This product is perfect for a working breed. I used one on our German Shepherd and it was great. It gave her a job and I could add things to it, like water bottles, to get a more intense work out from a shorter walk.

Pros: Fits Great and Gives Dog a Job

Cons: Kind of expensive

My eight-pound miniature pinscher was difficult to manage on walks -- he pulled ahead, lunged at every moving thing, or hopped on his back legs asking to be carried. The Ruff Wear backpack helped me give him a job to do. He's much more focused on walks and appears more calm and confident. I started him off with a quarter-cup of dried beans in each of the two saddlebags, which was just the right "load" for him to carry. Now, I can actually take him for more frequent walks. We're not a perfect team yet, but this product made our walks a lot more pleasant.

Pros: Instant behavioral improvement; makes dog walking so much easier

Cons: For my small dog, it must be used with his regular collar to attach the lead

Ruff wear as a company provides products with impressive durability, attention to detail and great fit for your dog. Their backpacks are no exception!

Fits variety of frames very well, little details of water-proof zippers, covered straps to prevent rubbing, attached elastic bands that move to hold straps in optimal places, etc.

My dog was hesitant at first, trying to shake it off. But as soon as I got out the leash, he forgot it was there. Great way to give one dog a bit more exercise/focus while walking multiple dogs.

Pros: great construction, wonderful fit, small details thought of

Cons: none

I really like Ruff Wear products and have had good luck with them all. We've used the pack so our dog could carry some of her own necessities when we are out on the trail. The pack is very durable and fits well. It seems to be comfortable and our dog sports it proudly.

I believe it can be a bit warm for carrying on much of a summer hike. If your (summer) hike/walk will be short, your dog should be fine!

Be sure to let your dog "practice" with the pack before hitting the trail! Happy Hiking!

Pros: Long-lasting

Cons: somewhat pricey

I had the older model of the approach pack for several years and generally loved it. I like the fit of the harness on the dog. What I didn't like about the old approach pack is that the bags were not attached to the harness except for at the top, so that when my dog would run with the pack on they would flap around. The new approach pack attaches the bags to the harness with more fabric so this doesn't happen.

Pros: love the color schemes; the newer pack has the bags attached instead of free

Cons: ?