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Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack

Curated from 71 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: January 5, 2025

Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack

Brand: Ruffwear

Price: $99

Snoop Score:

6.9

Sentiment

7.8

Popularity

5.0

Technical

7.5

Buy on Amazon for $99 See All Dog Backpacks Reviews

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Snoop's Take

The Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack is designed for hiking and camping, allowing your dog to comfortably carry their own gear while exploring the great outdoors. Users appreciate its durable construction and quality materials, with one reviewer stating, "The pack is very durable... and is in great condition" even after extensive use. While some dogs may experience chafing or discomfort, many owners highlight the versatility and functionality of the pack, making it a recommended choice for pet owners looking for a reliable dog backpack.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Dog Backpacks

Very durable, great colour options which helps with visibility.
Positive Feedback

Wouldn’t worry about the dog being cold.
Negative Feedback

6.9

Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack

Buy on Amazon for $99

Hiking & Camping

8 / 10

Daily Walks & Training

6 / 10

Travel & Road Trips

5 / 10

Weight Carrying & Exercise

7 / 10

See how this compares to all Dog Backpacks

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

Durable construction and quality materials

“Very durable, great colour options which helps with visibility.”➕

“My dog uses the Approach too. Works great.”➕

“They have stood the test of time on tons of backpacking trips and hikes.”➕

Ruffwear is a well-regarded brand

“I really like the brand Ruffwear, though my dog is slightly bigger than a cocker spaniel (blue heeler).”➕

Works great for carrying essentials

“He carries some of his food/water, bowls, some boot liners (so he doesn't damage tents/pads with his claws), his sleeping bag, some pet-specific first aid items, and a fido pro rescue sling.”➕

Ruffwear is a popular recommendation

“Does anyone have an suggestions or tips about packs for dogs?”➕

“everyone here recommends ruffwear and then some cottage brand if you want a custom expensive one”➕

Durable construction

“The pack is very durable. He has about 500 miles on it and the pack gets scraped often along rocks and vegetation and is in great condition.”➕

Designed for leash attachment and handling

“fully load bearing harness capability for a leash, not just use as a pack”➕

Convenient to remove packs during breaks

“I love the Palisades. It’s really nice to remove the weight from the dog during rest breaks and lunch.”➕

“Yes! I think I underestimate the fact that you can remove the packs and just have a regular harnas on still.”➕

Good for carrying essentials

“I use the old approach pack and it’s great.”➕

Ability to remove saddlebags for breaks

“The ability to remove the saddle bags is a huge value add.”➕

“Just my own experience though.”➕

Capacity fits weekend trips

“All of his gear is either dog specific, or has been modified to be just big enough for him.”➕

“My 50 pound dog has done 4 night trips with the Approach carrying about a liter of water at a time.”➕

Suitable for various dog sizes

“Thank you for posting your review, good to know! Your dogs are so cute! I’m surprised they fit in the XS.”➕

Decent backpack functionality

“Seems like if I have a single gram extra on one side, within 10 minutes the pack sags completely to that side.”➕

“Approach is a pretty decent backpack and it should work, unless off-course there is a sizing issue.”➕

Effective weight distribution when loaded correctly

“I have found that this loop is also an excellent pack counter balance and I can correct loading issues by throwing the loop in the opposite direction from the sag.”➕

Straps soften over time

“My dog doesn't have the chafing issue anymore now that the straps have become more worn/softer.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

Chafing can occur

“Wouldn’t worry about the dog being cold.”➕

Dog dislikes the backpack due to itchiness

“My dog hates the ruffwear backpack”➕

“For a mini Aussie, I would consider just holding his stuff for him.”➕

Straps cause rubbing and hot spots

“No matter how I adjust the straps, no matter how much or how little gear he carries, my Vizsla gets some pretty bad hot spots rubbed into his underarms and belly from the straps.”➕

Weight limits can be challenging

“Usually my 55 lb Portuguese Water Dog carries 2 1-liter Smart Water bottles and 2 collapsible bowls, weighing about 5 lbs.”➕

Delamination issues after extended use

“I had an old blue ruffwear approach pack that my heeler beat to shit for 6 years.”➕

Chafing can occur under front legs

“How to address issues with Ruffwear Approach Pack and chafing under front legs?”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product Name	Price	Score	See Details	Buy Now
HOWLIDAYS CO. Dog Backpack Harness	$34	9.1	Details	Buy
EXCELLENT ELITE SPANKER Dog Pack Hound Dog Saddle Bag Backpack	$35	8.9	Details	Buy
Himal Outdoors Dog Backpack & Saddle Bag	$29	8.6	Details	Buy
OneTigris Y-Shaped Dog Backpack	$31	8.2	Details	Buy
OneTigris Dog Pack Backpack for Small Medium Dogs	$25	7.3	Details	Buy
Kurgo Big Baxter Dog Backpack	$29	7.0	Details	Buy
Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack	$99	6.9	Details	Buy
PetAmi Dog Backpack for Medium Large Dogs	$24	6.6	Details	Buy
Lifeunion Polyester Dog Saddlebags Pack	$23	6.4	Details	Buy
Mountainsmith K9 Dog Pack	$59	6.4	Details	Buy
Pecute Cat Backpack Carrier for Travel and Hiking	$37	6.2	Details	Buy
OUOBOB Dog Backpack for Medium Large Dogs	$24	4.5	Details	Buy
Lifeunion Adjustable Service Dog Supply Backpack Saddle Bag	$23	4.3	Details	Buy
BYGD Dog Backpack for Hiking and Camping	$26	2.9	Details	Buy
IDOMIK Dog Backpack Harness	$28	2.8	Details	Buy
FEimaX Dog Carrier Backpack Pet Legs Out Front	$17	1.7	Details	Buy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Discussion of custom fitted packs

“They're currently not taking orders but GroundBirdGear makes custom fitted, to order packs.”➕

Discussion on dog endurance and load management

“I'm excited to get packs and start building up their endurance so they can carry their own water, food and snacks.”➕

Pack weight limits and packing strategies

“The best way to pack is with a low center of gravity.”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.

DIY solutions for strap discomfort

“This is DIY, but maybe if you got athletic socks and cut off the foot portion, you could slide the “tube” over the part of the strap that contacts your dogs underarms?”➕

Discussion of alternative dog gear for cold weather

“I was also planning on using it as my chair/seat in camp.”➕

“she’s a German shepherd mix so I usually only notice her getting cold once it hits the 30s”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

Discussion of alternative brands and products

“we have been using it all summer and I am a big fan of the slimmer fit and smaller capacity since it reduces slipping, prevents overloading, and doesn’t get hung up in bushes.”➕

“It has detachable saddlebags like the Ruffwear Palisades but costs half the price.”➕

“Check out Saker Canine. They've got harnesses with packs.”➕

Discussion of alternative dog packs for hydration

“Only problem is that he drinks a TON of water. I want him to carry it.”➕

“The vest doesn't bother her. That being said, it's not as much water as you are looking for, but might be a good start.”➕

Pet stores may offer various options

“We have bought a couple from TJ Max/Sierra and they've worked out well.”➕

Discussion of other dog packs for different purposes

“Buddyrider is awesome!”➕

Discussion about alternatives to Ruffwear

“Or other brands? Is the backpack even necessary?”➕

“My rescue got anxious and ripped a hole in a new tent once.”➕

“Honestly… boot liners sound like such a better idea.”➕

Discussion of alternative dog packs

“Ruffwear Palisades is the best option, but it is too costly, Approach is another one by Ruffwear.”➕

“Groundbird Gear is the best fitting pack I have for my dog. He also has a Ruffwear and an Outward Hound and the Groundbird chafes the least of the three, hardly at all.”➕

Discussion about leash setups while hiking

“Looking for recommendations for a pack for my dog. I am not exactly sure what I should be looking for in a pack so any suggestions would help.”➕

“Invest time walking him on the waist leash using your poles so he learns how to not get tangled up and you learn what to look for.”➕

“The bungy is good for more scrambly terrain as if she jumps we aren’t pulled as much.”➕

Discussion on alternative packs and training considerations

“So his high-viz orange vest used in the backcountry? No problem now.”➕

“Questions I have are his age, size, and whether you did any training or preparation before putting a pack on him.”➕

Preference for modular gear options

“It would be so much easier for me and encourage me to buy more of their gear if more of it was modular.”➕

Mention of training dogs for camping equipment

“Most importantly is training your pup how to use a tent… or your screens will instantly become doors.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

Mention of alternative brands

“This is super expensive but is way more specific about sizes than the 3-4 options most places offer.”➕

Discussion about packing limits and safety

“Plus, it is important not to pack more than a certain percentage of your dog's weight on them for their own safety.”➕