Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack: A Comprehensive Review

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Man with Backpack Hiking with Dog on Lakeshore
Credit: pexels.com, Man with Backpack Hiking with Dog on Lakeshore

The Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack is a game-changer for dog owners who love to explore the great outdoors with their furry friends.

The pack is designed to carry all your dog's essentials, including food, water, and a first-aid kit. It's made with durable, weather-resistant materials that can withstand the rigors of hiking and camping.

This pack is perfect for dogs that love to run and play, as it's designed to keep up with their high energy levels. The Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack is available in a range of sizes to fit different breeds and sizes of dogs.

One of the standout features of this pack is its adjustable load distribution system, which ensures that your dog's back and shoulders are not overloaded. This is especially important for smaller dogs that may not be able to handle heavy loads.

Choosing the Right Gear

Choosing the right gear for your dog is crucial, and it starts with selecting the right dog pack. Consider your dog's size and measure their girth to ensure a comfortable fit.

Credit: youtube.com, Ruffwear Approach Pack

A dog pack should never exceed 25% of your dog's body weight, so start light and gradually increase the weight as your dog adjusts to wearing a pack. This will help prevent discomfort and potential health issues.

Day packs are ideal for hikes, while multi-day adventures necessitate a larger pack. If you're a trail runner, look for a streamlined pack that prioritizes speed and comfort.

If you're looking for a pack that works well with a jacket, consider the Ruffwear Approach Pack, which has been reviewed and loved by many dog owners.

Key Features

The Ruffwear Approach Pack is made of a light yet highly durable 420-denier ripstop nylon.

The pack has a carrying capacity of 12.5 L, which is more than some running vests, and is perfect for carrying everything your dog needs on an outing.

Each side of the pack has a lower main compartment zipper and an upper envelope side stash zipper, providing multiple storage options for treats, waste bags, and other essentials.

Credit: youtube.com, Ruffwear Approach Pack - Key Features & Sizing

The smaller upper pockets are great for keeping things close to your dog's body and free from movement, while the larger lower pockets are ideal for layers, full waste bags, leashes, and food.

The pack also features molle attachments on the top for extra customization, allowing you to add or remove gear as needed.

Build and Customization

The Ruffwear Approach Pack is made of a light but highly durable 420-denier ripstop nylon, weighing in at just 1.05lbs for size S.

This fabric choice is a game-changer for comfort and durability. The saddlebags have a radial cut to provide comfort and a free range of motion, which is perfect for active dogs like Isla.

Isla's movement in the Approach Pack is just as free as her movement while pack-free, thanks to the radial cut design. This was a major concern for me earlier, but I'm happy to say it's not an issue with this pack.

Couple of Hikers with Dogs
Credit: pexels.com, Couple of Hikers with Dogs

The Approach Pack has a whopping 12.5 L of carrying capacity, more than some running vests I've used. This has proven to be more than adequate for carrying anything and everything my dogs need.

Each side of the pack has a lower main compartment zipper and an upper envelope side stash zipper, providing plenty of storage options. The smaller upper pockets are great for things like treats and waste bags on shorter outings.

The larger lower pockets are perfect for layers, full waste bags, leashes, and food. There are also molle attachments on the top of the pack for extra customization as needed.

A padded handle on top of the pack makes it easy to lift my dog up and over boulders and sections of trail that she might have trouble with. Next to the handle is a light loop, which is great for night hikes.

An anodized aluminum V-ring on the top of the pack provides a secure leash attachment point. The underside of the pack features a comfortable and breathable one-piece foam panel.

The webbing harness and suspension system is built on a five-point adjustment system, providing a secure and stable fit for my dog. This system has proven to be incredibly stable with varying saddlebag loads.

Weight Capacity

Couple of Hikers with Dogs
Credit: pexels.com, Couple of Hikers with Dogs

When packing up your dog's backpack, it's essential to consider their weight capacity.

A good rule of thumb is to keep the total carrying weight under 25% of your dog's body weight.

First-time pack-wearers may want to go even lighter, just to be safe.

For a 45-pound dog, that means a pack weight of no more than 11.25 pounds.

Fitness and breed can also impact how much your dog can carry.

Senior dogs and puppies should start with an empty backpack and gradually add weight as they get used to wearing it.

Puppies should wait until they're fully grown before carrying any weight at all.

Your vet can provide personalized advice on what's best for your dog.

Review and Guide

The Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack is a great option for day hikes and light overnight trips. It's lightweight and well-made, and compatible with Ruffwear's add-ons.

To ensure a comfortable fit for your dog, it's essential to follow safety guidelines. Not exceeding 20-25% of the dog's body weight is crucial, so start with a light load for dogs new to wearing packs.

Credit: youtube.com, Ruff Wear Approach Pack - Dog Backpack

Dogs with joint issues, those prone to overheating, and growing dogs should avoid wearing backpacks. Always try to balance the weight on the two sides as closely as possible.

The Ruffwear Approach Pack is highly customizable, allowing for a dialed-in fit for your dog's body. This is especially important for dogs with changing body shapes, like doodles.

The pack's straps can trap heat in warm weather, especially on summer hikes at lower elevation. However, the pack sheds water and dries quickly, making it perfect for dogs that love water.

If your dog is comfortable wearing the pack, you'll know it's a great fit. Even after a long day, Isla will relax while still wearing the Approach Pack.

To get your dog used to wearing a pack, try having them wear it on walks and short hikes. This will give you both a chance to get to know the pack and its features.

For another approach, see: Dog Body Language with Other Dogs

Jenna Koch

Senior Writer

Jenna Koch is a versatile and passionate writer with a keen interest in exploring various topics. Her writing career has taken off with a focus on informative and engaging content, covering a range of subjects that spark curiosity and interest in readers. Jenna's expertise lies in crafting well-researched and accessible articles that cater to diverse audiences.

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