Hurtta Monsoon Coat ECO

We have quite an assortment of dog gear, since our dogs are canoeists, campers, hikers, snowshoers, skijorers, kick sledders, and bikejorers…in addition to being just all-around traveling and family dogs who also do obedience, agility, and FastCATS. But until now, our gear stable has not included a dog rain jacket! The historical rain and flooding of this summer has provided the perfect opportunity to determine possible uses for such a piece of dog outdoor apparel.

I think perhaps I stereotyped dogs in raincoats to pampered pups in NYC, wearing their bright pink and shiny designer coats; that certainly was not in line with our active outdoor adventure dogs. But we do get out in all kinds of weather, and rarely are “rained out”. So I was a bit intrigued when provided with a Hurtta Monsoon Coat ECO for use with our dogs, as part of the 2023 Hurtta Summer Explorer program.

I will say that I am actually a bit surprised at how much I like this jacket, and how many different ways in which we have used it! This well-designed waterproof raincoat has been used by both of our dogs, and they don’t seem to mind wearing it. It has kept them dry while hiking, canoeing, and playing, and I think I may just have to get a second one so they do not have to share.

If you are looking to protect your dog from the elements, with a comfortable and non-restrictive coat, I can highly recommend the Hurtta Monsoon Coat ECO.

Design and Materials: This jacket is made of a very soft weatherproof and breathable Houndtrex © shell, with a soft liner. It covers the dogs back, sides, and hindquarters, as well as providing coverage up the back of the head with a loose and adjustable collar/cowl.

There are two soft elastic straps for the rear legs, to keep the hindquarters area covered, but these do not restrict movement. These straps are pretty thin and lightweight, and not adjustable,  but so far we have not had any issues with them breaking or stretching out. Hurtta suggests that you can tighten them by tying a knot in the elastic to better fit smaller dogs.

The coat has a single adjustable belly strap, but this strap is wide enough to provide good coverage and protection for the dog's belly area from mud or splashed water. The material is easily wiped down if it gets muddy, and we found it air dries in about 6 hours if soaked. If washing by machine, a wash bag is recommended, and it is also suggested that you wash dog apparel without fabric softener, as fabric softener may impair the breathability of the fabric. The heat from a dryer may damage the film surface or tapes on the product, so always drip-dry Hurtta products on a clothesline or hanger.

The coat is not a winter jacket, but does provide thermal protection within the estimated temperature range of 30-70 degrees f. (20-0 c). Since it is rated at a waterproof level of at least 10000 mm, it is the highest rated waterproof coat offered by Hurtta.

The hindquarter areas are embellished with a large area of 3M reflective markers, and there are reflective strips on the jacket as well.

There is an opening on the rear of the jacket that allows attachment of a leash to the ring of a harness worn underneath the Monsoon Coat; this opening can be snapped closed when not in use.

Sizing, Comfort, and Fit: The Monsoon Coat ECO (made with recycled materials) is available in 13 sizes, depending upon the chest, neck, and back length measurements of the dog. We are using the 50cm/22 inch size, identified as appropriate for breed such as Golden Retrievers, Collies, and Australian Shephards. The adjustment buckle on the belly strap allows for 20% adjustability on the waist and torso area. There are also small elastic adjusters permitting adjustment for different tightness on the neck collar/cowl, and on the hindquarters area to shorten the length of the coat. 

This coat fits Edgar, a 60 lb. bulky and fluffy lab mix, as well as 50 lb. Kanootti, a short haired lean terrier mix. The body portion is a bit long on Kanootti, but I snug up the rear adjuster on the back of the coat, and it certainly does not impede her activity. The adjustability is great for us, since the coat may be used over a harness, over a dog life jacket, or over a winter coat on slushy and wet winter outings.  

The bright reddish-orange of the “Rosehip” color is visible from a distance, even in foggy or rainy weather. The coat is also available in Bilberry (blue), Blackberry (black), or Buckthorn (orange).

Uses: This Monsoon Coat has gone on all our camping trips, both canoe camping and car camping trips. Since our dogs sleep in a tent with us, keeping them dry is definitely to our benefit as well as theirs. 

The coat has been used while going for hikes and walks in rainy conditions, even during the Great Flood of 2023! Kanootti needs to get out for a frisbee/ball fetch session every day, and unless the ground is too wet for her to safely run, we head out rain or shine. She is able to run, leap, and catch while wearing the coat without any restrictions. 

This summer Edgar seems to have been the unlucky one who is canoeing when the rain or showers start. I bring the Monsoon Coat in the canoe whenever the skies are threatening; I can slip the coat on over his Hurtta Life Savior life jacket, and it works much better than a towel draped over his head!  Though it does not have a hood, the coat’s neck collar keeps most of his head dry.

I have found that the dogs keep pretty dry when using the Monsoon Coat; their feet and top of their head may get wet, but I think they enjoy staying mostly dry, warm, and comfortable.

Cost: The Monsoon Coat has an MSRP of $81. It appears to be a durable and very well made product, and I see that it will last for a long time and many outdoor adventures.

Background

Our dogs are active outdoor adventurers, and weather rarely stops us from our activities. We have a variety of different dog gear allowing us to take part in most conditions, including rain, but have never used a dog rain coat before. Given our active dogs' activities, and our experience with human and dog outdoor gear, I feel qualified to make a fair assessment of this product.