Ruffwear calls the Approach Pack “a day hiking and light overnight dog pack,” with saddlebags that rest on an integrated harness. This review reads the Ruffwear spec sheet for it: capacity, pack weight, fit, materials, load guidance and price. At the end, we also read the Palisades Pack from the same maker, which Ruffwear says is built for multi-day treks.
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We do not test products. Everything below comes from Ruffwear’s product pages and Ruffwear’s US store listings for the Approach and the Palisades, checked on 13 October 2026.
The Approach Pack at a Glance
| Size | Dog girth | Pack weight | Pack capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | dog girth 17 to 22 in | pack weight 0.73 lb | capacity 5 L |
| S | dog girth 22 to 27 in | pack weight 0.94 lb | capacity 10 L |
| M | dog girth 27 to 32 in | pack weight 1.1 lb | capacity 13 L |
| L/XL | dog girth 32 to 42 in | pack weight 1.3 lb | capacity 21 L |
Figures are from Ruffwear’s size chart for the Approach Dog Backpack on 13 October 2026. Ruffwear measures dog girth around the rib cage.
How We Researched This Guide
We read Ruffwear’s product page for the Approach for four things: what the pack carries, how it fits, what it is made of, and what it costs on Ruffwear’s US store. The prices come from the store’s own product listing, which separates new and used packs. We then read the Palisades page the same way, so the two packs can sit side by side on the spec sheet.
Ruffwear’s load guidance for the Approach recommends a load of up to 25% of your dog’s body weight, including the weight of the pack and its contents. Ruffwear adds that a dog new to packs should start with a light load and build up from there.
1. Ruffwear Approach Dog Backpack
Suits: what Ruffwear calls “a day hiking and light overnight dog pack.”
Ruffwear says the radial cut saddlebags “create a passive compression system for efficient load carrying over the shoulders.” The saddlebags rest on an integrated harness with a breathable chassis. Ruffwear lists weight-forward saddlebags with “flopper stoppers” that stabilize the pack and contents, a vertical stash pocket for gear, food and water, and external gear loops for organization and quick on-the-trail access. The padded handle and girth straps are there, in Ruffwear’s words, “for controlled and comfortable lifting when your dog needs a boost.”
Ruffwear’s product page also lists what changed in the current version: a perforated, molded foam chassis, improved fade-resistance with new materials, and an updated flopper stopper system “for easier use when stabilizing saddlebags.”
What the spec sheet says:
- Capacity by size: 5 L (XS), 10 L (S), 13 L (M), 21 L (L/XL)
- Pack weight: 0.73 lb (XS), 0.94 lb (S), 1.1 lb (M), 1.3 lb (L/XL)
- Dog girth: 17 to 42 in across the size range
- Five points of adjustment
- Two leash attachment points: aluminum V-ring and reinforced webbing loop
- Shell: polyester ripstop with DWR and PU coating
- Harness chassis: laminated, molded bonded polyester mesh and perforated PE foam
- Buckles: ITW Nexus AirLoc side-release
- Zippers: YKK reverse coil
- Reflective trim and a light loop
- Colors: Blue Dusk and Campfire Orange
- Care: hand wash with mild detergent, air dry
Drawbacks on paper:
- Ruffwear’s size chart recommends sizing down for a dog in between sizes, so measure your dog’s girth around the rib cage first.
- Care is hand wash with mild detergent and air dry.
- Ruffwear’s store also lists used packs as separate variants, so check the condition you select at checkout.
Pricing: $59.99 for a new pack on Ruffwear’s product page on 13 October 2026. For a used pack, check current price.
Who it suits: In our reading of the specs, dogs on day hikes and light overnights, the use Ruffwear names for this pack.
See the Approach on Ruffwear’s site
Alternatives on the Same Spec Sheet
On the spec sheet, the Palisades Pack is sized for 17 to 42 in of dog girth. Ruffwear says its modular design “is built for multi-day treks.”
2. Ruffwear Palisades Pack
Suits: multi-day trips; Ruffwear says its modular design “is built for multi-day treks.”
Ruffwear says the removable saddlebags “allow for the harness to be worn on its own to lighten the load for stream crossings, trail breaks, or settling in at camp.” The base harness carries low-profile integrated zip pockets, and Ruffwear lists molded and perforated EVA foam back and belly panels, an internal mesh pocket and external gear loops.
What the spec sheet says:
- Capacity by size: 5 L (XS), 10 L (S), 13 L (M), 21 L (L/XL)
- Pack weight: 15 oz (XS) up to 1 lb 11 oz (L/XL)
- Dog girth: 17 to 42 in across the size range
- Six points of adjustment
- Three leash attachment points: aluminum V-ring and reinforced webbing loop on the back, plus a webbing loop on the chest
- Shell: 150 denier polyester with 40% recycled content
- Reflective trim and a light loop
- Care: hand wash with mild detergent, air dry
Drawbacks on paper:
- Ruffwear’s size chart recommends sizing down for a dog in between sizes.
- Ruffwear’s store also lists used packs as separate variants, so check the condition you select at checkout.
Pricing: $149.99 for a new pack on Ruffwear’s product page on 13 October 2026. For a used pack, check current price.
Who it suits: In our reading of the specs, multi-day trips where your dog can wear the harness on its own at camp, since the saddlebags are removable.
See the Palisades on Ruffwear’s site
Approach or Palisades: How to Choose
Start with the trip
Ruffwear names the Approach for day hiking and light overnights, and says the Palisades is built for multi-day treks. On the spec sheet, the capacities by size are the same for both packs, 5 L to 21 L.
Compare the listed fit
By the listed points of adjustment, the Approach has five and the Palisades has six. Prices change, so check current price for both before you buy.
Plan the load
Ruffwear recommends a load of up to 25% of your dog’s body weight, including the weight of the pack and its contents, and suggests starting with a light load. Ruffwear names food and water for the vertical stash pocket on the Approach. For ideas on what to pack, see our guides to collapsible dog water bowls and dog first aid kits for hiking. If you want a harness from the same maker for walks without a pack, our Ruffwear Front Range Harness review covers it.
FAQ: The Ruffwear Approach Pack
How much weight can a dog carry in the Approach Pack?
Ruffwear recommends a load of up to 25% of your dog’s body weight, including the weight of the pack and its contents. If your dog is new to packs, Ruffwear suggests starting with a light load and building up from there.
How do I size the Approach Pack?
Measure your dog’s girth around the rib cage and use Ruffwear’s size chart, which runs from 17 to 42 in across the sizes XS to L/XL. For a dog in between sizes, Ruffwear recommends sizing down.
What is the capacity of the Approach Pack?
Ruffwear lists a pack capacity of 5 L for XS, 10 L for S, 13 L for M and 21 L for L/XL.
What is the difference between the Approach and the Palisades?
Ruffwear names the Approach for day hiking and light overnights and says the Palisades is built for multi-day treks. On the spec sheet, the capacities by size are the same for both packs, 5 L to 21 L.
How do I wash the Approach Pack?
Ruffwear lists the care as hand wash with mild detergent and air dry.
Summing Up
On the spec sheet, the Ruffwear Approach carries 5 L to 21 L by size, weighs 0.73 lb to 1.3 lb, and has five points of adjustment and two leash attachment points. A new pack listed at $59.99 on Ruffwear’s store on 13 October 2026. Ruffwear names it for day hikes and light overnights. If your trips run to several days, read the Palisades Pack next: Ruffwear says it is built for multi-day treks.
Sources
Sources, checked 13 October 2026: Ruffwear, Approach Dog Backpack (product page and store listing) and Palisades Pack (product page and store listing). Prices change; check the vendor before buying.