Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
With excellent fit and functionality, the Ruffwear Approach dog pack is perfect for day or weekend adventures. Discover the joy of hiking with your furry, 4-legged friend!
Shop newer version- Trim saddlebag design moves easily with dog's body, allowing easy navigation through dense woods
- Harness improves load distribution, support and stability; padded, 5-point design adjusts for maximum comfort
- Padded assistance handle allows you to help your dog through those tough spots on the trail; a leash can be attached to sturdy D-ring (leash sold separately)
- Reflective trim enhances low-light visibility
- The Ruffwear Approach dog pack is made with durable, water-resistant nylon; coated zippers help protect contents from moisture
Imported.
| Best Use | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Number of Exterior Pockets | 2 main compartments |
| Material(s) | Nylon |
Review this Product
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Most Helpful Favorable Review
Most Helpful Critical Review
Customer Images
Great for holding doggy essentials
I have a Jack Russell Terrier and I purchased a size Small. I just had to adjust the straps that it came with so the bag will not be moving from side to side while we are hiking. This made everything easier because I was able to put the lighter items (i.e. plastic bags to pick up after my dog, dog food, extra body harness, food/water bowl) and I would carry all the heavier items. The handle that is at the top of the harness made carrying my dog from one spot to another if she couldn't make the jump or was chasing after things that she shouldn't be. The way that the straps are underneath are made so when I carry my dog, she is fully supported across the entire way.
Now he can carry his own water...
I got a pack for my Great Dane a year ago after loading up my own bag once with water for him. The L/XL fits him well, although he's almost to the max on each strap. He's probably about 150 lbs. The pockets are large and can hold several water bottles, as well as some treats and baggies and his collapsible dish. I started using the collapsible bottles so I can take his whole pack and put it in mine once the water is gone. He acts the same whether the pack is on or off, but if it's hot I figure at least one of us can be more comfortable. The only time it hindered him was when we were rock hopping downhill (2nd pic) and he was hesitant to hop because he felt off balance. I took the pack for him and immediately fell down some rocks. The handle has come in very handy at the end of a hike when I need a little boost up a hill! And after wearing it for dozens of miles, it's still in great condition. And there have been no rub issues at all. The only changes I would like are more buckles. It'd be nice if I didn't have to get him to put his leg through the straps when he's all excited to get his hike on. Also if the individual packs could be removable I could leave the handle there for my own use without him having the floppy empty packs. But I realize the buckles are less strong than good old stitching so maybe those changes failed prototype testing. I only wish they made a pack for my 10 lb Papillon so he could share the load a little... PS I only took off their leashes for these photos...
Great pack
Max and I both love this pack. He's a treeing walker coonhound/jack Russel mix at about 45 lbs and the small fits him pretty well. My only complaint about the fit is the back strap. I wish it would be able to get just a pinch smaller. Max is a very lean pup and it's a little loose on him in that area which causes the pack to move around more than we'd like. The xs wouldn't have worked out at all. Otherwise it fits everything he needs for a day hike. I put water bottles, collapsible bowls and some food/treats on both sides to level it out and I do my best to keep the weight even and he doesn't seem to mind the pack at all seeing as he still pulls me on the trails. Gotta love high energy dogs!
Awesome dog pack
My 70lb Golden Lab has had this pack for 2 years now. It's comfortable, fits him well, there are several pockets for both large and small items, it's well built, and Ruffwear customer service is great. I really liked that when we got it, REI staff came out to our car to help fit him correctly. I've also had to use this pack to help lower my dog down a big ledge, that was too big for him to jump. I also really like the handle on the top in case I need to pick him up, or again, lower him with ropes. He's never had any rubbing issues. The pack has gotten wet several times from our water bottle opening and him swimming with it, and it dries fairly quickly depending on the temp outside. My dog and I both HIGHLY recommend it! :)
Surprised by sizing, great fit and quality
We've been looking for a pack for our 2 year old 55 lb pitbull. The small fits her perfectly (originally thought she would need a medium, as all her other jackets and harnesses are), but after a quick trip to exchange medium for small, it's fits great and doesn't shift around. We're still waiting to get her up hiking in it, but she's gotten more comfortable with the fit and feel. Initial build quality appears to be great, much more comfortable with this pack than similar products from other brands. She seems pretty excited whenever we get it out of the closet!
Excellent for short or long hikes
Extremely happy with this purchase. Be sure to measure your dog first! I was nervous that the bags on the small would be toot little to carry much but they are perfect. We put a 16oz bottle on each side with a collapsible dish. There is still more than enough room for us to add food and treats on longer hikes. Our dog (Chow Chow/German Shepherd) had no problem wearing this at all and doesn't mind it at all. I find the straps are very easily adjusted and remain where I put them. A huge plus that they don't slip even after a while out!
Nice Dog Pack
This pack works well for my dog. She doesn't seem to mind wearing it, especially since she is out on the trail. Our dog weighs about 30 pounds. She is a small Border Collie, and the extra small size fits her well. She is near the upper limit for this size pack. When loaded, it stays pretty balanced side to side as long as you are careful to balance out the load. The only thing I would change would be the handle. It's only big enough for a couple fingers. It would be nice to get a full hand grip on it.
Amazing pack!!
This pack is an amazing dog pack. My husband and I bought one for each of our dogs. We have a husky and a wolf hybrid that both love to hike. Initially we thought they may not like the packs, but they are so comfortable and our dogs love them. In fact whenever we touch the packs both dogs come running.These packs are perfect if you are going for a walk with some weight or are off for a weekend of hiking and camping.
The proportions for large dogs are not good
Let me start by saying I normally love Ruffwear gear. This pack is not well designed for large breed dogs though. While the girth straps adjust to their ribcage, the packs themselves should be dropped lower to sit on the sides of their ribcage. Instead they perch on top of their shoulders like wings when full. This is my 120 pound Rhodesian Ridgeback carrying only 8 pounds of gear, you can see how the bags are too high on his body and stick out ~ it's just not optimal for tight spaces, and it's hitting weight on the wrong part of the dog too. They need to drop the packs down further for the larger sized dogs.
Takes weight out of my pack
I was surprised to find that a small fit my 60 lb. pit bull. She liked wearing it,and it helped me out by taking the weight of her food and water out of my backpack.