(gentle music)
- Hi, I'm Katie and this is Sturgill.
We're gonna show you the Approach Pack.
The Approach Pack was inspired
by the backcountry exploring we do with our dogs
that are either full day adventures
or overnight backpacking trips.
A staple on our pack lineup,
the Approach Pack has been updated for 2022
with some design details inspired by customer feedback.
First, let's look at the shell fabric.
We updated it to a 150 denier polyester shell fabric
to keep it lightweight, flexible, and durable.
Plus it's more UV stable and resist fading.
We updated the chassis system.
If you take a look under the hood,
you can see the molded embossed channels in the chassis.
This creates better flexibility and fit.
Looking closely, you can see the dimples
in the lining fabric
that's showing the perforated foam that we're using.
Here's a look at a dissected chassis
so you can see what's going on on the inside.
The holes allow air to move through the foam,
helping with breathability.
It's available in two color ways,
blue dusk and campfire orange,
and it comes in four sizes,
extra small, small, medium, and large, extra large.
And these sizes are based on the measurement
of your dog's skirt.
Sturgill here measures 28 inches around his chest,
that makes him a size medium in the Approach Pack.
So let's take a look at how to put it on
and get it adjusted.
To adjust Approach Pack,
begin by opening up the neck area
by sliding the adjuster towards the martingale,
which is here.
You can adjust the chest strap the same way.
Then unclip both buckles
and loosen the girth straps and the belly strap
by sliding the adjuster towards the buckle.
Next, slide the pack over your dog's head,
positioning it with the handle on top
past your dog's paw through the opening here.
Good boy.
Then secure the two buckles.
(buckle clicks) Once the pack is on,
you can begin tightening the straps,
working from head to tail to get a snug, comfortable fit.
Make these adjustments by sliding the adjuster
away from the martingale.
To tighten the belly and girth strap,
pull the adjuster away from the buckle.
Sometimes it's easier to unbuckle the buckle
to make the adjustment and then buckle it back in.
And with extra webbing,
you tuck it into the sleeve
on the belly pad and the chest pad.
For a good fit, aim to have the pack sit
just below their neck, over their shoulders like this.
The floating belly strap should sit comfortably
just past the ribcage.
Overall, the strap should be snug
while still being able to slide two fingers
between the strap and the dog.
Now we'll go through some of the features
of the Approach Pack.
While we refined the saddle bag volumes a little bit,
they're still integrated into the harness platform
with our signature radial cut saddle bags.
This helps stabilize the pack contents
and keeps a lot of the weight in the saddle bag forward
and up towards your dog's shoulders.
We found that to be comfortable and ergonomic
when they're hiking along.
There's a new style stash pocket,
taking inspiration from how we would pack
our own human packs with our water
and heavier items closer to the body.
We made vertical stash pockets
that allow you to pack heavier items or water
closer to your dog.
It's also easier to access.
Last, we updated what we call the flapper stopper system.
We call it the flapper stopper
because it brings the saddle bags
closer to the dog's body
so the saddle bags stay put and aren't flopping around.
The new system is easier to use, using a cord and hook.
The cord attaches to the girth strap like this,
then you come up to the top of the pack
in that new vertical stash pocket
and pull the cinch cord.
(cinch cord rattles)
On the back, you'll still find a handle,
though we updated it to keep it a little more low profile.
There are two leash attachment points,
an aluminum V ring reinforced toe loop
that are both on the back of the harness.
There are also external gear loops
for additional organization and quick on-the-trail access
and reflective trim for visibility in low light conditions.
The light loop here
is for attaching the beacon safety light.
The Approach Pack is a great pack
for dogs that are ready to shoulder the load
when you're heading out into the backcountry
for a big day or even an overnighter.
In Sturgill's pack I'll often pack water, some treats,
pick up bags, a first aid kit, a set of boots,
and maybe a jacket if I'm thinking the weather
might shift on us.
If your dog isn't used to wearing a pack,
it's a great idea to start on shorter walks with a light
or even empty pack.
And once your dog is acclimated,
it's recommended that dogs carry no more than 25%
of their body weight.
It's a good idea to check in with your vet
if you have any questions specific to your dog
in wearing a pack.
And that's it for the Approach Pack.
Thanks for watching and happy trails.
Good job, Sturgill.
(gentle music)