By The best thing about Southern California is the weather. Heck, that’s why I moved here from the east coast years ago. The next best thing is the nature surrounding the region. We have the ocean, mountains and deserts within driving distance. With the year-around good weather, these places are always accessible if you can make time. For a girl like me who loves outdoors and being active, I can’t imagine living anywhere else …at the moment.
This winter, I planned on taking Xena for some snow hikes. Having right gear always make any experience more enjoyable. I needed to get Xena a proper coat and booties to protect her from the element. Right in time, Hurtta North America sent us a sample of Summit Parka to test. This review is based on our use of the jacket for a few months.
Product Specs
- Sizes: 8-35″ (Xena’s wearing 18″) size chart
- Colors: Raven, Cherry & Hi-Viz Orange
- Retail Price: $80.00
- Designed in Finland and made in China
Design – 4.5/5
- Comfortable to wear and easy to dress
- Leg loops keep the jacket in place on the back
- High collar can be rolled down or stay up providing more protection depending on the needs.
- Ruching detail along the lower back let you customize the length.
- The material has been laminated with a waterproof and breathable Houndtex® coating to keep your dog dry and comfortable.
- 3M reflectors are placed on the coat for visibility.
Function – 5/5
3M reflectors and the Hi-Viz Orange color were great to keep Xena visible at all times.
The waterproof and breathable Houndtex® coating kept Xena warm and comfortable during and after lengthy hikes in 30-40 degrees (F). I like that it covers her entire chest and back.
The leg loops kept the jacket in place without restricting her movement.
Quality and Durability – 5/5
It’s made with smooth and soundless material as advertised and the stitching is flawlessly. It’s warm and cozy to the touch. I am so impressed with it, I want a jacket like it for myself. Haha.
I have to wash it after each use because it gets dirty from the trails. I wash it in a front load washing machine in a gentle cycle and air-dry it. The neon orange jacket came with a warning that the discoloration can occur during wash so I throw in a sheet of Shout Color Catcher in the washer and the sheet takes care of it. The jacket comes out of the washer like new.
Fit and Fashion – 4/5
To get the right size, you need to measure the chest and the back length. Xena’s chest is 26.5″ and back length is 18″ and the size 18″ (fits chest 24-32″) fits her. The adjustable chest strap is easy to use and great to get the right fit for her.
The trims around the front legs and the leg loops are black. Since Xena has black fur, they don’t show on her which I like. On light-colored dogs, the black trim and the leg loops will show. Some people might not like that look.
Overall – 4.6/5
Hurtta Summit Parka is a high quality performance jacket for your dog that is durable for the trails yet very comfortable for the daily walks in cold temperature. It fits Xena so perfectly, it looks tailored. 🙂 It would be also good for short-haired/elderly/ill/pregnant dogs or dogs with no undercoat who need extra warmth even if it’s not very cold. We love this jacket!
Hiking Girl with Dog 
She looks very happy 🙂
Adventuring is good our souls. 🙂
Hi!! Looks like my dog has the same measures than yours. Is the 18 in back length of yours from withers to base tail or from neckline (collar) to base tail? Thanks!!
Hi Alice, the back length should be from the withers to the base of the tail. Measuring instructions are here: https://www.hurtta247.com/summit-parka
Hi Jamie, thanks so much for answering so fast. Great, that is how I am measuring my girl. Let me ask you one more thing, do you still think the 18 was the best size for her or over time you started missing some more coverage (than size 20 would be better)? Thanks again!
For Xena, 18″ is perfect for her. You’re welcome!