Review: Ruff Wear Approach Pack

The outdoors are more fun with your four legged friend. My boy Zeus goes on our backpacking trips and he has to carry his own weight. All the dog accessories we have purchased from Ruff Wear have been really durable, so we picked up a Ruff Wear Approach Pack for him.

He carries his food and two Nalgenes. I put his food in indvidual zip lock bags separated by the cup. This way you can keep the pack balanced easier.

Ruffwear leash and Sea-to-Summit Bowl in pack

It is really heavily constructed and has padding in all the right places. The main section of the pack that goes over your dogs back is covered in nylon and padded. Zeus has never had a hot spot or chaffing when using the pack in all our trips.

The panniers are free hanging from the pack, the buckles from the straps are located underneath the pocket. The buckles don’t rub the dog since there is padding underneath of them.

The Approach pack has a 3 point harness which goes across your pooch’s chest.

The pack has a large handle on the back, which is great for when you need to grab them on the trail.

Then there is a nice solid alloy spot to attach your leash. And I use that to hang the pack along with my food to keep bears at bay.

He has no problems with the pack. He slows down for maybe the first 2 minutes wearing the pack, then he is back to normal.

 You know what a day of backpacking does for a dog? Makes them tired…

Yes that is a 20 year old ThermaRest Ultralite…

So you are going to sleep there?

 Now when you are packing your dog pack, Ruff Wear says it should not exceed 25-30% of your dog’s weight. I don’t pack it anywhere near that, but just keep it in mind.

Our two packs.

Bottom Line: This pack is perfect for taking your dog backpacking with you. It is made of the right materials that resist ripping when your dog inevitably brushes it against rocks and trees and god knows what else on the trail. Having used this pack for the last few years, Zeus has never gotten a “hot spot” or shown any signs of discomfort in it. So if you need a dog pack, look no further.

Ruff Wear Says:

• Attached saddlebags with lightweight streamlined, go-fast shape
• Weight-forward saddlebag design for ideal load-carrying position
• Trail-savvy details like waterproof zippers, high-visibility reflective trim, external gear loops, and durable construction
• Comfort-fit Web Master™ Harness frame ensures good structure, stability, and load dispersion
• Five-point adjustable fit and extended size range to accommodate dogs of all sizes