As temperatures rise, keeping our dogs comfortable and safe becomes even more of a priority.
Ruffwear offers two similar solutions designed to beat the heat while ensuring our canine companions can still enjoy outdoor activities. In this comparison, we’ll take a closer look at the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Vest and the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Harness, examining their features, pros, and cons to help you choose the perfect cooling solution for your dog.
Swamp Cooler™ Tech
Both the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Vest and Harness share the same cooling technology: a three-layer construction that utilizes the power of evaporative cooling. Crafted with a light-colored top layer to minimize sun exposure, they are particularly beneficial for dogs with darker coats.
The recent upgrade by Ruffwear has amplified its abrasion resistance and water absorption, enhancing both effectiveness and durability.
The mesh material makes water application a breeze, absorbing it readily for a prolonged cooling effect. The cooling duration depends on various factors, including heat, humidity, and wind, but both the vest and harness stayed wet for a reasonably long period.
Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Vest
The Swamp Cooler Vest’s generous coverage area sets it apart from its harness counterpart. It provides a relaxed fit, purposely allowing it to be worn over harnesses, and makes it easy to fit on dogs with different body ratios. The spacious cut around the legs guarantees unrestricted movement, despite covering the shoulders and a significant portion of the chest.
The light material and relaxed fit ensure that even gear-shy dogs adapt to it easily.
Under thermal examination, the vest shows its cooling and reflective capabilities, creating a cool environment under the material while also allowing airflow.
For more details about the vest, and thoughts on the thermal imaging, you can check out our in-depth review here.
Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Harness: Cooling and Comfort Combined
The Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Harness merges the benefits of cooling technology, and a functional harness eliminates the need for extra gear. Sharing the same triple-layer Swamp Cooler™ Tech material, this harness caters to dogs who require both cooling relief and dependable harness support.
While the sizing of the neck section seems to run larger than in the case of other Ruffwear products, the harness remains a well-made, low-profile cooling solution. With six adjustment points and four buckles, the harness guarantees easy wear and removal without lifting a leg.
The thermal images show that the absorbent mesh material effectively cools the core, even if it doesn’t cover the sides. The cold imprint of the harness is clearly visible on the thermal images when removing it after a few minutes of wear.
For more details and more info on the thermal images, you can check out our in-depth review here.
Summary: Swamp Cooler Harness or Vest is better?
In the realm of canine cooling solutions, Ruffwear presents two great options: the Swamp Cooler Vest and the Swamp Cooler Harness.
The vest’s expansive coverage and loose fit cater to dogs of different sizes and body shapes. At the same time, the harness offers the advantage of combining cooling technology with a functional three-strap harness. Both products rely on the power of evaporative cooling and share the same quality materials. While the vest prioritizes coverage and cooling sensation, the harness emphasizes versatility and functionality.
Both of them are good cooling products - addressing slightly different use cases. When deciding between these two options, it ultimately boils down to what suits you and your dog’s specific requirements best.
Where to buy
You can find Swamp Cooler Harness on their website and on Amazon. It comes in three colors and five sizes. The Swamp Cooler Vest is also available in six sizes and two colors on their website and on Amazon.
Disclaimer: this review contains affiliate links, which support Dog Gear Review if you purchase the product after clicking on it without costing you anything extra. Using affiliate links will never compromise us in writing unbiased, honest reviews!
Zulu’s measurements
Many of you asked for the dog’s measurements in reviews to better understand the different products’ fit, so I’m sharing Zulu’s below for reference.
Shoulder height: 19 inches (50 cm)
Weight: 29 pounds (13 kg)
Widest chest circumference: 24 inches (60 cm)
Neck circumference for collars: 13 inches (33 cm)
Back lengths: 17 inches (44 cm)
