Open main menu

Hurtta Life Savior ECO Dog Life Jacket

rated 5.0 of 5 stars
photo: Hurtta Life Savior ECO Dog Life Jacket dog life jacket

Yes, a life jacket for dogs! I have been canoeing with dogs for a long time, but it was not until 2010 that I first obtained a doggie life jacket. My lab mutt hated swimming, but loved canoeing, so I thought a PFD ( puppy flotation device ) would be a wise investment. I have used a number of different brand life jackets, and recently was provided with a Hurtta Life Savior ECO jacket for my year old pup Kanootti as a participant in the Hurtta Summer Explorer Program. This life jacket is awesome, and I can highly recommend it! I canoe over 200 days a year, and a pup is with me on 99.9% of those outings. Since we received this jacket, Kanootti has used it over 20 days, on day paddles and canoe camping trips, and even for some swimming and stick-chasing outings at our local lake.

Pros

  • Soft and comfortable
  • Good flotation assist
  • Safety features
  • Easily adjustable

Cons

  • Color is not a bright orange
  • No designated light attachment

We encourage all dog paddlers to use a life jacket, for several reasons.

  1. Not all dogs are strong or efficient swimmers. Even a skilled swimming dog could get tired during a long, cold, or emergency swim.
  2. A doggie life jacket provides visibility in the water, especially important when paddling in low light, fog, or where powerboats may cruise.
  3. Sometime a dog needs a boost to get in or out of the canoe, especially in some of the tougher access areas we use. A sturdy handle on the back of the doggie PFD is a great assist.
  4. Thermal protection; Since I canoe from ice-out to ice-in, the water is often quite cold. I can use a dry suit or other thermal protection. A doggie PFD provides an extra layer of protection for both long and short haired dogs.
image1-2-.jpg

When selecting a doggie PFD, we look for comfort, durability, visibility, strong handle and leash attachments, and fit. This life jacket meets all of Kanootti’s needs, and it has proven to be a quality addition to our dog gear supply. The ECO series of Hurtta gear is gear that uses “eco-friendly materials”, recycled materials when possible, and is reported to provide “log lasting durability, comfort, and control”.

IMG_5542.jpg

Design:

The first thing I noticed about this life jacket was how soft it is. This jacket, made with recycled safe polyester material and webbing, is soft and flexible as it contours around Kanootti. It is easily adjusted with two belly buckles and one chest buckle. There is a snug velcro secured belly band which keeps the jacket from sliding around on the dog.

We are using the Buckhorn (orange) color, in the size for weights ranging from 45-65 lbs. Kanootti is 50 lbs, and it fits her comfortably. With at least 20% adjustability, it seems this jacket would easily fit stockier dogs or dogs with a more fluffy coat. It is also quite lightweight, weighing in at just over a pound.

image4.jpg

The back handle is strength tested and easy to grab. The leash attachment is a sturdy stainless steel ring on the handle that slides up and down the handle. This makes for easy use of a leash at access areas ( please do not leash your dog in the canoe, as it presents an entanglement hazard in an emergency). The handle also provides a good spot to attach a safety light, such as the Hurtta Nordic LED light. Note, when there is a light attached to the handle, the leash ring cannot slide the length of the handle.

canoepup91-hurtta-2-3-.jpg

Buoyancy:

The flotation material provides good buoyancy to Kanootti as she swims. The flotation material is located around the dog’s torso, and under the neck area. The flotation provided allows her to stay upright when swimming, and does not interfere with her paddling stroke. She is not fond of swimming but can easily dog paddle while wearing this jacket.

image5.jpg

Fit and Comfort:

When Kanootti is sitting and wearing this jacket, a lot of her neck, nape, and back are exposed. However, this design provides enough room so that when she stands or lies down, the jacket does not creep up and bind the back of her neck. She happily runs, sits, lies down, stands, turns around, scratches her ear, and gives hi-5’s while wearing it!

image0-5-.jpg

Safety Features:

The Buckhorn orange color is not a high visibility orange but does provide good visual contrast with the water. There are also reflectors on the jacket, with a luminous intensity of 400-450 lx/m2 (pretty bright). The darker orange color also means that the dirt (inherent with canoe camping) does not show. I also can easily wash off any really muddy spots!

hurtta-reflective-2.jpg
The Life Savior ECO is available in five sizes (by weight range from 10-80 lbs.) and two colors (Buckhorn and Peacock turquoise). For an active dog that is enjoying life in or on the water, the Hurtta Life Savior ECO is an excellent choice. The MSRP of $74 (same price for all sizes) is certainly reasonable for this excellent, high quality dog gear. I know that Kanootti will get years of safe canoeing and water play while wearing this doggie life jacket.
image2.jpg

Background

I have used different dog life jackets for many years. I canoe over 200 days per year, and my dogs are with me on most of these outings; each dog gets at least 100 days on the water, and is always wearing a life jacket. We paddle in all conditions, and frequently canoe camp, so I am confident in my ability to assess the performance and durability of dog paddling gear.

Source: tested or reviewed it for the manufacturer (Keeping it!)

About the Author

Sheila Bergin Goss enjoys exploring the Vermont trails and mountains on snowshoes or cross-country skis nearly every day, often with her rescue dogs along for skijoring or kicksledding. She is an amateur wildlife photographer and birder and shares her adventures at VermontPaddlePups.com.

Your Review

Where to Buy

Help support this site by making your next gear purchase through one of the links above. Click a link, buy what you need, and the seller will contribute a portion of the purchase price to support Trailspace's independent gear reviews.

You May Like

Product Details from Hurtta »