Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
Now you can roam farther with your four-legged hiking buddy. Equip your pup for exploring the trails with the Ruffwear Approach pack, which is ideal for day hiking or a light overnight outing.
Shop newer version
- Saddlebags are sized for extended day hikes or light overnights; the integrated harness and breathable chassis enhance comfort
- Radial-cut, weight-forward saddlebags and flopper stoppers stabilize pack contents, creating a passive compression system for efficient load carrying over your dog's shoulders
- Padded handle and girth straps offer even load dispersion for controlled and comfortable lifting
- 5 points of adjustment for an optimal fit
- 2 leash attachment points, 1 aluminum V-ring and 1 reinforced webbing loop
- Vertical stash pocket for organizing gear and storing heavier items closer to your dog
- External gear loops for additional gear organization and quick on-the-trail access
- Reflective trim for visibility in low-light conditions and light loop for attaching the Ruffwear Beacon™ (not included)
- Main shell is made from bluesign® approved 150-denier polyester
Imported.
View all Ruffwear Dog Packs| Best Use | Backpacking Hiking |
|---|---|
| Number of Exterior Pockets | 4 |
| Material(s) | Polyester |
| Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria |
Review this Product
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Most Helpful Favorable Review
Most Helpful Critical Review
Customer Images
Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack - A Reliable Adventure
The Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack is a reliable companion for outdoor adventures with your four-legged friend. Its superior design, durability, comfort, and ease of use make it a valuable asset for pet owners who love exploring the outdoors. Whether you're hiking, camping, or simply going for a long walk, this pack allows your dog to carry their essentials comfortably. While the pocket size could be slightly improved to accommodate bulkier items, this minor drawback is outweighed by the overall quality and functionality of the pack. I wholeheartedly recommend the Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack to fellow pet owners seeking to enhance their outdoor experiences with their beloved canine companions.
Sturdy pack, wears well but pricey
This is a solid dog pack. I bought it as a first pack for my 50lb English Shepherd. My 37lb border collie/cattle dog's first pack size small, same brand and model, lasted 4 years, with many patches in the last year. He wears it pretty much once a week for 8 hours in the White Mountains of NH. There's a lot of granite and he rubs against things, runs through the brush, rolls, lays in mud, and plunges into water. The directions say to hand wash but I need to machine wash the pack every week. It is expensive but it has held up well. It adjusts as well as any pack can. I try to keep it evenly loaded with a one liter nalgene bottle on each side. It still lists a bit to one side. His fur is pretty short and I have never seen any abrasion on his skin from the pack.
For a pup as prepared as you are!
The Approach is a well built and sturdy dog pack suitable for just about any outdoor pursuit with your furry friend. The pack's storage has two layers of compartments and a row of daisy chains on either side. There's also a sturdy handle on the back for helping your pup up steep terrain. I like to use it to keep my boy close in parking lots and near roads. The only downside that costs this pack a star, is the saddle bag design. Just a small difference in weight between the bags causes them to droop towards the heavier side. This can be fine tuned, but if you plan to have your doggo carry his or her water, you'll probabaly have to redistribute pack weight after a drink. Otherwise, this is well made pack that will undoubtedly track hundreds of miles!
Great pack...one feature I wish it had
Overall, I like the Approach Dog Pack. It fits my dog nicely since there are several adjustment points. I like the flopper stopper for saddlebag stability. There is a major feature "wish" I have for the pack - ability to remove the saddlebags like the Ruffwear Palisades. (My dog is too small for the Palisades.) If I notice it's getting pretty hot on the trail, I'll switch out his pack and put a harness on, and I'll carry his pack. This means that I have to carry an extra harness in my own pack. Not the end of the world, but an inconvenience. It is sturdy pack, so I can't complain. My dog is 25 pounds and we take long day hikes. I'm still working him up to the maximum suggested carry weight (25% of his body weight). I increase by half a pound each week on walks and hikes to slowly acclimate him to carrying some supplies.
Great for my hiking buddy
I got this for my Border Collie (65#, sz M) so he can carry supplies on our day hikes. So far, so good! He seems comfortable in it, even on the 80+ degree days. I haven't noticed any rubbing so far. It holds a Platypus water bottle on each side, along with other minor supplies, and has room to spare. Because of the various adjustment points, it has stayed balanced - even when he jumps after something on the trail. The material has held up so far, without showing evidence of the briars we have gone through on the trail. When I get his pack off the shelf, he gets excited because he knows we are going out for an adventure! (He was not enthusiastic about his old pack at all, and only tolerated it.)
High Expectation, Huge Disappointment
Bought the pack and swamp cooler attachment to replace the old saddle style pack that caused hot spots/abrasion on my lab’s front legs due to the Velcro straps. Loved the design, curved pouches that contour to the pup’s shape, water bladder pockets (which I ordered from Ruffwear and cannot be returned) and the right amount of bag spaces for day hike and backpacking. Here is the bad - this pack isn’t durable and won’t survive under normal “dog” wear & tear. The new pack uses 150 Denier Ripstop nylon that is super thin and with one easy hike and the side of the pack was already ripped. Upon research I found that older model from Ruffwear uses 420 Denier Nylon and was replaced with the weaker material with the new model. At this price point, we the pup owners would love to take care of the gear… but the reality is dogs don’t care, they live in the moment. I went back and looked at the old backpack I got from Amazon, it was 1000 Denier nylon and survived over 20 trips this year with multiple hikes in the eastern Sierra. Was able to locate an older model of the Palisades Pack (red currant color) and notice the material differences right away! If it’s meant for a dog, designer needs to think like a dog. scrapes against rocks and brushes will happen. Bring back the tough material Ruffwear!!!
Ruffwear Approach saddle bags
Ruffwear Approach saddle bags. Great Bag
Very nice pack - watch the sizing!
The pack is very well made and sits on the dog well. Be careful of the sizing, Ruffwear said that in the case of a chest measurement that is on or within an inch of the borderline to go with the smaller size. I can tell you that at 31.75 inches, the medium size was just past the limit of adjustment. The size break was stated to be 32". Replacing with the larger size.
A solid choice
This is the second backpack I’ve gotten for my dog. It’s much better than the first. I like the ability to adjust the bags to better anchor to the chest straps. This pack seems to stay in place much better, although I still find I have to be careful when distributing weight. I have also noticed that when it gets off balance, my dog doesn’t seem nearly as bothered as she was with the previous pack; part of this is due to the fact that the bags anchor firmly to the straps, so the pack feels more solid to her. Using this pack I’ve been able to give her a solid portion of the weight.
Poor balance, not very durable
It doesn't seem to matter how well I balance the load for my dog, the pack always ends up listing to one side or the other once he takes a few steps. Also, it ripped on second use.