Let's face it - when it comes to outdoor pet gear, Ruffwear has been the default choice for ages. Their robust lineup of adventure-ready products has dominated the trails, becoming synonymous with durability and functionality. But the pet gear landscape is shifting, and we're intrigued by a new wave of brands bringing fresh perspectives to the market.
We've found eight alternatives that caught our attention, each offering a distinct take on adventure-ready pet gear. From architectural innovations to sustainable manufacturing practices, these brands demonstrate how the industry is evolving beyond basic utility into something more nuanced and thoughtful.
: Where Minimalist Design Meets Maximum Function
The aesthetic DNA of Wild One's harness feels more like something you'd find in MoMA's design store than a pet shop. Their approach strips away unnecessary elements while maintaining core functionality - think Dieter Rams principles applied to pet gear.
What fascinates us about Wild One is their ability to solve common pet gear annoyances through design. Their hardware is coated to eliminate the endless jingling that plagues most harnesses, while their strap system actually maintains its adjustment settings (a rarer feat than you might think). They've also woven a social mission into their framework, partnering with animal rescues nationwide to support adoption efforts.
Why we like Wild One
1
Minimalist Design
Clean, modern aesthetic that doesn't sacrifice functionality
2
Noise Reduction
Coated hardware eliminates harness jingling
3
Social Impact
Partnerships with animal rescues support adoption efforts
I have two different colors and I want another! They’re so easy to wash and adjust too :)
: Modernist Architecture Goes to the Dogs
The Linden Day Bed from Pets So Good reads like a love letter to modernist design principles. Working with South Korean design houses, they're creating pieces that wouldn't look out of place in a Dwell magazine spread - yet still perfectly serve their four-legged users.
Their material choices intrigue us - powder-coated steel paired with light plywood creates structures that feel both substantial and airy. This architectural approach has caught the attention of high-end retailers like Ssense, suggesting a shift in how we think about pet furniture's role in our living spaces.
Why we like Pets So Good
1
Architectural Design
Modernist principles applied to pet furniture
2
Premium Materials
Thoughtful combination of powder-coated steel and plywood
3
High-End Appeal
Pieces worthy of luxury retail placement
This is the most fashionable dog day bed I’ve seen! It would look good even as room decor.
: When Your Pet Gear Actually Fits Your Life
The GO! Portable Bowls from Maxbone reflect a deeper understanding of how pet care fits into modern routines. Rather than creating products in isolation, they're considering the entire ecosystem of daily life - from morning coffee runs to weekend camping trips.
The brand's development process stands out to us. Each product undergoes years of refinement before launch, with sustainability woven throughout the process. Their partnership with human apparel manufacturers signals a commitment to quality that goes beyond typical pet industry standards.
Why we like Maxbone
1
Lifestyle Integration
Products designed to fit seamlessly into daily routines
2
Rigorous Development
Years of refinement before product launch
3
Quality Focus
Partnerships with human apparel manufacturers
Perfect for the pup when we’re out hiking, trail running or backpacking!
In reimagining the humble pet toy, Lambwolf Collective's Baguette demonstrates how enrichment can be both sophisticated and fun. Hidden squeakers and treat compartments create multiple engagement points, while the design is attractive enough to leave in plain sight.
The brand's origin story resonates with us - founder Ang Wong left corporate life to pursue better pet product design. Their create-your-own platform particularly catches our eye, allowing for toy customization based on individual pet preferences. It's a level of personalization we rarely see in pet products.
Why we like Lambwolf Collective
1
Sophisticated Play
Multi-functional toys with hidden features
2
Customization Options
Create-your-own platform for personalized toys
3
Aesthetic Appeal
Designs worthy of display
: Rethinking Hydration from Scratch
The Classic Dog Travel Bottle from Springer takes the seemingly simple challenge of portable hydration and turns it into an engineering puzzle worth solving. The result is a container that addresses the real-world challenges of keeping dogs hydrated on the move.
What we find compelling is the brand's testing protocol - each product goes through trials with 50-100 dogs before reaching production. This empirical approach to design, combined with founder Shannon Ross's inventor heritage, yields solutions that feel genuinely innovative rather than merely iterative.
Why we like Springer
1
Engineering Focus
Innovative solutions to common problems
2
Extensive Testing
Trials with 50-100 dogs before production
3
Inventor Heritage
Deep background in product innovation
very convenient water bottle to bring for my pup on hikes! love the color selection
: Technical Wear Gets a Style Upgrade
The Highland Cold Weather Dog Jacket and Raincoat from Django brings technical apparel expertise to the pet world. The integrated hood and leash portal show attention to real-world usage, while the aesthetic wouldn't look out of place in an urban setting.
We're drawn to the brand's focus on versatility - their pieces work equally well for city walks and mountain trails. The involvement of skilled artisans in their production process suggests a commitment to quality that goes beyond mass manufacturing.
Why we like Django
1
Technical Innovation
Advanced features like integrated hoods and leash portals
2
Versatile Design
Suitable for both urban and outdoor environments
3
Artisanal Quality
Skilled craftmanship in production
: Craftsmanship Meets Modern Sensibility
The Licki Mat Soother from Love Thy Beast demonstrates how thoughtful material selection can elevate even simple products. Founded by Tiziana Agnello while searching for better solutions for her aging pug, the brand maintains a focus on American craftsmanship.
Their design philosophy particularly interests us - creating unisex pieces that feel both contemporary and timeless. It's an approach that seems to reject the notion that pet accessories must either be purely utilitarian or overtly decorative.
Why we like Love Thy Beast
1
Material Excellence
Thoughtful selection of quality materials
2
American Made
Focus on domestic craftsmanship
3
Timeless Design
Contemporary yet enduring aesthetic
: Engineering the (Nearly) Indestructible
The Teaser Ball from Jolly Pets showcases how material science can solve common pet toy problems. Their ball-within-a-ball design creates engaging play patterns while standing up to aggressive chewers - a combination that's harder to achieve than it might seem.
The brand's development of proprietary materials captures our attention. Since 1994, they've been refining their compounds to balance durability with safety, resulting in products that consistently survive where others fail. Their extensive testing protocols suggest a scientific approach to what might otherwise be considered a simple category.
Why we like Jolly Pets
1
Material Science
Proprietary compounds for durability
2
Innovative Design
Unique ball-within-ball construction
3
Safety Focus
Balance of toughness and pet safety
The Evolution Continues
As the pet gear market matures, these brands represent different facets of its transformation. From architectural inspiration to material science innovations, each brings a unique perspective to solving common pet owner challenges. While Ruffwear deserves credit for establishing high standards in outdoor pet gear, these alternatives demonstrate how the category continues to evolve in exciting new directions.