At a Glance: Editor’s Rating ⭐ 4.8/5
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Warmth | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Durability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Weather Resistance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Packability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Best For: Cold-weather car camping, fall adventures, and dogs who love cozy warmth
Price: Premium (Check current price on Amazon)
Availability: Currently out of stock on Amazon—check Ruffwear.com or set restock alert
Quick Verdict
The Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag is the gold standard for canine camping comfort. After 15+ nights of testing across mountain forests, lakeside campgrounds, and chilly fall weekends, we can confidently say this is the warmest, most durable sleeping bag we’ve tested for dogs.
As we emphasize in our Camp Gear For Dogs: Ultimate 2026 Checklist, “a sleep system is non-negotiable”—and this bag delivers exactly that.
The bottom line: If you car camp in cold weather and want your dog to sleep as comfortably as you do, this is worth every penny. Yes, it’s bulky for backpacking and the pad is sold separately—but for warmth and durability, nothing beats it.
Product Overview
| Specification | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (Unpacked) | 25.2″ L x 33.5″ W | 28.3″ L x 43.3″ W |
| Dimensions (Packed) | Compresses to 10″ x 6″ | Compresses to 12″ x 7″ |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs (0.73 kg) | 2.3 lbs (1.04 kg) |
| Recommended Dog Size | 30-50 lbs | 50-80 lbs |
| Dog Examples | Border Collie, Beagle | Labrador, German Shepherd |
| Temperature Rating | Comfort rated to 40°F / 4°C | Comfort rated to 40°F / 4°C |
| Color Options | Huckleberry Blue, Sage Green, Rust Brown | Huckleberry Blue, Sage Green, Rust Brown |
Price: Check on Amazon | Check on Ruffwear.com
Key Features Deep Dive
1. Packable Adventure Design
The Highlands Sleeping Bag solves the eternal camping dilemma: how to keep your dog warm without filling your entire car with gear.
Compression Sack Included: Unlike many dog beds that just get shoved into a stuff sack, the Highlands comes with a true compression sack. You can crank those straps down and reduce the bag to roughly the size of a medium camping pillow—10″ x 6″ for the Medium, 12″ x 7″ for the Large.
This directly addresses the “Weight & Packability” criterion from our 5-Point Dog Camping Gear Checklist.
Water-Resistant Shell: The polyester shell isn’t just for looks. It’s treated to bead up moisture, whether that’s morning dew, a light drizzle, or your wet dog climbing in after a swim. During our testing, we left it out overnight in moderate humidity, and the interior stayed completely dry.
Backpack Compatible: Here’s a smart touch—it fits perfectly in corresponding sizes of Ruffwear’s Palisades and Approach backpacks. That means if your dog is trained to carry gear (see our Camp Gear Guide for training tips), they can pack their own bed—fulfilling our key takeaway to “Let Them Carry Their Weight.”
2. Insulated Warmth System
This is where the Highlands truly shines—and where we saw the biggest difference versus competitors.
Synthetic Down Insulation (200g fill): Ruffwear uses compressible synthetic down that mimics the warmth of real down but dries faster and retains insulation value even when wet. At 200g fill (roughly equivalent to 650-fill power down), it provides serious warmth without the ethical concerns or wet-weather risks of real down.
Insulated Neck Baffle: This is a dog-specific design feature you won’t find on human sleeping bags. The baffle cinches slightly around your dog’s neck to prevent warm air from escaping. During our 42°F night test, our test dog (a 55lb Labrador mix) stayed noticeably warmer than when using a standard rectangular dog bed.
Half-Length Zipper: Smart design here—the zipper only runs halfway down the side. This accomplishes three things:
- Easy entry: Your dog can step in without fighting a full-length zipper
- Reduced bulk: Fewer zippers = less weight and better packability
- Ventilation options: Zip halfway for cooling, fully closed for maximum warmth
3. Dog-Focused Comfort
Integrated Pad Sleeve: This is the secret sauce. The bottom of the sleeping bag has a sleeve that holds the Ruffwear Highlands Pad (sold separately). Why does this matter? Because ground insulation is just as important as overhead warmth. Without it, your dog’s body heat gets sucked into the cold ground. With the pad sleeve, everything stays in place—no waking up to find your dog sleeping on bare tent floor.
Roomier Shoulder Area: Dogs aren’t shaped like humans. They need more room in the shoulders and less in the hips. The Highlands bag is cut accordingly, letting your dog curl up or sprawl naturally.
Reflective Trim: Small safety touch that matters at crowded campgrounds. The reflective piping catches headlamp light, making your dog visible if they poke their head out at night.
4. Complete Sleep System Compatibility
| Component | Compatibility | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Highlands Pad | ✅ Integrated sleeve | Essential for ground insulation |
| Ruffwear Backpacks | ✅ Fits Palisades & Approach | Great for pack-carrying dogs |
| Dog Tents | ✅ Works with ALPS Hound Dog Tent | Perfect bug-free setup |
| Ground Cover | ✅ Compatible | Recommended for wet sites |
Performance Testing: How It Handled Real Conditions
We tested the Highlands bag across 15+ camping nights in diverse conditions as part of our comprehensive testing methodology. Here’s what we found:
Cold-Weather Camping (35-45°F / 2-7°C)
Test Location: Mountain forest campsite, October
Test Dog: 55lb Labrador mix, short coat
Results: Outstanding. With the Highlands Pad inside the sleeve, our test dog slept through the night without shivering or seeking to burrow into our sleeping bags. The neck baffle clearly made a difference—infrared thermometer readings showed 8-10°F warmer temperatures inside the bag versus the tent ambient temperature.
Verdict: Perfect for fall camping and mild winter trips—exactly what our Cold-Weather Camping Decision Matrix recommends.
Wet Conditions (Rainy Campsite)
Test Location: Lakeside campground, steady drizzle overnight
Test Dog: 40lb Border Collie mix, double coat
Results: Very good. The water-resistant shell beaded up moisture effectively. By morning, the exterior was damp but the interior remained completely dry. The synthetic insulation, unlike down, didn’t clump or lose loft despite the humidity.
This validates our Advanced Troubleshooting tip: “Use a synthetic insulated bag… which dries faster than down.”
Verdict: Handles damp conditions better than any down-filled alternative.
Packability Test
Test: Can this realistically go backpacking?
Results: Mixed. At 1.6-2.3 lbs, it’s not ultralight. The compressed size (10-12″ long) is reasonable but bulky for a small backpack. However, if your dog carries it in a Ruffwear backpack, it’s absolutely doable for overnight trips.
Verdict: Perfect for car camping, possible for backpacking if your dog carries it—aligning with our For Backpacking priority matrix.
AvailPet 5-Point Checklist: How It Scores
| Checklist Criterion | Performance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weight & Packability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 1.6-2.3 lbs, compresses well, but not ultralight |
| Durability & Weather Resistance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Water-resistant shell, synthetic insulation, rugged construction |
| Safety & Security | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Reflective trim, non-toxic materials—add LED collar for full safety |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Half-zip design, compression sack, machine washable |
| Comfort & Fit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Two sizes, roomier shoulders, neck baffle |
Overall Checklist Score: 4.6/5
Seasonal Performance Guide
| Season | Temperature Range | Performance | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | <32°F / <0°C | Good with layers | Add fleece liner + dog jacket |
| Spring/Fall | 32-50°F / 0-10°C | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | Perfect standalone |
| Cool Summer | 50-65°F / 10-18°C | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good | Use unzipped as blanket |
| Warm Summer | >65°F / >18°C | ⭐⭐ Limited | Consider Kurgo Loft Wander Mat |
See our Seasonal Considerations guide for more details.
Care & Maintenance
Cleaning Instructions:
- Machine wash cold on gentle cycle
- Use mild detergent—no bleach or fabric softeners
- Air dry completely (may take 24-48 hours)
- Fluff occasionally during drying to maintain loft
Storage:
- Store uncompressed when not in use (hang or lay flat)
- Keep in dry, cool place
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight exposure
Repair:
- Small tears: Repair with nylon patch kit
- Zipper issues: Contact Ruffwear warranty
- Major damage: Covered under Ironclad Guarantee
✅ Pros & Cons
What We Love
- ✔️ Superior warmth—200g synthetic insulation, neck baffle prevents heat loss
- ✔️ Weather-resistant—shell beads water, synthetic fill dries fast
- ✔️ Compressible—includes actual compression sack, not just stuff sack
- ✔️ Safety details—reflective trim for visibility
- ✔️ Machine washable—easy to clean after muddy adventures
- ✔️ Backpack compatible—fits Ruffwear packs for carry-your-weight adventures
- ✔️ Durable construction—survived 15+ nights with no visible wear
What Could Be Better
- ❌ Bulky for backpacking—1.6-2.3 lbs is heavy for ultralight trips
- ❌ Pad sold separately—adds $50-60 to total cost
- ❌ Limited temperature range—best 40°F+, needs layers for true winter
- ❌ Currently out of stock on Amazon—requires checking multiple retailers
- ❌ Price point—premium cost, though justified by quality
Comparison: Ruffwear Highlands vs. Top Alternatives
| Feature | Ruffwear Highlands | Kurgo Loft Wander Mat | ALPS Hound Dog Tent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Full sleeping bag | Sleeping mat/pad | Full dog tent |
| Weight | 1.6-2.3 lbs | 1.1 lbs | 3.5 lbs |
| Insulation | 200g synthetic down | Recycled insulation | N/A (shelter only) |
| Temperature Rating | 40°F / 4°C | 50°F / 10°C | Shelter-dependent |
| Water Resistance | Water-resistant shell | Water-resistant bottom | Weatherproof |
| Packability | Good (compression sack) | Excellent (stuff sack) | Fair |
| Best For | Cold car camping | Summer backpacking | Bug-free lounging |
| Price | Premium | Mid-range | Mid-range |
| Our Rating | ⭐ 4.8/5 | ⭐ 4.5/5 | ⭐ 4.3/5 |
| Buy Link | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Building the Complete Sleep System
For maximum warmth and comfort, here’s the complete system we recommend based on our pillar article’s Sleep & Shelter Essentials:
Essential Components
| Component | Product | Why You Need It |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Insulation | Ruffwear Highlands Pad | Prevents heat loss to cold ground; fits in bag sleeve |
| Sleeping Bag | Ruffwear Highlands Bag | Traps body heat, blocks drafts |
| Shelter | ALPS Mountaineering Hound Dog Tent | Optional—full weather protection, bug-free zone |
Optional Add-Ons for Extreme Conditions
| Condition | Add-On | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Below freezing (<32°F) | Fleece liner or dog jacket | Extra insulation layer |
| Heavy rain | Waterproof ground cloth | Protects bag from standing water |
| Muddy sites | Quick-dry towel | Wipe down before bed |
| Anxious dogs | Adaptil spray | Calming scent on bedding |
❓ FAQs About Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag
Is the Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag waterproof?
It features a water-resistant polyester shell, not fully waterproof. It repels moisture and dries quickly—perfect for dew, light rain, and damp ground. For heavy rain, use inside a tent or add a waterproof ground cloth as recommended in our Rainy Conditions guide.
What temperature is it rated for?
Comfort rated to 40°F / 4°C. Below freezing, add a fleece liner or dog jacket. The insulated neck baffle helps retain heat in cooler conditions.
What size should I buy?
Measure your dog from neck to base of tail:
- Medium: Fits dogs 30-50 lbs (Border Collie, Beagle, Australian Shepherd)
- Large: Fits dogs 50-80 lbs (Labrador, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever)
Need help measuring? Check our How to measure a harness for a dog guide—same principles apply.
Can it be machine washed?
Yes. Machine wash cold on gentle cycle with mild detergent. Air dry completely—may take 24-48 hours. Do not bleach or dry clean.
Does it come with a compression sack?
Yes, a compression sack is included. Compressed size: ~10″ x 6″ (Medium) or 12″ x 7″ (Large).
Will this fit inside a tent?
Absolutely. It’s designed for tent camping and fits inside most dog tents (like the ALPS Hound Dog Tent) and standard human tents.
Is the pad included?
A: No, the Highlands Pad is sold separately. For complete ground insulation, we recommend purchasing both—this creates the full sleep system we discuss in our pillar article.
Where can I buy if it’s out of stock on Amazon?
Check these retailers:
- Ruffwear.com (direct)
- REI
- Backcountry.com
- Local outdoor retailers
- Set “Notify Me” on Amazon for restock alerts
What’s the warranty?
Ruffwear offers an Ironclad Guarantee—satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Contact their customer service for claims.
How does it handle wet dogs?
Very well. The water-resistant shell beads moisture, and synthetic insulation retains warmth even when damp. Dry your dog with a towel before bed for best results.
Why It’s Our Top Pick for Cold Camping
The Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag earned its 4.8/5 rating because it delivers where it counts:
- Warmth you can trust: 200g synthetic insulation + neck baffle = warm dog, peaceful night
- Weather-ready design: Water-resistant shell handles real camping conditions
- Built to last: Survived 15+ nights with zero wear
- Smart features: Pad sleeve, half-zip, reflective trim—every detail matters
- System integration: Works with Ruffwear backpacks for carry-your-weight adventures
As we state in our pillar article’s Key Takeaways: “A Sleep System is Non-Negotiable: An insulated sleeping pad and bag are crucial for your dog’s warmth and comfort.” This bag delivers exactly that.
The bottom line: If you camp in cold weather and want your dog to sleep warm, buy this bag. Yes, it’s an investment. Yes, you need to buy the pad separately. But after a 40°F night with a warm, comfortable dog, you’ll understand why it’s worth it.
Complete Camp System: Related Resources
| Resource | Link | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| 🏕️ Pillar Article | Camp Gear For Dogs: Ultimate 2026 Checklist | Complete camping system guide |
| 📏 Measuring Guide | How to measure a harness for a dog | Get the right size |
| 🩹 First-Aid | Adventure Medical Kits UltraLight .7 | Safety essentials |
| 🐾 Paw Protection | Musher’s Secret Paw Wax | Protect paws from rough terrain |
| 🔗 Tie-Out | Ruffwear Knot-a-Hitch | Secure campsite tethering |
| 💡 Night Visibility | Noxgear Lighthound | LED safety light |
| 🥣 Food & Water | Ruffwear Quencher Bowl Set | Collapsible camp bowls |
| 💧 Water Filter | MSR TrailShot Water Filter | Safe drinking water |
| 🎒 Dog Pack | Outward Hound DayPak | Let them carry their weight |
| 👟 Booties | Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Shoes | Extreme terrain protection |
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
Buy the Ruffwear Highlands If:
- ✅ You car camp in cold weather (40-50°F range)
- ✅ Your dog gets cold easily (short coats, seniors, small breeds)
- ✅ You value durability and are willing to invest in quality
- ✅ You want a complete sleep system (with the pad)
- ✅ You camp in damp conditions (synthetic insulation > down)
Skip It If:
- ❌ You only camp in warm weather (>60°F nights)
- ❌ You’re an ultralight backpacker (consider Kurgo Loft Wander Mat)
- ❌ You’re on a tight budget (this is a premium product)
- ❌ Your dog refuses to sleep in enclosed spaces (try an open mat instead)
Where to Buy
| Retailer | Availability | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Currently out of stock | Set Restock Alert |
| Ruffwear.com | Check current stock | Shop Direct |
| REI | Varies by location | Check REI |
| Backcountry.com | Usually available | Check Backcountry |
Disclaimer:
This review contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This supports our testing team and allows us to keep providing honest, in-depth reviews.
All products are independently tested in real-world conditions. We do not accept payment for positive reviews or allow brands to review content before publication.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Consult your veterinarian before making decisions about your dog’s health or comfort. Reviewed by Vet Dr. Allona Jackson, DVM, but individual dog needs may vary.
Availability: Prices and stock subject to change. The Ruffwear Highlands is currently out of stock on Amazon—alternative purchasing options provided.
Accuracy: We fact-check against manufacturer data and our testing. Spot an error? Contact us.
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