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Campfire Orange
Blue Dusk
Blue Dusk
Blue Dusk
Blue Dusk
Blue Dusk
Blue Dusk
Blue Dusk
Blue Dusk
Blue Dusk
Blue Dusk
Blue Dusk
Blue Dusk
Campfire Orange
Campfire Orange
Campfire Orange
Campfire Orange
Campfire Orange
Campfire Orange
Campfire Orange
Campfire Orange
Campfire Orange
Campfire Orange
Campfire Orange
4.6
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
40 Reviews

Approach™ Dog Backpack

day hiking & overnight pack

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Sizing Chart & Carrying Capacity

Use this sizing chart to select the appropriate size for your dog. Measurement is around the widest part of the rib cage. In between sizes? We recommend sizing down.

Product size chart table
Pack Size Dog Girth Pack Weight Pack Capacity
XS 17 - 22 in (43 - 56 cm) 0.73 lb (0.33 kg) 305 in³ (5 L)
S 22 - 27 in (56 - 69 cm) 0.94 lb (0.43 kg) 610 in³ (10 L)
M 27 - 32 in (69 - 81 cm) 1.1 lb (0.50 kg) 793 in³ (13 L)
L/XL 32 - 42 in (81 - 107 cm) 1.3 lb (0.59 kg) 1281 in³ (21 L)
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Trail Tested Promise
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Roam further with the Approach Pack, a day hiking and light overnight dog pack with excellent performance, fit, and functionality. Radial cut saddlebags - sized right for extending day hikes and venturing into light overnights - create a passive compression system for efficient load carrying over the shoulders. They rest on an integrated harness with a breathable chassis that enhances comfort and pack stability. With lightweight materials, a streamlined design, and mindful gear organization, the Approach Pack sparks instant motivation for canines seeking deeper exploration on the trail with their human.

It’s recommended that your dog carry no more than 25% of their body weight, including the weight of the pack and its contents. If your dog is new to dog packs, start with a light load and work up to a heavier load as your dog gets used to wearing the pack.

What's New: A staple in our pack lineup, the Approach Pack's updates were inspired by customer feedback. More breathability and flexibility with a perforated, molded foam chassis; improved fade-resistance with new materials; updated flopper stopper system for easier use when stabilizing saddlebags; and more streamlined, refined saddlebag volumes.

Check out this article if you need help choosing the right pack.

STABLE GEAR CARRY

Radial cut, weight-forward saddlebags and "flopper stoppers" stabilize pack and contents and minimize bounce.

PADDED HANDLE

Padded handle and girth straps offer even load dispersion for controlled and comfortable lifting when your dog needs a boost.

KEEP GEAR ORGANIZED

Vertical stash pocket for organizing gear and storing heavier items like food and water closer to dog.

Additional Features

  • Five points of adjustment for an optimal fit

  • Two leash attachment points: aluminum V-ring and reinforced webbing loop

  • Padded handle and girth straps offer even load dispersion for controlled and comfortable lifting

  • Radial cut, weight-forward saddlebags and flopper stoppers stabilize pack and contents

  • Vertical stash pocket for organizing gear and storing heavier items closer to dog

  • External gear loops for additional gear organization and quick on-the-trail access

  • Reflective trim for visibility in low-light conditions and light loop for attaching The Beacon™️

  • Materials

    • Shell: 150 denier polyester
    • Harness chassis: Laminated, molded bonded mesh and perforated foam
    • Buckles: ITW Nexus Airloc side-release buckles
    • Leash Connection Point: Anodized 6061-T6 aluminum V-ring
    • Zippers: YKK reverse coil zipper
    • Made in Vietnam

  • Care

    • Hand wash
    • Mild detergent
    • Air dry

Approach™ Pack Videos

  • About the Approach™ Pack

    Learn more about the Approach Pack from Kadee and Sturgill.

  • How to Fit & Adjust The Approach™ Pack

    Learn how to fit and adjust the Approach Pack from Kadee and Sturgill.

Featured Guide

Barkpacking 101

Whether you're looking to introduce your dog to backpacking or curious about discovering a new love for it together, we have the tips, gear, and inspiration you need to hit the trail.

Hit The Trail Right Arrow

Find The Right Size For Your Dog

Use this fit guide to find the right size for your dog. Measurement is around the widest part of the rib cage.

Sizing Chart & Pack Volume/Weight

Use this sizing chart to select the appropriate size for your dog. Measurement is around the widest part of the rib cage.
In between sizes? We recommend sizing down.
Product size chart table
Pack Size Dog Girth Pack Weight Pack Capacity
XS 17 - 22 in (43 - 56 cm) 0.73 lb (0.33 kg) 305 in³ (5 L)
S 22 - 27 in (56 - 69 cm) 0.94 lb (0.43 kg) 610 in³ (10 L)
M 27 - 32 in (69 - 81 cm) 1.1 lb (0.50 kg) 793 in³ (13 L)
L/XL 32 - 42 in (81 - 107 cm) 1.3 lb (0.59 kg) 1281 in³ (21 L)
Find The Right Size For Your Dog chart
Select Size

Ratings & Reviews

4.6
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
Based on 40 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 29 Total 4 star reviews: 8 Total 3 star reviews: 2 Total 2 star reviews: 1 Total 1 star reviews: 0
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40 reviews
  • Caitlin W.
    Verified Buyer
    Approach™ Dog Backpack
    Reviewing
    Approach™ Dog Backpack Medium / Campfire Orange (815)
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 month ago
    Great pack!!

    Certainly seems sturdy enough for how much my dog loves to roll around with it on!

    Fits great, nice and snug, although there's still a bit of sliding to one side or another, but not enough to cause much concern. Just a fix every now and then.

    Leash loop is very sturdy and held up with an excited pup.

    Holds a deceiving large amount of food & extras, with the two compartments on each side.

    Very happy with this purchase!

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  • Carly M.
    Verified Buyer
    Approach™ Dog Backpack
    Reviewing
    Approach™ Dog Backpack Large/XLarge / Campfire Orange (815)
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 month ago
    Great bag

    We used it on a long 11 mile hike and it was so helpful during longer breaks between water crossings. I also use it now daily for my younger one to wear her out more. So winning all around!

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  • Nicole
    Verified Reviewer
    Approach™ Dog Backpack
    Reviewing
    Approach™ Dog Backpack
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 months ago
    Backpacking trip

    I don’t usually write reviews but I have to say we use ruffwear only for our pup. He recently partially tore his acl and we didn’t know if he’d be able to go. After some PT and more ruffwear purchases. We were able to take him on a 5 day backpacking trip in to the sawtooths and this pack was great for him. He carried his ruffwear safety harness, med kit, bowls, Smokey the bear toy and few other things. Milo is a thicc boy so most harnesses rub but not ruffwear. The back loop even helped keep his acl brace in place.

    He’s been by my side for the past 9 years through some tough times so it was amazing to get to bring him on this epic adventure. It meant the world to have him there he was even there to watch us get engaged in the back country!

    I truly would not have been as comfortable if it wasn’t for our rufflwear products. Ruffwear has just been super durable and dependable for all of our pups adventures over the years.

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  • Andrea T.
    Verified Buyer
    Approach™ Dog Backpack
    Reviewing
    Approach™ Dog Backpack Medium / Campfire Orange (815)
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 months ago
    pockets!

    Great pack with good sized pockets!

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  • Kari E.
    Verified Buyer
    Approach™ Dog Backpack
    Reviewing
    Approach™ Dog Backpack Small / Blue Dusk (407)
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 months ago
    Put him to work

    The quality and construction is great, initially I ordered a small bases on chest measurement with out taking into consideration his shoulder/legs for stepping into it- so I returned and ordered the large that can be adjusted down to fit the girth, and easily steps into it. He is a one and a half year-old German shepherd husky cross that I recently rescued and he needs more of a job/responsibility so we will be using this pack for training purposes this fall and then off into the wild we go. It has a lot of cargo room and if I weight right the aged terrior fits- if she becomes to tired on the trails. I always use RoughWear gear for big dog adventures- the durability, quality, and warranty is exceptional.

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