around the handle with an additional vent for added breathability. These thoughtful design elements help prevent overheating and give the Palisades an edge over other packs for application in hot conditions. 

The Palisades is made with a fabric that is water-resistant, but not fully waterproof. It can withstand some wetness, but prolonged exposure to rain or damp conditions will eventually threaten the dryness of any items stowed in the saddlebags. If inclement weather is in the forecast, it’s recommended to use drybags. 

Should You Buy the Ruffwear Palisades Dog Backpack?

Ruffwear Palisades is the perfect dog backpack for those who don’t want to leave their dog behind on their next backpacking trip. This high-volume pack offers ample storage space for everything your dog might need to travel into the backcountry for several days. The multi-point adjustment system accommodates a range of dog breeds and sizes, and the use of breathable foam keeps the pack fitting comfortably for hours on the trail. 

The Palisades is less budget-friendly than other packs on the market, and its size might prove overkill if you’re primarily taking your dog on day hikes. 

However, the Palisades’ dual-purpose design with removable saddlebags allows the harness to be used on its own when your dog doesn’t need the extra storage space. This 2-in-1 design adds value to the pack and gives it an edge in terms of functionality.

For backpackers willing to spend a little extra money, the Ruffwear Palisades is a durable, high-quality pack that’s perfect for longer trips and offers practical solutions for shorter excursions.

What Other Dog Backpacks Should You Consider?

For a full breakdown of our favorite dog backpacks and tips and tricks for finding the best option for your pup, check out our full gear guide to the best dog backpacks. And explore these specific choices similar to the Palisades: 

Alphapak Adventurer Review: One of the top-performing dog backpacks available, the Alphapak is another high-capacity option that’s perfect for multi-day backpacking trips. Similar to the Palisades, the Adventurer offers roomy storage, a comfortable fit, and removable saddlebags, but all at a fraction of the cost. 

Non-Stop Dogwear Trail Quest Pack Review: Like the Palisades, the Trail Quest features spacious pockets perfect for storing everything your dog needs for longer adventures. It offers even more volume and has 6 points of adjustability and versatile sizing that make it easy to fit a range of dog types.  

Ruffwear Approach Review: If you want the excellent quality and durability of Ruffwear products but are looking to save a few bucks, the Approach is a cheaper alternative to the Palisades that’s burly and features saddlebags for longer trips.