If you’ve hunted in cold, wet conditions with a neoprene dog vest, you know the drill:
The zipper sticks. The vest gets soggy. Your dog starts to chill. And by the end of the hunt, your vest smells like a swamp.
That’s the problem we set out to fix.
When we started building the GUNNER Waterfowl Vest, we looked at what was out there. Nearly every hunting vest used the same thing: cheap neoprene. The same stuff used in wetsuits and laptop sleeves. Neoprene is great for wetsuits because it stays tight around the neck and arm openings so that the water inside the suit will get warm and stay warm, but that doesn't work well on a dog with a giant hole around the neck and back of the body.
It’s flexible. It’s affordable. But it’s not built for dogs. Because when a dog goes into retrieve, the neoprene flushes out all heat built up. We decided to work with that and figure out how to let the water flush out so the dog can dry off quicker and use less energy to try off and focus more on warming back up.
So we went looking for something better – and we found Ariaprene®.
Dexter | American Lab | 85 lbs. | 3 years old
What Is Ariaprene®?
Ariaprene® is a high-performance, closed-cell foam used in top-tier applications like medical-grade braces, NHL hockey pads, and military equipment.
It’s designed to deliver insulation, structure, and breathability – without soaking up water.
When we tested it for dog gear, we found it solved every pain point traditional neoprene couldn’t:
Dries fast
Stays lightweight
Doesn’t trap hair
Odor resistant
Still warm and protective in extreme cold
It wasn’t even close.
“Neoprene’s been around forever. But it holds water and gets heavy. Ariaprene doesn’t. It’s warmer, drier, and more comfortable for your dog – and it makes your life easier, too.” – Colton, R&D at GUNNER
Neoprene vs. Ariaprene: Head-to-Head
Feature
Neoprene
Ariaprene®
Water Absorption
Holds water
Sheds moisture
Dry Time
Slow to dry
Dries quickly
Thermal Regulation
Cold after wet
Retains heat
Weight After Use
Gets heavy
Stays light
Hair + Odor
Traps both
Resists both
Fit
Stretches, often needs trimming
Structured, adjustable fit
Durability
Rips and wears over time
Abrasion-resistant
Built for the Field. Not the Gym.
We tested our vest in everything from sub-zero Arkansas rice fields to flooded Tennessee timber. And every time, Ariaprene® outperformed.
Dogs stayed warmer, longer
Vests dried faster between hunts
No stink. No hair matted into seams.
It’s not just about materials – it’s how we built around it.
The GUNNER 5-Layer Performance System™
The GUNNER Waterfowl Vest isn’t just Ariaprene and hope. It’s a 5-layer system, each one engineered for specific purpose:
TPU Shell – Abrasion-resistant and built to handle thick brush, stubble, and ice.
Insulating Core– Ariaprene® foam traps warmth and resists water.
Drainage Mesh – Sheds water quickly and keeps your dog light.
Moisture Barrier – Prevents wind chill and cold soak.
Soft Touch Liner – Comfortable, smooth interior that resists hair and stink.
The result? A vest that protects your dog in the worst weather – and doesn’t make your job harder.
Why It Costs More – And Why It’s Worth It
Sure, Ariaprene costs more than neoprene. But we’re not interested in cutting corners.
This vest was built to solve problems – not just hit a price point.
When it’s 18°F, your retriever is breaking ice, and your dog is still performing like his first retrieve on the last bird of your limit... you’ll see the difference.
“We didn’t build this for every dog owner. We built it for the ones who work their dogs hard — and don’t want to worry if their gear will hold up.”
Addison Edmonds, GUNNER Founder
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Waterfowl Vest fit my dog?
Fit Range: Ideal for most waterfowl dog breeds like Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, German Wirehaired Pointer, Drahthaar. For medium breed recommendations, call 1-844-GUNNERK or email our CX team.
What's the best way to clean the Waterfowl Vest?
Rinse with fresh water after each use. Use mild soap and soft brush as needed. Hang to air-dry fully before storage
What fit adjustments are on the Waterfowl Vest?
Six adjustment points for a dialed, secure fit across chest and shoulders. Once adjusted, use “set-and-forget” straps for consistent performance. Designed to clear most e-collars comfortably. For ideal fit, follow the two-finger rule around the neck.
What is the Waterfowl Vest made of?
GUNNER's 5 Layer Performance System™ works to keep your dog warmer in the field. With a TPU abrasion-resistant shell, insulating Ariaprene® foam, drainage mesh + wind barrier, and air-resistant interior liner, the Waterfowl Vest is a major upgrade from traditional neoprene vests.
