Ruffwear K9-Overcoat and Cloud Chaser - Doberman Forum : Doberman Breed Dog Forums

lestat1978 · 11-16-2012, 11:57 AM

Any reviews on the two above coats? I want something for Ivan to wear when doing SAR training. During dry days during the OB portion he can wear his Star Wars fleece. But on days when the ground is snow covered, I need something else. I'm thinking the K9-Overcoat would do well in the brush for the actual search training, but that Cloud Chaser would be better for nasty winter weather. Would the Cloud Chaser hold up being used in brush? Think I could put the K-9 Overcoat over top of the Cloud Chaser? Anyone experience the rubbing issue with the legs of the Cloud Chaster?

dapple · 11-16-2012, 12:39 PM

I've never owned any products besides Chillydogs. Which I love and recommend. The only experience I've had with Ruffwear is their swamp cooler, which I returned, as it just retained too much water....and constantly dripped. I have two cool coats now by another co that I love.
The jackets you are talking about don't seem to be that warm. As they are listed as shells. The over coat for sure looks like a shell. The Cloud Chaser looks cool. Like a wetsuit for dogs. I had a neoprene jacket for LIly ages ago. I loved the material, but it really didn't move well with her. Was quite stiff and was rubbing her. The one in the pics on the ruffwear site....looks like the arms are tight ish. Not sure how well that will be for long activities. Sorry not much help....just my thoughts.
You can always check Chillydogs site. They have an intermediate jacket.....and I know the fit on them is great.....as I have them! They have the winter jacket and this lighter one. And they are made in Canada not China.
Chilly Dogs - Outdoor gear for Active Dogs - Dog Coats

lestat1978 · 11-16-2012, 01:08 PM

The thing that concerned me about the Chilly Dog is the exposed fleece chest and neck area. I'm worried about that catching on branches, burrs, etc.

I can get both of the Ruffwear coats for less than I'd pay for the one Chilli Dog coat and have more flexibility.

Just to get it all out there, I looked at the Hurtta dog coats and they just aren't sized to fit Ivan.

I'm actually researching fabrics with Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics as I'll most likely end up making Ivan's "ultimate" winter coat myself.

avianantics · 11-16-2012, 05:53 PM

Check Cozy Horse. Claudia custom makes all sorts of coats based on your dogs measurements. I have several and love them. She makes a winter coat with a nylon outer shell and fleecy inner that keeps them warm, is water poof and it holds up wonderfully in brush. They are also made in the U.S. and very reasonably priced.

Jonesy'sMom · 11-16-2012, 10:24 PM

I love Ruffwear gear... I don't have the above 2 coats I have the climate changer (I know that isn't what you are looking for) but the coat itself is well made....

I also have a life jacket and boots from them

They have great gear IMO!

Suzanne7000 · 11-17-2012, 08:12 AM

I love Ruffwear! My two dobies wear the Climate Changer as Jammies (very flattering to dobies). They also have the Cloud Chasers and K-nine overcoats. We live in the Colorado mountains and I hike twice daily regardless of weather. The Cloud chasers do a great job of retaining body heat and keeping them dry in snowy conditions. The K-nine overcoat is very durable, but it doesn't keep them as warm. Also the neck opening is a bit tight. I have doubled up on the coldest of days--Climate Changer plus K-nine overcoat, and that works well. I noticed that at first, when my dobies were young, they did experience some loss of fur in the forearms, but after awhile, that went away.

lestat1978 · 11-19-2012, 01:39 PM

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I do like Ruffwear's products - have the life jacket and a hiking pack. Unfortunately it seems like their coats are either warm with coverage vs. good in the brush without the coverage.

I've e-mailed Claudia.

CH4Sure · 11-20-2012, 12:29 AM

I don't think you could put one over the other, the overcoat is real nice I just saw it at rei. They also had the cloud chaser which felt more like a rain jacket that was lined. I would go with the overcoat as it's snug and fleecy. Love ruff wear. Great quality in their products.

lestat1978 · 11-21-2012, 11:42 AM

Ruffwear did not recommend layering them either.

Looks like I'll be getting the Cozy Horse Winter Warrior Dog Coat with the added fold up collar.

Rams · 11-21-2012, 01:32 PM

I purchased a Hurta and like it very well. Have you looked at those products?

lestat1978 · 11-21-2012, 01:47 PM

Yes, I looked at Hurtta. It was the coat I was initially interested in. However, in order to get the coat long enough for it to cover Ivan it would be too big in the neck and chest.

lestat1978 · 12-20-2012, 03:09 PM

Ivan's Cozy Horse coat is currently sitting on my porch. Yeah! Can't wait to get home and check it out.

VZ-Doberman · 12-20-2012, 03:29 PM

Bacchus has 2 Foggy Mountain coats. One is a snuggler and the other is a raincoat. Nice coats and fit well.

lestat1978 · 12-22-2012, 02:16 PM

Here are some pictures of Ivan breaking in his new coat!