Disclaimer: Voyagers K9 Apparel sent me this Tummy Warmer to test and review. I have purchased other jackets from the brand previously because I love the quality and design. I test my products thoroughly and in various conditions and always give my honest thoughts.
I never thought I’d need a mid-weight jacket for Sitka until we spent a four-day backpacking trip where he spent a lot of our idle time shivering from cold. The Voyagers K9 Apparel Tummy Warmer is the perfect vest to keep him warm in mild weather.
During a July backpacking trip in the Olympic Peninsula, we experienced rather chilly weather. It didn’t help that we were socked in a foggy valley for the majority of our visit.
I didn’t think to bring a jacket for Sitka. He’s got thick fur and it wasn’t all that cold. But I soon realized that was a mistake.
After sitting around for several hours waiting either for the fog to dissipate or it to become late enough in the day that it wasn’t totally absurd to go to bed, Sitka would begin to shiver.
I had a bed for him, but had only brought the thinner, bottom half. He’d curl up into the tightest ball he could.
At night, I covered him with my puffy jacket and let him snuggle with me under my sleeping bag, even though it was colder for me.
I felt terrible. Now, I never leave without a jacket for him, no matter the season.
Who is the Voyagers K9 Apparel Tummy Warmer for?
The Tummy Warmer is great for dogs who tend to get cold when the temperatures range between 40° and 65°, generally from early spring through late fall, depending on where you live.
As I learned with Sitka, this doesn’t just happen to short-haired dogs, but also longer-haired dogs, like Sitka.
This lightweight fleece doubles as a comfort jacket for nervous dogs, thanks to its soft fabric and the snug, but not restrictive fit.
It packs down small and easily fits into a backpack or dog pack, so I love to bring it along when I’m unsure what the weather might be.
My 18-lb, short-haired chihuahua mix HATES wearing sweaters (or any clothing), but gets cold when the weather drops below 50. This custom tummy-warmer has been a god send. It is very smartly designed so that it does not restrict the movement of her front legs (unlike dog clothing that has sleeves). Would highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a functional garment for their dog. The tummy warmer is durable and easy to clean.
Carrie
About Voyagers K9 Apparel
When Voyagers K9 Apparel founders couldn’t find a dog jacket that fit their Greyhound’s unique body shape properly, they decided to design and make their own.
Originally, the company made jackets only for Greyhounds, but later expanded to other sighthounds by request.
Today, they make a variety of coats in different sizes and colors for over 20 different breeds and will design a custom dog jacket to fit any dog perfectly.
All of the jackets are made by hand in Washington State and the team has been making them since 1993. The brand makes my favorite jackets for dogs.
The Perfect Fleece Vest for Adventure Dogs
Voyagers K9 Apparel designs a variety of coats that keep dogs dry and warm in all seasons and weather conditions. More importantly, the Tummy Warmer is functional, attractive, and well-constructed.
- Handmade in Washington State since 1993
- Keeps your dog warm in mild temperatures
- Machine washable
- Can be layered beneath Voyagers K9 winter coat and rain coats
- Helps calm nervous dogs
- Uses high quality Polartec© fleece
More a vest than a jacket, the Tummy Warmer is tailored for a snug, but not tight fit and is designed to place fabric over the key areas where dogs tend to lose heat: the front chest and the belly.
Easy to Put on Your Dog
Many dog jackets require finagling your dog into various leg sleeves and neck holes. They can be a pain to put on, for both you and your dog.
Not the case with the Tummy Warmer.
I simply slide the neck opening over his head and secure the Velcro strap beneath his belly. That’s it. It literally takes me seconds and we’re in business.
The design allows for maximum mobility when we’re on the trail. There are no restrictive straps or sleeves and dogs can move freely while staying warm.
An added bonus to the Tummy Warmer is that the fit operates similarly to a calming vest, and can provide comfort to anxious dogs.
Is Your Dog Shaped a little Awkwardly? Voyagers K9 Gets It
The entire company began because of the owners’ tricky-to-fit Greyhounds. They realized that many dog owners struggled to find jackets that fit their own dogs
Voyagers K9 recognizes that there is no one-size-fits all for dogs.
As the company expanded their offerings, they began to design breed-specific jackets for short-haired dogs.
Don’t have a short-haired dog? No problem.
Have a breed that’s not listed in their line up? No worries.
Have a strangely-shaped mutt that needs a warm jacket? All good.
The Tummy Warmer can be ordered to fit your dog’s exact measurements. When you go to order, simply fill out your dog’s measurements in the order form (remember, measure twice for certainty!) and in a few weeks, you’ll receive a tailored jacket made specifically for your dog.
Made using High Quality Materials
The designer and seamstress who hand makes each and every Voyagers K9 Apparel jacket has over 30 years of experience and understands how to make a quality jacket that fits dogs comfortably.
The brand uses high quality materials that are easy to clean, machine washable, stylish, and made to last. Reinforced stitching means the jacket will last for years to come.
The Tummy Warmer is designed in such a way that the fabric provides optimal coverage based on each individual dog’s size and proportions. You won’t have to constantly adjust the jacket while you hike because it stays in place.
Color Options Galore
Buyers have their pick of 9 fun colors, including my favorite, turquoise. Most dog jackets only come in a handful of colors, so having a pick from so many different shades really sets Voyagers K9 apart!
You Get What You Pay For
Depending on the size and shape of your dog, and whether you decide to order a custom jacket, the price may seem a bit steep.
Here’s the deal.
You get what you pay for.
When you purchase a Tummy Warmer from Voyagers K9 Apparel, you get:
- A perfectly-fitted coat that keeps your dog warm
- A fleece vest handmade with high quality materials that will last for years
- A stylish and functional dog coat that will not restrict your dog from their favorite activities
- A jacket that is a breeze to put on your dog
Or…
You could buy a cheap jacket that doesn’t fit, tears easily, and is a pain to put on, that you have to replace every year.
I vote for getting one jacket that will last for years.
Giving Back
You know how much I love a company that incorporates giving back as part of their business plan and mission. Voyagers K9 Apparel donates a percentage of each purchase to a dog adoption agency of the buyer’s choice.
Final Thoughts
Welp, I’ve spent an entire article gushing about the Voyagers K9 Apparel Tummy Warmer!
I truly love it, just as I love every product this company makes. They are high quality, durable, and so easy to put on.
I genuinely don’t have a negative thing to say about the Tummy Warmer. It fits perfectly, it’s soft, functional, and most importantly, keeps Sitka warm during chilly camping trips and hiking excursions.