Ruffwear Approach Pack Orange Poppy L/XL

This is an excellent pack — durable, visible (which is very important in the backcountry), and easy to adjust to fit my strangely proportioned, athletic dog. The handle is great for maneuvering over obstacles, the leash attach points are strong, and this pack is VERY durable. I love the side compression system that stops the saddle bags from flopping around, though it took me a bit to find it. While the fit guidelines are helpful, if your dog has a narrow or deep chest, I suggest trying it on them first (or purchasing somewhere with a return policy.) While I don’t think the sizes are wrong, I had to size down for my dog. Although other reviews I’ve seen mentioned chafing, I was pleasantly surprised that we didn’t experience any over the course of a 12 mile Mt St ... MoreThis is an excellent pack — durable, visible (which is very important in the backcountry), and easy to adjust to fit my strangely proportioned, athletic dog. The handle is great for maneuvering over obstacles, the leash attach points are strong, and this pack is VERY durable. I love the side compression system that stops the saddle bags from flopping around, though it took me a bit to find it. While the fit guidelines are helpful, if your dog has a narrow or deep chest, I suggest trying it on them first (or purchasing somewhere with a return policy.) While I don’t think the sizes are wrong, I had to size down for my dog. Although other reviews I’ve seen mentioned chafing, I was pleasantly surprised that we didn’t experience any over the course of a 12 mile Mt St Helen’s climb. This pack stores a ton. As your dog adjusts to it, don’t overload them — but consider stuffing the side packs with something lightweight so items don’t move around. I also had no issues fitting her Ruffwear sleeping pad into it. The gear attachment points on the outside were perfect for tying her mushing booties too while they dried. This product is best for bulky, lightweight items. Like many Ruffwear products, this is a bit over-engineered. That means it’s very durable, but also means it’s heavier than some packs from cottage gear makers. That’s important if your dog is small or lightweight. Different manufacturers say dogs shouldn’t carry more than 10% of their body weight, or 25%… I split the difference, and they shouldn’t carry more than 15% of their body weight, including the pack. My dog weights 45 lbs, so that means she shouldn’t carry more than 6.75lbs. At 1lb 2oz, that only leaves me 5lbs of carry weight for her, ideally less. If you have a small dog, I’d suggest the Front Range pack instead. It’ll save you a few oz, which is weight your dog can carry (though it has less storage space.) Though I’m reviewing this through Influenster, I bought this pack with my own money and did not receive it as a gift.

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.

Approach Pack Review

The initial opinion of the pack is that it is pretty roomy. There are lots of pockets to place various items in. Adjustment was very straightforward. I was able to get this medium pack adjusted so that it was secure on my 27 inch girth lab.She has only worn it around the house so far so I cannot comment on the stability if the pack when loaded. However, I believe that with a properly balanced load it will be fine.Fit and finish of the pack is very good as well. There are no puckered seams. The zippers open and close easily. The straps cinch up nicely and have not, so far, come loose.

Backpacking trip

I don’t usually write reviews but I have to say we use ruffwear only for our pup. He recently partially tore his acl and we didn’t know if he’d be able to go. After some PT and more ruffwear purchases. We were able to take him on a 5 day backpacking trip in to the sawtooths and this pack was great for him. He carried his ruffwear safety harness, med kit, bowls, Smokey the bear toy and few other things. Milo is a thicc boy so most harnesses rub but not ruffwear. The back loop even helped keep his acl brace in place.He’s been by my side for the past 9 years through some tough times so it was amazing to get to bring him on this epic adventure. It meant the world to have him there he was even there to watch us get engaged in the back country!I truly would not have ... MoreI don’t usually write reviews but I have to say we use ruffwear only for our pup. He recently partially tore his acl and we didn’t know if he’d be able to go. After some PT and more ruffwear purchases. We were able to take him on a 5 day backpacking trip in to the sawtooths and this pack was great for him. He carried his ruffwear safety harness, med kit, bowls, Smokey the bear toy and few other things. Milo is a thicc boy so most harnesses rub but not ruffwear. The back loop even helped keep his acl brace in place.He’s been by my side for the past 9 years through some tough times so it was amazing to get to bring him on this epic adventure. It meant the world to have him there he was even there to watch us get engaged in the back country!I truly would not have been as comfortable if it wasn’t for our rufflwear products. Ruffwear has just been super durable and dependable for all of our pups adventures over the years.

Great Design, Poor Execution

We had read a bunch of recent reviews of this pack that said it has not held up since Ruffwear switched from nylon to polyester. Despite this, we decided to try one out and we had a similar experience to many of the other reviewers. Our dog tore a decent sized hole in the pack on our very first trip. I expect that she tore it on a piece of granite, but we were on trail the whole time our dog had it on and she didn't run through any brush or anything with it. It's pretty disappointing given Ruffwear's reputation for solid quality.Yes, nylon is more expensive than polyester but I would much rather pay a few dollars more for a quality product. Now, I'm going to have to spend time returning this to the REI I bought it at and figuring out what a good alternative is. ... MoreWe had read a bunch of recent reviews of this pack that said it has not held up since Ruffwear switched from nylon to polyester. Despite this, we decided to try one out and we had a similar experience to many of the other reviewers. Our dog tore a decent sized hole in the pack on our very first trip. I expect that she tore it on a piece of granite, but we were on trail the whole time our dog had it on and she didn't run through any brush or anything with it. It's pretty disappointing given Ruffwear's reputation for solid quality.Yes, nylon is more expensive than polyester but I would much rather pay a few dollars more for a quality product. Now, I'm going to have to spend time returning this to the REI I bought it at and figuring out what a good alternative is. The design of the pack is fabulous but we don't have faith that it's going to hold up over the long term so we will go ahead and try something else.

Great simple pack

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!

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 ... 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!!!

Perfect Pack For A Long Weekend

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.

Put him to work

The quality and construction is great, initially I ordered a small bases on chest measurement with out taking into consideration his shoulder/legs for stepping into it- so I returned and ordered the large that can be adjusted down to fit the girth, and easily steps into it. He is a one and a half year-old German shepherd husky cross that I recently rescued and he needs more of a job/responsibility so we will be using this pack for training purposes this fall and then off into the wild we go. It has a lot of cargo room and if I weight right the aged terrior fits- if she becomes to tired on the trails. I always use RoughWear gear for big dog adventures- the durability, quality, and warranty is exceptional.

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.