Hurtta Outback Dreamer ECO Dog Sleeping Bag

When camping with dogs, it is important that we keep them safe and comfortable. When sleeping in a tent, hut, or camper, the use of a doggie-specific sleeping bag can enable your canine companion to sleep soundly through the night, making for a more relaxing outing for everyone. The Hurtta Outback Dreamer ECO is a circular sleeping bag for dogs, with an opening that allows your dog to curl up inside the warm and insulated cocoon of the bag. I have used this bag with my pup since spring of 2023, on over 20 camping trips, and have been very impressed with its quality, design, durability, and features.

INTRODUCTION

Yes, my dog has a sleeping bag which she uses on our many camping trips. Kanootti is a 50 lb. lab mutt, with a very thin coat, so it is important that she is warm and comfortable on our trips. I have tried other doggie sleeping bags, and youth sleeping bags, for her, but she never seemed to stay warm through the entire night and would often try to crawl into my sleeping bag. Nope, that is a bit much! However, this Hurrta Outback Dreamer seems perfect for her, and I think she really loves using it. 

DESIGN

This bag has been designed to “support a dog’s natural sleeping position”. I admit to wondering about the circular shape, as other doggie sleeping bags tend towards the rectangular shape.  However, the first time I held open the “clamshell” design, she crawled right in, circled around, and snugged herself inside the bag. If she curls up, it is a great fit. If she is reclining on it, her body may extend beyond the outer edges of the bag, but her main body will remain on the padded area.  It can be interesting to try to have her get inside while we are in a small solo tent, but she knows what to do, and I manage to get her settled for the night.

https://youtu.be/YavINGiO-KQ

I was amazed at how quickly she took to this sleeping bag, which she will crawl inside on cooler nights, or use as a nice soft bed on warmer summer evenings. We canoe camp from May to November, hut camp in the winter, and front country camp in a tent trailer in the summer and fall. This sleeping bag has become a fixture on all our camping trips.

MATERIALS

The bag itself is quite attractive, made from a water repellent and durable fabric called “Houndtex”, which is not slick or slippery, so it does not slide around on a nylon tent floor. The bag is lined with a heat reflective foil, keeping the dog’s body heat contained inside the bag.

It is padded and filled with soft 120g recycled wadding, and comes in one color (a lovely sage green). It is available in 3 different sizes, which is a nice option, and has been used by us in nighttime temps of 26 degrees to 75 degrees.

SIZING

I previously tested another brand’s sleeping bag which was available in only one size, and that “one size fits all” theory did not work for with of my dogs. We have been using the large size, which is perfect for Kanootti, but a bit small for our 65lb. lab mutt Edgar. The available sizes are:

Small: 22" diameter

Medium: 28" diameter                    

Large: 35" diameter 

The bag is approximately 2.5 inches tall when lying flat, as it is padded and cushioned. The base is the same fabric as the top, just not in a quilted design, so if using it outside as a resting pad, I will be sure to place another layer beneath it to protect it from damp/wet/leafy ground. We take this extra measure even though recycled fabric material has been treated with a Fluorocarbon-free Rudolf ECO water-repellent treatment.

STORAGE

The bag fits nicely into a soft fleece drawstring stuff sack which is provided; this is rather flimsy material, so I wish it were a bit sturdier.  For most camping trips (especially canoe trips), the sleeping bag is placed in a compression dry bag, and it packs down quite small.  

Hurtta identifies one of the bag’s features is that it is reversible , giving your pup a truly space-age look! We have never reversed the bag, while using it over 20 times this past year, but it is apparently an option if the ground is cold. If your dog is lying on the bed ( not inside it) over a cold surface,  the reflective material can provide a bit more insulation for your pup.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

The care instructions provided by Hurtta are very complete:

• Hand wash
• Do not bleach
• Do not tumble dry
• Do not iron
• Do not dry clean
• Wash with similar colors
• Do not use fabric softener

ECO FEATURES

Hurtta emphasizes the use of recycled and eco-safe materials in their dog products. Hurtta is a bluesign® system partner, and provides the user with instructions for recycling, repairing, or re-using this doggie bed and its packing materials. The association with the Bluesign System indicates that every Hurtta item carrying a bluesign label has been manufactured to strict safety and environmental requirements, the highest in the industry.

SUMMARY

If you are looking to equip your dog with gear that is equal to yours in terms of quality, function, and durability, then this Hurtta Outback Dreamer sleeping bag should be part of your camping kit. I highly recommend it, and my pup Kanootti does also. If your dog fits within the size parameters of this bag, it will provide your dog with many comfortable and snug nights of camping.

Background

We are very experienced outdoor folks, frequently camping with our dogs in many conditions. We have used various types of dog gear over the years, and have found that it is often beneficial to use products designed specifically with K9 use in mind. We camp over 25 trips per year, always with our dogs and feel that our experience makes us qualified to assess the value of dog gear.