Outdoor Apparel

Gear for Dogs

Our area is filled with great places to enjoy the outdoors with your dog.. We've compiled a list of local parks, trails and beaches that are animal-friendly to go explore! Be prepared and ensure your dogs safety with the best gear from Ruffwear.

Cranbury Park - This park is right around the corner from our store, and offers a series of hiking trails that are great for hiking with the whole family. They aren't too difficult, but the terrain is varied enough to be interesting and fun. Leashes are not required at Cranbury Park, but you must have one on hand just in case. For your pup, the Cloud Chaser coat is the perfect little shirt for staying out in all weather conditions. It's waterproof, windproof, and insulated to maintain core body temperature, with four-way stretch for ease of movement.

Running Safety for All

NRVT - The Norwalk River Valley Trail is shrouded in trees, and away from the road. Eventually this trail will stretch all the way from Norwalk to Danbury, but the shorter finished sections are perfect for a nice jog with your pooch. The NRVT is a wide gravel path that is generally flat, and leashed dogs are more than welcome! We recommend using get a Ruffwear Roamer Leash, which sits comfortably around your waist with a stretch webbing to keep your arm safe and prevent your dog from pulling . It is also important to bring water, to keep you both hydrated when running. Carrying a handheld bottle like the Quickdraw Plus by Nathan will hold enough water for you and your dog, and it straps comfortably around your hand for easy sipping. Carry this water bottle in your alternate hand from where your dog is so you can quickly grab the lease in case another dog comes along the trail.

Water Dogs

All Fairfield and Westport beaches are open to dogs starting October 1st till March 31st, and town beach stickers are not required during this time. Your dog will love darting across the sand and splashing in the shallow water! Leashes are required at most beaches, but at Jennings Beach in Fairfield you can let your pup roam free off the leash. Make sure your dog stays hydrated when he's running around, especially at the beach where he will likely lap up some salt water. Bring a collapsible bowl, such as the Ruffwear Bivy Bowl. They fold down flat for easy storage and can be filled up whenever your dog needs a break and a nice cold drink. For you, we recommend always bringing a windbreaker to the beach. It tends to be considerably more windy there than the rest of town, and the Atom LT from Arc'teryx is a great choice to help you stay warm. While most windbreakers are just a shell without much warmth, this jacket is insulated and will be your go-to jacket from early fall into the winter.

Carry All the Essentials

Once your pup is comfortable going on long walks, consider a doggie backpack to carry some of the supplies you both need. The Approach Pack by Ruffwear offers comfortable weight distribution and five points of adjustment for a customizable fit. Of course, it is important to transition your dog into carrying any weight at all. Start by having him wear the pack without anything in it, and go for a hike. If he likes it, start small by putting only little things in it. Pretty soon your pup will be able to carry his own collapsible bowl and first aid kit!! Until then, you can carry your dog's things on your back with you. A great pack for a long day hike is the North Face Angstrom. You can store everything you'll need for the day, from extra water bottles to extra layers, but the pack itself is light, weighing in at just 2 pounds. It includes a hip belt for comfortable carrying, multiple pockets to keep your gear organized, and is compatible with a hydration reservoir.

Kid's Swim Gear

Everyone remembers being a kid and never wanting to get out of the water at the end of a hot summer day. Jumping, diving, and splashing around with friends is the best part about summer, whether you're at the lake, the beach or your local pool. You can start getting your children accustomed to the water as early as you want, but most local swim schools have entry level classes starting at age 3. While people can learn to swim at absolutely any age, we recommend getting your kids started as young as possible so that they can feel comfortable in the water and begin to experience the joys of water sports! We've put together a list of our recommendations for gear for new swimmers, all of which will help your kids to learn and fall in love with being in the water. 

Kickboards

Kickboards are a must-have accessory for the new swimmer. Once kids are comfortable kicking while holding onto the wall, the next step is to venture out with a kickboard. A board that won't tip easily is key, and a soft material that won't chafe their arms is also important. The new Jr. Mix-A-Lot Kickboard from Speedo has finger grooves on the sides and bottom, and is made of textured EVA foam that creates a non-slippery surface.


Goggles

Clockwise from top left: Aquasphere Seal Kid 2, Moby Kid; Speedo Kids' Hydrospex, Tie-Dye Splasher

A good pair of goggles is mandatory for multiple reasons. Getting chlorine or salt in your eyes can be very painful, and goggles are made to suction to the face and seal out water. When learning new strokes, goggles protect the eyes from splashes of water and make it easier to check direction with a quick glance. A mirrored goggle lens will reduce glare on those bright sunny days. We carry several models for children from Speedo and Aquasphere.

Ear Plugs

When kids are first learning to swim, it can be extremely uncomfortable for them when water gets in their ears. A pack of Speedo ear plugs will do the trick; they're made of silicone which offers superior comfort and long-lasting durability.

Fins and Snorkels

Speedo Kids' Aqua Quest Set; U.S. Divers Starboard Fins

Once your child is a seasoned little swimmer, a set of fins is great way for him or her to experience the joy of zooming through the water! Additionally, a snorkeling set with fins, a mask, and a snorkel will provide hours of entertainment; they're tons of fun in the shallows of the local beaches, and are also a must-have for all your beach vacations.