Skye received her Ruffwear Front Range Pack for Christmas in 2023. We put it to use right away to get our girl accustomed to carrying a pack and so far she doesn’t mind at all! Now we get to start adding weight!
In our usual fashion there are a few things we check for when we complete these reviews:
- Fit
- Handle
- Leash options
- Capacity/Function
- Final rating
1. The fit
Probably the most important component of any dog gear is fit. If the fit isn’t good then your dog is uncomfortable and may get injured on the trail.
The Front Range design includes an incorporated harness with 2 belly straps and front chest strap. The chest strap connects with the first belly strap and sits far enough back from the leg joints to prevent any chaffing and hot spot development. The first strap crosses at the lower end of the third chest cavity so should not be cinched too tightly for breathing but it well positioned for comfort when running and walking. The second strap is positioned about 2 inches back from the first strap. It is more a secure strap to prevent shifting and bouncing of the pack’s saddle bags.
The saddle bags have a small strap that slips around the buckles on the chest strap to prevent flopping when running through the trails. Each strap has padding for comfort so there is not vinyl cutting into skin or chaffing with movement.
The one thing that would be nice is if there was a little more room between the back of Skye’s neck and the start of the pack on her back. It sits quite far forward which makes layering in winter a bit of a struggle. The neck adjustment doesn’t quite allow for the back to move backwards without bringing the chest forward which changes the fit around the legs.
For fitment of the Front Range pack: 4/5
2. Handle
The Front Range has a back handle for quick control on a trail. It also is very sturdy and we have used it for lifting Skye out of areas when she gets stuck. It’s a sturdy handle, little tight if you have bigger fingers. But for a woman’s hand, the X-Small handle is easily used. If you have thicker hands you may want to consider a pack with more room under the handle.
It is a non imposing handle that rests centred of the pack back. Low profile so it does not snag of trees or branches in the trails.
Handle rating: 5/5
3. Leash options
There is only one leash attachment option on the Front Range with is a little bit of a draw back. It is positioned on the back above the handle where you would clip a T-step harness together between the shoulder blades. In terms of positioning it is expected and easy to use. I would have expected a couple options for leash connections though due to the nature of activities that you take a pack on.
It would be nice to have a clip on the front of the harness to allow front clipping when needed. Some dogs and owners have only used front clipping harnesses so moving to a back clip is a bit of a challenge for the dog! There is a fabric loop on the front of the harness we use for hanging, it would be a good place to connect your dog tags but I wouldn’t trust it for leashes.
Having multiple leash connection points would be a good option for improvements. Multiple attachment points allows for trail leading, trail following, and base camp set up variability. With only having one attachment it can be done but you are limited to one attachment point.
Leash connection rating: 3/5
4. Capacity/Function
For our girl, the Front Range capacity is perfect. Each saddle bag is just shy of 1L capacity which means the carry ability is perfect for the weight distribution for her. The bags are not too big that they get in the way or flop around which makes for a much smoother walk. They don’t distract or seem to bother Skye at all as she runs and jumps. When strapped down appropriately they don’t move at all and don’t hinder movement.
For her weight and function, there is nothing I would change on this!
Capacity/Function rating: 5/5
5. Overall rating: 4.5/5
Overall we couldn’t find a better pack on the market for our girl. Aussies are notoriously difficult to fit for many standard items. Their sometimes barrel chest, to often narrow barrel chest and teeny waists make fits hard to perfect. Ruffwear has done an exceptional job at ensuring ease for use and custom fitting ability on this pack. We did find similar fitting components on all the other Ruffwear packs we looked at too.
The handle is strong and feels very well made. I have no concerns lifting my girl with it whenever needed. The padded belly straps are positioned perfectly to avoid mass pressure points that would be uncomfortable for the dog during a lift. There is no diaphragm compression that we can observe during lifting.
The one draw back on leash attachment points, not a deal breaker at all. It’s something that is a nice to have component but not a must. Though it would make snowshoeing easier to have multiple points for different terrains and the different leads we use.
Capacity is perfectly proportional to our little 15lbs Missy Skye. She seems quite comfortable in the pack and has no problem when I go to put it on her.
Do you have a pack for your pup? What are you using?
Happy trails!
ASR Adventures 