Spend £75 on Ruffwear and receive the Huck-a-Cone worth £23.95 for free Add free item to your bag before completing order; offer valid while stocks last Roam further with the Approach Pack, a day hiking and light overnight dog pack with excellent performance, fit, and functionality. Radial cut saddlebags – sized right for extending day hikes and venturing into light overnights – create a passive compression system for efficient load carrying over the shoulders. They rest on an integrated harness with a breathable chassis that enhances comfort and pack stability. With lightweight materials, a streamlined design, and mindful gear organization, the Approach Pack sparks instant motivation for canines seeking deeper exploration on the trail with their human. It’s recommended that your dog carry no more than 25% of their body weight, including the weight of the pack and its contents. If your dog is new to dog packs, start with a light load and work up to a heavier load as your dog gets used to wearing the pack.
Spend £75 on Ruffwear and receive the Huck-a-Cone worth £23.95 for free Add free item to your bag before completing order; offer valid while stocks last Roam further with the Approach Pack, a day hiking and light overnight dog pack with excellent performance, fit, and functionality. Radial cut saddlebags – sized right for extending day hikes and venturing into light overnights – create a passive compression system for efficient load carrying over the shoulders. They rest on an integrated harness with a breathable chassis that enhances comfort and pack stability. With lightweight materials, a streamlined design, and mindful gear organization, the Approach Pack sparks instant motivation for canines seeking deeper exploration on the trail with their human. It’s recommended that your dog carry no more than 25% of their body weight, including the weight of the pack and its contents. If your dog is new to dog packs, start with a light load and work up to a heavier load as your dog gets used to wearing the pack.
in 2 offers
last seen 29 May 2026
The lowest price we last saw for Ruffwear Approach Dog Saddlebag Blue L-XL was $192.95 at thewaglab.com.au, compared across 2 retailers (last seen 29 May 2026). Prices may have changed since.
The all-time low we recorded was $160.99 on 2 May 2026.
Prices last updated 29 May 2026.
Ruffwear Approach Dog Saddlebag Blue L-XL
Spend £75 on Ruffwear and receive the Huck-a-Cone worth £23.95 for free Add free item to your bag before completing order; offer valid while stocks last Roam further with the Approach Pack, a day hiking and light overnight dog pack with excellent performance, fit, and functionality. Radial cut saddlebags – sized right for extending day hikes and venturing into light overnights – create a passive compression system for efficient load carrying over the shoulders. They rest on an integrated harness with a breathable chassis that enhances comfort and pack stability. With lightweight materials, a streamlined design, and mindful gear organization, the Approach Pack sparks instant motivation for canines seeking deeper exploration on the trail with their human. It’s recommended that your dog carry no more than 25% of their body weight, including the weight of the pack and its contents. If your dog is new to dog packs, start with a light load and work up to a heavier load as your dog gets used to wearing the pack.
Spend £75 on Ruffwear and receive the Huck-a-Cone worth £23.95 for free Add free item to your bag before completing order; offer valid while stocks last Roam further with the Approach Pack, a day hiking and light overnight dog pack with excellent performance, fit, and functionality. Radial cut saddlebags – sized right for extending day hikes and venturing into light overnights – create a passive compression system for efficient load carrying over the shoulders. They rest on an integrated harness with a breathable chassis that enhances comfort and pack stability. With lightweight materials, a streamlined design, and mindful gear organization, the Approach Pack sparks instant motivation for canines seeking deeper exploration on the trail with their human. It’s recommended that your dog carry no more than 25% of their body weight, including the weight of the pack and its contents. If your dog is new to dog packs, start with a light load and work up to a heavier load as your dog gets used to wearing the pack.
Last updated at 29/05/2026 18:02:21
NEW Design! Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack - Day Hiking & Overnight Adventures - Blue Dusk / L (81-107cm)
Approach Pack Blue Dusk, Large/X-Large
Free delivery
originally posted on ruffwear.com
I love the Approach Pack – my 2nd service dog not so much – she’s been using my 1st service dog’s Approach Pack for a few years now (which speaks volumes as to the quality / how well put together they are – it was our 2nd in 14yrs). I had taken them to the local seamstress for zipper replacements before learning RuffWear’s warranty. My service dog hates that the new one is longer across the length of her body – she runs away when I pick it up. I also used the loop on each side to attach my handle to (she’s my balance) & the new one doesn’t have that loop. I did like having smaller pockets on each side as they were convenient for smaller things not to get lost in large pockets but that’s not a huge deal.
originally posted on REI
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!
originally posted on REI
We have a 1.5 yr old Aussie who’s about 55 lbs. He took to this easily for some hiking and a 1-night backpacking trip. The saddlebags are HUGE and honestly, a little hard to balance. I simply didn’t have enough “stuff” for him to carry. He had some of his food, water bottles, doggie bags, a tie-up for camp and a blanket. Keep in mind in bear country, you’ll have your dogs food in your bear box anyways.Also, it’s obvious in pictures etc but the pack is not detachable from the harness. We found ourselves wishing it was - it can be a nuisance to pull it off over your dogs head when you’re taking a break (and it feels unfair to leave it on when you want them to cool off). So, just something to consider. If I find a detachable option, i’ll probably return this one.
NEW Design! Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack - Day Hiking & Overnight Adventures - Blue Dusk / L (81-107cm)
Approach Pack Blue Dusk, Large/X-Large
Free delivery
I love the Approach Pack – my 2nd service dog not so much – she’s been using my 1st service dog’s Approach Pack for a few years now (which speaks volumes as to the quality / how well put together they are – it was our 2nd in 14yrs). I had taken them to the local seamstress for zipper replacements before learning RuffWear’s warranty. My service dog hates that the new one is longer across the length of her body – she runs away when I pick it up. I also used the loop on each side to attach my handle to (she’s my balance) & the new one doesn’t have that loop. I did like having smaller pockets on each side as they were convenient for smaller things not to get lost in large pockets but that’s not a huge deal.
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!
We have a 1.5 yr old Aussie who’s about 55 lbs. He took to this easily for some hiking and a 1-night backpacking trip. The saddlebags are HUGE and honestly, a little hard to balance. I simply didn’t have enough “stuff” for him to carry. He had some of his food, water bottles, doggie bags, a tie-up for camp and a blanket. Keep in mind in bear country, you’ll have your dogs food in your bear box anyways.Also, it’s obvious in pictures etc but the pack is not detachable from the harness. We found ourselves wishing it was - it can be a nuisance to pull it off over your dogs head when you’re taking a break (and it feels unfair to leave it on when you want them to cool off). So, just something to consider. If I find a detachable option, i’ll probably return this one.
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 ... MoreOverall, 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.
I had an older Ruffwear dog pack (not sure which model) that fit my previous lab perfectly and we covered hundreds of miles with it. My new lab is a different build and the old pack just didn't fit him right. After trying different sizes and packs (medium and large versions of the newer Approach and Palisades packs) - I'm so glad to have found this one! This older version of the Approach has a bit more capacity (size medium) than the new version and less extra straps/separated pockets/etc... My dog does not wear a harness so although it may be a good feature for those that do, the removable bags on the Palisade pack were just unnecessary and added extra material/bulk/weight. This is a simple, few frills pack that fits my dog great but still has everything that we ... MoreI had an older Ruffwear dog pack (not sure which model) that fit my previous lab perfectly and we covered hundreds of miles with it. My new lab is a different build and the old pack just didn't fit him right. After trying different sizes and packs (medium and large versions of the newer Approach and Palisades packs) - I'm so glad to have found this one! This older version of the Approach has a bit more capacity (size medium) than the new version and less extra straps/separated pockets/etc... My dog does not wear a harness so although it may be a good feature for those that do, the removable bags on the Palisade pack were just unnecessary and added extra material/bulk/weight. This is a simple, few frills pack that fits my dog great but still has everything that we need! The bags ride higher and more compressed to his body so it does not swing around like the much older pack did. Great improvements and I'm stoked to have finally found a new pack for the many miles ahead!
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 ... MoreBought 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!!!
This bag appears to be designed well enough, and in many regards it is. It fit my dog well and felt very secure when the straps were properly fitted. The build quality is good — it seems to be robust and can survive a beating. The capacity on it is huge (at least for the L/XL size). Not only is the volume capacity good, it also seems to have no problem holding a decent amount of weight (20lb/10lb per side). However, this product has a serious design flaw that renders it practically useless unless you're only using it to have your dog carry super light materials like clothing. On the back of the top of the pack where it rests on the dog's back, there's an opening where the handle is. Why? I have no idea, maybe for breathability. Unfortunately, because of the cutout ... MoreThis bag appears to be designed well enough, and in many regards it is. It fit my dog well and felt very secure when the straps were properly fitted. The build quality is good — it seems to be robust and can survive a beating. The capacity on it is huge (at least for the L/XL size). Not only is the volume capacity good, it also seems to have no problem holding a decent amount of weight (20lb/10lb per side). However, this product has a serious design flaw that renders it practically useless unless you're only using it to have your dog carry super light materials like clothing. On the back of the top of the pack where it rests on the dog's back, there's an opening where the handle is. Why? I have no idea, maybe for breathability. Unfortunately, because of the cutout by the handle, it forces all of the pressure on the back of the back into a small area at the back of the pack. What this results in is a serious amount of chafing on your dog's back. My 100lb sled dog mix wore this with ~15lb of weight and after a couple of days of hiking (about 30 miles), her back was in rough shape as the pack rubbed her back raw and resulted in scabbing and some (hopefully temporary) hair loss. Ultimately I had to stop using the pack and take all of the weight myself for the rest of my through hike. I would not recommend this pack for anything other than extremely light use.
This item has met and exceeded my expectations!! The backpacking trip trail we used it on the first time was super overgrown and the backpack (after bringing it home and washing it) looks like it’s still brand new. Greta doesn’t mind el wearing it either and pranced along as if she had no weight at all even when we were starting out and she had several days worth of kibble in it in addition to her jacket and booties and dog first aide kit. There was still plenty of room for more if we wanted to add to it. Also nice perk was that the pack rubbed on the poison oak that was at times overgrown into the trail rather than it rubbing against her fur which meant less chance of getting it on us at the end of the day. I would highly recommend this pack for anyone who wants to ... MoreThis item has met and exceeded my expectations!! The backpacking trip trail we used it on the first time was super overgrown and the backpack (after bringing it home and washing it) looks like it’s still brand new. Greta doesn’t mind el wearing it either and pranced along as if she had no weight at all even when we were starting out and she had several days worth of kibble in it in addition to her jacket and booties and dog first aide kit. There was still plenty of room for more if we wanted to add to it. Also nice perk was that the pack rubbed on the poison oak that was at times overgrown into the trail rather than it rubbing against her fur which meant less chance of getting it on us at the end of the day. I would highly recommend this pack for anyone who wants to hike or backpack with their dog.
We were not sure we would like the new design. Our last dog Rufus used his pack over 100 times during his incredible 15 year life. That pack held up great. The new Approach Pack is even better, the design is sleeker and along with flopper stopper system kept the pack in place even when Foxie was doing her Tigger imitation running through mountain meadows. New padding for the frame I think is more comfortable and the pockets are very handy. She carried two days of dry food, snacks, bear hanging rope, a can of tuna, two bowls and a small drop cloth on a 12 mile Marble Mountain Wilderness backpacking trip. 5.6lbs total.Foxie is 35lbs and is long and skinny. Super athletic Border Collie cross. We bought the small and it is as tight as can get. It fits perfect.
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.
