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Item 812465
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Feels full size too small | ||
Feels half size too small | ||
Feels true to size | 85% (17 reviews) | |
Feels half size too big | ||
Feels full size too big |
Reviewed by 24 customers
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ruffwear Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack:
I have used this extensively over the last year for both day hiking and long backpacking trips. I have a 90 lb German Shepherd and his frame fits the pack well with some minor adjustments with the straps and clips.
Only a couple complaints:
1) The pack is not waterproof and all contents must be individually bagged if you need them to stay dry.
2) On days hikes, there are no issues at all with abrasion or "saddle" sores, but after an 18 mile backpack trip into the Sawtooth Wilderness Area, my GS Dog had several large blisters on his back where the rear strap rubs across his spine. The front strap caused no such abrasion. For the next long backpacking trip, I will use a "saddle pad" of some sort to prevent this. My dog is rather thin and bony, so you may not have this trouble if your pooch has more meat on this back muscles.
When backpacking, my dog carries 12.5 lbs with the bags fully loaded and a dog pad strapped to the top of the pack (see picture). He is happy to carry the load and the pack is very easy to balance. Excellent dog pack. Good quality. Just wish it was waterproof and didn't cause abrasions.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ruffwear Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack:
This is a good pack for the dog. I find it incredibly useful - it's great for walking around the neighborhood and having the dog carry my sunglasses and keys, it's also great for long hikes.
I'll start with the pros...
- I love the reflective piping, especially for walking around the neighborhood. Might also be useful if ever need to be rescued.
- Handle to grab/life the dog. My guy is really social and when I let him off leash, it's easy access to grab him before he can say hi to everyone.
- Lots of d rings and access points to tie/attach things to.
- Well padded so as to cover any buckles; keepers for any extra straps.
Now, for the cons...
- Not made for skinny/narrow dogs. Saddle bags hang too far down.
- Not waterproof or even water repellant. This is a problem when living in Portland.
- No compartments in the packs to organize.
- Male dogs will pee on the back strap.
Overall, I really like this pack. It's convenient to bring along on neighborhood walks so the dog can carry his collapsable water bowl, poop, sunglasses, and keys. It's great for hiking and having him carry his own water and snacks (and again, his poop).
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ruffwear Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack:
I have two dogs 55lbs Dutch Shpeherds and the pack fits both dogs well Theyy have no problems running, jumping objects, sitting, laying with the pack on. Easy to put on them and adjust to each dog's different body shape (one's built more like a greyhound than a shepherd). I bought the small and there's more than enough room in the compartments for daytrips. Stays even and upright even if you don't pack the sides evenly- although you should still try to cause you're dog'll feel it. Haven't noticed any rub marks on the dogs and the fabric is very durable- even though my dogs like jumping fallen trees and forging creeks. Can't think of any cons except its not waterproof- but that's not an issue if I put the contents in ziploc baggies. Awesome, because my dogs can carry their own food and water.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ruffwear Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack:
This pack is great. The small size fit my oversized pug perfectly, though sometimes the back strap can cover up his output nozzle. Makes for a great place to store poo bags so you don't have to dig them out of your own bag every 20 minutes. It makes an outstanding place to stash first-aid gear. I very much recommend this bag if you like to spend time hiking with your dog.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ruffwear Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack:
This product has the bells and whistles of a "people pack": Straps have an elastic portion for flexible fit, totally adjustable to fit a wide range of dogs, extra padding under clasps, lots of loops for added attachments.
My dog is a 50 lb hound mix, with a slender physique but a big chest (think boxer, pit, etc). I wanted to get her the REI pack but the shoulder straps weren't long enough to place the "yoke" on her sternum. This pack is much more adjustable, allowing a better fit for abnormally shaped dogs.
She's taking a nap in the pack right now, if that tells you how comfortable it is. Overall, loving the pack and the fact that I got it on sale!
Service and delivery comments:
Great service. Returned a different pack for this one and there were no questions asked.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ruffwear Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack:
This backpack is fantastic! We have 2 great danes a 9 mo and a 3 yo. We took our puppy into the mountains and wanted something to make him not look so deerlike when hiking. Not only does this backpack look great and make him stand out, it's comfortable and keeps him focused also. He knows when the backpack goes on it's time for business. Our 3 yo is the new addition. We wanted to try it on her before buying another. She took right to it also. We'll be purchasing another for her soon! It looks great and the pockets are so nice and big. I also love the fleece lining to prevent hot spots especially on dogs with such short hair and not much of it on their ribs where the straps rub.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ruffwear Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack:
This is the best dog "accessory" I've purchased.
My dog goes on almost all of my outdoor adventures, including winter backpacking trips. It's not convenient or feasible to carry extra winter gear for a large dog, but she doesn't mind carrying her own - plus some extra that lightens my pack.
Size Medium works well for a 70lb German Shepherd. The capacity is good for an extended weekend (up to 5-day) haul of dog food, along with one or two stove fuel canisters or water bottles.
The harness-style layout is also helpful if you need to give your dog a boost up steep areas. I've never had a problem with the straps sliding around or rubbing - however, we tried on a variety of different sizes to find the right one, and she has a very thick coat. I suspect that fit is everything, since we've covered many many miles in a variety of temperatures without any problems. It is important to balance the two sides of the bags before you start, and as you change the contents.
The only downside is that I would consider this pack only marginally water-resistant, bordering on "not". It isn't any less permeable than a good quality outdoor fabric. I've considered treating it with a waterproofing spray, but haven't tried that yet.
All in all, I've had this pack for two years and I expect to continue using it for many more trips to come.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ruffwear Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack:
This pack is incredibly well built. The construction is, by far, better than other dog packs I've owned or seen while shopping. I have a 55 lbs, high energy mutt, that loves charging off-trail. She destroyed an older model of the REI pack in two trips, but the Ruff Wear Approach pack has redundant stitching and is contoured to the shape of her body perfectly. As if it were made for her. All of the stress and impact points seem to be accounted for. It's going to last.
The textile of the pockets is water resistant with weather sealed zippers. Morgan has waded through neck deep water without anything getting wet inside. There is enough room for a days worth of water, or a few days worth of food.
The pack looks to be built on the standard Ruff Wear harness, and keeps it secure without the awkward lopsidedness that you can get from even a slightly off-balanced load. It's a heavily padded thick jacket on top that distributes the load well, but I can tell that it's uncomfortable on summer afternoons. The thick fabric and foam probably insulate too much.
That said, my dog loves this pack and can barely contain herself when I even reach for it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ruffwear Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack:
Great day pack for our pup. Easily holds a couple of 16 oz. bottles, food, dog bowl, etc. with room to spare. It rides well, and the chest harness and belly strap keep it in place. We have had other packs that want to slide forward while descending and just can't seem to be fit snugly. It also has some reflective piping built in which is great for visibility at night. Another great Ruff Wear product.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ruffwear Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack:
Both of our dogs have this pack. It is so nice to let them carry something, like two water bottles. They love having a "job" to do. The packs fit great. My 40 lb dog has a small, and my 50 lb dog has a medium. Fits like a glove! I would highly recommend this pack to anyone. Sometimes our dogs will wear these on walks around the neighborhood, just to help tire them out a little bit. Its pretty easy to put on, and has caused no irritation on either dog...even after longer mountain hikes. They have run through the woods and in the water with these packs and no damage has occurred.
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