Stories

  • Made for the Snow: Winter Backpacking With Dogs

    Winter backpacking with your dog can be a very rewarding experience. Learn how Wes, Marie, and their pup Loba prepare for the adventure.

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    Loba, a malamute-husky mix, on a backpacking trip.

  • Boredom Busters: 5 Enrichment Toys for Your Dog

    From interactive puzzle toys to psychedelic slow feeders, explore some of our enrichment toys to keep your canine engaged.

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    Dog playing with an enrichment toy in the backyard.

  • Top Gear for Senior Dogs

    We have a few extra experienced pups as part of our Pack, and we chatted with their humans to get the lowdown on what senior dog gear they dig most. 

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    Top Gear for Senior Dogs

  • Shared Adventures & A Shift in Perspective: Backcountry Skiing With Dogs

    Learn how Gloria began sharing her passion for skiing with her two pups, Alberto and Shakira, turning every outing into a shared adventure.

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    Gloria backcountry skiing with her dog, Alberto.

  • GO GUIDE: Holiday Your Dog's Way

    Anyone else struggling to keep up with the “go, go, go” pace of the holidays? As explorers, we believe the beauty of “Go…” is in the freedom to choose how we'll finish the sentence. So out with the holiday gift guide, and in with the Holiday Go Guide – a list of ways we’re replacing "Go get" and "Go shop" with "Go outside."

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    Man and his dog snowboarding.

  • Go-to Dog Gear for Rainy Days

    Don’t let rain put a damper on your adventures. Here are six pieces of gear to have at the ready if there’s rain in the forecast. 

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    Dog and human getting ready for a rainy adventure.

  • Layering Systems: How to Layer Dog Apparel

    Whether you're hiking in the mountains or exploring a local park, prepare your pup for any condition with the right layers. Here's how to layer dog apparel.

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    Dog wearing the Climate Changer™ Fleece.

  • Behind the Design of the New Coveralls

    We’re stoked to introduce three new full coverage designs to our apparel collection: The Sun Shower™ Coverall, Climate Changer ™ Coverall, and Vert™ Coverall.

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    Dog in the Climate Changer™ Coverall on a hike with his human.

  • High-Visibility Dog Gear for Fall & Winter

    From reflective collars, harnesses, and jackets to rechargeable safety lights, here’s a list of must-have gear to keep your dog visible in low-light conditions.

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    Woman hiking with her dog in the fall.

  • Gear Up Your New Dog: The Essentials

    Start off on the right paw with your new addition. We’ve rounded up our top picks for the essential gear you’ll need when adopting a new dog.

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    A man and his dog sit on a rock during a hike.

  • Do Dogs Really Need Boots?

    Boots not only protect paws, but they also help you and your dog go further.  Let’s talk about why your dog needs boots, what to look for when shopping for paw wear, and how Ruffwear boots can help extend the adventure.

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    Dog getting out of car wearing boots.

  • What's the Difference Between Waterproof & Water-Resistant?

    What's the difference between the "waterproof" and "water-resistant"? We put together a quick rundown of the performance you can expect from each and in which of our dog gear you'll find them.

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    Dog and human hiking in the rain.

  • Does My Dog Need a Jacket?

    A dog jacket can make all the difference. Let’s dive into how to know when your dog needs a jacket, the benefits of having a dog coat, and how to choose the right one for your pup. 

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    A man and dog running through the snow.

  • Ambassador Field Notes: An Archipelago Adventure With Henry & Wally

    Follow along as Ruffwear Ambassadors Frida, Leo, Henry, and Wally explore the Lofoten Islands and read their best tips for hiking with dogs.

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    Ruffwear Ambassadors Frida, Wally, Henry, and Leo.

  • The Second Generation Pack: A Pioneering Design Inspired by Adventure

    Discover how an encounter at a festival in 1996 led founder Patrick Kruse to create Ruffwear’s second generation pack — the Palisades™ Pack.

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    Man with his dog wearing the Palisades™ Pack.

  • Ruffwear’s 2023 Impact Report Recap

    Our Impact Report highlights some of the ways we're minimizing our environmental impact while making a positive contribution to the world. Here are the top takeaways from the 2023 report.

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    Woman running with her dog.

  • The Bowl That Started it All: The History of The Quencher™

    This is the story of the Quencher™ Bowl —  the original collapsible food and water bowl for dogs. Discover what sparked the idea and how it catapulted Ruffwear into the beloved outdoor dog gear brand it is today.

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    Dog posing with previous versions of The Quencher™ Bowl.

  • Ambassador Field Notes: Camping and Hiking on the Isle of Mull

    Ruffwear Ambassador Siobhan is passionate about exploring the beautiful country of Scotland. She gives us a day-by-day breakdown of her hiking trip on the Isle of Mull with her two pups, Roshe and Lunar.

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    Siobhan and her dog on a hike.

  • A Harness for Houdini Dogs: The History of the Web Master™

    The Web Master™ Harness traces its roots back to 1996. Discover how it marked Ruffwear’s foray into the harness category and why it remains a cornerstone of the collection today.

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    Man hiking with his dog wearing the Web Master™ Harness.

  • The History of the First Ruffwear Dog Boots

    As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we're taking a look back at Ruffwear’s history of innovation and performance, starting with the first pair of boots created in 1995.

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    Woman running with her dog.

  • Waffle the Working Dog: A Tale of Triumph

    Ruffwear Ambassador Kate Speer is a mental health advocate, writer, and the teammate of her two service dogs, Doctor Waffle and Tugboat. Together, an enthusiastic team of three, they fight to de-stigmatize serious mental illness and normalize the messy magic of healing out loud in the great outdoors.

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    Kate and her dogs Doctor Waffle and Tugboat.

  • #MyDogIsMy Backcountry Buddy

    Follow along as Ruffwear Ambassadors Kate, Ty, and Zorra raft along the Owyhee and discover the lessons they learned along the way.

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    Zorra and Kate rafting together.

  • The Fascinating History of the Dog Harness

    The dog harness is one of the most crucial pieces of gear you can have in your dog’s kit. Let’s dive into the fascinating history of the dog harness and explore how it transformed alongside our canine companions.

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    Woman hiking with her dog.

  • Do Dogs Need Life Jackets?

    Let’s dive into the benefits of life jackets for all types of swimmers, what to look for when searching for a dog life jacket, and how to find the right fit for your canine companion.

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    Woman sitting on a paddleboard with her dog.

  • The Best Dog-Friendly Lakes, Rivers, and Hikes on the West Coast

    We asked our followers about the best dog-friendly lakes, rivers, and hikes on the west coast, and they answered the call. It’s time to lace up your boots and grab a leash. 

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    Woman hiking with her dog.

  • TOUT SAVOIR SUR LE SUP AVEC SON CHIEN : Comment faire du paddle avec son chien

    How do you and your dog start paddleboarding without any experience? Learn the ropes with top tips from Ruffwear Pack members and a SUP instructor and dog trainer.

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    Brad and umi sitting on a paddleboard in a lake

  • Beat the Heat With the Swamp Cooler™ Collection

    Learn how your canine companion can stay cool, comfortable, and protected from the summer heat with Ruffwear's Swamp Cooler™ Collection.

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    Man, woman, and dog on a summer hike.

  • Montane’s Favourite Dog Hikes

    Looking for hiking inspiration in the North of England? The team behind the leading outdoor brand Montane reveals their favourite local hikes.

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    A woman and two dogs walking in a field.

  • The Story Behind the Float Coat™ Life Jacket

    Ruffwear products are born out of the drive to provide a solution to a need or problem. The story of the Float Coat™ Life Jacket is no exception. It began after Ruffwear's Founder had a near miss while running the Kern River with his dog. He saw an opportunity to design a life jacket for dogs that is reliable, comfortable, and safe.

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    Founder Patrick Kruse in kayak with his dog in a float coat sitting in his lap.

  • How to Minimize Your Carbon Pawprint

    The outdoors has so much beauty and wonder to offer. Discover tips for protecting and preserving the planet with our dogs.

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    Jessica and her dog Luna on a hike.

  • Wild Waters and Wagging Tails: Overnight Rafting Adventures With Dogs

    Gloria and her dogs, Alberto and Shakira, love to embark on overnight rafting trips. Discover tips for an unforgettable adventure. 

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    Gloria and her two dogs on a raft.

  • Wandering With Willow: 4 Dog-Friendly National Parks to Explore

    Willow is a full-time van life dog who has already seen 12 states and 17 national parks. Her human companion, Kaylin, has the lowdown on which spots are the most pup friendly.

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    Kaylin and Willow walking in the desert.

  • The Knot-a-Collection: A Sustainability Journey

    As part of Ruffwear's innovation and sustainability journey, we’re spotlighting the Knot-A-Collection, our series of climbing rope dog leashes and collars. 

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    A human gets ready to rock climb with their Blue Heeler by their side.

  • Behind the Scenes, Beneath the Snow: Ruffwear Pack Members Attend WBR’s Avy Dog Training

    Two of our very own Pack members went to participate in a four-day avy dog training program put on by Wasatch Backcountry Rescue (WBR). Read about their incredible experience.

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    An avalanche rescue dog and their handler.

  • What Do Avalanche Rescue Dogs Do?

    From their rigorous training to their valiant missions, avalanche rescue dogs are truly extraordinary. Let’s uncover what makes these pups such incredible heroes in the mountains. 

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    An avalanche rescue dog and his handler

  • Guide: How To Run With Your Dog

    We're here to introduce you to running in a way that keeps it fun for you and your dog. Ready, set... run!

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    Guide for how to run with your dog.

  • Training to Be an Avalanche Rescue Dog: Our Life in the Swiss Alps

    A Switzerland-based ski instructor and her dog Bolt are on a mission to make a difference. Read the heartwarming tale of Bolt’s journey to become an avalanche rescue dog.

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    Sarah and her Australian shepherd, Bolt.

  • Bento Donates: Bento’s Blood Helps an Anemic Dog

    It’s true — dogs can donate blood, too! Learn how this amazing pup turned into a blood donor pro, lending a paw to animals in need.

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    Bento and his human companion, Mark.

  • #MyDogIsMy: Adventure Buddy - Trust is the Most Important Thing

    Ruffwear Ambassadors Stephi and Nala love to travel, hike, paddle board, ski, camp, and adventure together. Discover how these two best buds build trust through all their outdoor pursuits.

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    Ruffwear Ambassadors Stephi and Nala hit the slopes together.

  • A Tri-Paw Tackles the New Hampshire Peaks

    Meet Zoey, a sweet-faced 35-pound rescue mutt who loves to traverse the trails with her human companions. Despite being a tri-paw, Zoey confidently conquers the mountains and even works as a therapy dog in her spare time.

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    Tri-paw dog Zoey hikes in the mountains.

  • Ambassador Field Notes: Exploring Germany With Our Dogs and Rooftop Tent

    Ruffwear ambassadors Michael and Vanessa, along with their two Siberian huskies, Eska and Lika, enjoy traveling in their van in their native country, Germany. Follow along as they pave their own path.

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    A man stands with their dog by a rooftop tent.

  • An Arctic Adventure

    Join Raya and her 12-year-old bull terrier, Grimlock, as they take on one of their all-time adventure checklist destinations: sea kayaking down the Dempster Highway in Canada.

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    Raya and Grimlock pose by their van at the Arctic Ocean sign.

  • Field Notes: Snowboarding With Baku

    What does Olympic snowboarder, Omar Visintin, love the most about his sport? Sharing it with his four-legged partner in crime, Baku, a spirited Border Collie/Australian Shepherd mix who’s been by his side since 2021.

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    Omar and Baku look at each other while snowboarding.

  • The Scoop: Top Winter Gear from the Ruffwear Pack

    Straightforward, no-bones-about-it advice on winter dog gear, all from our trusted employees, the Ruffwear Pack.

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    Two humans and two dogs wearing a Vert jacket explore in the snow

  • A Lineage of Performance Jackets for Dogs

    Ruffwear’s Founder and Product Line Manager provide insights and backstory on three iconic winter dog jackets

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    Two dogs wearing the Vert Jacket sit on a rock with their human in winter.

  • Solo Hiking Mount Mansfield With Dobby and Max

    When Jillian Joan set out to solo hike Mt Mansfield with dogs Dobby and Max, she was a mix of excitement, nerves and apprehension. But, like dogs often do, they helped Jillian conquer new heights, and bag another peak. 

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    Solo Hiking Mount Mansfield With Dobby and Max

  • Tips for Cold Weather Adventures and First Aid for Dogs

    There is nothing quite like watching your best friend bounding through fresh snow beside you, or the thrill of being pulled along on Nordic skis by a happy hound. Ruffwear Ambassador & Veterinarian Bronwyn Fullagar offers a few safety considerations for powder hounds, so that you can have a howling good time without having to end the day at the veterinary clinic! 

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    Two humans ski alongside their dogs who are wearing Ruffwear Jackets

  • Randonner dans les Pyrénées : un guide pratique pour une aventure inoubliable

    Ambassadrice de Ruffwear, Rose, ou @backpackandsaltyhair, est une photographe française basée dans les montagnes des Pyrénées. Elle aime s'aventurer dans la nature avec son fidèle compagnon à quatre pattes, Naïa.

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    Naia and Rose stand infront of a beautiful Vista in the French Alps.

  • We’ll Be Home For Christmas

    Every year in December, Jessica and dog, Luna, pack up their black Volkswagen Atlas ready for a 2,200-mile road trip from California to Ohio. Here's what she packs, where she stops, and what she does to keep Luna comfortable and energized for a their 32-hour-long journey.

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    Luna and Emma sit in the back of their car, ready for a road trip.

  • How To Skijore With Your Dog This Winter

    Learn the dos and don'ts of Skijoring from Ruffwear's own Kadee and Sturgill, and Kelly and Juniper. It's a fun winter activity for the whole pack where your pup gets a chance to be in the lead.

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    A human and dog Skijore together under a beautiful blue sky.