Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life Jacket Review: Will Your Pup Love It?
Keeping our pups safe near water matters, especially when they’re itching to paddle out with us. Our pup had outgrown her old dog life jacket, so we decided to give the Ruffwear Float Coat a try.
We went to the Ruffwear store in Bend, Oregon, and the amazing saleswoman helped us find the perfect fit! We noticed right away how easy it was to adjust and slip onto our dog.
We took it out this weekend, and it was easy to spot her while she played fetch at the lake and looked amazing in the kayak. <3
It felt sturdy, not bulky, and she didn’t seem bothered at all. The snug fit felt comfy, and we went with the Purple Lily color!
The handle was very helpful in getting her back into the kayak when she jumped out to go for a swim!
We’re really happy with it and wanted to share our honest review. We’re also including pictures and sizing information to help you out if you’re trying to figure out the perfect fit for your pup!
The Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life Jacket is top-rated with an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 95 reviews and is perfect for dogs who love water adventures. It features a strong, low-profile handle for easy lifting, a secure telescoping neck closure for a custom fit, and PVC-free foam panels for comfort and natural swimming support. With durable, water-compatible webbing, easy-to-clip buckles, reflective trim for visibility, and a light loop for attaching a safety light, this life jacket ensures your dog's safety and comfort on the water.
Overview of the Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life Jacket
When we first tried this jacket on our dog in the store, the fit felt surprisingly snug and secure. The adjustable straps helped us dial it in perfectly.
She was just between sizes – at the very end of the chart for a size Medium and at the beginning of the chart for a size Large. We went with the Medium as the knowledgeable saleswoman noted it’s best that it fits securely. After testing it out in the water, it’s a perfect fit.
The grab handle gave us peace of mind when she jumped out of the kayak to go for a swim, and we needed to assist her in getting back into the boat! She could move and swim without feeling weighed down or awkward.
We did need to remove her collar to put it on, as it does need to go over your dog’s head. It was a little extra work, but not a big deal as long as your dog is ok with things going over their head. She went for an evening swim too, and the reflective trim was a nice touch.
While it isn’t cheap, the comfort and fit really stand out compared to other jackets we’ve used in the past.
Confidence-Boosting Buoyancy
It’s wild how much more relaxed we feel when our dogs have solid support in the water. With the Float Coat, our pup stayed right on top of the water, especially great for less confident swimmers like Piper.
In the video below, she is wearing the purple Float Coat. Look at how much more buoyant she is than Scout! (He might need one too….he is wearing a Kong dog life jacket.)
Smart Handle for On-the-Go Assists
Getting our dog back into the boat used to stress me out. With the Float Coat’s sturdy handle, it’s so much easier.
The handle sits low and feels reinforced, so when our dog needs a boost into the kayak, we have something solid to grab. I’d say the handle works best with dogs who aren’t too wriggly; a squirmy pup could still make things tricky.
It feels reliable, no worry about the handle tearing or the jacket shifting. It gave us extra peace of mind.
If you’re often out by lakes or rivers, this is a really great feature and ended up being one of my favorite parts of the vest.
All-Day Comfortable Fit
It’s always a struggle when our pups seem annoyed with their gear. Our dog wasn’t bothered by the Float Coat, she just relaxed into it.
There was no fidgeting or itching, just a natural fit that stayed put. The adjustable straps made it easy to get a snug feel without cutting into her fur, which she has a lot of.
The vest doesn’t feel heavy or stiff, and she could move, run, and swim without any trouble.
I noted earlier, but just to reiterate, we did need to remove her collar to get it over her head for the best fit. It was a little inconvenient, but for us, not a big deal.
Some dogs don’t do well with things that have to go over their head, so it’s important to note. But our dog was comfy and never tried to wiggle out of it, which hasn’t been the case with other life vests we’ve tried.
Safety for Every Adventure
Out on the lake, I need to know my dog is safe, no matter what, and won’t slip out of her life jacket. When we tried the Float Coat, the secure fit felt reliable.
The adjustable straps made it simple to get a snug fit, even for our dog’s deep chest.
The bright reflective trim made it easy to spot our dog during an evening swim when the sun started to set. Getting the right size can take a try or two, so double-check sizing.
It gave us a lot of peace of mind to know our dog was supported in the water, whether paddling, swimming, or just floating nearby.
Ideal for Water-Loving Pups
Our dog loves water but isn’t a confident swimmer. We noticed right away how this Float Coat made things easier. She splashed around and swam after the ball with more confidence.
She’s a rough player and tough on her gear! It stayed secure, even after a lot of jumping, running, and shaking. The handle on the back made it simple for us to help her out of the water when needed.
If you have a pup who loves to swim, this vest does add an extra sense of security for both dogs and owners.
Sizing Tips and Fit Experience
Finding the right fit was a little tough. She was between sizes, so we opted to go to a retail store and have her properly fitted. However, the size guide on the website is accurate, and the sales associate advised that we size down to get a snug fit. Be sure to double-check your dog’s measurements before ordering.
When I was reading reviews before purchasing, I noticed that several people needed to swap sizes because the first size was too big. We’d strongly advise measuring your dog’s chest and neck, and going with the smaller option if in between.
A good fit kept our pups safe and comfy, even with lots of swimming and play.
Pros and Cons
This wouldn’t be an honest review without Pros and Cons! Here’s our take on what worked and what didn’t.
Pros
- Great Fit for Different Breeds: Our dog is deep-chested, and there was no issue with slipping or awkward bunching. The adjustable neck closure made it super easy to get just the right fit.
- Sturdy and Supportive: The built-in lift handle made us feel better about bringing our dog on the kayak. It’s strong enough for us to haul her up when she decides to jump in.
- Comfort for the Dog: Our dog didn’t resist or act uncomfortable. She did a lot of swimming and seemed happy and energetic, not weighed down at all.
- Good Buoyancy: It really helps our dog stay afloat, which is especially important for those who tend to sink or get tired quickly.
- Visibility: The bright color and reflective trim make it so easy to spot our dogs, even as the sun starts to set.
- Quality Materials: We have several Ruffwear dog gear items and keep going back due to the quality. This life vest feels just as well-made as all of our other gear.
Cons
- On the Expensive Side: There are cheaper options out there. If you’ve got multiple dogs or are on a tight budget, this might be something to think about.
- Sizing Can Be Tricky: Even when we used the size guide, had we not had her fitted at the store, we likely would’ve ordered the wrong size. Double-check your measurements to be sure.
- Collar Removal Needed: It’s a snug fit going over her head, and we had to take her collar off. Once the jacket was on, though, we put her collar back on, and it fit just fine.
- Not Everyone’s Favorite Fit: We noticed other reviewers note that the shape or bulk doesn’t work well for every breed, especially if your pup is a unique size or shape.
Here’s a quick table for a visual overview:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Secure fit, even for tricky sizes | Pricey compared to others |
| Handy lift handle | Sizing sometimes confusing |
| Comfortable and lightweight | Needs collar removal |
| Great buoyancy and visibility | Bulk may not suit all dogs |
| Tough, long-lasting materials |
Customer Reviews
After trying out the Float Coat ourselves, we felt the fit was spot-on, especially for pups with unique body shapes. Other folks loved how secure and comfortable it feels, even for anxious or heavy dogs.
The sturdy handle is super helpful when we need to lift our dog onto a dock or out of a boat. The material holds up well after regular use.
Sizing can be tricky, so double-check that chart before buying. Price came up as a concern, but most people felt it was worth it for the quality and peace of mind.
Most feedback we’ve seen is that this vest really does help keep our dogs safe and happy in the water.
Great quality, the vest looks great and looks new even after a solid year of regular use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Ruffwear Float Coat perform in terms of buoyancy and stability for dogs in water?
We’ve watched our dog hit the lake in her Float Coat. Right away, we noticed how well she stayed afloat compared to cheaper jackets we’ve tried before.
There’s a balance, our pup floats a bit higher in the water without tipping or rolling. Even with excited paddling or taking a small jump from the dock, she doesn’t seem to struggle staying upright.
The jacket keeps our dog’s head above water, which gives us peace of mind. We like that it doesn’t make her stiff or weighed down, either.
If a dog is especially nervous or a total beginner, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on them while they adjust. That’s just common sense, honestly.
Can you share some experiences with the durability of the Ruffwear Float Coat during active use?
We purchased the Float Coat upon a referral from a friend who has put it through everything – a year’s worth of swimming, roughhousing, and climbing back onto paddleboards. It still looks nearly new.
The seams stay tight, and there hasn’t been any fraying, which is surprising considering how rough the dogs play in water.
What sizing advice would you give for ensuring a proper fit of the Ruffwear Float Coat on various dog breeds?
Getting the right fit makes all the difference. We’ve learned to use a soft tape measure before ordering, and double-check both chest and neck measurements against the size chart.
If your dog is between sizes, sizing down sometimes gives a snugger fit (especially for breeds with deep chests). For corgis, the small size fits their short, long bodies perfectly.
- Large fits a bigger dog, like an 85-pound lab, without being bulky.
- French bulldogs and other thicker breeds benefit from trying the vest on and adjusting the straps.
It’s worth trying the jacket indoors first so you can exchange sizes if necessary. Saves trouble later if it’s not quite right.
Are there any noticeable differences in comfort for dogs when using the Ruffwear Float Coat compared to other brands?
We’ve used other brands in the past and also swapped jackets with friends. We noticed our dog moves more naturally in the Float Coat. The material doesn’t chafe or seem stiff, and we like that the neck closure is gentle, not tight.
One thing that stands out, our dog doesn’t try to wiggle out of it halfway through an outing. From wiggly little dogs to heavy-set pups, most seem happy to wear it and don’t get overheated or irritated by the straps.
Some cheaper jackets bunched up or shifted after some swimming, but the Float Coat mostly stays in place. That’s a big plus in our book.
Could you talk about how well the Ruffwear Float Coat holds up over time with regular use?
A year in, and it still looks tidy with bright color and no musty smell, even though it’s been soaked plenty of times. We’re careful to rinse it and let it dry fully, which helps, but the overall build feels solid.
Users who use theirs every weekend say it still performs as well as when new. With heavier use, Velcro and straps may need checking, but so far, we haven’t needed to make any repairs.
What are some key features that set the Ruffwear Float Coat apart from other dog life jackets on the market?
After trying a bunch of brands, a few things really stand out to us:
| Feature | Why We Like It |
|---|---|
| Lift Handle | The handle sits low and feels reinforced, so it’s actually easy to grab, even with wet hands. That’s super helpful when we’re hauling our dogs back into the boat. |
| Adjustable Fit | The telescoping neck and extra straps give us more control. We can dial in a snug, dog-specific fit without much hassle. |
| Reflective Trim | Those reflective strips boost visibility, which is huge for early mornings or when the sun’s going down. |
| Soft, Buoyant Panels | Our dogs seem to move more easily in the water. They don’t look as restricted or stiff. |
Yeah, the Ruffwear Float Coat costs a bit more than some other vests. But honestly, with the fit, durability, and thoughtful touches like that sturdy handle and the reflective trim, we haven’t found anything else that nails all those details.
