Ruffwear Palisades Dog Backpack Review: Pack Gear for Long Hikes

When you and your dog hit the trail for a day hike, a lightweight pack can carry water, treats, and waste bags. But for multi-day adventures or gear-intensive trips, you need a serious pack that balances capacity, comfort, and durability. Enter the Ruffwear Palisades Dog Backpack — a rugged, dual-saddlebag pack designed for dogs who carry their own load on long hikes.

In this review, we’ll break down the Palisades’ design, fit, storage, and real-world performance. We’ll also compare it to other Ruffwear packs and highlight how it integrates with accessories like the Switchbak Dog Harness for added versatility.

Design and Construction: Built for the Long Haul

The Ruffwear Palisades features two removable saddlebags that attach to a padded harness base. The harness itself has a padded chest and belly panel for comfort, plus a sturdy handle for lifting your dog over obstacles. The saddlebags are made from tough 420-denier ripstop nylon, which resists tears and abrasions from brush and rocks. Each bag has a main compartment and a smaller front pocket for organizing gear like collapsible bowls or a first-aid kit.

The pack also includes reflective trim for low-light visibility and a loop for attaching a light or beacon. The saddlebags are secured with quick-release buckles and can be removed to convert the Palisades into a lightweight harness for shorter hikes or around camp. This modularity is a key advantage over fixed-pack designs.

• Removable saddlebags for modular use
• Padded harness base with handle
• Reflective trim for safety
• 420-denier ripstop nylon construction

Fit and Sizing: Getting the Right Fit

Proper fit is crucial for any dog pack to prevent chafing and ensure even weight distribution. The Palisades comes in five sizes (XXS to XL) based on girth measurements. Ruffwear provides a detailed sizing guide, and we recommend measuring your dog’s chest circumference at the widest point. The harness has four adjustment points on the chest and belly straps, allowing a custom fit for deep-chested or barrel-chested breeds.

We tested the Palisades on a 55-pound Australian Shepherd with a deep chest. After adjusting the straps, the pack sat snugly without shifting during jogging or climbing. The padded chest plate distributed weight well, and the handle made it easy to assist the dog on steep sections. For dogs with longer backs, the Palisades’ frame may be shorter than some competitors, but the adjustable straps compensate well.

• Measure girth, not weight, for sizing
• Four adjustment points for custom fit
• Padded chest and belly panels
• Handle for lifting assistance

Storage Capacity and Organization: What Fits Inside

The Palisades saddlebags offer a combined capacity of about 10 liters (depending on size). This is enough for a day’s worth of water, food, waste bags, and a light layer. The main compartment can hold a 1-liter water bottle on each side, while the front pockets are perfect for smaller items like keys, treats, or a GPS tracker. The bags are not waterproof, but they have a water-resistant coating that sheds light rain. For wet conditions, we recommend using dry bags inside.

One standout feature is the included hydration system compatibility. The Palisades has a sleeve for a water reservoir (sold separately) and a port for the drinking tube, allowing your dog to drink hands-free on the trail. This is a game-changer for long hikes where frequent stops for water can slow progress.

• ~10 liters combined capacity
• Hydration reservoir sleeve and tube port
• Water-resistant coating (not waterproof)
• Front pockets for small items

On-Trail Performance: Comfort and Stability

We took the Palisades on a 12-mile hike with varied terrain: rocky climbs, muddy descents, and forest trails. The pack stayed stable even when the dog trotted or scrambled over boulders. The harness’s padded panels prevented rubbing, and the breathable mesh lining minimized heat buildup. The handle was invaluable for helping the dog up steep steps and over fallen logs.

The saddlebags’ low-profile design kept the load close to the dog’s center of gravity, reducing sway. However, we recommend keeping the total weight under 10-12% of your dog’s body weight to avoid fatigue. For reference, our 55-pound dog carried about 5 pounds (2.3 kg) comfortably. The pack also pairs well with the Guide Dog Leash for hands-free walking when the dog is carrying gear.

• Stable on all terrains
• Breathable mesh lining
• Low-profile load distribution
• Pairs with hands-free leash

Comparison to Other Ruffwear Packs

Ruffwear offers several packs, each with a different focus. The Switchbak Dog Harness is a minimalist day pack with a single pocket for light loads, ideal for short hikes or trail runs. The Palisades, on the other hand, is built for longer trips with its dual saddlebags and hydration compatibility. The Web Master Dog Harness with Handle is a harness-only option without storage, but it offers excellent control for climbing or working dogs.

If you need a pack for weekend backpacking trips, the Palisades is the clear choice. For daily walks or short hikes, the Switchbak may be more convenient. The Palisades’ removable saddlebags also make it more versatile than fixed-pack designs.

• Palisades: multi-day, high capacity
• Switchbak: lightweight, single pocket
• Web Master: no storage, maximum control

The Ruffwear Palisades Dog Backpack is a top-tier choice for hikers who want their dog to carry gear on extended trips. Its durable construction, comfortable fit, and smart features like hydration compatibility make it a reliable partner on the trail. For a versatile pack that grows with your adventures, check out the Palisades and pair it with a Ruffwear Switchbak Dog Harness for shorter outings.