The Ruff Wear Highlands Dog Bed caught our eye because it is water repellant. Usually when camping and backpacking we just bring towels, blankets and maybe their regular beds (when car camping). After about 20 minutes they are dirty and damp from sitting on the ground.
Because of the other greats feature of this bed are that it is compact (measures 12” X 5” in its stuff sack) and lightweight (14 oz.) it is great for backpacking. We were looking forward to trying it out on a camping trip this fall. Unfortunately, any kind of fall weather I would get caught camping in has passed so we missed our window this year.
However, I had another great use in mind for this bed.
When we go hiking and snowshoeing in the winter Chester and Gretel have to stand around on the cold ground when we stop for breaks. I thought because this bed was small enough to fit in a daypack and insulated it would be a great thing to bring with us for them to stand on.
Last weekend we went on our first snow hike of the season up to Source Lake. When we stopped at the top for a snack I laid the bed on the snow and put Chester and Gretel on it.
Knowing that they don’t easily stand where I tell them, I expected them to walk right off of it. They stayed on it though long enough for me to get some cool photos.
When I sat down to eat my lunch they just laid there and watched me. I figured they stayed on the bed because they were almost eye level with me and they could stare me down in delusional anticipation while I ate my sandwich.
When it was time to head back down the trail I grabbed the bed and tried to pull it out from underneath them. To my shock, they wouldn’t budge! The just laid there doing their best rock impression (like Granite…not the tanned-former-wrestler-turned-actor).
I gave the bed a more determined tug and Gretel desperately tried to hold on. As I pulled it away from her she pawed at it and tried to stand on any corner she could.
I am definitely taking this bed on every winter trip we do from now on!
This thing is great! Any moisture beads up on the surface and can easily be shaken off.
While it is not super thick it is insulated enough to keep the dog’s feeties from freezing on the cold ground. Since Chester and Gretel are small dogs, they both fit easily on the one bed.
I am in love with this bed and Chester and Gretel seem to be too!
The honest truth: We contacted Ruff Wear because we truly over their products and after reading our review policy they agreed to send us one of their Highlands Dog Beds for review. I was not paid for the review of this product and all thoughts are my own. I wanted to share this product with you only because I think it is so great.
Dachshund Nola says
This bed looks great and the picture of Gretel is hilarious. Off topic, but do you know of a Doxie jacket that covers the chest and belly and isn’t crazy expensive? I have Dachshund baldness on my belly chest and neck, so I’m always cold! We can find some long enough, but then they never cover my belly. I would really appreciate your advice.
Kisses and Tail Wags,
Dachshund Nola
AdventureJess says
I don’t know what your definition of crazy expensive is. Take a look at our Facebook page – I just posted a few jacket options that might work for little Nola. I think they are all between $50 and $65 though. I don’t run across too many that do a good job protecting the belly and would allow the mobility we need when we hike so I haven’t tried any. They look very stylish though so maybe for our walks around town 🙂
AdventureJess says
Correction – The tummy warmers from K9 are about $35.
Amy says
We have a dachsie (Rommel) that hikes and camps with us. Since we hike year round (we live in Texas), we do have to make sure he’s appropriately equipped for winter hiking/camping as well as summer. So we have experimented with different options in this arena.
We own the dog bed reviewed above and LOVE it — I bring it on day hikes and for primitive camping, I bring it as an extra layer of warmth for Rummy in my hammock, though he sleeps in the down blanket with me.
We’ve also struggled with coats… We bought this one:
and I LOVE the design. We have the fleece lining for warmth and the fit of the coat is spectacular. It covers the chest nicely, but it does not cover the stomach area (which would hinder him from peeing). I would caution though — NOT good for wet conditions at ALL. The stomach area gets soaked and muddy whenever we hike in the wet. Can’t be helped I suppose since he’s so close to the ground he kicks up mud.
We tried this one on at the store in a XXS:
http://www.ruffwear.com/Cloud-Chaser-Soft-Shell-Jacket?sc=2&category=12
It fit beautifully and I would’ve bought it on the spot except that the sleeves make him trip. This one covers the full chest and stomach (so no peeing). I have thought about ordering the sleeveless version of it since I know the size that fits him…
http://www.ruffwear.com/K9?sc=2&category=12
Again — have not personally tested this one out.
stamperitis says
It looks like quite the hit. Glad you found something that works so well for them and is easy to keep clean. Mine mini has long fur and brings a lot of debris along with her when we are outdoors.
AdventureJess says
We have weeinie friends with long hair and boy do they collect leafs and twigs 🙂 This bed should still stay clean. The surface is slick like a sleeping bag so you should be able to shake off of any dirt or twigs.
snoopy@snoopysdogblog says
Haha – that’s funny!!
Not surprised they didn’t want to move, it sure looks comfy on that bed!!
For a minute I thought you were camping in the snow then I read further – it has to be super nice weather to get my Mum camping, she’s a wuss in the cold, maybe she needs one of these beds too?! 🙂
Have fun guys,
Your pal Snoopy 🙂
AdventureJess says
We HAVE camped in the snow before but it has been few and far between 🙂
Kari says
Hmmm we will have to think about those
Stop on by for a visit!
Kari
dogisgodinreverse.com/
2browndawgs says
Awe they didn’t want to get off their cute and comfy bed. 🙂
Amy says
I’ve looked at these beds myself – I thought it might stay a little cleaner on the floor of the RV than the beds the dogs currently have. I’m glad to know you like it. I may give it a try myself.
Kootenai's Summit Post says
We like our highlands bed too! We take it backpacking!
AdventureJess says
We are going to try out ours backpacking next spring. We aren’t really into the snow camping thing 🙂
Deb says
This is great. Looks like a cozy way to picnic with our dog. Love your adorable hounds and your descriptions. I was formerly owned by a dachsie. 🙂
Devon W says
I love this article! Such cuties you have! I haven’t seen this dog bed before – must review it. Thank you for sharing.
Molly says
If you were hiking over frozen terrain, barefoot, wouldn’t you refuse to get off the one thing that keeps you off it?!
Maybe you should invest in some booties for those little paws .
Great pix ☺
Jessica Rhae says
If you feel their feet, their FEET are not freezing. Dogs release heat through their feet and I keep their bodies toasty warm… so their feet are too. However, they much prefer to hike in the stuff than stand around on it, yes. That’s why I bring the bed for them to stand on… and a lot of other heavy stuff to make them comfortable on their hikes. I am their Sherpa 🙂
Boots might be a good idea if there were boots that actually fit a Doxies twisted feet well and had the necessary traction. Boots aren’t always the solution you think they are. I’ve had several search and rescue people tell me they had to be called to rescue a dog that slipped off a trail because the boots did not have enough traction. We hike on some pretty steep stuff sometimes.