Summer is the season for backpacking, camping, and long days on the trail. If your furry trail companion is ready to carry their own gear and you’re wondering which pack to choose, we can help.
We’ll cover some dog backpack basics, do a quick comparison of the pack lineup, dig deeper into each of our packs by their key features and the types of adventures for which they’re designed.
Take a look, and start dreaming about where the trails will take you next.
How much weight can my dog carry in their backpack?
A good rule of thumb to start with keeping total carrying weight (including the pack and its contents) under 25% of your dog’s body weight.
Fitness and breed will affect how much your dog can carry. First-time pack-wearers or senior dogs may want to go lighter. Puppies are encouraged to wait until they're fully grown before carrying any weight. An empty backpack is a great way to get them used to wearing a pack if they're too young to be carrying weight.
How do I get my dog used to wearing a pack?
Try having your dog wear their pack on walks and short hikes. It’ll give both of you the chance to get to know the pack and its features. Plus, you can dial in the fit. Start with an empty pack, then work up to carrying some weight.
Lots of praise, treats, and fun while the pack is on go a long way when a dog is warming up to a pack.
How do I choose a backpack for my dog?
One of the quickest ways to narrow down what type of pack is right for your dog is to start with what activities you plan to have your dog wear it for, and how much space you need to carry the gear you plan to pack.
Pack By Pack: Overview of Ruffwear's Backpacks
Palisades™ Pack
The Palisades Pack puts the deepest of backcountry within reach for you and your dog. Our highest-volume pack, it's designed for multi-day treks with roomy saddlebags that host a cross-load compression system for stable, comfortable gear carry.
The saddlebags attach securely to a breathable harness chassis, and can be removed at camp to lighten the load for side-excursions.
Multiple pockets and an external daisy chain store and organize your dog's trekking necessities like a sleeping system, food, and even two collapsible hydration bladders that come with the pack.
Shop Palisades™ Pack
Approach™ Pack
Roam further with the Approach Pack, a day hiking and light overnight dog pack with excellent performance, fit, and functionality. Radial cut saddlebags – sized right for extending day hikes and venturing into light overnights – create a passive compression system for efficient load carrying over the shoulders.
They rest on an integrated harness with a breathable chassis that enhances comfort and pack stability. With lightweight materials, a streamlined design, and mindful gear organization, the Approach Pack sparks instant motivation for canines seeking deeper exploration on the trail with their human.
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Front Range™ Day Pack
With plenty of internal organization and trail-minded details, this comfortable day pack equips dogs to carry the day's provisions on hikes and frontcountry pursuits.
The Front Range Day Pack incorporates Ruffwear's signature radial cut saddlebags with the customer-favorite Front Range® Harness platform, making it an everyday pack staple in any dog's gear closet. Dogs can help shoulder the load thanks to the integrated padded harness and belly strap that adjust for exceptional fit and pack stability.
The saddlebag geometry creates a passive compression system that is formfitting and supports efficient load carrying. There are three leash attachment options: a V-ring and a tow loop on the back, and a reinforced webbing loop on the chest – great for redirecting dogs that pull when on leash.
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Trail Runner™ Dog Running Vest
You have your favorite running vest – this one’s your dog’s. The Trail Runner™ Running Vest opens up new territory by making it easy and comfortable for your running buddy to carry their no. 1 trail essential: hydration.
Mindful design and material choices keep the vest breathable, balanced, and bounce-free. Two zippered side pockets hold the two included Hydrapak® soft flasks, and you can stash the Trail Runner™ Bowl and pick-up bags in the top zippered pocket. A reinforced webbing tow loop at the rear offers a strong leash attachment point, optimally positioned for dogs that like to take the lead.
Shop Trail Runner™ Running Vest
Do you have questions or feedback about our packs or any other Ruffwear gear? Let us know.