6 Fresh Takes on Pet Gear That Make Kurgo Look Old School
Published on: November 17, 2024
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Anyone who's wandered the aisles of REI or scrolled through Amazon has encountered Kurgo's ubiquitous line of pet gear. While they've long dominated the outdoor pet accessories space, several emerging brands are bringing innovative perspectives to everything from water bottles to winter coats. Here's our rundown of alternatives that caught our attention, each carving out their own unique territory in the pet gear landscape.
: When a Coffee Mug Designer Tackles Dog Hydration
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There's a peculiar connection between travel coffee mugs and dog water bottles - at least in the Ross family. Shannon Ross, whose father invented the travel coffee mug, applied that same innovative spirit to pet hydration with Springer's Classic Dog Travel Bottle. The squeeze-to-dispense mechanism feels like one of those "why didn't anyone think of this before?" moments.
We're intrigued by how the bottle has evolved through four generations of refinements. Each iteration has incorporated feedback from real-world use, resulting in clever features like a leak-proof valve and a carabiner attachment point. While we haven't tested it ourselves, the design philosophy suggests a deep understanding of both human and canine needs during outdoor adventures.
Why we like Springer
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Innovation Heritage
Brings proven beverage container expertise to pet hydration
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Iterative Design
Four generations of improvements based on user feedback
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Practical Features
Thoughtful additions like leak-proof valve and carabiner attachment
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Maggie
04/24/24
very convenient water bottle to bring for my pup on hikes! love the color selection
: When Your Dog's Bed Could Pass for West Elm
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Luke Wong didn't set out to create pet accessories - he was a furniture designer who happened to have a dog. That perspective shift led to Doca Pet's Hygge Bed, which looks more like a carefully considered piece of home decor than traditional pet furniture.
The Chicago-based operation maintains complete control over production, bucking the industry trend of overseas manufacturing. This local approach allows for rapid design tweaks based on customer feedback. While many pet brands try to blend into home decor, Doca Pet's furniture-first mentality results in pieces that genuinely enhance living spaces rather than just trying not to clash with them.
Why we like Doca Pet
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Design-First Approach
Furniture designer's perspective creates truly aesthetic pieces
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Local Manufacturing
Chicago-based production enables quick design iterations
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Home Decor Integration
Creates pieces that enhance rather than just blend into spaces
: For When Your Dog Walk Doubles as a Photo Shoot
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Wild One's Harness exemplifies their knack for eliminating unnecessary bulk without sacrificing functionality. The streamlined design manages to maintain all essential safety features while looking significantly sleeker than traditional options.
Their development process involves testing across multiple dog breeds and sizes, which explains the versatility in their designs. We appreciate their partnership with rescue organizations, though what really stands out is their holistic approach to the entire user experience - from packaging to instructions, everything feels thoughtfully considered.
Why we like Wild One
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Streamlined Design
Maintains functionality while eliminating bulk
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Comprehensive Testing
Products validated across multiple dog breeds and sizes
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Complete Experience
Attention to detail from packaging to instructions
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Brittany
04/25/24
I have two different colors and I want another! They’re so easy to wash and adjust too :)
: Technical Gear for the Four-Legged Mountaineer
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The Highland Cold Weather Dog Jacket and Raincoat from Django brings technical outdoor wear specifications to canine apparel. Founded by urban adventurers Stephanie and Mike, the brand draws from their experiences exploring with their long-haired dachshund.
The attention to performance details is evident - from strategically placed reflective elements to carefully engineered fit adjustments. While many brands claim outdoor versatility, Django's real-world testing approach suggests a deeper understanding of what happens when weather conditions turn challenging.
Why we like Django
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Technical Excellence
Brings human-grade outdoor wear specifications to pet gear
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Real-World Testing
Designs informed by actual urban adventure experiences
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Performance Focus
Thoughtful details like strategic reflective elements
: Because Dogs Need Brain Games Too
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The Baguette enrichment toy from Lambwolf Collective reflects founder Ang Wong's experience adopting a Jindo puppy during lockdown. Rather than creating yet another squeaky toy, they've focused on combining mental stimulation with physical play.
Their design philosophy emphasizes durability without sacrificing aesthetics - no small feat when creating something meant to be chewed, tossed, and thoroughly investigated by curious canines. The emphasis on psychological enrichment rather than just physical play sets their products apart in a crowded market of pet toys.
Why we like Lambwolf Collective
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Mental Enrichment
Focus on psychological stimulation beyond physical play
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Aesthetic Durability
Beautiful designs that withstand rough play
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Innovative Approach
Fresh take on traditional pet toy concepts
: Elevating the Everyday Pet Essential
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The GO! Portable Bowls from Maxbone represent founder Parisa Fowles-Pazdro's vision of bringing human-grade design standards to pet accessories. While portable bowls aren't new, their attention to both form and function creates something that feels fresh.
Beyond pure aesthetics, we're drawn to their focus on sustainable practices and ethical manufacturing. The brand's approach suggests a understanding that pet parents increasingly view their animals' accessories as extensions of their own lifestyle choices.
Why we like Maxbone
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Design Standards
Brings human-grade design approach to pet accessories
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Sustainability Focus
Commitment to ethical manufacturing practices
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Lifestyle Integration
Products that reflect modern pet parent values
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Emily
04/24/24
Perfect for the pup when we’re out hiking, trail running or backpacking!
Beyond the Basics
These alternatives to Kurgo demonstrate how the pet industry continues to evolve, with each brand bringing distinct perspectives to familiar products. Whether prioritizing design aesthetics, technical performance, or mental enrichment, these options suggest that the future of pet gear extends well beyond basic functionality. The challenge for pet parents isn't finding adequate gear anymore - it's choosing between increasingly sophisticated alternatives that each offer their own compelling take on familiar products.