Ruffwear Sun Shower Dog Raincoat Review: Is It Worth the Hype?
Nobody really enjoys dragging their dog out into the rain, but sometimes we don’t have much of a choice.
After using the Ruffwear Sun Shower raincoat on several soggy walks, it made the experience more comfortable for both our pup and us.
All-Weather Jacket, Waterproof, Windproof & Lightweight
We like that this jacket is lightweight and doesn’t seem to bother our dog, even on longer walks.
The material keeps her dry, and it actually stays put (a problem we’ve had with other coats).
We also noticed that the leash portal on the back works well with our harness, which made getting ready pretty easy.
What we didn’t love is the price, it’s higher than other raincoats we’ve tried.
Still, we felt the build quality and thoughtful design made it a better long-term pick. We have several Ruffwer products, and their quality is top-notch.
Overview of the Ruffwear Sun Shower Raincoat
We noticed a few things right away when we started using this raincoat.
It’s super lightweight and doesn’t slow our pup down at all.
The waterproof material keeps our dog dry even during a heavy drizzle.
The coverage over the back, chest, and thighs is much better than most jackets we’ve used before.
We do like that it’s easy to put on and take off, even with a wiggly dog.
It slips over harnesses smoothly, thanks to the handy leash portal.
On the downside, the price feels a bit high compared to basic raincoats, and the fit can run a little big, so careful sizing is important.
But for anyone tired of soaked walks and wet dogs, this jacket makes rainy days much more manageable.
Key Features
Weatherproof Shell for Reliable Rain Protection
We know how much rainy days can mess up our outdoor plans with our pups.
The Sun Shower’s waterproof shell really keeps the rain out, even on heavy downpour days.
Our dog came back dry underneath, and it blocked cold wind better than most other jackets we’ve used.
However, we’d note that while the shell holds up in rain, it’s not heavy or insulated.
It’s perfect for wet but not super cold weather.
We sized up so we can layer it over a warmer base for icy winter adventures.
Stay-Put Coverage and Adjustable Fit
What we really like is that the coverage goes lower over the hips and thighs and doesn’t ride up, even when our dog is running around at the park.
The longer vest design with the optional leg loops helps a lot if we’re out in gusty wind or our dog is extra playful.
Adjusting fit is straightforward with the side buckles and hem cinch.
We noticed the fit runs a little big, so checking the sizing chart matters.
Once adjusted, it stays put and keeps bellies dry too—no more soaked undersides! If you have a fluffy dog like us, this is amazeballs.
Quick-Connect Leash Portal
The leash portal on the back makes it easy to use our normal harnesses underneath.
We just fed the leash through and were good to go.
This is handy because there’s no extra tugging or awkward harness balancing act.
Our only gripe was that if you have a very bulky harness, you may need to check if the opening lines up well.
For most of ours, though, it worked without a fuss and didn’t compromise how the coat sat on our dog.
Packable, Lightweight Design with High-Visibility Trim
Carrying this raincoat around is no big deal since it’s really lightweight and folds down flat.
We had no trouble slipping it into our bag, and it doesn’t weigh us or our dogs down, even if we’re out all day.
We especially appreciate the reflective trim.
Early morning or evening walks feel safer with that extra visibility.
If we wanted, we could even use the handy loop on the back for an LED Beacon (though that’s sold separately).
It’s a small thing, but having that option gives us extra peace of mind when it’s dark or foggy.
At a Glance Table:
| Feature | Our Experience |
|---|---|
| Waterproof shell | Keeps our dogs dry, not bulky, no insulation |
| Secure fit & coverage | Stays in place, covers belly, adjustable, runs big |
| Leash portal | Easy with most harnesses, quick to connect |
| Lightweight & packable | Easy to carry, good for walks/travel |
| High-visibility trim | Reflective, optional light loop for extra safety |
Essentially, it’s not perfect, but it’s pretty good for keeping our dog dry and comfy. Piper approves. 🙂 For reference, she’s 80 pounds and is wearing a size XL in the picture below.
Pros and Cons
Trying out the Sun Shower for our pup during some heavy spring showers gave us a lot to talk about.
Let’s walk through what stood out to us, both the perks and a few drawbacks we noticed.
Pros
- Super Lightweight: We love how easy it is to toss this raincoat in a bag or just slip it on our dog before a walk. It doesn’t feel bulky, and our dog didn’t seem bothered by it at all.
- Keeps Our Dog Dry: Even after a long, wet walk, our buddy came home mostly dry. No soaked fur or muddy underside which is a miracle because she’s really fluffy. The longer cut helps cover her thighs, which we really appreciated.
- Easy On and Off: The side buckles made suiting up easy, even for our dog, who gets wiggly when she sees the leash.
- Fits Over a Harness: The leash access on the back actually makes sense, so we didn’t have to choose between safety and staying dry.
- Stays in Place: Those elastic leg straps may take a second to get used to, but they do help keep the coat from shifting around, even when our dog decides to play fetch in the rain.
- Great Visibility: With the reflective trim, we feel a lot better about early morning or late night walks. It’s a nice touch.
Cons
- Runs a Bit Large: Sizing was a bit tricky for us. We sized up so it’ll still fit when we put it over a warmer base layer for winter adventures. Be sure to double-check the size chart.
- Pricey: This jacket costs more than a lot of other dog raincoats out there. We felt the quality, but the price might be a stretch if you’re on a tight budget.
- Leg Straps Can Be Awkward: Some dogs might not like the feeling of the straps under their legs. It took some trying and adjusting to get them to stay comfortable.
- No Insulation: It’s perfect for wet, mild weather, but it’s not warm and would definitely need a base layer underneath.
Customer Reviews
We did a bunch of research before purchasing the Sun Shower. Most people seem pretty satisfied, below are some things we observed others say.
The fit is something many people mentioned, and many agree that it can run a bit big, especially for smaller pups.
Sizing up from the chart often works for larger dogs, but it’s smart to double-check before buying.
A lot of people (including us) like how lightweight it feels, and it really does seem to keep our dogs dry, even during some rowdy play.
Some people wish it were a bit cheaper, but we see why people keep coming back for its quality. We love all of our Ruffwear gear and this item is no exception.
Overall, if we want something that will last through more than one season, this raincoat delivers.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Dog
Sizing can feel tricky, but it really makes a difference in how your dog feels in their new raincoat.
When we tried the Ruffwear Sun Shower, we noticed that following the size chart closely was key.
It does run a little big, especially for smaller pups, so measuring carefully to avoid returns.
The buckles are easy to adjust using the buckles and the hem cinch. This helps a lot with getting the right fit.
These features help the jacket stay put, with no awkward slipping, even on active walks and play.
If your dog is between sizes, we’d recommend leaning toward the smaller one for a snug but comfy fit. Unless you plan on using the coat when it’s cold, so there’s room for a base layer.
Getting the right size means your dog stays dry and happy, and you won’t need to fuss with adjustments every time you head out.
Frequently Asked Questions
It feels like every time we take our pups out on a rainy day, new questions pop up about making sure they’re comfortable and dry.
Let’s talk through some of the most common things we wonder when we’re picking out a dog raincoat like the Ruffwear Sun Shower.
What features should I look for in a high-quality dog raincoat?
From our time testing dog raincoats, we’ve learned a few things matter most:
- Waterproof material: The raincoat should keep dogs dry, not just repel a drizzle.
- Wind resistance: Especially helpful for breezy days.
- Secure fit: Nothing’s worse than a raincoat slipping off mid-walk.
- Easy on, easy off: We don’t want to wrestle with zippers and straps.
- Leash access: We always look for a jacket that lets us use our favorite harness.
- Visibility: Reflective trim or bright colors can make a big difference on dark mornings.
The Sun Shower raincoat hits all these notes, but we wish there were some more color options.
It’s got great reflective details for those dim days.
Can you recommend a durable raincoat for dogs that love to play outside?
If our dogs could talk, they’d tell us they don’t want a raincoat holding them back.
We found the Sun Shower holds up well even after many muddy adventures and rainy fetch sessions.
The material isn’t stiff, so dogs can move freely.
One thing we noticed: Pups who love a rough game might sometimes stretch the leg loops if they get caught.
It’s sturdy overall, though, and after lots of play at the dog park, ours still look good as new.
How do I ensure the perfect fit when choosing a raincoat for my pup?
Getting the right size means our dogs stay dry and, honestly, way happier.
Here’s how we do it:
- Measure the chest and neck with a soft tape measure.
- Check the brand’s size chart. The Sun Shower sizing is usually pretty accurate, but sometimes it runs a little big.
- If your pup is between sizes, we usually go up. It’s just easier to adjust with the buckles and cinch at the hem.
You may need to size down for a slimmer dog, so don’t be afraid to double-check the numbers.
Is it necessary for a dog raincoat to have full coverage or is partial coverage sufficient?
We get this question a lot.
If our dogs are going out in heavy rain, full coverage, including the belly and hips, works best. It keeps mud and water off the spots that are a pain to dry later.
But for quick walks, partial coverage still helps. The Sun Shower covers most of the body without making dogs feel boxed in.
The underside panel is a bonus for keeping bellies clean after a romp through wet grass.
Are there any breathable dog raincoats that won’t make my pet overheat?
This is a big one for us, especially when it’s warm out.
The Sun Shower is lightweight, and in our experience, air moves through pretty well. It’s not lined or insulated, so dogs don’t get too warm.
If it’s especially humid, we just keep walks shorter or head out early. Just make sure the raincoat you pick isn’t heavy or padded unless your pup tends to get cold easily.
What’s the best way to keep my dog’s raincoat clean and fresh after use?
After a muddy hike, here’s what’s worked for us:
- We rinse off big clumps of mud under the tap. It’s oddly satisfying.
- Then we toss the raincoat right in the washing machine. The Sun Shower is machine washable, which is great.
- We air dry it flat. Ours dries fast and doesn’t hang onto weird smells.
- If there are stubborn stains, we’ll pre-treat with a gentle soap before washing. No fancy tricks, just a little scrub.
We don’t bother with this after every walk. But after a few rainy outings, it’s nice to have a fresh jacket ready for next time.
If you’ve got other questions, feel free to send us a message. We all just want our pups dry, comfy, and maybe even a little bit stylish—rain or shine.So, while it’s not perfect, it’s a well-designed raincoat that serves its purpose well.
