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The Boater's Dog Parka by Avery is the result of years of experience making dog vests and listening to suggestions from thousands of waterfowl hunters. It has several features including grab handles, a sewn-in webbing harness, and D-rings for maximum versatility. For durability, it is constructed of Avery's "DuraStretch" material with double bar tacked seams, #10 molded zipper with neoprene zipper protector, and cold weather pull tab. It has a tapered cut for maximum body coverage and 1" Velcro for torso adjustability.
The Boater's Dog Parka by Avery is the result of years of experience making dog vests and listening to suggestions from thousands of waterfowl hunters.
It's really important to get the correct fit for your vest. We want it snug on the dog's chest so that it retains body heat while your dogs in the water, but not so tight that it makes running or swimming difficult.
HOW TO MEASURE -- To measure your dog you are going to need either a seamstress tape or you can use any sort of piece of string, something you can wrap around the dog and then measure it with a tape measure, or you can even use a leash to get the correct measurement and then measure that off with a tape measure.
MEASURE ON A TABLE -- I like to measure the dog standing up on a table. This way I'm standing up, I'm comfortable, and I've got the dog where I can position him correctly.
There are two measurements you need when you are sizing your dog for a vest: the chest measurement and then the neck measurement.
NECK MEASUREMENT -- The neck measurement is taken lower on the dog's neck than you would measure for a dog collar. A dog collar sits more toward the middle or higher up on the neck, but the vest doesn't go up that high, so take the measurement lower on the neck -- a little bit above the shoulders.
CHEST MEASUREMENT -- Have your dog stand. The chest measurement is taken from the deepest part of the chest -- typically closer to behind the front legs.
Remember, when you're measuring your dog, the most important size is the chest measurement. It's got to fit the chest tight. Everything else you can cut around, but if you're too small in the chest, you're not gonna be able to put it on your dog. If the neck measurement is off a little bit, you can trim it down to size.
CUSTOMIZING TO FIT IS EASY
Dogs are all different shapes and sizes, so it's possible you may have to trim the neck and/or leg holes to get a perfect fit.
BAR TACKS STOP FRAYING -- What's nice about these vests is that they have "bar tacks" sewn across the seams so you can customize the neck and leg holes for your dog.
When you use scissors to cut the hole larger, normally a seam would just rip and unravel on you. Instead, the bar tack is sewn perpendicular to the seam which stops the seams from shredding.
TRIM THE LEG OPENINGS IF TOO TIGHT -- When I'm sizing a vest for my dog, I like to put her in the water first to find out when she's swimming if it's going to be too tight. Make sure that there is not a problem with her legs.
CUSTOMIZE THE NECK -- You want the neck snug so it retains heat, but you also don't want to cut the neck opening too low, because it will scoop water as your dog swims. I prefer the neck up a little bit higher, but not where it's in the way.
Also, have your dog sit in the vest. Sometimes a vest works fine from a standing position, but when she sits down it's pushing up against her, so we trim a little bit out of here to make that comfortable.
There is about an inch between bar tacks, and when you cut you don't have to cut all the way to the next bar tack, but you may get a little fraying. Just customize it to fit your dog better.
GET YOUR DOG ACCUSTOMED TO THE VEST
In the above video you can see that is the first time my lab, Flint, has worn any kind of vest. She's a little uncomfortable with it. She doesn't really grasp exactly what it is.
You want to fit your dog's vest, and get them used to wearing it while training and working and swimming long before the opening day of the season. Give your dog plenty of time to move around in it, swim in it, sit on a stand or ladder, retrieve a few dummies, and just get used to it.
A neoprene vest is just more gear that they're going to be using while we're duck hunting, so just like any other training, give them plenty of time in the vest BEFORE hunting.
WHAT IF YOU NEED A VEST NOW AND YOU'RE NOT SURE ABOUT THE SIZE?
Some folks wait until the last minute, and realize they need it now! If you're in a hurry, or if it's late season and it's close to the time that you're gonna need a new vest, the last thing you want to do is get to the duck hole only to find that your new vest doesn't fit.
Say you're in between sizes, or just not confident which size your dog really needs, then you may want to order two and try them both out. Return the one that doesn't fit. You only pay return shipping for the vest that didn't fit.
If you order a vest that doesn't fit correctly, we will be glad to take it back or do an exchange for you. It's okay that you put it on the dog, but please don't cut or customize it until you're sure the chest fits just right.
MAX5 Avery Vest
The Avery boater's vest is a 5mm neoprene dog vest designed to get your dog into a boat.
Built-in HANDLES on Top
Reach down, pull your swimming dog over the side of the boat, and pick him up. Works great out of the boat as well.
Maintain Dog's Body Heat
Originally designed to maintain body heat when he's out working in the cold and wet.
A vest must fit correctly to insulate properly. It needs to be snug on the dog so that it helps contain his body heat, but not too tight or it will affect his ability to run.
Chest Protection from Sticks & Stobs
Sometimes you send a dog into the water, and he doesn't know what's underwater in front of him.
This vest helps protect him some from abrasions from hidden sticks and stumps, especially if you have a hard driving dog.
PLEASE ORDER YOURS NOW IF YOU NEED IT SOON. Supply chain issues are affecting almost every manufacturer. We will completely sell out of many items this season. Web site is updated at least twice daily on weekdays.
Loved that I could trim it to make it fit better. My dog seems very comfortable in it.
By HB
Missouri
Warm vest for cold fishing and canoeing
May 26, 2021
I have a heeler/border collie/lab mix just over 50lb. Measured as/ordered a M, but had to return for a L. Easy return/refund process. Got vest for early spring fishing trip in Idaho (dry) and cold spring fed river swimming in Missouri (lots of in and out of canoe). Pup seems happy wearing for both and feels warm when you stick a hand under the neoprene. Friend I fished with saw it and decided to get one for his lab too for ice fishing and cold Idaho activities. Seems well built and reinforced. Like that you can adjust/cut to fit.
Pros
Great customer service. Fast shipping. Well stitched/reinforced. Zipper seems tough. Like grab handles.
Cons
Difficult to decide size if your dog is on border between sizes. Seems a little tighter than may be ideal in abdomen/belly area of a more barrel shaped dog.
By FM
Delaware
Hunting vest
December 22, 2020
Neoprene vest fits well. I measured as the (helpful) video suggested. Vest fits perfect around the chest and torso but a little loose around the neck. Can't fault the vest for that and I'm sure the dog will grow into it soon. Hair was underneath the vest when he got out of the water. Did not present any issues for the dog.
By Gavin
Tennessee
Perfect Vest
December 22, 2020
I wanted a vest that would keep my lab warm and protected from anything that could potentially cause him harm and this vest is just that. 10/10 would recommend
Pros
I bought the XL because he's around 90-100 pounds and it fits him in the chest perfectly nice and snug. He's happy with it so I'm happy with it.
Cons
Not a single con
By Rich
Central IL
Avery max 5 vest
December 1, 2021
Best dog vest I’ve ever had for my retrievers!
Pros
Heavy duty well made! Over 2 years of service with 90 day season use!
Cons
None
By Walt
Texas
My dog must not be normal
November 30, 2021
I was able to cut the leg holes and adjust the fit on the chest, but the neck is way too loose and the stomach is too tight. My dog won't run full speed or pant while wearing the vest even after multiple training sessions.
Pros
Solid material
Cons
Not adjustable specifically around the neck and behind the rib cage.
By Goose
NJ
Avery vest
November 24, 2021
Got this for my 55 lb Chessie. Easy to customize for great fit!
By GM
Michigan
Works good dog likes it!
November 16, 2021
He knows its time to go have fun when we put it on him. Had to cut the arm holes out as suggested to make more room. 100lb lab got the XL, snug to zip for sure he's a big boy. Front up near his neck and top of chest seems a little loose, not sure how snug its supposed to be towards the top.
By John A.
CA
Great vest
November 11, 2021
Great vest. Fastest shipping From Gun Dog Supply. Also Great customer service
Pros
Fastest shipping
Great customer service
Cons
no
By Zach
NC
Great product
November 2, 2021
Bought for my year old lab. Fit great. Did have to trim about a half inch on the arm holes just to keep her comfortable. Been on multiple hunts with it now.
Cons
Maybe some beefier D rings. No issues yet they just look like over time they may cause an issue
By David S.
Central Square NY
Dog Parka Vest
October 19, 2021
Fit's my lab, easy to use, Cleaning is also easy to perform on the vest. protects my lab belly as he is retrieving down birds in the swamp.
By Brian
OR
Nice vest - easy to tailor
October 18, 2021
The leg holes were a little too far apart on this vest for my dog, which restricted his movement. However, the vest is designed to be modified, and after a few cuts with the scissors, it fit him perfectly. The vest has held up well so far, and it seems to keep him warm, as it stops his shivering. The handle in the back is convenient when I need to pull him into the boat.
Pros
Warm, durable, easy to tailor.
By Andy
OBX, NC
Dog parks vest
January 19, 2021
Very happy with vest.
By Jerry D.
Atlanta, Ga.
Love it!
January 13, 2021
Fits well and I'm looking forward in using it this weekend.
By Corey S.
Foxworth, Mississippi
Great product just didn't fit my dog properly
December 23, 2020
The Avery boaters vest was very nicely made and I loved the features it came with. It just didn’t fit my lab very well. I tried the large and it was to small (couldn’t zip it up) and the extra large was way to big in the neck and chest.
Pros
Liked the hand holes in the vest and the D-rings for a leash if need be.
Cons
Sizing just wasn't right for my boy.
By Tom
Oregon
My dog likes it!
December 20, 2020
Fit was a little tight around the front legs but easily remedied with some trimming. Neck was a little loose. I really like the solid zipper and velcro flap to cover the zipper. Using the measurements, it was easy to get the right size. I had him wearing it around the house before his first ever hunt to get him use to it. He was shivering until I put his vest on the first day he hunted. The vest is very well made and worked great.
Pros
-Good fit around the chest and waist.
-Well made
-Easy to adjust around the front legs by trimming neoprene
-Easy to put on the dog
-Main thing is the Dog likes it
-Very noticeable that it kept him warmer
Cons
-a bit loose around the neck
By Robert
South Dakota
Good Vest -- sizing inaccurate.
November 30, 2020
Avery "MAX-5" Boater 5mm Neoprene Dog Vest
We have a Borador with 28" chest. The Large is too small; it measures 25" (not 28") from zipper to zipper (when laid flat). The 28" from the chart is measured from fabric edge to edge. Our dog was very uncomfortable with the fit -- she is used to vests & harnesses.
The fabric itself seems of good material and should insulate & protect well. Really like the stitching & trimmability. Being only half Lab, she got cold when hunting in December for pheasants. This hopefully, will keep her warm on those below freezing days.
Exchanging for XLarge.
Pros
Fabric & Construction.
Cons
Sizing Chart.
By Doug
Las Vegas
Avery Boater's Dog Parka
October 15, 2020
I have the same vest for both of my dogs. They are the best vests I have ever had for my dogs and exceed all of my expectations.
By Heyward
Low country SC
Fit as expected
September 25, 2020
Fit just as expected, great service, fast shipping!
By Chesapeakebill
Pasadena, MD
Great vest
September 4, 2020
This is my second vest of this type. Dog out grew the first one. It is still like brand new. very durable, quality vest. I only have one issue with it and that might just be the way my dog is built. It hangs open a little at her neck. Doesn't seem to matter but it would be nice to fit a little tighter in that area. Males might fill out the chest a little more. I have a female chocolate lab. 52# Her first vest was a large and it got too hard to zipper. She has a 19" neck and 31" chest. X Large fits her good. I would say they are very true to their size chart.
Pros
Durabilty
Quality
Price
Ease of use
By Dan
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Thicc
September 3, 2020
It fits my 34 pound Boykin Spaniel very well. Its slightly snug through the chest but it doesn't hinder mobility at all. Its thick enough to be a really great insulator
By Tom O.
Review for Avery Bottomland Boaters Dog Parka Vest
October 12, 2018
Bought this Vest to replace one that was Medium and pup still growing. Based on Steve's recommendation, got Extra Large and its fits her back great, no more at risk of busting out of it in deep cover, and leaving it in the bushes! Might still put a caribinier thru the 2 D rings just in case the zipper and velcro get pulled loose if pup gets front of vest stuck in woody stuff while swimming etc. Thanks for the advice Steve, like you guys a lot!
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