This current version—minus different features along the way—we’ve been testing for the last 2-3 seasons. We went through several prototypes throughout the testing process, but this concept has been around for about 7 years.
Is the on/off process the same as the adjustment process? Can two dogs easily share one vest?
The on/off process is pretty simple and just involves taking off the four side straps. You can also adjust the shoulder straps, but you should ideally only have to do that once. If you have two similar sized dogs you’re wanting to share the best, you should be able to just take it on and off and adjust the sides. If one dog is a little more broad, you can quickly loosen it up and get it to the right fit. When it comes to adjustments, I’m all about speed.
Is it easy to clean?
It’s pretty easy to clean. On the inside there’s spacer mesh that doesn’t hold or pick up hair like traditional neoprene does, so it’s super easy to wash off and clean when you’re done.
Is it one-size-fits-all, or are there different sizes?
With the Waterfowl Vest, we tried to hit the size of 90% of waterfowl retrievers. Obviously there’s smaller dogs, and we’re taking what we’re learning from this vest being out in the field so we can hopefully work on a smaller size. But for right now, this vest is one size fits all for dogs in the 50-110 pound range.
What is this used for and what are the benefits of having one?
The GUNNER Waterfowl Vest is designed primarily for duck dogs retrieving in extreme cold temperatures. We sourced materials that allow the vest to dry off quicker so your dog burns less energy warming back up and retaining heat. Ours also has safety features in mind. It has two handles to lift your dog up out of the water onto a boat or dog stand, and it’s got a protective shield on the chest so that when they dive into the water, they’re safer from sticks or debris. But primarily, the waterfowl vest is used to keep your dog warmer in really cold conditions.
Are the handles strong enough to support the weight of the dog being picked up?
We’d say so.
Will the handles get caught on anything?
These handles are low profile so your dog can back up into a blind without getting caught on anything. There’s two of them, so it makes it easier to pick your dog up, too.
How does it keep a dog warm versus a traditional neoprene vest?
The GUNNER Waterfowl Vest is primarily made of Ariaprene, which doesn’t hold as much excessive moisture as traditional neoprene. In a nutshell, it allows your dog to expend less energy warming back up every time they get out of the water. Check out our deep dive on Ariaprene versus neoprene to learn more about the full benefits.
Is the plate on the front protective?
Behind the chest plate is a bendable plate that allows your dog to move around, but most sticks won’t be able to penetrate that. When we were in North Dakota a couple of weeks ago, Dexter—one of the dogs with us—was running and didn’t see a barbed wire fence in front of him. He caught it right in the chest, but he was wearing the vest. He came back and there wasn’t even a scratch on the vest. We were all shocked. Needless to say, it definitely has protective features.
