Ruffwear's newest version Approach Dog Pack is perfect for day hikes & light overnight stays! It is rugged and loaded with features, yet lightweight & comfortable for your pup!
The Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack is a great camping and trekking dog backpack that is ideal for day hikes or light overnight adventures. The saddlebags are radially and sit on a built-in/integrated harness ensuring the pack fits comfortably and stays stable on your dog's back..
The Approach Pack has a perforated, molded foam chassis so it is breathable and has a flexible fit. Plus, in 2022, the pack was updated with more from fade-resistant materials, an updated flopper stopper system for easier use when stabilising the panniers, and more streamlined saddlebag volumes.
ADD any dog leash to your order & SAVE 10% on the leash! Use 'SETSAVE10' at checkout
Sizing
Measure around your dog's girth/chest - just behind your dog's front legs & at the widest part (so measure around it just like you were measuring around your own chest). Click here for a video on how to measure your dog's chest.
It is important for the pack to fit snug. Just like with saddlebags on a horse the pack should fit snugly so it stays stable and doesn't shift and rub.
**Ruffwear recommend sizing 'down' if your dog is in-between sizes.
Do NOT size up just to get extra capacity - always choose according to chest measure.
Size
Fits Chests Measuring
Capacity
Weight of Pack
XS
43-56cm (17-22")
5 L
0.33kg
S
56-69cm (22-27")
10 L
0.43kg
M
69-81cm (27-32")
13 L
0.50kg
L/XL
81-107cm (32-42")
21 L
0.59kg
* NOTE: it is not recommended that your dog carry more than 20% of their body weight in their dog pack (including the weight of the pack). If your dog is new to dog packs, start with an empty bag and gradually work up from a light to a heavier load as your dog gets accustomed to wearing the pack.
Features
Side Stash Pockets Keep Gear Organised - the panniers have 2 zipped compartments per side so your dog can carry their food, water, leads, bowls or other trail essentials. The zippers are coated to run smooth & there are external gear loops.
Designed for Stable Gear Carry - the saddlebags are radially cut & designed for weight forward carry. Plus there are flopper stoppers to help stabilise the pack & it's contents.
Handy padded handle on the back - the padded back handle & girth straps allow you to assist your dog over rocks & obstacles in a controlled & comfortable manner.
Two leash attachment points - there is a single-piece aluminium V-ring just at the front of the back handle & a reinforced webbing loop sitting further back behind the handle.
5 adjustment points - the pack can be adjusted & snugly fitted to a wide variety of dog shapes. With proper fitting, the pack will should stay stable (not slide back and forth) & should not interfere with your dog's range of motion.
Low-light visibility trim - reflective trim runs across each side of the pack for improved visibility in low light. There is also a light loop to attach The Beacon safety light (sold separately)
How to Fit & Adjust the Approach Pack
Learn about the Key Features of the Approach Pack
Materials
Shell: 150 denier polyester
Harness chassis: Laminated, molded bonded mesh and perforated foam
Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack - Day Hiking & Overnight Adventures
J
Jarrod
Sturdy, comfy and durable!
My Dog loves his backpack. He barely noticed it on his back, cambering over and under trees was no issue for him, and there was plenty of room for everything he needs!
P
Philadelphia H.
Still an adventure pup in training ..
Indy loves her Approach Pack - Ruffwear Dog Backpack for Day Hikes & Overnight Adventures!
She's still a pup but she's learning how to be an adventure doggo. The second I pull it out she knows we are up to something. It is easy to get on and the clips and adjustability of it see that it fits her now and when she becomes fully grown.
Even empty it doesn't flop around to annoy her. She LOVES wearing it and it doesn't seem to restrict her ability to move naturally.
We are looking forward to bigger adventures together with it.
IG: @phila_holmes
D
Dee
Highly recommend the Approach Pack for large dogs
Great quality and fit, snug with little movement, maremma behaves better when wearing it on walks. Love all the features, no complaints, great product.
J
Julie N.
The pack fits really well and I love the way the front under leg straps are angled back as there seems to be less risk of chafing.
Bought this for my dog to wear while camping. It does exactly what I need. The lichen green is quite visible even at night, and the back attachment points are extremely secure. Its easy and stress free for my dog when gearing up. It dries fast so he swims in it too!
He is right on the border between sizes. I sized up and it fits fine but I think it would have fit slightly better if I sized down. Makes no difference for functionality though.
My snoodle, cuddles loves his harness, it is light and fits him well. The fabric is easy care. I’ve brought other brands and they lay left in the cupboard. I can thoroughly recommend this product.
I love this bag. It fits everything I need to walk the dog, and listen to a podcast as I do so. It frees up my hands for a coffee and giving her treats as I go. I highly recommend it.