Having found that there's no way I can cram enough dog kibble for a planned 9-day trip into Hysson's current doggie pack, I started investigating options for a new pack. I wanted a pack that would detach from the harness. The only option for this other than Hysson's current pack (Kelty Sherpa, predecessor of the Chuckwagon) is the Ruffwear Palisades II. This is a larger capacity pack (capacity for medium size 1120 cu. in.). It also contains water bladders on each side (against the dog's body). Great, I thought, finally a use for the REI 20% off coupon! However, REI didn't even have it listed. The Ruffwear site showed it out of stock in both medium and large (Hysson is borderline between the two). I checked a couple other sites (also out of stock) and found out there is a new model coming out April 2.

I finally sent an email to Ruffwear. The good news is that I found out that Hysson should have a medium (the large size being made for St. Bernards and Newfies and such). The bad news is that the new version of the Palisades will be much smaller--the medium has the same capacity as Hysson's current pack. Here's the quote:

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1) The capacity does not include the water bladders, as they are removable. The new packs are slightly smaller in an effort to streamline the pack and discourage overfilling. The capacities are as follows:

Small: 610 cubic inches
Medium: 793 cubic inches
Large: 1,098 cubic inches
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I went onto Google and, after some searching, found that the Backcountry.com Outlet still had Hysson's size of the older version in stock. I ordered it this noon and it has already been shipped. 30% off regular price and free shipping.

I present this bargain (and the last chance to get a large-capacity pack that will detach from its harness) for anyone who needs such a pack for their dog. Here's the url.

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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.--E.Abbey

Hi Grannyhiker,

I, too, settled on the Ruffwear Palisades II pack for my dog (australian cattle dog ~35lbs, purchased a small). I searched for a long time (my dog patiently suffered through trying on many, many different brands) before finally settling on this particular pack. I believe the harness on this pack distributes weight better than any of the other models available. One feature I really love is what the company refers to as a 'relocated assistance handle'. Snazzy, techy, term but I love it.

Looking forward to hearing about your & Hysson's experience with this pack.

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Trailrunner

Hello All,

  Here is a link to the new Palisades pack that we are testing at Backpackgeartest.org

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Animal%20Companion%20Gear/Dog%20Packs/Ruff%20Wear%20Palisades%20Pack/

Jason B

 

 

Granny, I too moticed that REI was phasing out of their current Ruffwear packs. So I hurried up and bought Hoban an Approach pack.

That and the Palisades packs are on closeout on the REI Outlet site. They have a medium Palisades still.

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"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."
- Will Rogers

Yes, if you want the older version of the Ruffwear packs, which have more capacity than the new, check the various gear outlets. REI, backcountry.com, altrec.com, etc. You can try googling, but make sure you're getting the older version, not the new.

Paul, did you ever introduce Hoban on this site? I know you had some pics on Backpacking Light [EDIT--oops, that was The Lightweight Backpacker, not BPL] but I don't remember seeing any here. Maybe I should find and bump up my doggie hiking buddy thread from last year--we have lots of new members and new dogs!

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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.--E.Abbey

The hiking buddy thread idea is great! 

I just ordered the palisades II in medium for Thor.  His Wenaha is getting pretty beat up, and the velcro doesn't stick very well anymore.  We always had our eye on the palisades, but $90-ish is a bit steap.  $57 is much better.  I'm glad we picked it up the older version before they are all gone. 

 

I just found the "4-Footed Hiking Buddy" (not all of them are canine) thread from a year ago and bumped it up. Those of us who have already introduced our friends won't have to do it over again. Newer members or older members with new friends, please introduce them on that thread!

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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.--E.Abbey