Ruffwear Confluence Dog Life Jacket: Designed for Active Dogs Who Love the Water
Whether we’re kayaking, swimming, or exploring the water along a hiking trail, water-related adventures are some of Lucifer’s favourites.
Of course, like in any adventure, safety and comfort are both top priorities!
When we’re out on the water, Lucifer loves to jump from the kayak into the lake within seconds. But finding a life jacket that keeps him safe without restricting this endless energy hasn’t been easy.
Most of the jackets we’ve tried were bulky and restrictive.
Recently, Ruffwear sent us their new Confluence Dog Life Jacket for the little man to put to the test.
The verdict? Keep reading to find out how this harness-style life jacket has been keeping Lucifer safe, comfortable, and adventure-ready on the water this season.
This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click and buy, we will make a commission (at no cost to you). See our full disclosure policy for more details.
Product Overview: Ruffwear Confluence Dog Life Jacket
Before I dive into the details of our personal experiences with the Ruffwear Confluence Dog Life Jacket (and Lucifer’s opinions on the matter), let’s start at the beginning.
Here are the basic features along with the pros and cons to help you decide if this is the right option for your pup:
Features
Size: This harness-style dog life jacket is available in 6 sizes, ranging from XXSmall to XLarge.
This sizing, like many harnesses, is based on your dog’s girth measurement (the width around the widest part of their chest) along with the length of their back.
Here is the Ruffwear size chart for the Confluence Dog Life Jacket:
| Size | Girth | Back Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| XXS | 13-17 in (33-43 cm) | 10.5-14.5 in (26-37 cm) |
| XS | 17-22 in (43-56 cm) | 13.5-17.5 in (34-45 cm) |
| S | 22-27 in (56-69 cm) | 17-23 in (43-59 cm) |
| M | 27-32 in (69-81 cm) | 20-26 in (51-66 cm) |
| L | 32-36 in (81-91 cm) | 22-28 in (56-71 cm) |
| XL | 36-42 in (91-107 cm) | 26-32 in (66-81 cm) |
Colours: Biolumin Blue, Tangelo Orange
Stand Out Features:
- Side-release buckles for easy on/of
- Reinforced leash loop connection point
- Reflective trim for low-light visibility
- Light loop for attaching The Beacon
Harness-Like Design for Comfort and Adjustability
Unlike most life jackets that fit your dog more like a coat, the harness-style design of the Confluence Dog Life Jacket provides a closer fit for better comfort and improved mobility.
The life jacket has 6 adjustment points, including two near the neck, two at the upper abdomen, and two at the lower abdomen.
It is outfitted with foam panels that, while slightly thicker than a standard harness, flex to conform to your dog’s body as they move about on land and in the water.
They swapped out the standard Velcro for quick-release buckles for better security during use.
Durable, Breathable, Quick-Dry Materials
The life jacket is made with a durable 800D ballistic polyester shell and 210D nylon lining.
These materials, paired with water-compatible webbing, provide a strong and reliable harness that is also ideally suited for water adventures.
Dual Handles for Easy Lifting
A padded, low-profile handle is located on the back of the life jacket, placed strategically to make it easier to help your dog out of the water and into your canoe or kayak.
However, this isn’t the only handle available.
If you have a larger dog who needs a little added support (or smaller people who require a little help), a stealthy second handle at the back of the life jacket provides additional lifting support.
How Much Does It Cost?
For those looking to upgrade their dog’s life jacket, you’re in luck. As Ruffwear is a well-known brand, it’s available in a variety of places.
On the Canadian-facing Ruffwear website, it can be purchased directly for $134.95 CAD.
If you prefer the convenience of Amazon, it is currently listed there at the same price.
Finally, Ruffwear products are available in many different stores across Canada and the United States.
Pros and Cons of the RC Pets Confluence Dog Life Jacket
Of course, as with any adventure gear, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for your dog’s ideal life jacket.
Instead, there are several great options, each with its own pros and cons. Further complicating your decision, features that some may consider a pro may not stand out to you, given your dog’s needs and adventure style.
Here is a brief overview of the pros/cons of this life jacket, from our perspective:
Pros
- Harness-style design fits closer to the body, eliminating the bulkiness of most life jackets that interferes with movement
- Material is durable and quick drying
- Longer design and secondary handle better accommodate dogs needing extra support when lifted
Cons
- Higher price point than many of the other life jackets on the market
- Sizing is great for smaller dogs, but may not extend large enough to accommodate giant breed dogs, like the Leonberger or Newfoundland
Our First-Hand Review
Our biggest challenge in finding a life jacket for Lucifer, as mentioned at the beginning, has been striking a balance between safety and comfort for his high-energy ways.
While I want to keep him safe in the event of an emergency, he doesn’t want to be restricted in his ability to have fun.
Further adding to the challenge, his smaller, boxy body shape (blame his Cattle Dog genetics) made any life jacket with additional panels at the neck or limited adjustability less than ideal.
After receiving the Ruffwear Confluence Dog Life Jacket, we were so impressed by how it fit him.
The adjustment points and harness-like design allowed us to set it up so that he was comfortable wearing it not only in the canoe/kayak, but also while swimming, running, playing fetch, and just being himself.
His previous life jacket didn’t offer a leash loop, meaning that if we were hiking to a water access point, we would have to double up the life jacket and harness.
The secure design of this serves both roles, acting as a harness and a life jacket, making our adventures even easier.
After use, it dried quickly, ready to be used again on our next outing.
Price is definitely a consideration. For a dog like our girl Willow, who has no interest in playing in the water, a basic life jacket for relaxing in the canoe is sufficient.
However, if you have an active, playful, water-loving dog like Lucifer, it’s a solid investment!
FAQs
Do All Dogs Need a Life Jacket, Even if They Are Strong Swimmers?
Yes, just like with people, a life jacket is highly recommended for all dogs during water activities.
The jacket serves a purpose beyond basic floatation: it allows dogs of all sizes and skill levels to conserve their energy and swim longer in the event of an emergency.
It also offers crucial accident protection if they are injured or unconscious.
Finally, the bright colours and reflective trim boost visibility, making it easier to spot your dog quickly even in low-light conditions.
How Should a Dog Life Jacket Fit to Be Most Effective and Comfortable?
A proper, snug fit is essential both for safety and comfort. Your dog’s life jacket should fit securely around the chest, which is why brands usually use this measurement to determine the correct size.
When buckled and tightened, you should be able to slide two fingers comfortably under the straps, much like sizing a collar or harness.
You want it to be secure enough that it won’t shift, rotate, or slip off when wet, but not too tight that it’s uncomfortable or restricts your dog’s range of motion.
What Are the Most Important Features to Look for in a High-Quality Life Jacket?
When shopping for your dog’s next life jacket, the most important features to consider are those directly related to emergency safety and control.
Look for a jacket with a sturdy, reinforced rescue handle on the back for easy and secure lifting in an emergency, especially if you have a large breed dog.
Prioritize jackets with multiple adjustable straps that allow you to securely fit them to your dog’s body shape at the neck, chest, and belly.
Finally, opt for jackets made with strategically placed flotation panels for support while swimming and bright, high-visibility colours with reflective accents.
