Our Favorite Outdoorsy Dog Gear

When it comes to being a dog-parent one thing all of us can agree on is wanting to give our pets the best lives we can. With so many products and supplies on the market these days it's hard to tell which you can trust. Spoke+Blossom writer Laura Mills and her dog Fern truly put these items to the test so you don’t have to. With these top picks you are sure to have a great summer with your furry companion by your side.

Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Dog Cooling Harness 

New from Ruffwear is the Swamp Cooler Harness with its scientifically researched evaporative cooling technology. When you step out of a body of water and feel a cooling effect as your skin first hits the air, that's evaporative cooling, same idea with the technology behind this harness! Get this harness wet and the Swamp Cooler Tech takes care of the rest. With reinforced leash connection points, an easy to grab handle and quick on/off features, this harness will be your go-to for summer adventures with your pup. Interested in learning more about Swamp Cooler Tech? Head on over to Ruffwear's website for a full breakdown! 

Ruffwear Float Coat Life Jacket 

A life jacket you can trust without all the extra bulk. With three adjustable straps this life jacket can be personalized to fit your dog’s needs. This life jacket features a sturdy handle positioned perfectly to support your dog’s weight should they need to be lifted out of the water. Complete with a metal leash clip-in point, you can have full piece of mind that your dog is safe on all the water-centered adventures to come.  

Ruffwear Rubber Throw Toy 

Photos by Lindsay Morales

Strong, sturdy, and engaging; all things you want for a reliable tug toy! Tested on a dog who is known to chew through everything, the only wear noticeable was a few teeth marks on the rubber. This toy is a great option to replace the classic tennis ball and will be your favorite tug toy for years to come. 

Backcountry x Petco The Dog Travel Bowl 

The perfect bowl for the on-the-go dog parent. No more spillage in the car or while you’re camping. This bowl is made from food-grade silicone while being sturdy and reliable. With a four-cup capacity AND the ability to collapse you're able to expand it when needed and pack it up when you don’t. A carabineer on the outside and a strong plastic hook allows you to attach this bowl to any pack or bag.  

Backcountry x Petco The Dog Rain Jacket 

For dogs that truly hate the rain or want to stay dry and warm, this rain jacket does its job without weighing them down. With similar waterproofing as most human rain jackets, it’s a product you can trust. A full-length zipper makes the on and off easy. With an additional zipper for easy collar access and constructed from recycled polyester, it’s a purchase worth making.  

Tough Trail Chuckwagon Dog Tote 

The Tough Trail Chuckwagon Dog Tote is about to become every dog parent's summer staple. This bag TRULY has it all. A dual zipper, magnetic closure make accessing bag contents a breeze. It comes with a roll-top lined food bag that is BPA-free and holds up to 14 cups of food AND two collapsible silicone bowls that hold up to 4 cups. Not only does this bag have it all, but it helps you stay organized too. Two adjustable and completely removable 9" high dividers make breaking up the sections of the bag intuitive. Each side of the bag has mesh pockets that are breathable but sturdy. This bag comes with 2 handle straps attached and an additional shoulder strap for hands-free carry. This bag will be joining you and your pup on the rest of your summer trips and is one of the best items in this round up. 

Orvis Bumper 

Whether you're training your dog to retrieve or looking for a solid tug toy, the Orvis Bumper is a great option. Made from virgin fire hose material this toy is puncture resistant and therefore long-lasting. Buoyancy is no problem if your dog is a water lover, this bumper is filled with spun polyester. The polypropylene handle is strong and allows you for an easy, long-distance throw. 

Orvis Hose-Off Folding Travel Crate 

A crate that is lightweight yet durable for a dog on-the-go. Whether you're looking for something that easily packs up for storage, can be brought camping, or keeps your dog off your car interior, this folding travel crate is a great option. Though it is able to fold and compact, the framing is strong and the canvas rugged and durable. This crate has front, side and top zipper access as well as reinforced mesh windows for breathability. Not only is the crate able to be completely hosed off, the sherpa fleece mat it comes with is soft for your dog but can be easily washed and cleaned. This item has become an everyday use and is a stand out in this round up. 

SnowPeak Dog Cot 

The Snow Peak Dog Cot is a convenient item for someone on-the-go. With a washable canvas cover and a bag with a handle for transport, it's a great use in a pinch. A big plus is its ability to fold easily and become compact. Though the framing is stainless steel, it leaves some sturdiness to be desired. 

SnowPeak Rope Lead 

The Snow Peak Rope Lead is a great lightweight leash. Easy to hold and doesn't get heavy when wet. This lead sports a metal clip that seems sturdy and reliable. Though this is a solid leash, the neoprene seam coverings do fold down if the leash slides through your hand quickly. This doesn't affect the use of the product, but could be a deterrent for some. 

EvenPets by Miraflora Brain Health and Joint Mobility CBD Dog Chews 

After a high activity day or for a dog with joint pain, these 10mg CBD Dog Chews are a great option to give your dog a little extra comfort and improve mobility. Added glucosamine, ashwagandha root, wild Alaskan salmon, and omega 3. Made with pure ingredients giving you peace of mind for your furry friend. Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO. 

EvenPets by Miraflora +Calm CBD Dog Chews 

A great all-natural option for dogs going into high-anxiety settings or who need a little help calming down. The +Calm formula is made with calming adaptogens, chamomile, and GABA as well as the high-quality Miraflora CBD and all-natural ingredients. Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO 

White Duck Outdoor Dog Bed 

Potentially the best dog bed on the market for the price. This dog bed is plush and squishy but holds its shape. The cotton polyester blend cover is extremely durable and with its waterproof coating it wicks away water and dirt. It was tested camping and even stood up against a light drizzle. With a full-length zipper, washing the cover is a breeze. So cozy even your cat will want to to take it over.  

Buff Reflective Dog Neckware 

A great option to amp up your pup’s style. Soft, stretchy and built to last. Spray with tick repellant before heading out into the woods to keep your furry friend protected from ticks and mosquitos. With a reflective stripe down the side for extra visibility and protection in low light settings. 

Sawyer Permethrin Fabric Treatment 

The best anti-tick and mosquito spray on the market. Spray your pack, hiking boots, dog harness and a bandana for your dog and you're good to go. Permethrin spray bonds to fabric fibers for up to 6 weeks or exposure to sun and air or 6 washings. This product is formulated to not stain or damage your clothing, just protect. Not safe to wear while the product is bonding to the fabric, but once the product has dried you're set. Use it on your tents, sleeping bag, netting, camping, hunting, or travel gear to stay protected at all times. Put to the test in the thick, moist, woods of Maine — this product is it. 

All photos by Lindsay Morales.