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Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat for Dogs

FERN GREEN

    Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat for Dogs

    • $34.93
    • $49.95*

    REDUCED PRICE You Save 30%

    (19)

    Item # 784720

    Product size and color

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    Dog paddling can only take your water-loving pooch so far. Cloak it in the Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat for dogs for extra floatation.

    • PVC-free foam cells provide buoyancy and position your dog in a natural, horizontal swimming position
    • Reflective trim offers increased visibility in low light
    • Assistance handle at the base of the neck makes it easy to lift your furry friend out of the water or help it over a log
    • Generous, anatomic cut enhances mobility and swimming ease

    Sizing is based on girth. For girth, measure around the widest part of your dog's rib cage. If in between sizes, pick the smaller size, as the fit should be snug. Sizing is as follows:

    • XX Small fits 12 - 19 in. girth
    • X Small fits 17 - 24 in. girth
    • Small fits 23 - 30 in. girth
    • Medium fits 27 - 32 in. girth
    • Large fits 31 - 40 in. girth
    • X Large fits 35 - 48 in. girth

    Imported.

    Item 784720

    REI Membership

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    Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat for Dogs Specs
    Specification
    Description
    Material(s)
    Nylon / foam buoyancy cells
    Paddling
    Best use

    Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat for Dogs Customer Reviews

    REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

    by PowerReviews
    Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat for Dogs
     
    4.7

    (based on 19 reviews)

    95%

    of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

    Pros

    • Tough (8)
    • Easy to put on (6)
    • Fun (6)
    • Good quality (5)
    • Washes well (5)

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Larger pets (5)
      • Outdoors (5)
      • Boating / sailing (4)
      • Older pets (4)
      • Smaller pets (4)
        • Chest Size:
        • Feels too small

           

          Feels true to size

           

          100% 

          (4 reviews)

          Feels too big

           
        • Sizing:
        • Feels full size too small

           

          Feels half size too small

           

          Feels true to size

           

          83% 

          (5 reviews)

          Feels half size too big

           

          Feels full size too big

           
        • Reviewer Profile:
        • Long-time pet owner (8), Multiple dog owner (4), Recreational user (4)

      Reviewed by 19 customers

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      Displaying reviews 1-10

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      (49 of 49 customers found this review helpful)

       
      4.0

      Does the job well

      By Avi8orn8

      from Sacramento, CA

      About Me Long-time Pet Owner

      See all my reviews

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Tough
      • Versatile

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Larger Pets
        • Older Pets
        • Smaller Pets
        • Younger Pets

        Comments about Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat for Dogs:

        My lab used this for the first time today on the American River in Sacramento. He is more at home in the water than on land, but I wanted him to be able to swim with us while we kayak or raft on the river for extended periods without having to worry too much about him becoming exhausted. This is exactly what he needed. It appears to be constructed well, it fits well, and the buoyancy is balanced well. He doesn't seem to mind wearing it at all, probably because he knows he looks good in orange. =) The only con I've noticed is that one of the corners at the bottom-front seems to fold out enough that his front-right leg goes underneath it sometimes. This may be something that will be corrected if I adjust some of the straps, however.

        • Gift:
        • No

        (21 of 21 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Lends a helping hand while boating

        By cinderful

        from Seattle, WA

        About Me Recreational User

        See all my reviews

        Pros

        • Comfortable
        • Highly Adjustable
        • Highly visible
        • Lightweight

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Boating

          Comments about Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat for Dogs:

          My 5-month-old puppy wore this for the first time on my boat. The handle on the back was great for helping get her in and out of the boat, and the jacket offered a secure way to hold on to her while moving fast.

          The jacket was ideal for swimming off the boat, keeping her afloat and really visible in the water, and the handle made it easier to pull a slippery, wet puppy back into the boat.

          At 38 pounds, the size medium fit her well when the adjustable buckles were cinched in all the way, and there's plenty of adjustability that will let her grow into it. The extra lengths of strap roll up and secure to keep them out of the way, which you can see in the photo. It didn't ride up in the water, and she could walk around comfortably (though turning around in the boat was harder for her because of the stiffness).

          • Gift:
          • No
          • Chest Size:
          • Feels true to size

          (15 of 15 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Great Buy!!!

          By Wish I was not at work

          from Portland, OR

          About Me Recreational User

          See all my reviews

          Site Member

          Pros

          • Comfortable
          • Durable
          • Highly Adjustable
          • Lightweight

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Boating
            • Rafting

            Comments about Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat for Dogs:

            This was a great buy for my 2 year old lab. She is often in the water but I thought I should buy it now that she is old enough to go rafting. It was perfect for pulling her in/out of the boat with ease. She had no problem swimming or jumping off cliffs into the water. Looks like it saved her a little energy.

            She weights 65 pounds but fits a M perfectly. Now anytime she sees the vest she goes crazy.

            • Gift:
            • No
            • Chest Size:
            • Feels true to size

            (10 of 12 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Love It

            By AshleyLT

            from Salem ,OR

            About Me Multiple Dog Owner

            See all my reviews

            Pros

            • Cute
            • Easy to Put On
            • Easy to see
            • Good Quality
            • Washes Well

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Floating
              • Large Dogs
              • Outdoors
              • Rafting

              Comments about Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat for Dogs:

              Samson my 85lb Lab loves the water and we got this for him for when we float the river in the summer. He is a natural swimmer but I was worried about the long trip and him getting tired. It worked great, he did not mind having it on and was able to move easily in the water. When we got him a little brother, Tank our now 75lb AmStaf Terrier, we weren't too sure that he would take to the water so readily, but with a float coat just like his older brother's he was right behind Samson in the river. The bright colors show up well in the water so boats and other crafts are able to see them easily and our doggies stay safe!!

              • Gift:
              • No
              • Sizing:
              • Feels true to size

              (7 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

               
              4.0

              Good Product, Durable

              By Janeothejungle

              from Fresno, CA

              About Me Avid Adventurer, Multiple Dog Owner

              See all my reviews

              Site Member

              Pros

              • Easy to Put On
              • Good flotation
              • Good Quality
              • Good range of motion
              • Washes Well

              Cons

              • Blocky
              • Dangling straps
              • Overlapping edges at neck

              Best Uses

              • Large Dogs
              • Ocean
              • Outdoors
              • Rivers

              Comments about Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat for Dogs:

              First let me say that the only real issue with this product is how blocky it seems on and off the dog. Not exactly form-fitting and with the 2 sides overlapping at the neck buckle, it seems oddly designed at that juncture. That said, my dog LOVES this pfd. He can go for hours without tiring as fast and the jacket actually helps float him a little higher in the water. For those of you with true 'water dogs', I would highly recommend this pfd for the ocean or for lakes or mellow rivers (up to class 2). Over class 2, I'd probably bump up to the Big Eddy, Ruffwear's burlier pfd.

              • Gift:
              • No
              • Sizing:
              • Feels true to size

              (6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              A dogs best friend!

              By Boarderbunny03

              from Bellevue, WA

              About Me Multiple Dog Owner

              See all my reviews

              Pros

              • Easy to Put On
              • Good Quality
              • Washes Well

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Large Dogs
                • Outdoors
                • Small Dogs

                Comments about Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat for Dogs:

                I have 4 dogs (3 under 10lbs, XXS fits great) and these float coats have been a godsend on canoeing/boating trips. They make getting the dogs in and out of the water a breeze with the convenient top handle. The smaller dogs are not incredibly strong swimmers but with the float coats they are able to easily and comfortably navigate through the water and around the boat. The bright colors are great for visibility! (I only wish they came in pink for my little girl :) ) They dry quickly and are lightweight which makes for easy packing and storage.

                • Gift:
                • No
                • Sizing:
                • Feels true to size

                (6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                4.0

                Wonderful Accessory!

                By Gus the Bus

                from Huntington Beach, CA

                About Me Recreational User

                See all my reviews

                Pros

                • Comfortable
                • Lightweight

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Swimming

                  Comments about Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat for Dogs:

                  I got this vest for my pit bull who loves to fetch in ocean waves. At first, he was a bit apprehensive and I think he felt a bit encumbered because it's a little bulky. But when he figured out that it actually helped him stay afloat, the dog got a little crazy! Whereas before he would go into the water timidly and hesitate when he saw waves, he now bounds as far out as he can until he starts swimming and he even surfs waves back in. He is a super-happy camper and the handle on the back helps for when you need a quick hold on your dog. I originally got it for the river but haven't even used it for that purpose yet! Was wary over spending the money, but would highly recommend it! Mine is orange and I love it, love it!

                  • Gift:
                  • No
                  • Chest Size:
                  • Feels true to size

                  (5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  Great product, Riverdog approves!!!

                  By riverdog

                  from Nashville, TN

                  About Me Single Dog Owner

                  See all my reviews

                  Pros

                  • Cute
                  • Easy to Put On
                  • Fun
                  • Good Quality
                  • Washes Well

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Outdoors

                    Comments about Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat for Dogs:

                    Ok, so I'm reviewing this after only one test-run but it passed with flying-colors and we are very satisfied. It fit our little bull/boxer mix to a tee. She never once seemed uncomfortable or hot in it. The handle rocks, easy up and into the boat. Looks great, brings a lot of attention to our little river dog. Also, I washed it in cold water and it cleaned up really nice. Picture is on the Buffalo River in Tennessee.

                    • Gift:
                    • No
                    • Sizing:
                    • Feels true to size

                    (4 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    5.0

                    Doggie Water Vest

                    By ben and annie

                    from Seattle, WA

                    About Me Recreational User

                    See all my reviews

                    Pros

                    • Comfortable
                    • Durable
                    • Good Ventilation
                    • Highly Adjustable
                    • Lightweight

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Boating
                      • Paddling

                      Comments about Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat for Dogs:

                      This product fit true to size and is easy to adjust. The handle is especially functional to carry my dog in and out of my canoe on the water. She doesn't ever seem uncomfortable or annoyed with it on. It's also easy to see from a distance and performs well during swimming. Defintely would recommend to others.

                      Service and delivery comments:

                      I picked this product up from the store and was very easy and delivered on time.

                      • Gift:
                      • No
                      • Chest Size:
                      • Feels true to size

                      (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      4.0

                      My dog LOVES this PDF vest!

                      By Olive

                      from Lake Tahoe

                      About Me Single Dog Owner

                      Site Member

                      Pros

                      • Easy to Put On
                      • Fun

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                          Comments about Ruff Wear Portage Float Coat for Dogs:

                          My 2 year old, 60 pound, lab/border collie starts wagging her tail wildly then goes and sits by the door when she sees her vest. Though she is a natural water dog, in this vest she is safer and exerts less energy when swimming behine my stand up paddle board. This PDF is certainly adequate for a 1/2 mile swim. Because she loves doing longer distances with me, I am upgrading to Ruffwear's heavier PDF,"Big Eddy". I want to be assured. if she tires, or ever becomes separated from me on the water, she could easily float for hours without having to dog paddle.

                          • Gift:
                          • No
                          • Sizing:
                          • Feels true to size

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