Actually, this blog post title should read “2 Dog Jackets I STILL Love For My Active Dogs.” That’s because I’ve had one since 2015 and the other one since 2016.
As I’ve mentioned before here on the blog, I’m a total sucker for Ruffwear and CoLLaR, two companies who make top notch, durable outdoor gear for dogs.
My late pup Missy and her brother Buzz own(ed) accessories from both, ranging from collars to leashes, backpacks, jackets, and harnesses.
My pup Wally inherited many of these items when my late pup Missy passed. Just FYI, Buzz now lives with my ex-husband and still has all of his dog gear.
But today, I’ll specifically be talking about CoLLaR’s Airy Vest Dog Puffer Jacket and Ruffwear’s Cloud Chaser Jacket.
2 Dog Jackets With Zippers I Love For My Active Dogs
Disclaimer: This blog post was originally published in 2016 and has been updated in 2023. It contains affiliate links I may earn compensation through at no additional cost to you.
CoLLaR’s Airy Vest Dog Puffer Jacket
CoLLaR is a Ukrainian based pet products manufacturer who has been making quality pet products since 1995.
It was founded by Yuriy Sinitsa – here’s a short excerpt of what I learned about him on the AiryVest website (check it out to learn more):
Ever since the war in Ukraine started, he has never left his workplace in the constantly bombed Chernihiv, has been taking care of each employee and their families, and has been actively helping his people and of course, animals of Ukraine.
Their pet products are sold in 40 countries on all continents, and I had the pleasure to meet up with representatives of the CoLLaR brand at the Global Pet Expo in Orlando, FL back in 2016, as well as at the Global Pet Expo in 2023, just a few weeks ago.
But back to the Airy Vest!
Missy’s black & blue Airy Vest in size M50 retails for $56.95 and can be purchased on Amazon. Smaller sizes are available for $10-$15 less.
I’ve had this particular Airy Vest since 2016.
The Airy Vest Features & Benefits:
- Reversible jacket (black/blue)
- Nylon fabric
- Filled with synthetic insulation (polyester fibers) designed to replicate the qualities of down, even when wet
- Water resistant
- Lycra (elastic fiber) trimmings around leg holes
- Reversible zipper closure
- Hand wash only
- Comes with a compact pouch for storage and transportation
- Allows full range of motion
- Super light – weighs only 5.3 oz
- Available in 4 different color combinations- black/blue, lime/blue, purple/pink, lime/yellow
- Available in 8 different sizes – XS25, XS30, S30, S35, S40, M45, M50, L55
Any Cons?
There’s two small improvements I’d like to see with the Airy Vest.
No Reflective Features
Unlike Ruffwear’s Cloud Chaser Jacket, CoLLaR’s Airy Vest doesn’t have any reflective trimming.
That would be a useful feature for those early and late fall/winter walks to ensure optimal visibility.
We make up for it with Missy’s reflective Star Collar, also by CoLLaR.
Update 2023: There seems to be a glow-in-the-dark version of the Airy Vest in the pipeline. It’s called Airy Vest Lumi Jacket but I’ve only been able to find a wholesale purchase link for it.
Once I find a regular retail link and/or see it on Amazon, I’ll add it here!
No Full Coverage Of Belly Area
On a different note, the Airy Vest doesn’t cover the entirety of the belly area, so part of it still gets wet in rainy walking conditions.
Still Going Strong After 7 Years of Usage
Update 2023: My pup Wally inherited CoLLaR’s Airy Vest and other doggie accessories from my late pup Missy when a second cancer diagnosis ended her life way too early in 2018.
Wally weighs around 15 lbs less than Missy did, so the vest is a tad big on him. However, it works for him when he wears a harness or a doggie backpack on top!
Also, I’ve really used the heck out of this Airy Vest and guess what, 7 years after I got it, it’s still in really good condition.
And that’s although I’ve tossed it into the washer when it’s technically hand wash only, so…yay for this quality!
Ruffwear’s Cloud Chaser Jacket
Ruffwear is a performance dog gear company launched in 1994 by outdoor enthusiast Patrick Kruse & his dog Otis. They are headquartered in Bend, Oregon.
I’ve had their Cloud Chaser dog jackets since 2015. When Buzz moved in with my ex-husband, he took his Cloud Chaser along.
I still have Missy’s Cloud Chaser, but it’s really too large for Wally!
Buzz’s Obsidian Black Cloud Chaser (he wears size large) can be purchased on Amazon and retails for $89.95 (same price regardless of different sizes).
These are the Cloud Chaser’s features & benefits:
- Water-and windproof
- Fleece-lined interior
- Breathable membrane
- Zipper closure
- Reflective trim
- Customizable tag
- Machine washable (cold water on gentle cycle, no dryer)
- Can be worn with backpack and harness
- Allows full range of motion
- Very light – weighs 8 oz
- Available in 2 different colors – Obsidian Black and
Forest GreenAurora Teal (Update 2023) - Available in 6 different sizes – 2XS, Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large
Tip: I’ve reviewed the Cloud Chaser jacket in depth here on the blog (includes a video of putting it on).
Any cons?
Just one – more color choices!
Back when Missy & Buzz first got their Cloud Chasers, they were available in the 2 colors pictured above – Obsidian Black and Forest Green.
8 years later in 2023, the Cloud Chaser is still only available in two colors – Obsidian Black and Aurora Teal.
I personally would like a broader color spectrum to chose from.
If you’re lucky, you can still find a few other color choices on Amazon. For example, Blue Moon and Sockeye Red.
I guess they’ve tried out a few color choices over the years!
2 Dog Jackets I Still Love For My Active Dogs: Bottom Line
We’re big believers in daily exercise here at K9sOverCoffee, so we appreciate companies such as Ruffwear & CoLLaR who make sturdy, durable outdoor gear for dogs.
I especially love the zipper feature on both dog jackets.
It ensures that the jacket/vest stays on, even when the pups are running and jumping.
This was always an issue with previously used jackets that were secured using velcro belly straps. I can see those working well for senior or sick dogs who move at a slow pace, but it’s not ideal for active pups.
That said, I recommend both Ruffwear’s Cloud Chaser Jacket and CoLLaR’s Airy Vest Dog Puffer Jacket.
If you’re a pet retail store, go ahead and contact CoLLaR about getting your hands on their products!
What is your favorite dog gear? Do you own any of Ruffwear’s or CoLLaR’s accessories? As always, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below this blog post!
Related Reading:
- How to Make A Dog’s Coat Shiny
- Dog Training, Exercise, Travel & Lifestyle
- Hands-Free Hiking with CoLLaR’s Adjustable Leather Leash
- Reviewing Ruffwear’s All-Weather Sleeved Cloud Chaser Jacket
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