K9 Top Coat Kodiak Review

January 12, 2013
K9 Top Coat Kodiak
K9-Top-Coat-Kodiak-front
K9-Top-Coat-Kodiak-showing-rear-coverage
K9-Top-Coat-Kodiakleft-side
k9-Top-Coat-Kodiak-showing-chest
K9 Top Coat Kodiak K9-Top-Coat-Kodiak-front K9-Top-Coat-Kodiak-showing-rear-coverage K9-Top-Coat-Kodiakleft-side k9-Top-Coat-Kodiak-showing-chest
GEAR INSTITUTE RATINGS
85
Load Capacity & Packability
7
Dog Comfort
9
Load Stability
6
Handle / Leash Attachment
8
Additional Features
5

The Good

  • Easy to put on the dog
  • Better for active play than the D-Fa Puff Doggy
  • More hip and rear coverage than the Ruff Wear Quinzee
  • Water resistant and reflective trim
  • Made in the U.S.A.

The Bad

  • Not as warm as other coats we tested
  • No stretch built in for active play
THE VERDICT

The Kodiak is a very durable insulated dog coat that would work for dogs at rest or at play. It has good coverage of the shoulders and hips, is easy to put on, and has no breakable parts (such as buckles or zippers). It has less insulation than the other coats we tested, but is good value and warm enough for moderate winter conditions.

FULL REVIEW

Warmth
The Kodiak has less loft than the other jackets tested, but good coverage over the hips and spine. It covers more of the dog’s body than the Ruff Wear Quinzee, but covers less of the dog’s body than the Puff Doggy. The jacket could benefit from thicker insulation.

(Editor’s note: Kodiak claims the jacket has been “proven at -50 degrees below zero” in Alaska. We believe that’s a misleading statement. Kodiak says the jacket “tested tough” at the 2006 Iditarod, presumeably on active Huskies, but we do not endorse the implication that jacket has enough insulation to keep your average dog warm in anything approaching -50 degrees below zero.)

Value
The Kodiak is roughly the same price as Ruff Wear’s Quinzee, in the middle to high-end of the price range. You get your money’s worth—it’s well made, functional but less fancy looking than the other two coats (no silkscreened logos, etc). It has a bit of a handmade look, without appearing junky.

Durability
The Kodak has a durable, ripstop outer, which is a good investment if your dog likes to run through dense brush or plays rough. Combined with the tough exterior, the fact that it has no moving parts such as buckles and zippers, makes it the most durable coat we tested.

Comfort
The Quinzee and Puff Doggy both use elastic to attach the belly part of the jacket to the upper part of the jacket enabling the coat to move better with the dog during work and play. Despite the lack of stretch in this jacket, the velcro closures were easy to use and the jacket stayed in place during some heavy play.

Quality of materials
The Kodiak features some nicely durable materials and good workmanship from a small company. Though the materials used are not quite as light weight as some other coats we tested, expect to get a well made and long lasting product.

 


Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
USER REVIEWS

No reviews have been posted for this product.

Related posts
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x