Ruffwear is an outdoor dog gear brand based in Bend, Oregon, founded in 1994. The company is dedicated to creating gear for outdoor adventures and is guided by performance, adventure, and sustainability principles. They are committed to conducting business to maximize the good they can do in the world while being conscious of their impact on the planet.
About the Ruffwear Sun Shower Raincoat
The Ruffwear Sun Shower Dog Raincoat is a lightweight protection for rainy days. It features a fold-up storm collar and extended back coverage, ensuring the neck, rump, and thighs stay dry.
The Sun Shower boasts a relaxed fit with side-release buckles, facilitating easy on/off. The waterproof and windproof fabric, composed of 70 denier nylon ripstop rated at 2,000 mm with a PVC-free PU finish, ensures durability and protection against the elements.
Sun Shower Raincoat
Light & study
A thin raincoat with leg loops - perfect for warm days or as a top layer.
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!
In its lightweight and non-insulated design, the Sun Shower excels as a standalone shell for warm days. At the same time, it’s also a versatile layering option over an insulating mid-layer for effective weather protection in colder temperatures.
The elastic leg loops provide a secure fit even in windy conditions. Reflective accents enhance visibility, while a light loop is included on the back for attaching The Beacon or another LED light, further emphasizing safety during outdoor adventures. The 2021 product update also introduced enhanced materials, increased coverage, and the addition of the leash opening on the back.
Easy maintenance is assured with a simple wash in cold water on a gentle cycle using mild detergent, followed by hanging to dry.
The Sun Shower is available in three colors and six sizes, catering to various preferences and canine dimensions.
Ruffwear Sun Shower Raincoat Review
The Ruffwear Sun Shower is a well-made and durable but also lightweight raincoat, making it ideal for warm days or for dogs with a heavy coat who overheat easily under a thicker coat.
Zulu is wearing a Small coat which is a bit long on her. Due to her deep chest, she usually ends up in a size range designed for bigger dogs, so this is not unexpected and by no means an issue with the coat - rather a result of Zulu’s weird ratios. It is also visible in some photos that the neck section sits a bit low on her small neck, and the leg loops are also quite loose on her for the same reason.
These didn’t cause any issues for Zu, and I prefer a raincoat with more coverage to keep her dry. If the leg loops are too loose for the dog, you can always DIY a solution to make them shorter to prevent them from getting caught on something in the woods.
The only feature I was missing was a few adjustment points around the neck and back area. Even just one cinch point around the neck would allow me to bring the coat forward and make the neck opening smaller, creating a slightly bigger front opening for the forward leg movement. I did not see the front restricting Zu when moving, but the material stretched a bit with shoulder movement, so it probably would have been more comfortable for her if I could adjust that area.
As I have seen with most raincoats, The Sun Shower initially repelled the water beautifully, but this went away after the first few rainy walks. It still protects the dog and doesn’t soak through; just don’t expect the water to bead up on it in the long run.
I really like the materials, the hidden side buckles, the extensive coverage, and the overall design, making this a well-thought-through raincoat. The end coverage is designed with two overlapping sections, which can accommodate dogs who keep their tails up while still covering the thighs.
I am also impressed by the reflective elements: they light up in the dark, but they stay “hidden” in the color of the jacket during the day, so you don’t have big silver sections over these great colors.
Ruffwear Sun Shower Raincoat Review Summary
Overall, the Sun Shower Raincoat is a durable, lightweight jacket with extended back coverage to keep the dogs as dry as possible. The relaxed fit allows you to use it as a top layer for rain protection over a sweater or other base layer.
The light, thin material makes this coat very packable and easy to bring along for any adventure - still, it is strong enough to handle dogs running through the woods while enjoying a hike. I appreciate the extra features like the leash hole and the loop for the LED light, and I hope they will eventually add a cinch point to the neck area, which makes this raincoat perfect.
It comes in three colors and six sizes and Zulu is wearing a size Small.
Sun Shower Raincoat
Light & study
A thin raincoat with leg loops - perfect for warm days or as a top layer.
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: 14 inches (35 cm)
Back lengths: 18 inches (46 cm)
