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Dogs are some of our favorite camping companions, and sleeping bags for dogs can ensure that they’re comfortable when you’re in the woods and away from home. Because they’re both warm and portable, a good dog sleeping bag can keep your pup comfy whether you’re car camping, spending multiple nights on the trail, or road tripping from friend to friend.
Our family is always searching for ways to make sure our cattle dog mix, Enzo, is comfortable and happy on nights spent in a tent. We decided to test and review one of the most popular dog sleeping bags on the market: the Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag.
The Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag
The Ruffwear Highlands bag is a synthetic, compressible sleeping bag that currently comes in one color (though Ruffwear has carried other color options in the past). The outer layer of the bag is constructed with thick 75D polyester, which means it can stand up to rugged conditions and is resistant to rips and tears.
It also has a half-length zipper and an opening in the bottom of the bag to insert Ruffwear’s dog sleeping pad for extra insulation on colder nights.
The sleeping bag comes in two sizes: medium and large. The medium sleeping bag is 25.2x 33.5 inches and weighs 1.6 pounds, while the large sleeping bag is 28.3 x 43.3 inches and weighs 2.2 pounds. Since Enzo weighs about 38 pounds, we went with the medium size, and it fits him perfectly.
Enzo is snug as a bug in Ruffwear’s medium sleeping bag.
Testing the Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag
We first took the Ruffwear sleeping bag on a camping trip near Hood Canal, Washington, in late September. The weather was dry and relatively warm—in the high 60s during the day and high 40s at night. We typically bring a blanket for Enzo to sleep on when camping, but it can be a bit bulky and collects a lot of dirt.
We decided to test out the Ruffwear sleeping bag in two different spots at our campsite. First, we set it next to our picnic table outside to give Enzo a comfortable place to relax while we ate dinner. His Husky friend, Zola, tried out the bag as well.
Zola takes her turn testing the Ruffwear sleeping dog bed.
Next, we tested the sleeping bag inside our tent when we went to bed. Enzo loves to lay on top of our sleeping pads or sleeping bags and usually takes up valuable leg space. We were hoping that having his own (similar feeling) spot would mean he’d be less likely to encroach on our space.
We also put the sleeping bag to the test in non-camping settings: inside a cabin away from home and on various patios around Seattle.
Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag: Review Results
Overall, our experiences with the Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag were positive!
Enzo initially seemed a bit indifferent to the sleeping bag while hanging out around the campsite—he alternated between laying in the dirt and on the sleeping bag. Zola, however, was a huge fan of the sleeping bag and snuck onto it as soon as Enzo got up.
Overnight use was where we saw the biggest value. Enzo stayed cozy and warm and curled up on top of the sleeping bag for almost the entire night! He preferred to sleep on top of the bag, since he doesn’t love having covers over him, and it wasn’t really cool enough for him to need the extra insulation. That said, he did climb inside the bag to give it a try in our living room and was surprisingly open to snoozing inside.
Outside of camping, we’ve gotten into the habit of bringing the dog sleeping bag with us to restaurants or brewery patios. Enzo has never been averse to laying on the ground under our table, but he does seem much more content and comfortable with his own designated spot. The sleeping bag’s compact size makes it easy to pack, and we’ve rarely needed to wash it.
We haven’t yet brought it on a backpacking trip, but we plan to put it to the test next season. Other reviewers, however, have noted that it doesn’t take up too much valuable space in their packs. Though it does add a couple more pounds, it is one of the lighter dog sleeping bags on the market. For context, my Nemo sleeping bag is three pounds, and the medium Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag is about half that weight.
Enzo has his own cozy spot in the cabin.
What we liked:
- The sleeping bag is durable and water-resistant, and the 75D polyester on the outside is thick and long-lasting.
- It’s easy to clean! The bag is machine washable and can be easily wiped down if it gets dusty but doesn’t need a full wash.
- The sleeping bag is lightweight but still plush and comfortable.
- The large zipper opening makes it easy for a dog to crawl into the bag.
What we didn’t like:
- The higher price point puts it on the more expensive end of dog sleeping bags. If you want a more affordable option, consider the Chuck-It! Travel Bed or Vegapop sleeping bag.
- Ruffwear’s sizing doesn’t go small enough to provide a great option for small dogs. The medium would be quite roomy, though some pet parents have still purchased it and had success (some have used the medium for two small dogs).
- Though it is lightweight compared to a blanket or dog bed, it will still add a couple of extra pounds to a backpack.
Should You Buy the Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag for Your Pup?
The Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag offers a strong option that we found useful in a variety of settings. We think it’s likely to be a big hit among pet parents who:
- Are looking to provide comfort and warmth in varying seasons and situations—from camping to outdoor breweries
- Want a relatively lightweight and compact option for hitting the trail and backpacking with their dog
- Want a durable and water-resistant sleeping bag to keep their pups dry on outdoor adventures
The Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping bag, however, might not be the best choice for certain pups and dog guardians. In particular:
- Dogs who don’t like to be covered or have blankets over them
- Pets who frequently go camping in colder climates (think below-freezing) or in very wet conditions
- Pet parents looking for a more affordable option
