#also if I don’t have this trail my sledding areas that don’t allow off leash dogs are very limited

[darkwood-sleddog]

What is in the water this week?? work’s got me like this

[darkwood-sleddog]

Ruffwear Approach Pack Review

July’s Dog Gear Review is here! This month we will explore the popular Ruffwear Approach Pack.

(Sigurd wearing Ruffwear Approach Pack above)

Read Our In-Depth Review Below:

[Before we dive deep into what makes the Approach Pack one of the most popular dog packs out there today, please know this: NOT ALL PACKS ON THE MARKET FIT PROPERLY FOR CARRYING SIGNIFICANT WEIGHT. For carrying more than a couple of poop bags the pack MUST sit close to the dog’s shoulders and keep the weight OFF the back of the dog. HERE is an article I find useful for newcomers. Note that there are some popular and very pretty looking packs our there that do not fit properly which can cause discomfort and potential injury to your dog. Examples of packs your should avoid for carrying significant weight because they carry the weight on the back of the dog include the Outward Hound DayPak, Kurgo Baxter Dog Backpack, OneTigris Dog Pack, and the Lalawow Dog Pack. (Note: it doesn’t mean these packs aren’t potentially good, but you should NOT have your dog carry much weight in these packs for their own safety).]

(Sigurd wearing properly fitted pack above, bags of pack are filled)

When I got into Alaskan Malamutes I knew I wanted to title my dogs in at least three areas: Canine Good Citizen, Sledding & Packing. As an avid hiker in an mountainous east coast state of the US, packing really appeals to me. There’s nothing worse than knowing your own pack is going to be HEAVY for the day AND then also have to hold on to a dog leash of a very excited malamute. (I don’t let our dogs off leash when I hike, I would never see them again). 

I had known about the Ruffwear Approach Pack for awhile, but still reached out hoping for other suggestions (WolfPacks were suggested and I know they are a good packing company as well). I did eventually end up getting the Approach Pack, which costs a lovely $79.95 USD. The size of the pack as well as the FLAMING ORANGE color (called Orange Poppy on the Ruffwear website) was very appealing to me. As a person with white dogs who lives rurally in a state that gets a lot of snow from fall-spring orange is an important color for me. 

(Sigurd and myself on Stowe Pinnacle, displaying full pack bags, a well conditioned Sigurd who is still full of energy and ready to go, as well as the strength of the leash attachement loop.)

I have been using the Approach Pack for some time now and I’m happy with my purchase, it was well spent. Below are my Pros & Cons of the pack.

(Above is how the pack looks when the bags are empty, you can clearly see how much the pack bags expand comparing this picture to the others in this post where the pack is full)

PROS & CONS

Pros:

Durability: The lightweight material is durable in any condition (but is not waterproof). The pack holds its shape well and does not tear or see damage when the dog takes the pack through thick foliage, rocky areas, etc.

Color: The Ruffwear Approach pack comes in two colors, Meadow Green & Orange Poppy. It also includes reflective trim. I really like the orange color, it stands out during ANY season which is important on the trail. The Approach Pack comes in MUCH brighter colors than other packs that feature a lot of black or natural colors).

(Above Ruffwear Approach Pack photo showing the handle, Poppy Orange Color and Reflective striping.

Super adjustable: The pack offers several points of adjustment which is really nice if you have deep chested dogs like myself. When adjusted properly the bags don’t move on the dog too much. 

Carrying ability: This pack can carry so much more than you might think, with four pockets, two on each side: one deep and one shallow, you can pack pretty much any dog essentials (even essentials for people too!). I’ve carried two water bottles, dog bowls, hand weights, clothing items, leashes, anything you can think of. I know some people find the bags to be too large for what they are looking to do, but for packing and hiking it is superb. (If you are looking for a pack with smaller bags try Ruffwear’s Singletrak Pack or Commuter Pack).

(Sigurd wearing Approach Pack Above, display strength & carrying power of the bags which are full in this photo)

Strength: This pack has strong but flexible fabric allowing the room to pack what you need, but doesn’t have too much give. It is also very strong when your dog pulls. It has a metal ring for attachement to your leash and even with extensive pulling like my dogs do I have not seen any damage.

Handle: the Approach Pack features a sturdy handle on the back of the harness to help you assist your dog in any situation. While my dogs can get over pretty much any terrain with ease, the handle is helpful in river situations as well as a strong place to hold your dog close when other hikers are passing you (and often off-leash dogs).

Size: Comes in four sizes XS-XL, lots of dogs can pack!

Cons:

Not waterproof: If anything spills inside of this pack beware! Keep foods in waterproof containers and water itself tightly packed, make sure any poop bags that contain waste are TIGHTLY tied. Outside of the pack isn’t completely waterproof, but does a good job deterring external moisture (I wouldn’t let the dog go swimming in this, river crossing should be okay). Note that Ruffwear does sell a waterproof saddlebag cover.

Pack and harness are one item: Ruffwear has a pack, the dreamy and expensive Palisades, that allows the pack itself to be detached from the harness the dog is wearing which a lot of people find VERY useful in hiking and camping situations. The Approach Pack does not feature this, so if you get an Approach Pack make sure to pack your dog’s regular walking harness in the backpack if they need a break from the pack itself.

Bags need to be carefully balanced: this pack, since it does allow for a large amount of items to be carried within, needs a lot of careful adjustment and balancing to ensure that the saddlebags do not list to the side of the dog. I like to do this while the pack is on the dog. If properly packed with even weight on each side the pack will sit nice and straight on the dog most of the time. I don’t find it THAT much of a con, but it does take time and some practice, which could be off-putting to others.

(Photo above shows the pack when unbalanced, listing to one side)

Overall I find the Approach Pack just that, approachable. It is a very well made dog pack that is easy for beginners to handle. It has very few cons, most of which are only mild inconveniences to the average person. While it is a little pricy for some, it is worth every penny. It is rated 5 stars on the Ruffwear website by 81% of users, a very fair rating in my opinion.