Today, we’re reviewing the Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack. If you want to find out more about dog backpacks in general, please click here to read our article on dog backpack.
A bit about the brand, Ruffwear, before we move on.
The founder of Ruffwear is a man called, Patrick Kruse. For Patrick, the outdoors always felt like a second home. He always loved to go on adventures, whether on foot, bike, boat, or whatever.
But there was one thing that was always at the back of his mind throughout those adventures, how to integrate his furry sidekicks into his outdoor adventures. It was this love for adventure with his pooches that drove him to create a company that produces performance dog gear.
Patrick launched Ruffwear from his garage many years ago, and today, Ruffwear has become a global brand. Through thick and thin, Ruffwear claims that it has remained true to Patrick’s first passion, “exploring the outdoors with his furry sidekicks”.
Now that we know enough about Ruffwear, let’s get into today’s review.
Table of Contents
Who Can Wear The Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack?
Well, every dog can wear this backpack. Just ensure that you get permission from your vet before you get this backpack or anyone for that matter. The permission should also include how the maximum weight your dog can carry in his backpack too
As for size, there’s something for every dog size, ranging from extra small to large.
Features Of The Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack
1. Color
The Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack is available in four different colors, campfire orange, meadow green, poppy orange, and pacific blue. These are the exact descriptions of the colors as stated by the company. But basically, they are just different shades of orange, green, and blue.
All the colors here are beautiful and functional, which means they are hi-vis and, therefore, easy to see in the dark.
2. Sizes Available
So, as there are four colors of this backpack available, there are also four sizes available which are: extra small, small, medium, and large.
To get the right size for your pooch, you’ll need to measure his girth. Your dog’s girth refers to the widest part around his chest. You can measure in inches or centimeters. Once you’re done measuring, check out the table below to find out what size is best for your pooch.
3. Handle
This backpack comes with a handle on top. This handle can be used to control your dog when you need to do it quickly and he’s close by. For example, you can use it to stop your dog from chasing prey, or navigate him when he’s going the wrong way.
Some other people use this handle to lift their dogs. While this is not entirely wrong, we’ll never support it. Yes, you can use it to lift your dog over an obstacle for a brief moment. Using it to carry him for a long time, on the other hand, puts a lot of stress on his ribcage which could cause damage. Plus, the handle might break as well.
Well, one good thing about the handle is that it is padded which makes lifting your dog easier.
4. Straps
The Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack comes with three straps. The first strap is a cross-chest strap. It comes down from your dogs’ “shoulders”, joining at his chest and then joined to the second strap which goes across your dogs’ lower chest. Finally, the last strap goes across his waist.
The first strap, the cross-chest strap, is not padded. However, the other two straps are. We don’t know why the company decided to skip the padding with the first one.
Altogether though, these straps have five points of adjustment. These many points were designed to provide your dog with a customized fit.
The adjustment points also allow your dog his full range of motion. Sometimes, when your dog is wearing certain backpacks, you find out that he cannot walk comfortably. With this, he’ll be able to walk as if there’s nothing on his back.
5. Leash Attachment Points
This backpack features two attachment points made from aluminum v-rings. These points which are secured using a durable webbing loop. With this, and the backpack’s inbuilt harness design, controlling your dog with a leash would be a breeze.
6. The Bags
The bags in this backpack come with a load compression system that keeps the items you place in the bag safe and secure, always. Also, the bags are form-fitting and stable. However, for the bags not to slip, it’s advised that you place similar weights into the bags.
Finally, the bags are large and spacious. On an average, the bags can carry about 8 cups of dog food on one side, that’s about 16 on both sides. That should be enough food for a four to five-day hike. However, putting in water bottles will, obviously, reduce the space for food.
Pros Of The Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack
1. Colors are hi-vis. Plus, the backpack also comes with reflective trims to improve visibility.
2. Lightweight and convenient to carry.
Cons
1. The aluminum ring on the leash access hole begins to cut through the fabric with use over time.
Alternative Options To The Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack
Same Brand, Different Product — Ruffwear Singletrak Dog Backpack
If you love Ruffwear but aren’t impressed with this product, then you should check out this other backpack.
More Affordable Option — Lalawow Dog Backpack
To be honest, Ruffwear’s products are quite expensive. If you don’t have the money, then check out this very affordable alternative.
Comparison Table
Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack
|
Ruffwear Singletrak Dog Backpack
|
Lalawow Dog Backpack
|
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| Color | Orange, blue, and green | Grey | Coffee |
| Padded straps | Yes | No | No |
What Do Other People Think?
People love Ruffwear, it’s a well-respected brand, and this product did nothing to tamper with that reputation. Customers loved it completely.
What Do We Think?
Pretty good backpack. Remember to always handwash with minimal detergent, and air dry.
