Review Year
Best in Class
Overall Rating
Price
Name Overall Rating Ratings The Good The Bad Price
Ruff Wear Palisades Pack
90
Load Capacity & Pack... 8
Dog Comfort 8
Load Stability 8
Handle / Leash Attac... 9
Additional Features 9
Value 8

For such a large volume pack, it stays remarkably secure and balanced.

The extra features include removable saddlebags, two collapsible water bottles and a five point harness that can be worn alone

Various pockets to separate gear.

Well-designed compression system.

Coated zippers and reflective piping.

The five-point harness is a little tricky to adjust, but stays secure once done.

Mini clip that connects the saddlebags around the chest strap is finicky and difficult to fasten.

Pack might be too complex a pack, with too many features for some people’s tastes (Ruff Wear does sell a simpler Approach Pack).

MSRP
$130.00
BEST DEAL
Ruffwear SingleTrak Pack
81
Load Capacity & Pack... 8
Dog Comfort 5
Load Stability 9
Handle / Leash Attac... 5
Additional Features 7
Value 7

Streamlined enough for single track and snag-free bushwhacking

Included hydration bladders fit well

Can also be used as a harness for lifting

Sizes accommodate many breeds

Can’t carry much cargo—just water or small loads

Adjustments have a tendency to work themselves loose over the course of a trip

Buckles fill with snow if the dog rolls, becoming difficult to undo

MSRP
BEST DEAL
N/A
REI Ultra Dog Pack
81
Load Capacity & Pack... 7
Dog Comfort 9
Load Stability 5
Handle / Leash Attac... 6
Additional Features 7
Value 7

Sleek, simple design.

Great fit.

Large and small pockets to separate gear.

Internal compression system.

Coated zippers and reflective piping.

Cam lock buckles came “un-cammed” in bushwhacking use.

Top handle scrunches the harness if you grab the loop to lift the dog.

Not as much volume as other packs that were tested.

MSRP
$75.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
Mountainsmith Dog Pack
76
Load Capacity & Pack... 9
Dog Comfort 8
Load Stability 4
Handle / Leash Attac... 5
Additional Features 5
Value 5

Good volume, easy to fit big loads.

Good value.

Large and small pockets to separate gear.

Reflective 3M tape.

Under the body adjustable straps are too close together.

The pack can slide forward...and off with heavy loads.

D-ring is not very beefy if you have an aggressive puller.