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Description
Ruff Wear: Approach Dog Pack -
Altrec.com Product Description:
The Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack was designed to be an everyday pack with excellent performance, fit and functionality. Comfort-fit Web Master™ Harness frame ensures good structure, stability, and load dispersion. The five-point adjustable fit accommodates dogs of all shapes and sizes. Good for one-hour to three-day hikes. Use to offset your load or for training and exercise. The Approach Pack gives your dog a load to carry and a job to do, generating instant four-legged motivation.
- 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 to accommodate dogs of all sizes and shapes
- Designed to be worn with padded comfort, secure fit, generous ergonomic cut, and full range of motion
Customer Reviews (66)
Ruff Wear: Approach Dog Pack - 66 Reviews
Alexis - 2009-05-06I love it I have been looking all over to find a good one. Ruffwear is perfect for my little dog.
Was this Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack Review Helpful? - Yes - No ( 2 of 4 liked this review.)
Jane - 2010-01-14Really great for SOME dogs I ordered this, after measuring my BC/Dal mix, and it seemed like it would be the best design for the deep chested, narrow wasted dog. However, the rear strap bumped up against his penis, which makes it unusable. After talking with others, they had run into the same problem. However, it fits my female Dalmatian like it was tailor made. So, I would recommend this for trimmer female Dalmatians, Pointers, Greyhounds, Dobermans. Dogs with deep chests and narrow waists and nothing to bump against. It is a close to the body, sleek fit.
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 2 of 3 found this review helpful.)
2009-02-22Overall a great pack I bought the pack for my Australian Cattle Dog mix that is 30lbs and bought an xs size that fits him perfectly. The straps are padded and easy to shorten and lengthen. There are several places to hook a leash or carabeaner. We took him on a hike yesterday and stored our keys and wallet inside and he didn't mind the pack at all. I can't wait to go camping so he can carry his own food and water.
Is this Useful? - Yes - No ( 2 of 4 thought this was useful.)
Read all 66 reviews... N. Dibling - 2009-04-14GREAT PACK! I have bought 2 other dog packs and Ruff Wear is the best one so far (I returned the other 2 packs). The Approach pack distributes the load evenly and over my dogs shoulders perfectly. It is worth every penny!
Was this Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack Review Helpful? - Yes - No ( 2 of 4 liked this review.)
sharon buzzeo - 2010-02-10My dog loves it! Have been looking for a sturdy backpack for our small lab (she's 53 lbs) to give her walks more purpose. We ordered a SMALL which fits perfectly. After reading reviews for this particular product it sounded great. When received, the construction was superior to any other I have ever seen. She has no issues wearing it and it seems very comfortable for her. The fact that most of the weight is distributed on her shoulder area was a real plus. We would highly recommend this product!!
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 2 of 3 found this review helpful.)
Lori - 2010-01-25Wonderful dog pack! I found it easy to adjust; and the medium fit my 68 pound Siberian Husky well. The straps do tend to slip a little, but I just tied them and it worked well. We used it for snow shoeing and the inside stayed dry.
Is this Useful? - Yes - No ( 1 of 2 thought this was useful.)
Heather - 2009-04-02My dog's favorite thing ever! After doing tons of research on dog backpacks, I chose this pack because of its good reviews, high quality craftsmanship, and the Y-yolk that keeps the weight of the pack forward on the shoulders rather than on the back (which can be harmful, and is very common with cheaper models of other brands). I hoped for the best, since this pack costs about twice as much as I've ever spent on a backpack for myself. ;-) Well, I was not disappointed!! From the moment she put it on, my dog LOVED the pack. She's a working breed and she just seems SO happy and fulfilled to have a "job." She struts her stuff when she has this pack on (she doesn't have to know she's just carrying a few pounds of dried beans). :-) It makes her happy, gives her great exercise, and channels her energy towards a specific task. I couldn't be more thrilled with this pack. HIGHLY recommended!!
Was this Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack Review Helpful? - Yes - No ( 3 of 5 liked this review.)
Sandy - 2009-05-28The Bombest Pack This thing rocks. It's comfortable, practical, waterproof, descent capacity, the harness system is unbeatable. My ridgeback takes his pack slamming through rocks and trees and the thing has held up perfectly
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 3 of 5 found this review helpful.)
Rachel W - 2009-11-30Nice choice. I've been looking for a backpack for my black lab for a while to help out with the walks. This backpack worked like a charm. It is made nicely and fit well. My dog is 70 lbs. and Medium was the right size. I would recommend this to anyone.
Is this Useful? - Yes - No ( 2 of 3 thought this was useful.)
Lee - 2008-11-17A large for my male chocolate lab Great construction and fits well. You do need to keep the weight even on each side. If you drink water from a bottle store on one side and not the other, replace the weight on the side you drank from with a rock or something else of equal weight to that you drank.
Was this Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack Review Helpful? - Yes - No ( 2 of 4 liked this review.)
Heather - 2008-11-14The best out there! I researched packs like crazy before buying this one. I chose it because it has a Y-yolk in the front that distributes weight properly across a dog's shoulders (putting weight on the dog's back could hurt him or her over time). It also makes the pack a lot more stable. I'm glad I did the research and chose this pack because it's AWESOME! My dog LOVES her pack!! She is a 45-pound mix breed who loves to work, and this pack lets her do that. She is so proud to put it on - and I know it's great for her physically AND mentally! :-)
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 3 of 5 found this review helpful.)
Sammie - 2009-04-20Best pack out there! I bought this pack for my 2-year old Weimaraner. She LOVES it! Fitting it to her was even easier than fitting a regular harness to her. It fits really well considering she is a very deep chested dog and has a very skinny stomach section. A medium size fit perfectly! The first time i put it on her, she frolicked about like she normally does when she is excited--and by frolic I mean jump and spin around like a bull at a rodeo--the pack didn't shift an inch! She struts when she has it on! My only concern is it might rub her armpit area after a few days of wearing it, but it hasn't seemed to bother her on our weekly 5-mile walk to and from work. By far, this is the best product out there for a dog pack!
Is this Useful? - Yes - No ( 2 of 4 thought this was useful.)
Jeremy - 2010-02-09fits well, works good, looks good Easily adjustable to fit both of my dogs, ~50 & 60 lbs. Durable materials, well designed, looks great. Neither show any signs of discomfort when carrying a load of about 10lbs at a walk or run. I will definitely be buying a second one so they both can do their 'job' on our walks.
Was this Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack Review Helpful? - Yes - No ( 1 of 2 liked this review.)
VW - 2009-10-19Just what I needed! Perfect fit, perfect construction, perfect sized pouches, perfect padding for my 90 lb. lab. He proudly carries his water, leashes, whatever I ask and it is perfectly comfortable. The only negative? That I didn't buy it sooner.
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 2 of 3 found this review helpful.)
Jeff - 2009-12-30Excellent saddle bag This is a great pack. The S size is a good, snug fit on my 74 lb female bloodhound (she's pretty trim; any larger and she would've been better off with the M). The bag is very stable, with minimal side-to-side motion. I haven't put more than a few pounds of gear in them, but with the stuff I have loaded, the size and positioning of the bags works well. As a comparable, I purchased a different saddle bag from PetSmart before I got the Approach Dog Pack. The old bag literally fell apart after 8 months of use, despite never holding more than a few pounds worth of water bottles.
Is this Useful? - Yes - No ( 2 of 3 thought this was useful.)
MK Laner - 2010-02-05My dog loves it!!!!! After much research I decided to go with the Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack,and I am very glad I did. I bought a M which fits my 75lb Golden Retriever perfectly. It fits her very nicely and she had no problems getting used to it. The pack stays secure and doesn't tilt to one side or the other...she loves putting her pack on cause that means time for a big walk..Once again,very happy with the pack!
Was this Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack Review Helpful? - Yes - No ( 2 of 3 liked this review.)
2009-05-17Sizes are misleading I love the pack, but I ordered a small for my dog which usually wears a medium and the small was way too big. Plus I had to pay to ship it back (plus insurance - required)....waiting to decide if I should order the XS but concerned the pack still won't fit.
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 2 of 4 found this review helpful.)
Mark - 2009-05-27Awesome pack I have had the pack for a week now and the first think I noticed is the construction of the pack. It is one tough pack I have a large German shepherd and bought and it fits perfectly upon her and is positioned to disperse the weight in a way to protect the dogs back. I would and have recommended this pack to my friends it is worth every penny if you have an active dog who like the trails. The only downside is the design of the front strap. The Velcro used to hold the front body strap in place makes it a little challenging to put on but otherwise I highly recommend this pack
Is this Useful? - Yes - No ( 2 of 4 thought this was useful.)
2009-05-17Great pack Wasn't sure how my dog would like the pack but she seems to love it! Put it on and had to make very little adjustment. Has a great fit. The pack is very well constructed and by far the best pack for the price. Great product Ruff Wear!
Was this Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack Review Helpful? - Yes - No ( 2 of 4 liked this review.)
Jen - 2010-01-26Perfect Pack! I got this pack to make my 9 month old Pit Bull more focused on our walks. And that's exactly what it does! It definitely makes him feel more important or like he's doing a "job" instead of randomly walking around our neighborhood. We've had it for a couple weeks and I don't even have to tell him to sit anymore. As soon as he sees his pack his eyes get huge and he immediately sits down and puffs his chest out! Hahah. I put a water bottle in each side for weight and since the packs sit higher on his shoulders instead of his sides, he barely notices it. WE LOVE THIS PACK!!!
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 1 of 2 found this review helpful.)
2009-09-05Love it! This pack is great. My dog loves having it on. We run a few miles each day on the trails and it doesn't phase her a bit to have it on. It stays placed very well and took no time at all to adjust for her best fit initially. It's a quick on and off which is good for routine use. Highly recommend this pack.
Is this Useful? - Yes - No ( 4 of 7 thought this was useful.)
Anonymous - 2009-11-16Great Quailty. I had one from petsmart, and it tore apart really fast. I love the side strap on it, keeps it in place. The other one would hit me, when I walk or jog. This is great for high energy dogs. Now the 2 hours walks can at least tire them a little.
Was this Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack Review Helpful? - Yes - No ( 2 of 3 liked this review.)
A. Hosford - 2010-01-20Great Dog Pack The best dog pack I have used! The construction is excellent and it fits very well. Note to anyone who is buying one for a SBT or other small but stocky dog, the XXS fits my 25 lb girl great except the straps were too short for her chest and neck, after lengthening them though it fits perfect.
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 1 of 2 found this review helpful.)
Laura - 2008-09-06Very nice pack I recently bought this pack for my Alaskan Malamute. I bought the medium (she is at the small end of the range for that size, at 22-1/2" at the shoulder and 63 Lbs.) and my only complaint is that I'd prefer the packs be a bit larger for each size: the large packs would have been more proportionately correct on the medium-size dog, but would be ridiculously tiny on my other, larger (26-1/2", 100 Lb.) dog. Overall, though, the harness system seems very stable and comfortable for my dog, and I was very confident it felt good to her. LOVE the daisy chains for attaching extra gear! I clipped the dogs' steel water pails to them, and will likely use those also to attach some small additional gear bags to on future hikes and camping trips. It's about time someone thought to use a non-restrictive chest design that won't ride up and choke the dog!
Is this Useful? - Yes - No ( 3 of 5 thought this was useful.)
Matt - 2008-12-21Approach Pack The pack works great so far. She can carry 6-7 days of food and the load never seems to get off balance and shift to one side. The padded straps seem to give her enough comfort. This pack was a great step up from the granite gear one she had for the past two years.
Was this Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack Review Helpful? - Yes - No ( 2 of 4 liked this review.)
Dee-Dee - 2008-07-04Awesome Best dog thing ever.
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 2 of 4 found this review helpful.)
Whitney - 2008-09-02Highest quality dog accessory I've ever bought! The first thing I noticed about this pack was how well it is constructed. The stitching is all very tough and secure and the materials are top of the line. Ruff Wear makes an excellent product. I have a 65 lb standard poodle and I bought the medium pack for him. His girth measurement is 30 inches and this pack fits him well, but it is almost on the big side. (I have the straps cinched up almost all the way.) We love to go hiking in the mountains of northern New Mexico and he wears his pack on every hike. It doesn't slow him down at all! He goes crashing through trees, scrub, streams, marshes, you name it, and this pack goes with him perfectly. It is water resistant and tear and stain resistant. We have gone on at least 10 fairly long hikes with it and it still looks like new. One of our last hikes was 10 miles round trip and the pack seemed comfortable on him the whole way. I keep his hair cut pretty short and the pack doesn't irritate his skin at all. Generally I put 2 16.9 oz water bottles in each side, plus a collapsible bowl, and there is still extra room in the pack. Four of these bottles will fit in each side fairly easily, but I don't make him carry that much. The best thing about this pack is that it ensures that the weight is carried over the shoulders and not the back, which is the most important thing to look for in a back pack. If too much of the weight is on the back it can cause spinal injury. The bags slanting forward and the Y-strap in the front all help to insure that the weight is carried well. Make sure and keep the weight equal in each side or the pack will shift to the heavier side. If the weight is equal there is no shifting at all, no matter how hard your dog is running. The girth and waist strap are padded which makes a perfect finish to this wonderful pack. This pack is worth every penny, and I know that because I tried a couple of cheaper versions before this that were just not up to par. I would never recommend any other pack. This one is the best! You will love it as soon as you see it. And as a side note: It looks really cute on my pup! :)
Is this Useful? - Yes - No ( 3 of 5 thought this was useful.)
Kim - 2010-02-02Wish I had found this sooner! This is a great pack. The quality of craftsmanship is excellent. The pockets are huge but well proportioned. I ordered an XS. It fits snuggley and my Shelties don't mind wearing it at all. I'll definitely be ordering one for my Lab as well. It's a little more expensive than the other packs I looked at but worth every penny.
Was this Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack Review Helpful? - Yes - No ( 1 of 2 liked this review.)
tracy messina - 2009-12-05great choice I love the quality, style, and price. I purchased the xxs for my 10 lb dog and it was a great fit and he loves it too!
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 1 of 2 found this review helpful.)
JDegenstein 6-11-09 - 2009-06-11Great Dog Pack I got this pack to have my Labrador carry his weight on mountain hikes, and it performed well. The pack is relatively easy to put on and adjust the harness. The setup makes sure the pack is uniformly balanced. The pouches on each side are good sized for water bottles and food and nicely ride so that the weight is carried over the front shoulders. I got a medium(based on another review) for my 70 lb Lab and that was the right size. The handle on top in the back is nice for a quick grab to stop the dog running off. Once on the dog, the pack seems to have a calming effect on the dog, no more wild run arounds. We hiked over open ground with sagebrush and ground cover and the pack did not once catch or restrict movement thru the narrow openings. The zipper are backed so that it would be somewhat waterproof. The pack is well designed and constructed. It was a good buy.
Is this Useful? - Yes - No ( 3 of 5 thought this was useful.)
teddy broughton - 2010-01-19great dog pack great pack....stays on,fits well, and is very sleek
Was this Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack Review Helpful? - Yes - No ( 1 of 2 liked this review.)
Josh H - 2010-02-08Great pack for my Lab My 1 year old Lab loves the pack. This is his first trail pack and I bought the medium. He's about 65 pounds and it fits him great. It takes a little adjusting to set it up, but has buckles to release and use going forward. I would recommend this pack.
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 2 of 3 found this review helpful.)
2009-05-18very pleased So far I am very pleased with this pack. It fits my dog very well. It doesn't slip and it doesn't seem to bother him or be uncomfortable for him. I was worried about the fit because my dog is tall and slim with a deep chest. Even though I thought he would be a large I followed the sizing chart which put him at a medium and it fits perfectly. The pack seems well made, sturdy, can be well fitted, and it's attractive making it worth every cent. I would definitely recommend this brand of dog pack.
Is this Useful? - Yes - No ( 3 of 5 thought this was useful.)
2010-02-17Well Made Pack Very attractive, well constructed dog pack. Solid and sturdy - I believe this pack will take the wear and tear of daily use in the city and out on the trails quite well. I ordered the small for my 50 lb pointer. Fits well - the packs themselves are quite large for my dogs small frame. I just pinned up the underside with a few safety pins and the size seems to fit better because of that. I plan to order a second pack for my other dog!
Was this Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack Review Helpful? - Yes - No ( 1 of 2 liked this review.)
Stephanie - 2008-11-24All that research paid off! I'm thrilled with my new pack. I must have spent ten hours looking at customer reviews for every pack out there. This one can't be beat. The design, fabric and stitching are top of the line. I bought a medium for my 65 pound Pitbull and it fits great. Also, Altrec had the best price anywhere. Highly recommend!
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 3 of 5 found this review helpful.)
CCooper - 2009-05-27Great pack, Seems Durable I got this pack since my dog is difficult to control on the leash and she is high energy and needs to get the most out of her walks. We put bags of rice in her pack and the past two packs I got from PetSmart were terrible and fell apart within a couple of months. This pack seems very durable and I believe based on it's construction it will hold up for a long time. I also like the center strap instead of what I had before - two fron leg straps that chafed my dog's "underarms" after long walks.
Is this Useful? - Yes - No ( 2 of 5 thought this was useful.)
Khue - 2010-01-17Great Dog Pack Very well constructed and easily able to tighten the straps so the pack doesn't shift much. I bought a M and it fits my 55 lb. pit mix (thick chest, but narrow stomach) . The only thing I wish is that the compartments had sub compartments in them (just one large section on each side) so I can store poo bags or smaller items without having to dig.
Was this Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack Review Helpful? - Yes - No ( 1 of 2 liked this review.)
2009-05-19Ruff Wear tops All In my opinion, you can't buy a better pack than a Ruff Wear pack. I have the Palisades pack for my Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and wanted one for my cocker spaniel, but they didn't make the Palisades in XS. I bought the Approach and am very happy with it. It's just as good as the Palisades except for two features. It doesn't have bladders and the packs are not removable from the harness. I would recommend this or the Palisades to anyone who wants a high quality pack. Don't skimp on the quality of something like a dog pack or else you can hurt your dog.
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 3 of 5 found this review helpful.)
Nancy Geery - 2010-04-12My dog loves this! I have a 65lb lab mix and got the medium. He loves it and is so proud when he's leading the way and doing a job for me on our short hikes. I think it has made him more focused when walking and helps for sure when he can carry the water, doggie bags, treats, phone and keys. He puts his head forward through the straps when he sees me with it and can run full force without it moving or falling off. Nicely padded and well made. No chaffing or redness on his skin when I take it off. A+
Is this Useful? - Yes - No ( 1 of 1 thought this was useful.)
Traci - 2009-07-29Sturdy Enough for Colorado 14ers This pack was a replacement for a poor quality different brand that tore on the first outing. This one survived my rambunctious chipmunk chasing dog and the rough rocky trails/climbs of (3) 14,000ft peaks. Simple, large pockets, holds plenty of food and water; weighted forward over the dog's shoulders, no flipping or slipping. Easy to adjust. Great Pack!
Was this Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack Review Helpful? - Yes - No ( 5 of 7 liked this review.)
William Bailey - 2008-06-18Delivered as advertized Bought this for a miniature Austrailian Shepard (16 in tall, 23lbs.)Pack is well constucted. Fits my dog very well- the size chart seems correct. My dog is at the very bottom range for a small so I ordered the ex small. Glad that I did because the staps still adjust and fit well and the overall size if the pack seems well proportioned to my dog. The front strap design with the "martingale" chest piece and strap between the front legs works much better than other designs to keep the pack centered. I wold recommend this pack.
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 2 of 4 found this review helpful.)
Laura - 2009-07-08Great pack I started using a backpack to help drain extra energy on walks but the pack I was using was just one of those ones from the pet store that seemed expensive at the time but cheap enough to buy and it broke numerous times. It also came unclipped because it had a strap across the neck that all the weight pulled on and it couldn't hold. I just purchased the approach pack and it is perfect, exactly what I wanted. I got a medium for my 50 lb pit/lab mix, she could have fit a small or a medium but the medium fits great and I like the extra space it allows, the pouches don't hang too low despite their large size. My dog is able to jump around with no trouble and the pack easily holds two water bottles per side plus much more if you wanted to load it to the max. You can tell this is a well made pack and I look forward to using it for daily walks and our occasional hikes when it really comes in handy.
Is this Useful? - Yes - No ( 2 of 4 thought this was useful.)
2010-02-03Perfect! I purchased this pack for my 95 lb German Shephard/Chow/Great Dane/etc. mix dog. Per the fit recommendations, we purchased a medium, and it is definitely the right fit for him. We've had the pack for a week, and so far is working like a dream. He is up to carrying about 5 pounds in each side, and, as advertised, the weight really seems to be distributed to his shoulders, which was a key point for us because of his potential hip problems later in life. The 5-point harness and buckling systems have really yielded an excellent fit for him. We have no problems with the pack leaning/falling one way or another, whether there is nothing in it or even when he's running and bounding with 10 pounds. It just stays put. I cannot yet comment on the long-term durability of the pack, as we've only been using it for a week. But so far, I'm impressed. We are intending to take longer hikes in the summer, but for now the pack is being used on 1 hour neighborhood walks in a snowy snowy Michigan. And it works fabulously for that purpose. We did a LOT of research before purchasing this pack. And it paid off. This was the right pack, from the right shop. Altrec got it out to us so quickly, and it has just been a really pleasant experience. Thanks Ruff Wear and Altrec!
Was this Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack Review Helpful? - Yes - No ( 1 of 2 liked this review.)
Gina - 2010-01-22Great Dog Pack I bought this backpack for my Shar Pei who weighs 35lbs. I already had one for my 55lb Shar Pei. I love this pack! It gives great support, sits high on their shoulders so that the weight is not on the center of the back. The harness is great I can easily use the handle to help my dogs over logs or up steep terrain. Just make sure you measure your dog and use the scale that they give because both my dogs wear a small. Only downfall is that the saddlebags do not come off but for our use for over-nighters or just for walks in the neighborhood to burn some energy it is great!
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 1 of 2 found this review helpful.)
Joseph Walton - 2009-10-21Great pack I am using this pack on my doberman mix that weighs around 65 lbs. I haven't taken it on the trail yet but he doesn't mind it much on his daily walks. I have been training him for the trail by adding weight to the pack. It stays in place very well. It seems very well built, and has the same base as the harness from Ruff Wear that we use on our other dog.
Is this Useful? - Yes - No ( 2 of 3 thought this was useful.)
Joyce Wash - 2009-11-19Great Goods My dogs really took to the Approach Dog Pack and the Harness! Easy to adjust and the straps ends fit away neatly in the cushioned under piece. I LOVE THEM!! More importantly, so do doggies!
Was this Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack Review Helpful? - Yes - No ( 1 of 2 liked this review.)
Ribs&Whiskey - 2009-11-20Great pack I purchased a size MEDIUM for my 95 pound german shepherd and it fits him nicely. The construction is sturdy and the material is appropriate for the price, which I believe serves a weekend user perfectly(more intense users should really be purchasing the Palisades anyway for the quick release buckles). The zippers are waterproof, and I applied a waterproof spray which should help in most of the situations (it is water resistant from the factory which does not make sense since they put in waterproof zippers). Nicely padded where it should be and all buckles are covered keeping them away from chafing areas. Front harness system with the "Y yolk" is the centerpiece of the system, which brings the weight forward and distributes it nicely. The forward facing tear drop shape of the compartments also brings the weight forward, which differs from other bags. The stitching is top notch all the way around and it is a good looking pack. Highly recommend, however take the time to measure your dog according to the directions to ensure a good fit. Only upgrade would be to add a smaller compartment - 2 large compartments is all you get. It would be pretty easy to add one more small zippered compartment.
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 4 of 5 found this review helpful.)
2010-01-24Very good purchase Excellent pack...very durable able to withstand hours in the field up against thorns, sticks, water, rock the my 40 lbs wirehair pointer encounters (got the small). Depending on the load there is a bit of rub from the straps under the frnt legs, not a lot of adjustment to correct. A very good pack...
Is this Useful? - Yes - No ( 1 of 2 thought this was useful.)
2009-08-06Fantastic pack! I had tried other packs before this one as a means to give a better workout to my 2 y/o male Rottweiler. The cheaper pet store version packs I've tried just hang over the dogs side, and so when he walks they "bump" off his sides and stomach. As such, he would spend the whole time nipping at the pack or would just stop walking from the irritation. He would also walk with almost a "sway" from the movement of the cheaper pack, that just seemed a little un-healthy and very un-comfortable. The Approach pack fixed ALL of these problems. The pack sits up front on his shoulders and stays put - no moving around, swaying or bumping, so he walks normal. The padded back and the stomach straps don't cause any irritation or chafing. It's easy to put on and take off. The pack itself is INCREDIBLY sturdy & well made. On a daily walk, I put a 5lb dumbell in each side of the pack, and on a day when we are short on time or he is really hyper, I put an 8lb dumbell in each pack. Most days we will spend about 15 minuntes off leash in a park when my dog will run full-out with his pack on. He has NO restricted movement at all, he doesn't even know it's there. Plus this pack takes the beating from 10-16lbs worth of dumbells in it while bouncing up & down, walking AND running EVERY DAY. I've owned this pack for almost a year now and it has still shown NO signs of wear, fraying, weakening or threads/ seams stretching. This pack is WELL worth the money. If you are looking for a pack that can hold weight to help work out your dog or just make him more comfortable while carrying his own supplies for a hike, you absolutley need to get this pack!
Was this Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack Review Helpful? - Yes - No ( 16 of 19 liked this review.)
2010-02-27Helps tire out our Boxer We needed a way to help tire out our 55-lb Boxer besides taking him for a (literally) 15-mile run (since I don't always have time to do that), and we also want to be able to take him backpacking and have him carry his own things. This pack works great for both of those - it has a large capacity and seems like it should be comfortable. The dog that can run nonstop for two hours can burn off energy in a shorter amount of time by going for a walk with his pack on. Definitely pay attention to the sizing charts, though - we "rounded up" a bit because we wanted the larger capacity of a medium, and even though the pack fits, we had to put the straps as small as they would possibly go.
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 4 of 5 found this review helpful.)
Pat - 2010-03-24The pack molds to your dog for a great fit I have a 67 pound Shepherd that loves wearing this pack (I bought the Med size). It took about ten minutes to introduce it to him but once on he he found he really enjoys it. Now he puts his head forward when I walk up with the pack and looks forward to hiking. I can't say it enough; if your looking for a good pack don't cheat, spend a few extra bucks on this pack to make your dog comfortable and a happy. Oh make sure you spray water proof the bag if your around streams.
Is this Useful? - Yes - No ( 3 of 3 thought this was useful.)
2009-02-25Very Happy I bought this Approach Pack for a 15 month old Westie rescue. He came to us full of aggression and needed to burn off some energy. We had already been walking him daily but found he needed more. The pack fits really well, with the load over the shoulders and not on the back itself. He is really proud when he wears it. The only other thing I would have liked to see with this pack is a third buckle at the neck. He is still a little apprehensive when I try to get the pack over his head.
Was this Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack Review Helpful? - Yes - No ( 2 of 4 liked this review.)
James Ford - 2009-04-29The pack works and fits great My 40 lbs dog didn't even realize he had the small pack on. It took a bit to adjust the straps to his girth, but after that, he seemed happy to have it on.
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 2 of 4 found this review helpful.)
2009-08-17Love it! Fits great, very durable. Absolutely love this product and so does our dog!
Is this Useful? - Yes - No ( 2 of 4 thought this was useful.)
Jen Zilli - 2010-03-22Lots of fun I bought the small for my 50 lb hound mix. It fit PERFECTLY! He also took to it instantly. He needed no time to get use to it, and was ready for us to fill it up. He was always crazy on walks and always tried to pull our arms off, but with the backpack filled, he walked with us and seemed to enjoy the walk more! I would recommend this to everyone that has a high energy dog.
Was this Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack Review Helpful? - Yes - No ( 1 of 1 liked this review.)
Bridge Mei - 2009-04-29Best fit for my small dog I was hard pressed to find a dog pack that would fit my 12 lb. chihuahua-mix. That's right, he's only 12 lbs, but he's a trooper that loves to go on hikes, outtings, and fishing with me. I tried the small REI dog pack, but found that it did not fit snuggly enough, bags hung too low, and suffered weight distribution problems. I quickly found the Ruff Wear pack and was excited to see they actually had XXS size (accordingly to the size chart, my dog is on the verge of XS/XXS). The moment i put the pack on, i could tell it was leaps and bounds better than any other pack he's tried. The Y yoke makes a huge difference to get rid of the weight distribution problem. The packs are small enough that they don't hang too low or out to mess with his ROM. It looks great and best of all, he seems to love it! So if you're looking for a saddlebag pack for your small-breed, look no further. Don't even consider the cheaper stuff, believe me: the thought and construction that went into the Approach pack makes it well worth the price!!!
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 3 of 5 found this review helpful.)
2009-05-26Great Pack This is a great pack. I have tried 3 other packs to date on my Male Vizsla. He has always tried to pull the packs off and bite at them, and they would always slide from side to side. With this pack, it stays stable, can carry a decent load, and it does not bother him one bit.
Is this Useful? - Yes - No ( 2 of 5 thought this was useful.)
Cheryl - 2009-10-05OUTSTANDING DOG BACK PACK Love this product. It is well designed, great quality, and very practical and comfortable for my dog. I have tried cheaper pet store packs but always had issues with them. This one is a little pricey but a very worthwhile investment. I put small weights in each side for my high energy boxer and it works great. I will be purchasing another pack for my other dog. Only suggestion I have is to offer more color choices.
Was this Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack Review Helpful? - Yes - No ( 3 of 5 liked this review.)
Michelle - 2010-01-09Great pack The M size fits my 65 lb Pittie perfectly. Well made and nicely padded so it will not rub.
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 1 of 2 found this review helpful.)
Suzi - 2009-12-14This is the only pack my son wanted for his dogs! and he is an excellent checker-outer to see which products are the best.
Is this Useful? - Yes - No ( 1 of 2 thought this was useful.)
Andy - 2009-05-26Excellent choice I got the small for my 45LB shepherd mix and it fits her well with all of the straps about half tightness. It took her a few trips to get used to it; I had to leave the straps loose and the pack empty on the first couple outings. Holds way more than she could ever carry, and she does love it.
Was this Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack Review Helpful? - Yes - No ( 4 of 6 liked this review.)
Kirby - 2010-01-05Practical Pack! My dog is 13.5" at the withers, and weighs 13 lbs, and fit into the XXS. The size chart is slightly misleading, as there is no way that this pack would fit a dog with a 19" girth. His is 17", and just barely fits. I load his pockets with rocks on non-working days to give him the extra push, and it works great. He's never worn anything other than a collar in his life, did not seem to even feel it when I loaded the pack on to him. Balancing the packs on a small dog takes a bit touchy, and has to be really close in weight to not slide. It does it's job though, and I don't see any weaknesses in construction.
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 1 of 2 found this review helpful.)
2010-01-25Pack #2 and lovin it! I bought a second pack for my other dog - mainly for training her and it has been wonderful. The changes this year make the pack more usable and it slips less than last year's pack. Would recommend this product to anyone. Service from Altrec was great as usual.
Is this Useful? - Yes - No ( 1 of 2 thought this was useful.)
Diana Manion - 2009-02-09Extremely Happy I have been looking and looking for a backpack and finally I found it. I might have gone with a smaller one, they tend to run a bit big, but it fits her great anyway because of the great quality. My dog Maddy and I walk like no other and I wanted something that would fit her body well and not physically hurt her down the road. We get the greatest responses from people and they always say "put her to work!" I always respond, "she can carry her own water haha!" But honestly the best thing you will ever purchase for your dogs. Makes them focus and really enjoy their walk. You won't regret it and what a better place to purchase it from than altrec. I have read all the reviews and this site offers the best honest opinions straight from the buyer. Good Luck!
Was this Ruff Wear Approach Dog Pack Review Helpful? - Yes - No ( 2 of 4 liked this review.)
2010-01-02really solid - not cheap This is well put together, solid construction, definitely high quality.
Is this Handy? - Yes - No ( 1 of 2 found this review helpful.)
Nancy Combs - 2009-12-28It is great!! My dog loves it.
Is this Useful? - Yes - No ( 1 of 2 thought this was useful.)
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