Ruffwear Palisades Dog Pack

We’ve read the reviews across the web for the Ruffwear Palisades Dog Pack and summarize the results below:

Universal Ranking

PeakScore: 92 (out of 100)
User Rating: 4.6 stars 
Expert Rating: 4.6 stars

Number of Ratings Reviewed: 101

Pros & Cons

Reasons to buy:

User Reviews

  • Fits well, is adjustable, and compression straps allow you to distribute the load evenly.
  • Water bladders are a convenient feature.
  • Saddle bags can be easily removed from the harness, making it easy and safe for your dog to swim or hop back into the car, or for you to carry the weight on rocky ridges if necessary.
  • Handle makes it easy to carry or hold onto your dog on tricky spots on the trail.
  • Easy to put onto your dog and adjust.

Expert Reviews

  • Design ensures even weight distribution and load stability.
  • Six pockets and eight gear loops allow you to organize gear and food, and clip items on top of the packet.
  • Dries quickly.
  • Versatile: you can use the harness on its own for short hikes or walks.

Reasons NOT to buy:

User Reviews

  • Some dogs experienced chafing and abrasions under the “armpits”.
  • Clasps are a little finicky.
  • Be careful not to overload your dog.
  • Expensive.

Expert Reviews

  • Pricey, but well-made.
  • Straps need padding so they do not cause chafing.
  • Pack may be more complicated than necessary, and it is tricky to clip the bottom of the saddlebags to the harness.

Summary:

The Ruffwear Palisades Dog Pack is designed for your buddy to carry his or her own weight on a multi-day backpacking trip. One of the best features of this dog pack is that the saddle bags can be removed from the harness, making it easy to take the load off at rest stops while still being able to leash your dog. Internal compression straps allow you to cinch the load as it changes over your trip, and the pack comes with two collapsible water bladders. Dogs seem to love (or at least not mind) wearing it. Just be careful not to overload your buddy, and to balance the load.

Multimedia:

Note: User and expert rankings were reviewed across the web. Some expert reviews include these: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.