Purchased a small, x-small, and xx-small Approach Pack to try to find the perfect fit for my little mutt. He is large chested, long bodied and height challenged. This makes him an awkward fit for practically everything I purchase for him. The x-small was perfect in the straps, but the xx-small had the perfect sized bags for his little body. Unfortunately for him, he is 20" in girth, which makes the xx-small bag too tight for him. Some others have mentioned having the same problems with their pups, and some have even said they were able to figure out a way to extend the straps. I unfortunately do not have a clue how to do that, and for the price, I'd rather have it just fit the first time. Sadly have to return this bag, even though the other bags on the market don't even seem worth looking at. I would still recommend the product to someone who had a dog with more average proportions.

We've just had our first walk with the approach pack. Good, ergonomical fit, loads of space, two options for the lead and water resistant. the dog loved it, so now all we can do is increase the weight he's carrying a little by little and he's ready to carry all his important stuff on hiking trips in the mountains. Great pack!

I initially bought the XS pack for my 22 lb border collie mix. The bag size seemed a bit too large for her, and the carrying capacity definitely exceeded what would have been appropriate. The chest straps fit very well though. I gave the XS to my 50 lb pit bull and it's perfect for her! I then got the XXS for the smaller one. The bag size is appropriate ( easily could fit 2 cups food and 1/2L water on each side, total wt around 3.5 lbs. ),but the chest straps are about 2 inches too short! I fixed this with some random extra clips I had to make an extender. Overall great packs but sizing is a little wonky.

I love taking my dog on hikes and runs around town but didn't like carrying all of my dog's stuff in a back pack of my own because it always seemed to slide around and get in my way when I was running. Since he's a working breed I figured he'd be able to carry his own stuff. I got this pack and now I use it on a daily basis on almost all of our walks. I make sure to only pack it with 4 pounds or less of stuff since he's only 18 or 19 pounds, and that's more than enough room for his water, treats, bag, and my wallet. I would highly recommend this bag because my dog seems to love it and it only took him a couple of minutes before our first walk with it to get used to it. Now I think he knows when he sees it that means we're going for a walk or a run which is his favorite time of day. He fell right in between the girth sizes for Small and XS so I bought both and returned the small which was too big for him. The XS straps are extended to their limit now and it fits him perfectly.

I add bottled water to the back pack during our walks to give Samson a bit more of a work out. Works great!

At times I have difficulty putting the pack on my 75 pound bundle of energy because he knows it means a walk with me, but once it is on it achieve everything I had hoped for. I put a 5lb weight in each side and we walk for an hour or more, it helps to burn off Samson's energy and gives him a "purpose" during our walks. I can't wait till warmer weather when we can walk more often.

I have tried several packs by other brands, and this is by far the best! All of the other packs did not stay put, especially while decending; if it was tight enough to keep from pitching and rolling, it was uncomfortable. Sydney loves her new pack and gets so excited when she sees it come out of the closet; she knows she is in for a great day. The size is perfect for day trips or short weekends, and is not too bulky when lightly loaded. Great product, keep 'em coming!

Love this pack! Fits perfectly and stays in position!

Great backpack, wear resistant, rain and snow during our walks in the mountains!

I received my backpack for Patches late afternoon, of December 5, 2011, and have had her wearing it for short periods of time. It changed her 'personality' as soon as she had it on. There are Internet Testimonials claiming that it did wonders for their dog's pulling. I can hope! On December 7,2011 we did a 1/2 mile walk around the RV Park that she did at almost a perfect heel much of the time. If she got just a little bit in front of my left leg only a slight tug on the leash brought her back into perfect position. It was a TRANSFORMATION. I used no treat lures and gave her no treats for walking, only treated her when she sat upon command when I stopped. I can not say that every dog will respond in kind but this is what happened with Patches this evening. It was a MIRACLE to watch happen and be a part of!

Got this pack several years ago for my Coolie mix. After 3-years of bouncing off trees, boulders anything else she can run into, and not a tear or burst seam yet, says this is an excellent product. It's not very waterproof, but not much is going to be when your dog lays in the middle of the creek and chews on submerged branches...

We have had this pack for over a year now and use it for a wide variety of applications. We have used it for hiking, running, walking and just around the yard. It has been especially nice when we go for a walk, as we just put in small weights to give her more of a work out without killing us. Pack as held up well and seems to fit comfortably for our dog.

We got this for an odd reason ... our female JRT lost some weight and figured out (smart little brat) that she could wiggle her way through our fence. Once she figured it out she took off every time our backs were turned! We priced out a puppy-picket to add to the fence but it was $$$ over 1/2 of what the original fence cost! No way! So we got creative ... this pack filled with scrunched up paper towels means she can't fit through the fence. The best thing is that she loves it - prances around with it on like she's proud to wear it. It is clearly comfortable with how they've created the harness portion. She wears it pretty much all the time except for in bed at night. It's got a great handle in the back & reflective portions. Not to mention that it can be used for it's intended purpose of carrying things!

Love, love, love this pack for my dogs. It's padded in just the right areas, allows them to carry their own snacks and water, and is comfortable to wear all day. The handle on top (along with the sturdy harness/frame), allows me to help guide my dog along rough areas of trail. Easily one of the best dog packs on the market.

My Golden loves the pack and it loads and carries very well. He walks much better with the pack than without it. I found the pack very well made and easy to adjust.

wish the side packs could be removable when it is just a day hike. otherwsie basko loves it and knows when it goes with us it is time to hit the trails

This thing is great! I got the medium pack for my pit and she loves it just as much as I do. She can carry her own load when we go backpacking/camping and on days when its hard to get her the workout she needs I can just put her pack on her to give her a harder job to do during runs and hikes. The side pockets can hold a ton of stuff! I had no problem loading her up with all her own food and treats for a weekend getaway. It's held up just fine after my dog went romping through streams, between granite boulders and trees.

Very durable, great fit, Quick on and off, we couldn't ask for a better pack!

I got a size small for my 35 pound Boxer mix and it fits her perfectly! It is exactly what I was looking for and Kaia does not mind wearing it all! I can not wait to take her to the park or on a hike in her new backpack!

I just love the way the pack fits my dogs. They are very large and I have had a hard time finding a pack that is tuff and gives me enough room to put 30 pounds of food water and things we need while hiking. I am so glad I found Ruff Wear.

I purchased this pack for my 13lb Schnauzer to help tire her out on walks, give her a job to do, and to carry her food, water, poop bags, tennis balls, and other thing necessary for a romp in the park or a short hike. The design is great (although she doesn't like that it has to slide over her head) and the quality is fantastic, plus the ergonomic design means she forgets she's wearing it after a while. My only critique is that the length of the pack at the elbow should be factored into sizing. For deep-chested dogs, especially those with short legs, going solely by girth can result in a pack that hangs too far below the elbow. The XS fit my dog's girth but hung far too low, while the XXS is the proper length but is at the max size around her chest. A strap extender would also be a nice option for cases like this.

high quality materials and great design

Just took this pack on a 3 day hike with my hyper beagle. He ran in and out of every brook, marsh and creek. He tore through bushes and thorns and caught the bag on a number of sharp trees and sticks. The bag stood up to his beating and still looks brand new. He loves his bag and couldn't wait to get it back on every morning. I was a little hesitant to buy this bag at first with the price but it is worth every penny. The only thing I would take in to consideration next time is the sizing because he has short legs when the pack is weighed down it can hang pretty low making getting over some trees difficult, therefore I would consider buying a size smaller. Also where his hips are so thin we have to tighten it as far as it will go on the back strap to prevent it from sliding around. He is a 25 pound beagle we purchased a size small next time I might try the extra small. All around an excellent pack. Couldn't ask for better.

Quality is unmatched. My dog is very hyper. The pack stayed snug on her all 4 days of our hike through the Trinity Alps. She even jumped in the lake with it on at one point. I was amazed her food was completely dry.

Great design! Fits beautifull.

I've got a 50lb Border Collie and I got him a small and it fits wonderfully! The pockets are just the right size for his body and the straps fit well with room to loosen and tighten, if need be. I wanted to detail the size of dog and pack I have in hopes of being helpful (I debated the size for days because I couldn't find a review that included both sizes). Thanks Ruffwear! Happy adventuring!

Before the Approach pack our walks were always very hyper. I load her medium pack with water and food (we’re working up to full pack weight to do extended camping trips) and she’s doing very! well. Slowly increasing the weight. She loves carrying her own gear as I do! No more packing MY pack with her stuff! lol There’s only been one time she was in the woods and got stuck between two smaller trees. Luckily she didn’t push too hard as to rip the pack off, just backed up and continued on... Great pack/gear from Ruff Wear! I WILL be back for more! Thank you guys so much...!

So many useful features including water resistant zippers, ring to clip leash to harness, front bearing y strap, handle on top of harness, etc. The pack fits my dogs comfortably and the times that it slid side to side were due to user error and fixed with simple strap adjustments. The pack does run very large. My 2 dogs are both a lean 60lbs. and have to adjust a medium so that the straps are at their shortest lenght. I think a small would fit them as well.

It gets so hot here that I need to get my dog the best workout possible in a very brief amount of time. We haven't had it long but I can already tell this pack will be a huge help. I wish it sat just a bit higher on the shoulders but hopefully I can figure out how to do that by adjusting the straps.

This pack is great for any type of hiking that you would want to do with your dog. It is easy to put on and comfortable for your dog as well. The saddle bags stay firm to his body and do not flop from side to side unless you don't fit your dog properly. He loves the pack and can carry enough food for 2-3 days of hiking.

My dog loves it the fit is really good(M), his walking on leash has improved greatly and I've tried multiple collars and training harnesses and nothing really helped or was as comfortable for him. now I he can carry his own water, enough room for him to carry his own gear on a weekend trip.

I have seen a HUGE improvement in my dog. I have tried other packs, but they are not nearly as good as this. I went on eBay and Amazon, bought one on each site and they lasted about only three months. I have had this pack for about a year and a half and it is still used everyday. My dog burns energy much quicker and is now much more calm after exercise. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!

Wow! This has transformed my walks (especially the morning walks!) with my super hyper active pit! I put 2 water bottles on each side and he is no longer trying to lead, but staying at my side - or even a step or 2 behind me. It has drastically cut down on his jumping or whining when we encounter people/animals that he wants to play with and keeps him more focused on me and the walk. I purchased a size medium and it fits great with no chafing or irritation to him at all. This product is extremely well made and you can tell that the dog's comfort was definately a priority in the construction. At first he was a little nervous when I had to put it over his head to get it on, but after a few times he's okay with it - perhaps because he knows it means we're going outside :) Terrific product!

Fits great, lots of space, comfortable for my dog, love the green color

I bought this pack so my newfoundland could tag along on backpacking trips. The folks at REI let us bring him in the store so we could try different brands. He is 140 pounds, not a big newf but still a larger dog than most. The Ruff Wear pack fit the best. However, once on the trail the pack does not stay in place; it twists, contorts, and looks generally uncomfortable. My dog now hides when the pack comes out of the closet. The only way the pack stays in place is if its empty and then what is the point? I would not recommend this product for large breed dogs.

I bought the xxs for my high energy 20lb. schnauzer since I measured his girth at 17". The pack barely fits on the chest strap, I had to pull it all the way out. I had my mom measure him and she got 17" also, but maybe we both measured a bit off. The bags are the perfect size for him though. 2L is enough for him to carry his water dish, doggie bags, a small toy, dog boots, first aid, and multiple days worth of food (Not kibble - I feed him a compact calorie dense lightweight food when backpacking). So the packs are just right for loading him up without overdoing the weight (I carry his water, coat, and bed). The packs balance well if you just eyeball the weight on both sides. They harness base works well for assisting my dog up boulder piles, etc. I would have bought the palisades pack for the option to use the harness alone, but this was the only pack that was small enough for my dog. Four stars because the chest strap is hard to connect under the saddle bag and I can't detach the bags to use just the harness after we reach camp.

I bought this for just casual walks with weights/drinks. I really like the fit --- breastplate style and two belly straps hold it in place nicely with the weight over the shoulders where it should be. Seems very well made also but I've just used it on Koa once. I plan on buying another one as well since we have four Mals.

I bought the approach pack for my Border Terrier, Peat. Like most BT's he has a ton of energy and thought this would be a great tool to help get the most out of our walks. It fits great, and is very adjustable to fit any size. Peat is about 18lbs so we went with the XS which has PLENTY of storage space. He seems very comfortable in it, and loves wearing it and carrying his important things on his walks. He will even run with the pack on when we give him the OK so the pack must be super comfortable for him. The handle is great and can easily and comfortabley support his frame. I would recommend for ANY dog, very high quality and will last for years. When I bought it I was told it will last Peat's life (he's only 1 yr old).

My dog looks so freakin cool in this pack! I hiked a river and used the handle to carry him over logs and swift water (he is only 3 months old). The dog loved it. I love it.

My boxer is 5 months old, very energetic and athletic. She is a working dog and loves to feel she is doing a job. The backpack gives her a sense of worthiness(I think). I am conditioning her to be able to carry more weight. This "approach" also tires her out a little quicker and we all live harmoniously.

right outta the package Brembo was overly excited to try on his pack! the amount of adjustabilty is excellent, the fit was perfect for my boy! now whenever he sees it come out he automatically sits right infront of me waits for me to put it on him! thanks for the great, reliable product guys!

I upgraded to the Approach from a smaller, cheaper backpack after its zipper broke. I wish I would have bought this one sooner, it's great! His first time wearing it, I took Finn on a bushwhacking hike through the desert. I was a little worried how it would stand up to all the desert bushes and even cactus, but at the end of the hike it still looked brand new. A couple of hikes later, we used the handle to lift Finn up onto a boulder that was too large for him to jump up onto. The pockets are large enough to hold plenty of food, water, treats and doggy bags, and the gear loops come in handy for attaching water bowls, etc. We plan to use it for an overnight backpacking trip soon, I can't wait!

used this pack outside of it recommended field and took it on a 4 day backpacking trip. worked great out of the box. peyton didnt mind it at all. could see were the saddle bag release of the backpacking pack would be a huge advantage. pack did induce some tendor spots, though our first day was 14 miles, the next three were 4-6 miles. One short day was running due to a small forest fire.

Nice strap placement, feels very solid.... Our dog loves to rub against trees, so far no tears bag has held up well.....

We recently purchased this pack for our older Golden Retreiver (3 yo.). It adjusts to fit her perfectly. What we were more pleasantly surprised about was that it could adjust so far that it fit our puppy (7 months) also! It is a great, very well made product that I am sure we / they will use for years.

My 9 Month old Beagle Came on a Hike with I on snow shoes and he wearing his day pack for the first time. I packed it light, He did wonderful!! cant wait to go on next hike.

Great for a backcountry adventure, but even when we are just having an urban romp, the backpack is great, even for just giving my high energy dog a sense of purpose or a little extra weight to carry!

I purchased the pack for my 8 month old pit bull. My dog had been pulling often when walking on a leash and I had been told a pack like this would help - and it really did. We walk two miles a day and he now stays beside me. My dog is also very energetic, and using the pack with two water bottles helps burn off some of that excess energy. Great product

I purchased this pack for use with my service dog. I want her to carry anything she may need on our adventures both close to home and on road trips. The straps are well padded and comfortable for the dog with plenty of adjustments for the perfect fit, which is important when the dog will wear the pack for up to 8 hours a day. Packed too full and she cannot lay on her side, but with basic supplies evenly distributed staying comfortable is not a problem. I like the fact that the packs are roomy. I can put small sacks of items inside without concern for pre-designed dividers inside the pack...gives me more options. Sophie and I look forward to many years of use. Thank you for your thoughtful design!

Coolest dog pack around! I purchased a small for my slender pup, and i love it, and so does Mischa! She wears it on all day hikes loaded right up, doesnt slow her down in the slightest. Quick and easy to put on and take off when she wants to go for a swim in the creek of whatever, just takes a few times for them to figure out how to help. I'm extreamly impressed with this pack!

I boufgt these packs for my female foxterrier so she could take her goods to our lessons in Agility. She doesn't like when smth is put on her but shes in not against these packs))) ps. the size fits well! http://sunshine1.users.photofile.ru/photo/sunshine1/115144609/xlarge/140565263.jpg

We really enjoy our Approach pack! It fits well, is very adjustable and stays in place during our hikes. We have logged about 30 backpacking miles since we got it and are looking forward to our next trek!

Love this back pack. Perfect size for my 73lb GS. We do a lot of walks in parks etc.; just enough for her to carry her own water, treats along with my keys and wallet. She had no problem with it frpom day one. This will be the only pack you will buy as it is very durable and made well.

My dog loved this backpack from the first walk on forth. He has his tail up high and seems a proud helper. It fits nice and snug, does not slide on either side and seems comfortable for our dog. I'd get it again anytime!

This pack is the best that we have seen, I went through 2 cheaper packs before I bought this pack. Very Well made, very derable, great fit on my dog, very easy to put on the dog, love how the harness fits and is positioned on the dogs chest and not the neck. I have a 2yr old 25lb Jackrussel and he wears the xs pack and he just loves it, he puts it on no problem. He carries his water, bowl, poop bags, leash when off leash. Very great pack my jack hits and rubs on trees, fence, stairs almost anything and it shows almost not wear has no holes or anything in it only a few scratches and he has been using it for just over 2 yrs now and he wears it about 5 times a week. Would highly recommend this pack to every dog owner.

Th approach pack is extremely well made with quality materials and all of the straps that contact the dog are well padded and very sturdy. I purchased the medium size for my 63 pound female Golden Retriever and it fits her well. We've only used it a couple of times so far but look forward to some long walks with "Sophie" carrying the water and snacks.

Easy to put on and my dog acts like he doesn't have anything on

39-40 lb mix. We've been using an inexpenvise pack for 2 yrs now, treating ourselves to a better quality. Very superised he'll wear a Small! Lots of room, great features, can't wait for Spring hiking/ overnight back packing, He can now carry all ofhis own stuff this year.

I absolutely love this pack, I originally started with the xs for my Brit mix, which I bought when he was about 4 months old (he wore it empty). He is a little on the small size (35 lbs now) and fully grown the xs just fits, but I splurged on upgrading to a small palisades pack, which is a perfect fit, and has more features. Both packs are great they give both my dogs a job to do and help drain some of their boundless energy, while being useful. I have gotten tonnes of use out of them. My staffy X currently wears the small which fits now (45 lbs) but she is still growing. The handle and harness are also fabulous, making it easy to pick your pup up if necessary. Both packs have made it through many trail hikes, play dates, camping trips, and even the odd grocery spree, and are still in great shape, I recommend them to all my friends with dogs!

Just received the pack along with the cinch collar. It was even more than I expected, the quality is un-matched by any other. I can't wait to get this on our girl and put it to the test. It looks very comfortable and well padded, im sure she'll love it.

This pack is exactly as advertised--excellent performance, fit and functionality. The medium size fit my 70 lb boxer great. We've only used it a few times, but it seems very durable.

Another beautifully engineered product by Ruffwear! The design and construction are first rate.

This pack is awesome. The handle is a great feature along with a loop to attach the beacon. I was surprised to see that sizing chart was a little different then I had expected. My dog is about 75lbs and a medium fit him great (I would have bought a large if I hadn't taken the time to measure). My advice: get the bag but measure your dog first!

I love this pack... gives my high energy dog a "job" carrying water bottles. It is a tough pack, my daughter has been using one on her dog for months, and it really takes a beating against trees and rocks. The padding is wonderful. A well thought out pack. I have a 46 # hound mix and he uses a medium.

I got the smallest size for my mini husky and it's perfect- i plan on putting mini water bottles and tennis balls in the pockets for him on our trips to the park. I won't need it but the handle works well too! I can lift him up and he seems perfectly comfortable!

We were already utilizing the pack for our Olde English Bulldoggee and purchased a second for my daughter's Clumbuer Spaniel. the pack is slightly weighted and utilized to help train the proper walk. He is doing great and the pack adds to him having an official job...we love the packs.

This is a great product... for the Lab ;) I've only used it a couple of times so far. I'm sure over the winter months I'll have the more fun with it in the spring when we go camping. :)

My 1 year old GSD wore the Approach Rucksack for the first time on Saturday, for a walk to the local shopping centre and a vet visit. It's very well made, with dog comfort in mind; nothing that can rub or irritate. All straps are long and therefore very adjustable for fit. Strap ends are also concealed (but not sealed) within flat, padded sheaths to maximise comfort, yet still obtainable for adjustment. I'm very glad I bought this product.

The medium fits my 72lb very lean golden perfectly. He is very long and tall, but again the medium was just right. He carries his own treats, his leash, and on every now and then some of my treats as well! I've been very happy with the products I've purchased from this company and will continue to look at their gear before anyone else's.

I've had the pack now for a few months now and the quality, fit & finish on this is perfect. I wish I had gotten this dog pack years ago, would have solved a few issues (tires Misha out a little faster). Love this pack - stores all her gear for the long walks we do. It shifts very little, pockets are roomy, zipper closures are well thought out and well designed. Thumbs up for this pack.

This pack is great! It holds all of our walking/hiking necessities and is a perfect fit for my 60 lb. dog. The design is wonderful, easy on, easy off!

We had purchased a Approach Pack over 2 years ago now, what a fantastic buy. Seems to be a little pricey but we will not have to replace this pack for quite some time. A friend of mine had bought cheaper versions and suggested that Ruff Wear was the only way to go! I am extremely happy with this product.

This pack is amazing! my german shorthair goes with me on bike rides and shes everywhere possible and this pack stayed put the whole time and never came loose. (even when she whammed it into a few trees) this pack is tough and just what i needed!

We dont go hiking without it! we have wieghed it down with a couple bottles of water, treats, even her Cloud Chaser. It took a little bit for her to get used to, but after we played ball with it on she stopped caring it was there. Now, if we even pick it up she comes over and waits for us to put it on her. Very satisfied, very happy, and cant wait for my new puppy to grow up to wear her very own!

Loved this so much that my parents and friends bought packs for thier dogs too!

Complimenti, ottimo prodotto
My dog is very happy, me too!!!
The price is a little high. My 38 liters trekking pack (Deuter - Germany) costs $ 80.00

The medium size fits my 65-pound Aussie perfectly. He seems quite comfortable wearing it. It bulges out quite a bit on the sides, so it scrapes and snags when we're bushwhacking. That doesn't bother Chase, though. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because I think it's overpriced, even though it's the best-designed dog pack I've seen.

While the price first seemed a little high, after putting this on my otherwise wild pup who would sprint all around, it changed his daily excursions completely. Now he wags his tail, staying 10-12 feet in front of me or just walking beside me, knowing that he has a job to do (carry the water for the group as well as car keys, phones, leashes, etc.). Not only that, but he is just as tired at the end of the walk, ready for a long nap at the end. Going to try a multi-day backpack with this pack. Sizing worked perfectly

I have had this pack for 3 weeks because our dog trainer suggested we get it. Eli has a lot of energy and needed something to make him more tired on walks and it gives him a job to do. The pack is great, carries 1 water bottle in each side, keys, cell phone, treats, etc. and even clothing. It works wonders for long and short walks and hikes alike!!!

This pack as well as all the other packs are geared toward service dogs. I love this pac EXCEPT that its ONE HUGE open pocket!! I wish there was AT LEAST one pocket in EACH part of the packs. with all the stuff we SD handlers have to carry, it would be really nice to have a divider in there... Something to think about Ruffwear!

My dog Arthur has been using this pack excessively for over a year now, and the pack has stood the test of time. He has gone on the trails (and off) scraping the pack on trees and vegetation, and it's still in great shape!

We'll go on 1-2 day trips to the Gorge, and he can carry his own water and food, which helps me a great deal. It's also handy when you have his dog bowls (the quencher or big bowl) inside so he can carry that too!

The only issue real problem I have is that the gear lofts on top aren't sturdy enough to attach something substantial (like a rolled up Mt. bachelor pad dog bed) to the top of the pack with bungie cords, as it unbalances the pack and makes the pack start to shift. Hopefully the highlands bed will fit in the side, or I'll have better luck securing it to the top.

That, and we've had to adjust our hiking formation because Arthur keeps forgetting remember he has the pack on and runs by us, knocking us behind the knees whenever we go on a tight trail!

Its great, easy to put on, it's stable on their backs with no pressure being placed directly on their spine. Lots of room for storage, easy to adjust.

First, my human folks say to tell you the pack is "...exceptionally well-constructed, with well-sewn seams and a rock-solid leash attachment. The pack allows for a custom fit for comfort and safety, with a size that lets Tara carry extra food, water, a first-aid kit, maps, etc. for a walk in the suburban jungle or a walk in the woods."

So much for them. Me? I LOVE it! It's COOL! Hey, I'm a 2-year-old rescue, and I like looking GOOD. The reflective straps? They just add to THE LOOK, and since my "Dad" is a retired Army officer who still insists on getting us ALL up at zero-dark-hundred for dawn patrol, it's great for early-morning traffic safety. (Although... tactically? Maybe not so much.)

I get compliments from all the humans I meet. The pack makes me look cute, and so I get my head patted a lot, which makes the Iggies jealous. Too bad none of the other humans we meet seem to carry cookies with them.

Bottom line: If you have a canine buddy and don't have one of these packs, just go ahead and turn yourself in to the ASPCA.

P.S.: I like long walks in the woods, long naps by the fire, tummy rubs, and tasty treats.

I purchased this so my dog would get more out of his daily walks and be able to carry our water when we go hiking. I had another, cheaper pack from a different company and boy what a difference!! This pack is awesome, so well made with very roomy side pockets. My dog is 50lbs and the medium fits perfect. He doesn't mind wearing it and seems comfortable even when running. The side pockets do not swing and hit him when he runs which is a huge plus!!!! Such a great product!

First of all I love hiking and camping and I can wear this pack for hours and it doesn't get uncomfortable or move around, or hit me in the ribs while I'm trotting along. I've been wearing mine geocaching, hiking and camping for over a year now and although it has gotten a little dingy, it's in great shape. An excellent product!

I really like this Pack and Takoda does too so far it has been very durable. I still need to try it on our mtn hikes we havent been able to get out but hopefully soon! Well worth the money so far.

The construction of this pack is excellent. I was a little nervous about not being able to see it in person as some that I have seen at pet supply stores are rather average. It is well made, durable and fits my dog well. The pockets are great and I am looking forward to using it during our hikes or just walks around town. It is going to take my dog a while to get used to using it though. I hope I can persevere!

We just purchased to get our Lab, Cricket, prepped for a vacation to Acadia in Maine. We all love it. A normally wiggly Cricket will actually stand patiently while we get her buckled up. So she MUST love it as much as we do. Construction is very durable and side packs are roomier than I thought possible. Great product. 2 paws up!

This pack, besides fitting great and being durable, recently helped us out of a very serious situation. We had to climb through a very long boulder field on a recent backpacking trip, and that turned out to be too hard for our dog, Bodie. We had to make the decision to turn back, but still had to climb back through the boulders that he was starting to balk at and run away from. How to get a 55 lb dog through those, as it was the only way home? We picked him up by the handle on his pack like a piece of luggage whenever he reached a spot that was too scary for him. Don't know why that handle is there, but for us it saved the day!!!! Thanks for the good quality and great design--the clips held all through the ordeal!

This pack is amazing! We take it for walks to the farmers market and Desmond is able to carry the water, keys, wallet and various veggies home! He is nearly 50lbs and the Medium fits perfectly with plenty of room to grow into.

These dogs have done multi-day backpacking trips, x-country ski tours and climbed MT Adams and St Helen's so they are experienced backcountry travelers. We've tried just about every pack on the market and we keep coming back to Ruffwear. These packs are simply the best, nothing else comes even close so don't waste your time with other brands. Thank you Ruffwear!

As a dog trainer, I find myself recommending people invest in a pack for their dogs to help 'give the dogs a job to do' while on walks. I finally purchased the Approach Pack for my 30pound mixed breed, Maggie, and I am so impressed! She took to the pack immediately. I think the webmaster harness base makes it more comfortable than other packs I have tried in the past with my other dog. We are up to her carrying the pack with a dishtowel in either side to get her used to the added weight, and nothing slows her down. :) This pack is SO well made and the fit is perfect. Maggie looks so cute in her pack. :) We have yet to venture onto a mountain trail with it, but our 4-6mile daily walks on the dirt roads get us lots of smiles from people we pass. :) I will continue to recommend people invest in Ruffwear products and I can't wait to tackle the first mountain with Maggie & her pack. Thanks for an awesome product!

Perfect for our day trips. Holly is able to carry her own water & food as well as other stuff (Pack-in / pack-out) Fits very well and quite durable - I did add a drain hole to each side for her forays into water to hasten the draining process. We had tried less expensive packs before but now only use the Approach Pack

This pack lays on their sides and doesn't swing back and forth, hitting their ribs like other packs I've tried. It's durable and stays put when they're pulling, climbing rocks, running and jumping through the creek, or playing with each other (husky play is rough). No chaffing or rubbing, and if you fit it properly to your dog, they don't even know it's there. When I pull the packs out, my dogs are super excited because they know we're going for a hike!

My boxer is very high energy so someone suggested a pack as a way to get more out of her walks. This was the second pack we got. I bought the first one at a local pet store (not Ruffwear brand) and it started to rip after only 3 walks. I went to REI and bought the Approach pack and it is so sturdy. The zippers and all the stiching are very rugged. I put 2 water bottles in each side and we go for about an hour each day. It has made a world of difference. I notice she is much more focused when she wears her pack. If this ever wears out I will definitely buy another. Worth every penny!

We adopted Jasper (a grey hound husky mix) from a local shelter with the intention of bringing him where ever we went in the Black Hills, but we were concerned that he was to high strung and he would hurt himself or us on our first outing. After we bought the Approach backpack he was a different dog, he would listen and was calm and would walk next to us on trails and was carrying his own treats and water! This is a great product!

Love the product. It fit is perfect on our 95 pound dog. She can move with ease and it gives her the important job of carrying water on our walks.

We have an 8 month old Boxer/Pit Bull mix. He is well trained and a good boy. However we have 3 dogs and our Jack Russell Terrier gets very excited for our walks. Our pitoxer also gets very excited and he tends to really pull. We correct him but it's not long before he is pulling again.

I read that dog packs can help settle dogs down on walks. We love Ruff Wear so I read all of the reviews on both packs and went with the Approach Pack since it's our first one.

I am so impressed with this pack. Sure it's great quality, but the immediate effect it had on Jackson was fantastic! No more pulling! The start of our walks can still be excited, but he quickly settles into his stride with his new pack. If he tries to cross over or pull a quick correction of the leash puts him right back in line.

He easily runs around the park off leash with the pack, but we also take it off him if it's really hot or he's going swimming.

We are now going to buy the xxsmall pack for our terrier to see if the pack works the magic on her over excited energy on the walks.

I would really appreciate a small side zipper pocket for easy access to small items. Overall this is a great product.

I agree with all the good comments. The pack holds plenty, is very adjustable, and my dog has not had any signs of rubbing or irritation from it. If I changed anything, it woud be to have subdivided compartments of even a side zipper pouch. You do have to be carefull to arrange things evenly in the single, large compartments.

I bought this pack for Putney as he is really energetic! This is the first pack we've got and will definitely be getting another as they are so well made. Putney is a small,short dog with a massive chest and I wasn't sure that he would get a good enough fit,but it was no problem as it adjusts everywhere! We got the xxs,which should've been plenty big enough round the girth and was fine when he modelled it round the house. However,it rubbed down his side even at full adjustment on the walk and after measuring the pack,found that it was nearly two inches smaller than it should've been and he needed that bit!! (We've kept the pack though as it's a perfect fit for Chey and will size up for Putney!) One annoying thing is the noise the zips make when the dog is on the move-people up the trail hear us rattling along way before they see us!! I've pinned the zips down by the tags but it would be better if they were lock zips like on the coats. Over all a great product! (But any chance you can make the new SingleTrak in a smaller size too?)

Very good pack. Good fit, well balanced and doesn't appear to cause any discomfort. Went with the Medium size even though my dog's measurements put him on the low end of the Large range.

this pack is "packed" with so many great features, not the least is how well-designed and great looking it is. my bull terrier x flies thru the trails with ease wearing it, and the chi-jack has one too! both dogs have no problem carrying things in it, and the packs keep them ON the trails since they don't like bumping into trees with them on. we love this pack, and with the handle on the top, i can grab the chi-jack and pick her up like a suitcase if she's gotten into a place she needs to get out of :) would recommend this pack to anyone, and have had lots of compliments on it, as well.

The approach pack was a great buy and helps to make my boxer feel like he's doing a job. He is very focused on our walks now and it helps to tire him out. Now that he is used to the pack, when I bring it out he can't wait to put it on.

Really nice pack. Stays centered on her back, even after she shakes her body (you know, like a dog shakes to get water off its coat). Like the lichen green color, and the reflective strips. She seems very comfortable in it; she even naps with it on. No complaints.

Love it. The only thing I would change is putting the front right leg through a hole. I'd make it a quick-er release. Roxie is used to it and the instructions that came with it clarified all my questions. Worth the money.

Thankfully my dog is already accustomed to wearing something as he was raised as a potential service dog. He absolutely loves his new backpack. He literally smiles when he is wearing it and walks so proud. Our first time out with the pack we walked 8 1/2 miles.

I purchased this pack for my pit to give her a job on our walks. I had bought the Approach II for my boxer but much to my disappointment it's no longer being produced. I really liked the style much better and it was a little cheaper as well. I bought a small for my boxer who is tall skinny and 60lbs. I measured her and according to the chart she wore a small. Upon arrival, the pack was actually just a little too big even though she was right in the middle if the size range. I modified the pack later on and it works ok. Based on this I ordered an x-small for my pit. I was hoping that the Approach style might fit a little better and was willing to give it another try. She's short wide and 45lbs and according to the size chart, wears an XS. Upon arrival, this pack was WAAAY too small even though she was in the middle of her size range and when I tried our boxer's pack(size S) on her it was way too large. This was very disappointing and I have since returned the pack.

got the large pack for our still-growing bullmastiff. At 95lbs the fully adjustable pack looks like it will continue to fit him as he finishes up growing. We did a 2 day, 21 mile hike and Meatball carried 20lbs (mostly water, maybe a little beer) and did fantastic. WE were worn out, Meatball was ready to play when the day was done. He was a champion in his pack, prancing around he obviously loved it. The bags were easy to balance for him, and the biggest problem that we had was that he is wider than usual, and when he sprints past you to chase after something you've got to be careful that he doesn't take out your knees with the packs. I was initially worried about the weight, but he was totally fine, based on the amount of running he did in it. We walked 21 miles, he RAN about 40. What a wonderful product! When we got home I threw it in the laundry, and we are now ready for our next family adventure!

I am a 10lb service dog in training. My mom bought the smallest size and the harness fits great however the packs are to bulky. She is going to take them a part and scale them down for me.

I purchased the Medium Approach Pack for my 70 pound Boxer Mix and she loves wearing it on our long walks. I purchased it after watching Cesar Millan and I have to say that when my dog is wearing it she is much happier on our walks and behaves much better as well. It is durable and well made and I love the lichen/green color. I really appreciate the reflective tape all around the pack. The fit is perfect with the adjustable padded straps. I can't fine one thing wrong with it. Thank you Ruff Wear!

I have 3 of these packs as my big young Samoyed outgrew his and I had to upsize. They look and fit great and allow the dogs to carry their own water, food and supplies. I pack their food in Zip-lock bags so if they wade into the water with the packs on it's no problem.

Good material, great color

We shopped around for packs and were surprised how many different dog packs were out this. This one was the one that seemed to be the best quality for the money. There is plenty of room for our little man's food and water when we are out walking or hiking. I agree that it would be nice if you could remove the packs without taking the whole thing off, and the entire pack should be waterproofed (with Gortex) like the zippers are.

This pack is great. It fits my 60 lb lab Grace perfectly! It's not too big or bulky and she hardly even notices it- but it provides enough space for all the stuff you might need on a hike. I can't wait till spring arrives and we can hit the trail!

My little schnauzer is extremely active and after watching Cesar Millan recommending a pack I decided to give it a try and buy one. Let me tell you: I am very, very pleased with the overall quality of the product. The fit was perfect and my little Mitzi loves wearing it.

Perfect fit from the measurements you give. Allows lots of movement and comfort for the dog.

This pack is a much better product than my prior pack. Its fit was easily customized to my dog and she was immediately comfortable wearing it. She seems proud to wear it, too. I use it primarily to give a load to carry to make her feel more useful on walks with our older dog. My only suggestion for improvement would be to make the tab on the dogside of the side packs with velcro to allow easy attachment after latching the buckle at the top of the harness.

I love this backpack overall because I do a termendous amount of trail ridding that my dog comes on with me. It's nice because she can carry her water, and food, as well as her leash, and a toy or two for when we stop for luch. I only wish this backpack could be like the more expensive one in the way of being able to take the bags off without the whole thing, it's a pain to do. But all in all a great product! Happy Trails!

The pack is great. Sits well on dog, nicely padded straps. I WISH very much that there were markers or tabs on the zippers or *something* different about the left and right pocket/pouches, cause when you are trying to take dog meals out evenly from each side it gets REALLY hard to remember where their last water break.kibble serving came from when both sides are absolutely identical. Also, want some kind of marker visible from behind for same reason - to better balance you need a blaze showing which side of the pack is hanging low - they wiggle too much when you stop them and get close to adjust. Still a very well constrcuted product though!

Great Quality and comfortable fit. I get lots of compliments on it!