Product Review: Kurgo Reflect and Protect Active Dog Vest

Kurgo's Reflect and Protect Active Dog Vest combines high-visibility safety-orange with flashing red lights, so that everyone can see your dog. This vest is made from lightweight durable fabric, including mesh areas for better airflow. Reflective piping and tape runs around the sides, top, and front. There is a row of flashing red LEDs along the back for even greater visibility. This vest is available in five sizes, to fit dogs with chests 14-45" around.

Photo by Erin Koski

I really like the concept of Kurgo's visibility vest. It's much sturdier than our OllyDog vest, and feels like it will hold up to romps in the woods through major brush. I think it's important to have safety-orange-colored stuff on Godzilla when we're hiking, because she moves in a way that makes random people on the street ask if she's part coyote. I like to make sure everyone that sees her knows she is definitely an owned domestic animal and not a chupacabra.

The vest does have some serious sizing issues. Ours is a size small, intended to fit 18-25" chests. Sisci Godzilla measures 22", but this vest barely fits her when adjusted all the way out. It's also surprisingly short. Like most of Kurgo's smaller-sized jackets, it appears to have been made with very short-backed dogs in mind.

Pros

• Easy to put on
• Lightweight and comfortable
• Good for hot weather or over winter jackets
• Flashing lights increase visibility

Cons

• Surface area is lacking a bit
• Not offical "blaze orange", slightly duller color
• Sizing runs very small

Bottom Line

This is more of a road safety vest for leashed walks at night, and less of a "please don't shoot my dog in the woods" safety vest.

Product Review: Kurgo Journey Harness

Kurgo's Journey harness is a heavy-duty adventuring harness modeled after mountaineering gear. It features a handle on top, a front leash attachment ring, and Kurgo's signature steel nesting buckles. This harness adjusts in both the neck and chest areas, and has a daisychain for attaching a light or other accessory. It is currently available in two colors and four sizes to fit dogs with chests 12-44" around.

Super Rugged, Super Tough

This is a harness that means business. Maybe a little too much business. It's really surprisingly heavy when you first pick it up. Ours is a small, and it's a little bit too small, meanwhile the medium feels like it belongs on a pony.

Sizing issues seem to be pretty common with this harness. For some it works great. However, there are a lot of complaints that the neck loop is too big while the chest loop is too small.

Metal Everywhere

I'm no stranger to Kurgo's steel nesting buckles, but these are a little more difficult to use than the ones on our Go-Tech Adventure harnesses. I think there is metal inside the back plate too, it's what helps keep it in place but also adds tremendously to the weight.

Photo by Erin Koski

Pros

• Can be used as a non-restrictive no-pull front-clip harness
• Handle on back for helping dog over obstacles
• No plastic buckles
• Stays in place, does not rotate around dog's body

Cons

• Sizing issues, large difference between small and medium, many dogs fall between sizes
• Front chest plate wide enough to irritate inside of front legs on some dogs
• Very heavy

Bottom Line

I like the design of this harness, but I don't think it scales well between sizes. I'd prefer something a bit lighter so my dog isn't carrying unnecessary weight for hours.

Product Review: Kurgo Baxter Backpack

Kurgo's Baxter Backpack is a unique design that allows adjustment of the height and angle of the saddlebags. Ours is an older version, the current model features a handle on the back as well as extra outer pockets on either side. This is a very stable dog pack with both front and rear belly straps, making it suitable for helping your dog over large obstacles. The Baxter Backpack is available in five colors and two sizes, for dogs 30-85 and 50-110 pounds.

Photo by Erin Koski

We are planning a backpacking trip this spring, so I'm looking at various options for the girls. Of course I adore our Ruffwear Palisades pack (how do I not already have a review for that?!) but what other options are out there?

I bought this hand-me-down Baxter Backpack on eBay, and it turns out it is an older model. This is fine with me, as the current Baxter seems to have some durability issues. Kurgo's product page is filled with reviews about the saddlebags tearing at the bottom.

Photo by Erin Koski

That said, there seems to have been some improvement in the design, as the straps on my Baxter pack tend to loosen up while walking, while the most recent reviews state that the straps are a big difficult to adjust. I'll take difficult-but-stays-in-place over loosens-over-time any day.

The design of this pack is unique because the straps that attach the bags to the center are adjustable. This means they can ride high, or low, or anywhere in between. Since they attach with two straps, the angle can even be changed. This allows you to adjust them to ride downhill, sitting low and forward to avoid throwing the dog off balance. So awesome!

The capacity of the regular Baxter isn't a ton, 3.75L, so you don't really need to worry about overloading your dog. Think a couple of standard Nalgene bottles, those fit snugly without much room for anything else.

Pros: Very adjustable, bags can be raised or lowered for a custom fit. Rear belly strap adds stability, this pack really stays in place. Multiple buckles mean the dog doesn't need to step over any straps to get it on.

Cons: May have durability issues right now, fortunately Kurgo seems willing to stand by their product guarantee. Relatively small capacity, smaller than the Ruffwear Palisades but bigger than the Singletrack.

Bottom Line: This is a functional pack that works well for dayhikes and short backpacking trips where water is easily available.

Product Review: Kurgo Muck Collar

The Kurgo Muck Collar is a waterproof flat buckle collar that is non-absorbent.It can be wiped clean and will not absorb odors. This collar is available in a variety of colors and patterns, and three sizes to fit dogs with necks 10-25" around.

Photo by Erin Koski

This is another stink-free type of collar, like our Dublin Dog and Fraggle Rock gear. It's not as thick and chunky as our Dublin Dog collar, but I have to say I'm not impressed.

See that leash ring? It also doubles as a bottle opener. This is a trend that I'm pretty sure CycleDog started. At least, I saw bottle openers on their dog gear years before anyone else started doing it. I guess it's a somewhat handy, but the one on this collar sticks straight out. Tucking the excess strap underneath it, as it was seemingly designed for, causes it to sit rigidly upright, sticking out perpendicular to the collar. It seems like it's just waiting to get caught on something.

The sizing of this collar also seems to have some issues, there's not a lot of overlap so if the medium is just a tiny bit too small, the large will be enormous. Fortunately the collar can be modified with heat, so extra holes can be punched with a heated nail, and excess strap can be cut off and the new end sealed with a lighter.

My personal issue with the Kurgo Muck collar is actually that it came, like many collars, zip-tied to a display card. It was the original packaging, and the collar was folded pretty tightly. When the zip ties were removed, the bends in the collar remained. I know the ones in the stock photos look properly round, but mine is all wavey and weird, and I have not been able to make it assume a round shape. It looks like the product has been through a redesign since I acquired mine, so maybe this issue has been resolved.

Pros: Waterproof and non-absorbent. Durable. Comes in lots of colors and patterns.

Cons: Pokey bottle opener leash ring. May require modification if your dog is in between sizes. Very stiff and remains in the shape in which it was packaged.

Bottom Line: I can imagine having all those random bits of collar poking into your neck feels good, so this collar has not become part of out adventuring gear. Hopefully the redesign has solved at least some of the product issues.

Product Review: Kurgo Up and About Dog Lifter

The Kurgo Up & About Dog Lifter is a mobility aid for helping larger dogs navigate daily obstacles like stairs. It velcroes across the back and can be left on the dog for short periods of time. This product is only available in one color and size, intended for dogs in the 50-90 lb range. It fits chests up to 35" around.

Photo by Erin Koski

Yes, I found this at a thrift store. I spotted it from across the building and immediately thought the fabric looked like dog gear. Found the Kurgo label and decided to buy it for a few dollars. Brought it home and then had to figure out what in the world it was. This is not the first product I have done this with.

Somewhat like the Help 'Em Up Harness, this is a mobility aid for elderly, injured, and disabled dogs. There are a lot of mobility slings out there, but this one if unique for a number of reasons.

Once upon a time, we used to just use a towel as a mobility sling. It  was great for quick lifts but kind of annoying for everyday use. It tended to bunch up and wasn't very good at distributing pressure along the dog's body. Hanging onto the towel ends was never very comfortable or ergonomic. Plus you had to lift the dog to get the towel under them in the first place. Most of the dog lifting aids I've seen are basically like having handles on a slightly sturdier towel.

Photo by Erin Koski

Kurgo has neatly solved all of the problems with the old DIY towel sling, and created a product that is convenient and reasonable for daily use.

This is a wide and sturdy sling that resists bunching, so it distributes pressure very nicely. It velcroes across the back, so it can be left on the dog during a car trip or when they need to be helped up frequently. It's easy to put on, and does not require any sort flexibility on the part of the dog.

My Kurgo Dog Lifter has a strap on the handle that clips to the dog's collar, but the current iteration just has a strap that run around the front to keep the dog from sliding forward too far.

Pros: Very wide and supportive for large and also long dogs. Can be used to help support either the front end, the back end, or both. Easy to put on, and can be left on for a while because the dog is strapped into it. Machine washable. Longer handles make it easier to support shorter dogs while walking. Awesome for helping dogs in and out of the car, or onto the bed.

Cons: Doesn't stay on active dogs that well, tends to slide around and get in the way. Front strap may make it difficult for the dog to walk. Only comes in one size.

Bottom Line: I feel that this mobility sling supports more of the dog's spine than most similar products. It would be a very good mobility aid for a corgi, dachshund, or other long-backed breed.

Product Review: Kurgo Portsmouth Raincoat

I got this Kurgo Portsmouth Rain Coat on REI.com. This coat has been discontinued, but was originally available in five sizes. Ours is an XS, intended to fit dogs with 14-20" chests and 8-13" necks.

Photo by Erin Koski

The stock photo of this rain coat shows a pug wearing it, and that is exactly the type of dog is was designed to fit. Ru has a 12" chest, and despite the fact that this coat is made for a dog with a 2" larger chest, it still manages to be a couple of inches short in the back.

Ru has an extraordinarily long back for a chihuahua. He has several outfits that are a little short, but they aren't raincoats. A good raincoat should cover the dog from neck to tail. 

At the same time, the Portsmouth Rain Coat is too big around for Ru. If I tried to solve the length problem by going up a size, it would be huge on him.

Photo by Erin Koski

Something weird I noticed about the Kurgo Portsmouth Rain Coat is that it does not bear the name "Kurgo" anywhere on it. Indeed, the only identifying mark on it is a plastic logo that says "me & zelda". If I hadn't purchased it new through a trusted retailer, I would never have known it came from one of my favorite dog gear companies.

Pros: Sturdy and well-made. Breathable and non-restrictive. Blanket-style coat is easy to put on. Adjustable chest and belly straps made from heavy duty nylon.

Cons: Designed only for very short-backed, wide-chested dogs. Made in China.

Bottom Line: This coat would rock for a French bulldog, or a pug. Maybe an obese chihuahua.

What sort of rain gear do you use to keep your pup dry?

Product Review: Kurgo Loft Bench Seat Cover

The Kurgo Loft Bench Seat Cover is a waterproof cover designed to make the back seat of my car a little more dog friendly. It is waterproof, padded, and stays in place nicely. This seat cover is reversible and comes in two color combinations.

Photo by Erin Koski

Since I started using the SleepyPod Clickit harness for Brisbane, I needed something with seatbelt access for my car. My Fuloon hammock is perfect for containing sand after a trip to the beach, but its bucket-like nature prevents me from strapping Briz in.

I like dog hammocks in general because they prevent my dogs from falling into the gap between the front and back seats. That's not an issue when they're strapped in, so the Kurgo Loft seat cover works just fine.

Unlike most seat covers, this one seems to have been made for seats that have the ability to fold down. In addition to straps that go around the headrests, there is a big wid strap that goes all the way around the back of the seats. This helps anchor the cover and keep it in place.

Pros: Easy to clean, easy to install, stays in place. Allows access to seatbelts.

Cons: The standard size is a little small for my Toyota Matrix, which is not a large vehicle.

Bottom Line: I find the coolest stuff in thrift stores.

What do you use to protect your car seats?

Thanks Kurgo!

I emailed Kurgo to ask if I could get a replacement handle for Brisbane's Wander Pail. Ours is still perfectly usable after Brisbane opened it, but the broken handle seemed like a small and easily replaceable piece.

Photo by Erin Koski

Kurgo surprised me by sending Brisbane a brand new Wander Pail! Yay!

This is my favorite dog food container by far. It's the only product I can accidentally leave in dog-range and expect to find intact when I return. There is an upper tray that can be removed from the pail and used as a second bowl.

I like to put bully rings in our Wander Pail, it's a good way to keep them unchewed while we travel. I also keep kibble and biscuits in there, it's big enough to hold a couple of days' worth of food for my dogs.

The Kurgo Wander Pail is insulated, so it can safely hold raw and canned foods. We see them at daycare all the time, and for good reason. Not only is this a durable and nearly-dog-proof container, it's also backed by an awesome company with awesome customer service.

Brisbane vs Kurgo Wander Pail

I previously wrote about the Kurgo Wander Pail and how I was so delighted with it. Being all metal except for the handle, I was sure that when Brisbane eventually got a hold of it he wouldn't destroy it while robbing it of its treasures.

*Innocent face*

Well, it finally happened. On Sunday we went lure coursing, and when we returned home I was so exhausted I just dropped my event bag on the floor. Briz hurt his feet overdoing it at the event, so we've been lazy and I didn't put things away immediately. In fact, the bag is still sitting there. Yesterday evening I noticed some of the contents on the floor, and found the pail missing.

The downside to feeding Brisbane primarily from puzzle toys is that he tends to view the whole world as a food puzzle. If he can figure out how it works, he will be able to get the food out. He has largely solved the kitchen counter puzzle, the fridge still eludes him.

I'm not sure how long it took Brisbane to open the Wander Pail. I do know that it was open and empty when I found it in his lair last night. The handle is broken and chewed, and Briz chipped a couple of teeth opening it. Still, the damage is minor and cosmetic. The pail still functions perfectly. and the handle still works fine. I might even be able to get Kurgo to send me a new handle, it looks easy to replace. Removing it completely might actually make this thing Briz-proof, and I could probably make my own decorative handle if I was feeling crafty.

I am still delighted with my Wander Pail, it has certainly lived up to my expectations and continues to be my first choice for carrying dog food and treats. Thanks Kurgo!

Product Review: Kurgo Wander Pail

The Kurgo Wander Pail is a hard metal food storage container for travel. It features a smaller removable tray that can be used as a dish, is insulated for perishable foods, and comes in two sizes.

Smaller and more convenient than a bear canister.

It is difficult to express how much I adore this product. There is nothing else like it on the market. It is amazing and wonderful. You see, Brisbane is incredibly good at accessing edible things. He is a mastermind, watching carefully for the ideal moment when my attention is diverted, remaining expressionless so as not to alert me to his plan ahead of time.

I have not carried anything edible in a purse or bag in almost nine years. Any food left in Briz-range is going to end up in Brisbane, no question. This complicates any situation where I would like to bring food items with me. If I put it in my bag before leaving the house, Brisbane will eat it. If I try to grab it on my way out the door, I am likely to forget it.

I needed a portable, genius-dog-proof container, and my bear canister was beginning to look like a viable option. Sure it's bulky, but it can be left in Briz-range, right?

It's...beautiful.

The Wander Pail is made entirely of non-chewable metal. The only plastic on this thing is the blue handle on the lid, the rest is glorious stainless steel. A significantly larger dog might be able to bust this thing open, but my 40-lb cattledog mix is thoroughly thwarted.

I can now fill this thing with kibble, shove it in my purse, and leave it sitting on the floor without worrying. Brisbane figured out right away that this wasn't a puzzle toy worth solving. He may eventually figure it out, but unlike tupperware, plastic bags, and fabric kibble storage bags, he won't destroy the Wander Pail in the process.

I have the smaller pail, and it easily fits at least two cups of kibble. When Josie was eating many small meals a day, I would bring her lunch to daycare and stick her pills in the top tray.

I seem to recall that the original marketing for the Wander Pail suggested carrying food in the top tray, and water in the bottom. I read several reviews by people who attempted this and found that there was no seal and it both leaked and got their kibble wet. I found my pail on clearance at Petco, and since then the description has changed. The pail is a wonderful way to carry dog food, or water, but not both at the same time.

Pros: Indestructible, chew-proof, and impregnable for now. The small pail has plenty of capacity, and it is insulated so raw food can be carried safely. Dishwasher safe for those who have dishwashers. Smaller and lighter than a bear canister.

Cons: Potentially leaks when filled with liquids. That's really all I can come up with.

Bottom Line: Whoever designed this thing was a genius. They have earned my undying affection.

Product Review: Kurgo Go-Tech Adventure Harness

The Go-Tech Adventure Harness by Kurgo is a nylon harness with back leash ring, a front leash ring, and a handle on the back. It comes in three colors and has a unique style of buckle. Each harness comes with a car tether strap.

This is intended to be a safety harness for active dogs, but I primarily use it as a mobility harness for Josie due to that convenient handle on the back. It's not quite as effective as the Ruffwear Webmaster harness at lifting the entire dog, but it's a lot cheaper. I found it in the clearance bin at Petco for $15.

The harness helps me hoist Josie's front end into the car, lets me haul her up to join me on the furniture, and works a lot better at steering her than grabbing her collar. It seems to be very comfortable for her to wear 24/7, and doesn't bother her fur or rub marks on her anywhere. The part of the harness that goes down her chest between her front legs is very wide, so it distributes the weight well. All three of my dogs have very long backs though, and if I could change this harness design slightly I would make it longer with the handle further back.

Something I particularly like about this harness is the metal nesting buckles. I've had several plastic buckles fail and ruin an otherwise beloved piece of equipment. These are elegant in their simplicity, just slide the small plate through the slot in the big plate, and then the small plate just rotates and sits flat on top of the big plate. It sounds too simple, but Josie has been wearing it nonstop for weeks, rolling around on the ground, wrestling with other dogs, and it has yet to come undone. Buckling and unbuckling doesn't require squeezing anything, which is really nice when my hands hurt. Josie has a large harness, and Brisbane has a medium that has slightly smaller buckles. The medium fits Briz well, and he has an unusually wide chest that can make him difficult to fit with harnesses that have few adjustment options.

I like that this is a quiet harness, even though the buckles are metal-on-metal, they don't jingle. There is a front ring where I could attach tags, or a leash if I had a dog that needed a front-clip harness. (Little-known fact: You can clip a leash to any harness with a front ring, most standard Roman harnesses had that option way before front-clip harnesses were a thing.) It's also worth mentioning that I've seen a dog wearing one of these with the front ring ripped out. I don't know the exact circumstances behind the damage, whether it was chewed or broke under strain, but it gives me some slight nagging doubts about the attachment of that particular piece of hardware.

Kurgo advertises this as a vehicle-safety harness, but it's important to know that it only prevents driver distraction by keeping your dog tethered. The Go-Tech Adventure Harness it NOT a crash-protection harness. Check out the Center for Pet Safety's harness testing to see what happens to distraction-prevention harnesses during a collision. Most seat belt harnesses on the market would fail miserably in an actual crash, and some can do more harm than good. If you're looking for something to use as a crash-protection device, this isn't it.

Pros: Sturdy, easy to put on, all metal hardware, possibly arthritis-friendly buckles. Nice big rings for easy leash attachment. Comes in three colors and five sizes, and has a handle on the back. Comfortable for extended wear, and fits my weird-shaped dog ok. Makes a decent mobility harness for a large elderly dog.

Cons: Hardware may be tricky for those who aren't familiar with the nesting buckles, or have squirmy dogs. Only adjustment is around the chest strap which could cause fitting issues for some dogs. The wide chest area could rub the insides of a dog's legs if the fit was bad. Does not provide crash protection but claims to be a vehicle safety harness.

Bottom Line: It's sturdy enough and different enough to be worth trying even if you have other styles of harness. If your dog has a long back, it's only good for lifting the front end of them.