Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat Dog PFD Review
This past week we reviewed one more doggy lifejacket, the Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat.
This PFD is ideal for dogs new to water and for recreational water activities such as swimming, boating and kayaking on lakes or calm water.
Our model this time was an adorable little bichon/shih tzu named Rocky who has recently discovered his water legs.
Rocky and his best friend Luca (my friends equally adorable 3 year old son) got their new life jackets around the same time and wore them for a whole day before we ever got down to the water. The day we had planned to go kayaking it was raining, but there was no cancelling on these two who were very excited.
Rocky’s Portage Float Coat was very easy to get on with two clips under the belly and Velcro and a clip around the neck. Rocky seemed perfectly comfortable in his PFD as there was no rubbing or restriction of movement.
Advantages of the Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat
Some of the key features of the Portage are:
- The generous anatomical cut allows for maximum mobility which is great for swimming.
- It has reflective trim for enhanced visibility.
- It has a low-profile assistance handle on the top of the life jacket which makes it very easy to lift the dog out of the water.
- It has PVC-free foam buoyancy cells that help to float the dog in a natural horizontal swimming position – this allows the dog to swim farther and longer with less fatigue.
- The Portage has a wide size range that will fit dogs of all shapes and sizes from XXS – XL.
All of these great features are why the Ruff Wear dog PFD’s really stand out from the rest. The quality, comfort and convenience of a Ruff Wear life jacket are hard to beat. Also the bright colours are ideal for helping your dog to be very visible in the water.
Rocky’s Impressions of the Portage Float Coat
Rocky seemed perfectly at ease from the first second we put the Portage Float Coat on him. At the water he played, swam and went kayaking and seemed very content.
He even felt so confident that he jumped out of our kayak and swam along side us for a short time. This was a great opportunity to test out the assistance handle which worked perfectly as it was very easy to lift him back into the kayak.
If you are going to be kayaking or boating with your dog, I think a life jacket with an assistance handle is extremely important. Without it, it can be far more difficult to help your dog back onto your boat or even back onto a dock.
Rocky’s 1st Kayaking Trip with his Portage Float Coat
Rocky was a natural when it came to kayaking. He had no problem sitting in the kayak and once we got moving he found a comfortable position on the side pontoon of my inflatable kayak.
However Rocky is not one to sit still for any length of time and soon decided to plunge into the water to go for a swim! We were a little surprised at his bravery and wondered if he was just feeling extra confident with his new life jacket on.
After we got him back into the kayak he proceeded to shake all the water off his body which completely soaked us. Poor Rocky was freezing after that stint as the weather and water was fairly cool that day.
Note to anyone else kayaking with your dog… bring towels along if your dog plans to go for a swim. That way he won’t get you soaking wet and you can use the towel to dry him off a bit if it is a cool day.
** View more pictures of Rocky sporting the Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat on our IKWorld Flickr Page.
Intended Use of the Portage Float Coat
The Portage dog life jacket is best suited for:
- kayaking and canoeing
- recreational paddling
- swimming in lakes
- sailing
- dogs who are new to the water
- dogs who are not natural swimmers
If your dog will be in fast moving water or heavier surf then please take a look at the Ruff Wear Big Eddy Float Coat as it is better suited for the ‘high adventure’ active dog.
The Portage Float Coat is Available At:
You get a lot of value in the Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat and its wide size range makes it ideal for any size and shape of dog. It can be found at:
Ruff Wear Big Eddy Float Coat Dog PFD Review
Ruff Wear makes some of the best life jackets for dogs and over the long weekend we tested out the Ruff Wear Big Eddy Float Coat.
Our model was Ellie, a beautiful black lab mix. Ellie is a rescue dog and was adopted a couple of years ago by my friend Lisa. Over the course of two years Lisa has dedicated 100% of her energy into rehabilitating Ellie and helping her to become a confident and happy dog. Although Lisa continues to work with her everyday, Ellie has become one of the most well trained, calm and loving dogs I have ever met.
We chose the Big Eddy Float Coat for Ellie as it very much suits her lifestyle. Lisa and her boyfriend are real outdoorsy people and do a lot of major treks and canoe trips and Ellie almost always goes with them. The Big Eddy dog PFD is intended for active dogs that will be in rough to fast-moving water.
Advantages of the Ruff Wear Big Eddy Float Coat
The Big Eddy Float Coat is super rugged while at the same time being very comfortable for the dog to wear. It allows the dog to swim and navigate through fast moving water while providing support, protection and great visibility.
What makes the Ruff Wear dog life jackets stand out from the rest is that they have strategically placed PVC-free buoyancy cells. This not only supports the dog in a natural horizontal swimming position but it also allows the dog to swim farther distances with less fatigue.
The Big Eddy is ideal for dogs that will be kayaking, canoeing, boating, paddle boarding, rafting, surfing and/or swimming with their leader. It has all the great features an active dog would need in a PFD.
Big Eddy Float Coat Features
Some of the key features of the Big Eddy are:
- Strong abrasion-resistant material that is able to withstand extended use and abuse
- PVC-free buoyancy cells that help to float the dog in a natural horizontal swimming position
- Bright contrasting color designs and reflective trim that are easily visible in the water day or night
- A really strong and convenient assistance handle that makes it easy to lift the dog out of the water and back into the kayak or boat or even back up on the dock
All of these features make for a great dog PFD. However my favourite feature is the assistance handle. If you take your dog kayaking or boating with you and you would like to allow your dog to go for a swim part way through your trip, the grab handle can be extremely beneficial in helping to get your dog back into your kayak or boat.
Ellie’s Impressions of the Ruff Wear Big Eddy Float Coat
The Big Eddy has Velcro and clips that easily attach around the dogs neck and belly. Lisa and I noticed right off the bat that Ellie seemed perfectly comfortable in her PFD. There was no restriction in her movements and whether she was lying down, walking, jumping or sitting, she seemed perfectly at ease… like she wasn’t wearing anything at all.
Ellie walked, played in the water, kayaked and even rested for a while in her Big Eddy Float Coat and never once tried to scratch, bite at it or adjust herself in the PFD. To us she seemed very comfortable and happy so that was a good sign.
Ellie’s First Inflatable Kayak Trip with her new PFD
After a few times out in the inflatable kayak Ellie was a pro at keeping watch at the bow. However her first time out she was convinced she needed to lie across Lisa’s lap in order to be comfortable which was quite cute to see but impossible for Lisa to paddle.
After a couple more times out, she found a comfortable position either sitting right up front or laying half way on Lisa’s lap and half way on the kayak.
It was nice to know that no matter what kind of weather conditions we encountered, Ellie was totally protected and secure in her new Ruff Wear Float Coat.
View more pictures of Ellie in her Big Eddy life jacket on Flickr. We will be adding more pictures as Ellie’s adventures continue.
Note: Next week we will be reviewing the Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat being modeled by Rocky, a cute little bichon/shih-tzu with lots of energy. The Portage is also great for kayaking and is best suited for flat water swimming and for dogs that are new to water.
Where to Buy the Big Eddy Float Coat
For Ellie this dog life jacket was a success. If you think the Ruff Wear Big Eddy would suit your adventure dog, it can be found at:
Family, Dogs, Fires and Kayaking – Summer Begins
I love the summer. I feel very lucky to live in a place where I get to experience all of the seasons and I enjoy every one of them. I am especially fond of the summer months however as there is just no better feeling than a hot summer day.
So far my start to this beautiful season has been fairly eventful. My first few weeks of summer included family visits, a lost dog, forest fires and of course paddling in my inflatable kayak.
Week 1 - My Brother Visits from Singapore
I have an older brother, Aaron, who has been living and working in Singapore for the last eight years. Normally he comes to visit us in the winter so I was especially excited that he was making his way out here this summer as I was determined to rope him into kayaking with me.
He has never expressed any great interest in it but I was sure he would love it once he was out in the water. We headed out one morning to Okanagan Lake about fifteen minutes from my home.
As he didn’t have any water gear with him I had him decked out in my Mom’s lifejacket, my hat, my Mom’s scarf, etc. lol. We actually had a really fantastic time and luckily he was a natural at paddling. We did get caught in some high winds and some heavy waves but true to form my Sea Eagle 380X was totally stable and secure.
We rode the waves and paddled as hard as we could into the wind then let the wind basically push us back to where we started. Being the overly safety conscious person that I am, I wouldn’t let us venture too far from shore in those winds but we still had a great time.
Have you Been to Singapore?
While we were kayaking I was trying to convince Aaron that the next time I come to Singapore we need to go out kayaking. I have never kayaked in Singapore.
If any of you have ever been to Singapore or possibly live there then you know how ridiculously hot and humid that place is. To be honest I find the weather to be almost intolerable and really unpleasant for any outside activities… although I think if you live there you likely get used to it.
I am convinced however that it would be great to kayak over there and am going to make it a priority when I go next year. Aaron on the other hand was not so convinced that I would enjoy kayaking in the extreme humidity… I think my complaining is still all too fresh in his mind from my last visit!
So my question for anyone reading this post is… have you ever kayaked in Singapore? I am curious to know your experience.
After a great visit I realized one very important thing… I need a second inflatable kayak!! With family visiting it is impossible to get everyone out on the water at the same time.
Week 2 – I Found a Lost Puppy
While out for a walk a couple of weeks ago I found the most beautiful puppy wandering the street with no collar, tag or tattoos. She was beyond adorable and I’m guessing a cross between a beagle and a lab (see picture).
After knocking on several doors and not getting any response I found a very nice lady who gave me a massive chain leash that I could use to take her home with me.
During the twenty minute walk home and the hour I had her at my house I completely fell in love with her. I took a few pictures, as you can tell, and I had all sorts of great visions of her becoming my trusty paddling partner.
After my last dog passed away a couple of years ago, I had decided I wouldn’t get another dog for at least a few years. However lately it has become all I think about and I have become a little too obsessed with checking the SPCA listings every day. I thought perhaps this puppy was meant to be mine.
Anyway of course I had to take her to the SPCA. I spent the night agonizing over whether or not her owners came to get her all the while shopping online for a doggy pfd and planning how I would train her to go kayaking.
The next morning I called first thing and of course her owners came and got her and she was back home. Apparently she’s a digger and had dug her way out of the backyard. After a few days of sadness I am back on track and planning for a new dog next year… at which point this site will likely be inundated with pictures of my dog hopefully out kayaking with me.
Week 3 – Forest Fire
One of my biggest complaints about the area I live in is that it gets so extremely dry that every summer we are plagued with awful forest fires. I have been lucky enough to never have been directly affected by these fires but it is a given that at certain points of the summer outside activities get put on hold because there is too much smoke in the air to breathe.
The fires have started early this year and already we had a major fire close to town that unfortunately did a bit of damage.
Consequently kayaking this past week has been out of the question which has made me very unhappy. Luckily the fire is now over and we have had some heavy winds that have blown the smoke away.
So we are excited to be heading back out on the water this week and have a few exciting water destinations planned for the coming weeks ahead.
All in all an eventful first few weeks of summer. Heading into the middle of July there is no more family visits (for the time being), lost dogs or fires… it is back to normal with just me and my inflatable kayak.
Side Note: The particular deer in the picture above was nowhere near the forest fire. He was simply peacefully watching us pass by.
Be sure to check out our many reviews of all the different inflatable kayaks.
Can Dogs Go in an Inflatable Kayak?
This is a question that gets asked often. If you love to kayak and you have a dog, it is natural to want to bring your dog kayaking with you.
Can an inflatable kayak handle the claws of a dog?
The answer is YES. Most inflatable kayaks are built tough… really tough. They are more than able to handle dogs paws and claws.
I would recommend putting down some sort of blanket or pad that your dog is used to already in order for him to be more comfortable in the kayak. However even without, you do not have to worry about the dog puncturing the inflatable material.
There are certain inflatable kayak manufacturers that I would recommend over others for dogs. These are:
In the inflatable kayak world, the above listed companies offer the highest quality inflatable boats. They all come with warranties and are backed by solid reputations. There is quite a range of models and prices so it will not be hard to find one that suits your budget as well as your needs.
If you do plan on taking your dog kayaking with you there are certain guidelines that are wise to follow.
- Never leash your dog to the kayak. This poses a serious safety risk for your dog should the kayak tip or should the dog try to jump out. This is an extremely important thing to remember as it could cause your dog to drown.
- Always have your dog wear a lifejacket. A doggy pfd is essential for your dogs safety. Even if your dog is a good swimmer, a pfd will help if your dog gets tired or if the boat capsizes.
- Bring the essentials… meaning water for your dog, treats and safety equipment.
- Have patience when practicing training your dog to get into your inflatable kayak and to stay seated while you kayak. This may take a little time to master, so have patience with your furry friend.
For much more information and tips on taking your dog kayaking please read our post Kayaking with your Dog.
Doggie Lifejacket – Is Your Pup Prepared?
Taking your dog out kayaking with you can be such a great experience – for you and for your dog. However it is important that they are just as prepared as you are and safety of course is key.
The most important piece of gear for your dog will be his PFD. Whether your dog will be simply coming along for the ride, or whether he will be jumping in the water to do some swimming, he will need a lifejacket for support and safety.
Which Dog Lifejacket is Best?
There are several different brands for dog PFD’s to choose from including:
- RuffWear
- NRS
- Astral Boyency
- Paws Aboard
- Guardian Gear
The price range of dog lifejackets can vary greatly as can the quality and comfort level. In my experience it is worth spending just a little bit more to get a lifejacket that has good features and that not only fits your dog comfortably but that also will last a long time. As long as your dog isn’t still growing, his PFD could last his entire lifetime if taken care of properly.
Dog PFD Fit
Your dogs PFD should fit snuggly. You want to be sure it stays on no matter what and that your dog can not wiggle out of it. When you take your dogs measurements make sure to measure the widest part of your dogs chest carefully. Then be sure to read the size charts that are provided for the different models available.
Many kayaking stores have a great selection of dog water gear including lifejackets, travel water bowls, harnesses, dog packs, toys and more.
I know some people do not like to put a PFD on their dog while canoeing or kayaking. However it is extremely important for your dogs safety. Your dog is equally as vulnerable as you are in an emergency situation.
Anything could happen out on the water such as the dog could jump or fall out of the boat and hit his head, he could get swept away by a current or wave, he could get a cramp in his leg (yes that happens with dogs too), he could have trouble getting back into the kayak and begin to panic, he could have heart trouble, he could suffer from heat exhaustion or regular exhaustion.
If your dog is wearing his PFD then every single one of these negative experiences can end positively.
The Best of the Best in Dog Safety Gear
RuffWear Float Coats are among the most popular PFD’s for adventurous dogs and are known to be top quality and very comfortable. One of the biggest advantages of a RuffWear Float Coat is that it has strategically placed PVC-free buoyancy cells that will support your dog in its natural horizontal swimming position. This allows the dog to swim farther, play harder and be less fatigued.
The RuffWear PFD’s have many great features that make them ideal for the kayaking dog.
See our list of good online retailers to find which websites carry dog lifejackets and gear.
Kayaking With Your Dog
June 19, 2009 by IK World
Filed under Essential Tips
If you are a dog lover as I am, then you will likely want to bring your pup kayaking with you for a day of fun on the water. Though this can be an extremely enjoyable experience for everyone concerned, there are some very important safety factors that need to be learned before attempting your first kayaking trip with Rover.
Not every dog is going to want to go kayaking. Some dogs are much better with water than others. However, if you feel that this is something your dog will enjoy then please follow the safety precautions below.
I would highly recommend only paddling with your dog in flat, calm waters. Whitewater rapids or large ocean swells can make the dog jumpy and possibly sick. The last thing you want to be worrying about while you are trying to maneuver your boat through the waves is whether your dog is still in the boat or not. Also in flat water you can take a break for your dog to do some swimming and then easily board him back onto the kayak.
Important Safety Precautions for your Pooch
Always, always, always have a pfd on you and your dog. This is common sense and you want this to be a fun day trip. Please don’t put your dog at risk of drowning because you didn’t want to put a lifejacket on him. They could go overboard and hit their head or get tired from swimming and not be able to get back into the kayak. A pfd will help them to be safe and have a lot more fun. Also should your boat capsize for some reason you want yourself to have a lifejacket on as well so that you are able to help your dog. Not every dog is going to want to wear a pfd or be comfortable in one. If this is the case with your dog, then kayaking with them is out of the question.
Getting in the Kayak – Practice Makes Perfect
With these two safety precautions out of the way you now need to teach your dog how to get in and out of the boat – from the shore and then from the water. This will take a little practice and I urge you to be patient with your dog and really make sure this step is covered. Start by holding the kayak still and ask your dog to get in. Then, immediately ask them to sit. It is very important that the dog learn there is no messing around while in the boat and they need to be very in-tune with your commands. Do not allow the dog to jump out of the boat until you give some sort of command.
Once your dog is sitting in the boat he will then need to learn to stay. You might want to try walking back up the bank and require that your dog stay in the boat by himself. Go over this again and again until you feel confident your dog is comfortable in the kayak. First try this in a familiar location. Once the dog seems more comfortable, try adding distractions.
Practice this routine and start adding longer duration and then longer distance between you and the kayak. Once you feel very confident that you dog is handling this well, you will want to launch the boat. Slowly push out the boat with your dog in it, or you can get into the boat first and then push out.
Try at first only going a short distance. Your dog will gradually get more used to being on the water and the different sounds that he hears. You will know how comfortable your dog is and how long you should stay out on the water.
No Rover – Don’t Chase the Ducks!
Be sure to have a good command that your dog knows for not going after ducks and other little creatures in the water. You could also bring a blanket or a familiar bed for the dog to lie down on in the kayak. This may help him to be more comfortable.
Never tie the dogs leash to the kayak. If your kayak were to overturn, the dog would be drowned. If you like you can use a waist leash tied to you and only use it if your dog is swimming and you want him to stay near the kayak.
It will be very helpful if your dog wears a harness so that you can always help to lift them out of the water and back into the kayak if you have to.
Again I will reiterate this very important point – never attach the dogs leash to their collar while in the kayak or swimming. It is far too dangerous and could cause the dog to drown.
Now that you know the safety precautions to take, what equipment should you bring along for the journey?
Important Dog Equipment for Paddling Adventures
- a leash
- harness - Ruff Wear Web Master Dog Harness
- doggy life jacket - Ruff Wear K-9 Float Coat Dog Life Jacket
- dog snacks and water – your dog will likely try to drink the lake water but try to encourage them only to drink their own fresh water by using the Ruff Wear Quencher Dog Bowl
- dog water toys (always makes for more fun)
- sunscreen (The pink pigment on your dogs face or any bare spots on their skin will burn if not protected by sunscreen. Remember that the water reflects the sun’s rays and dogs, just like humans, can easily get burned)
- first aid kit (in a dry bag)
- poop baggies of course
For a complete list of dog water gear check out Altrec Outdoors
as I have found their selection to be really good. Now you are ready for a day of fun with your favorite pup out on the water. Have a great time and be safe.
