Guest - Not logged in | ||||||||||||||||||
Reviews > Animal Companion Gear > Dog Wear > Stunt Puppy Puff Doggy Coat > Test Report by Michael Pearl
STUNT PUPPY PUFF DOGGY
INITIAL REPORT - January 15, 2018
TESTER INFORMATION
I have a great appreciation for the outdoors and get out at every opportunity. I am a three-season, learning to be a four-season backpacker and year-round hiker. Currently, my trips are two to three days long as well as an annual week-long trip. I utilize the abundant trail shelters in my locale and pack a backup tarp-tent. I like to cover big distances while still taking in the views. I have lightweight leanings but function and reliability are the priority. I mostly travel woodland mountain terrain but enjoy hiking beautiful trails anywhere. PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS Manufacturer: Stunt Puppy Year of Manufacture: 2019 Manufacturer's Website: www.stuntpuppy.com Made in Utah, USA MSRP: US$110.00 Listed Weight: 10 oz (283 g) for medium size Measured Weight: 9 oz (262 g) Sizes Available: Mini through XL Size Tested: Medium Tester Weight: 55 lbs (25 kg) Tester Length: 22 in (56 cm) from shoulder to base of tail Packed Dimensions: 7 x 4 x 2 in (18 x 10 x 5 cm) Measured Packed Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 4 in (23 x 10 x 5 cm) Colors Available: Sage (light green / black) and Red (red / black) Color Tested: Red Materials - - Pertex nylon outer layer - Thinsulate polyester insulation - Side-release Duraflex fastenings Features - - 200 and 400g insulation divided into chambers to provide extra warmth to spine, hips, shoulders and chest - Extended coverage over elbows, thighs and tail to protect joints when lying down - Compacts to store inside itself - Machine washable and quick dry - Fit-to-move design, curved panels and articulating seams INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
The Puff Doggy arrived in good condition. The red and black color scheme is sharp and appealing. There's a reflective Stunt Puppy logo on the chest and on the left side a Puff Doggy tag. The Puff is nicely made. The fabric, seams and stitching are all even, intact and of good quality. I especially like the stretchy finished edge along the bottom of the jacket. There are two elastic straps attached to the chest of the jacket. The buckles on the strap are adjustable to dial in the fit. The buckles match up to their counterparts found on the left and right sides of the jacket. On the inside just below the collar is a built-in stuff sack. READING THE INSTRUCTIONS
The Puff Doggy did not come with any use instructions. I feel as a dog owner there is no need as the jacket is obvious. There are tags and labels with product care and warranty. There is, however, mention on the Stunt Puppy website that the Puff Doggy is ideal for camping, sedate winter walks and not intended for running through the bush. The suggestion is the same care is needed with this jacket as I would give my own insulating layer. TRYING IT OUT
After looking over the Puff Doggy myself I called Oscar over to have a look and a sniff. I then slipped the jacket over his head. I passed the chest section underneath and passed the straps up to the side. After attaching and adjusting each of the side buckles the Puff was on. Oscar showed very little reaction. I took this to mean he didn't mind it. I then noticed two thin elastic straps at the rear of the jacket. They looked perfectly positioned to go around Oscars hind legs. I gently one at a time lifted his feet and slipped the straps around his upper leg. While doing so I noticed another smaller elastic between the other two. I assumed this one would go around his tail. During this time Oscar seemed to be raising an eyebrow and looking under his leg. I don't think he was completely comfortable with the straps so I didn't bother trying the tail strap. SUMMARY
The Stunt Puppy Puff Doggy is a nicely designed well made insulated dog jacket. It fits Oscars nicely and he seems to like it. I like the adjustability of the straps and secure fit the rear leg straps provide. I am slightly concerned about durability as Oscar likes to roll around in the snow sometimes and run off trail a lot. I am curious to see how well the Puff works while it's snowing and if there's any change in Oscar's behavior when it's really cold. Well with that said I am going to take the advice at the bottom of the tag on the Puff. "Now that you're done reading this - go take your dog out." FIELD LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
Balch Hill - Hanover, New Hampshire PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
Oscar and I have used the Puff Doggy on three hikes, one cross country ski and roughly two dozen morning walks. On all occasions I have been happy with the Puff and the best I can tell Oscar was too. Whenever I pulled the jacket out Oscar would step toward it and allow it to be pulled over without fuss. It was always easy to put on even early in the morning in the dark. Oscar's harness is compatible with the Puff and never posed any difficulty leashing him. SUMMARY
The Stunt Puppy Puff Doggy has been fun and easy to use. It fits nicely and stays in place while walking and running. It has kept Oscar warm and active on some really cold days. After each use I would touch the exterior of the Puff which was cold. Then after removing it touch the interior and Oscars back, both were warm. So I know it's providing real insulation to his core. The Puff so far has held up to outdoor dog wear with only one mild snow roll. We have had nothing but positive experiences with the Puff during this stage of testing. LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
Two Overnight Backpacks PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
Temperatures stayed above freezing through the end of this test series. It was too warm for Oscar to wear the Puff Doggy during the day while hiking. However temperatures have been mild for a prolonged period and the evenings cool quickly. After setting up camp and having dinner Oscar would give himself his evening bath. Then I would throw the Puff Doggy on him and we would settle in for the night. SUMMARY
The Stunt Puppy Puff Doggy worked well for Oscar all winter long as a jacket and also as a sleeping blanket in the spring. Oscar appeared happy to wear the Puff Doggy and enjoyed its added insulation. It fit him nicely, always stayed in place and held up to his outdoor use. The Puff Doggy remains in very good condition with no rips, tears, holes or loose threads. All materials and parts remain in good working condition. Oscar and I will continue to use the Puff Doggy for overnight outdoor sleeping when the temperature is below 60 F (15 C). Then when winter returns with below freezing temps we will be hiking in the Puff Doggy once again. Read more reviews of Stunt Puppy gear Read more gear reviews by Michael Pearl Reviews > Animal Companion Gear > Dog Wear > Stunt Puppy Puff Doggy Coat > Test Report by Michael Pearl |