Bottom Line
The Ruffwear Front Range Day Pack is a great dog backpack for day hikes and short overnight trips. It features a weight-forward saddlebag design, padded construction, and five adjustment points for a secure, ergonomic fit. The internal stretch mesh pockets help keep gear organized, and the three leash attachment points offer versatility on the trail.
While the pack is designed for stability, the front-heavy saddlebags can be bulky and prone to snagging if your dog likes to thrash through brushy terrain. Additionally, while it offers adequate capacity for overnight trips, it may not provide enough space for dogs carrying all their food on multi-day adventures.
Overall, the Front Range pack offers great value for active hikers who need their pup to carry essentials comfortably. Check out our guide to the best dog backpacks for more options.
How We Tested
We tested the Ruffwear Front Range Day Pack on multiple day hikes and overnight trips in Central Washington, exposing it to varied terrain, from forested trails to rocky alpine paths. Over several weeks, we evaluated its fit, stability, and durability while assessing how well it handled different loads and trail conditions.
Quick Specs
Ruffwear Front Range Day Pack
Best Dog Backpack for Overnight Trips
CleverHiker Rating: 4.4/5.0
Price: $70
Weight: 5.6 – 16 oz
Volume: 4.5 L, 8 L, 10.5 L, 18.5 L
Fits Chest Girth: 17-42 in
Pros
- Good for long days
- Stable and limited shifting
- Three leash attachment points
- Surprisingly roomy
Cons
- Saddlebags snag on brushy trails
- Limited capacity for longer trips
Fit & Comfort
The Front Range pack has five adjustment points providing a snug yet flexible fit. They also cinch down to match your dog’s pack load. Foam padding on the chest and belly straps adds comfort and chaffing protection, even on long trail days.
Our youngest gear analyst, Leo the huskly, wore the pack on multiple hikes during testing, and we observed minimal shifting or rubbing. The two-finger fit rule (ensuring straps aren’t too tight) works well, but getting the perfect adjustment takes some trial and error due to stiff buckles.
One thing to note, the saddlebags can feel slightly bulky for smaller dogs or those with lean builds. If your dog is on the smaller side, consider a lighter and more compact design
Weight Distribution & Capacity
The Ruffwear Front Range’s radial cut and weight-forward saddlebag design create a stable and efficient load-carrying system. Even with uneven loads, the pack stays relatively balanced, though there is some shifting during zoomies or long trail days.
We’ve loaded the pack with essentials like food, a collapsible water bowl, and waste bags, and it carries the contents comfortably over varied terrain. Using the large size, we can fit a Ruffwear Highlands Sleeping Bag into one of the saddlebags.
While the Front Range Dog Pack offers ample storage, the saddlebag size may feel excessive if your dog is only carrying lightweight gear or using it on short hikes. On shorter outings, we find ourselves filling the pack with our personal gear just to balance the weight, which our dogs don’t mind, but we feel slightly guilty for it. A smaller pack may suit dogs who carry only the basics.
Durability
The 300-denier polyester ripstop fabric and reinforced stitching justify the brand’s name. It’s ready for “ruff” wear. We bring it on rough terrain and it gets dragged through vegetation, and over rocks. So far, its got no major fraying or signs wear aside from some staining and dog oil/fur. We’ve got scuff marks from dragging against rocks and branches, but nothing that compromises function.
We have nothing to bark about regarding the pack’s buckles and leash attachment points. They’re holding up under tension and the occasionally sudden tugs.
One thing to note, after multiple uses and washes, we are seeing some fading in the fabric. While this doesn’t affect performance, those who value long-term aesthetics may want to take note. We also find this pack slightly heavier but more durable than the Ruffwear Approach Pack.
Ease of Use
Like many dog packs, the first fitting requires effort due to stiff buckles and straps.. On the trail, the front range pack often means unbuckling the entire pack, which is annoying.
The storage compartments are roomy and well-organized. Internal stretch mesh pockets help organize smaller gear, but accessing them while the pack is on your dog can be tricky, especially if the zippers are tight under tension. This is a small inconvenience, but it’s worth knowing if you need quick access.
Safety Features
The pack includes several safety features like reflective accents for visibility and a reinforced handle to assist your dog over obstacles. The three leash attachment points offer flexibility, though the front attachment doesn’t help much with pulling control.
The blue color isn’t always the most visible in natural terrain. However, there is a clip on the back of the harness to attach a light for better visibility during night hikes or low-light conditions.
Weather Resistance
The Front Range dog pack performs well in light rain, snow, and damp conditions. The polyester ripstop material repels moisture effectively. Just know, it isn’t waterproof. During a heavy downpour, water seeps into the saddlebags and dampens the contents. For wet-weather hikes, waterproof stuff sacks are recommended.
Should You Buy the Ruffwear Front Range Day Pack?
The Ruffwear Front Range Day Pack is a great choice for active dogs used to harnesses and carrying light gear. While it handles overnight hikes well, it doesn’t offer enough capacity for longer trips, especially in small or medium sizes.
We know this pack is a bit spendy, but the quality and thoughtful design justify the cost for hikers who get after it a lot. But casual dog owners might not get the same value. For those who want a dependable, well-built dog pack for regular outdoor use, the Front Range Day Pack delivers.
What Other Dog Packs Should You Consider?
If you’re eyeing the Ruffwear Front Range Day Pack but want to compare options, check out our full guide to the best dog backpacks for hiking. Here are a few solid alternatives:
Outward Hound DayPak Review: This lightweight, small-capacity option is ideal for casual outings or budget-minded buyers. It’s more affordable than the Front Range and features breathable mesh, which makes it great for hot days. But its fit is less secure, and durability falls short of the Front Range.
AlphaPak Adventurer Review: Our top pick for overall hiking performance. This pack offers a stable, roomy design and features the EZ Latch system, which lets you remove the saddlebags easily. Your dog can wear just the harness or carry gear. The structured pockets reduce shifting, making it better for rugged use.
Ruffwear Approach Review: If you like Ruffwear’s design but need more space, the Approach pack offers a larger carrying capacity (up to 21L). It’s one of the roomiest packs available. However, its thinner material isn’t as tough, and it may wear out faster with frequent use.
