Doggie cold weather Field jackets?

In April my dogs and I are going on a two-week backpack excursion in the northern part of Maine. I have one lab mix who has a thin coat like a lab and I also have a German Shepard mix who has a Shepard like coat except its not a thick because of a skin allergy. We live in N.E. and have survived many harsh winters. They both love to be outside and to play rough, so knitted sweaters don鈥檛 work so well. We have bought many jackets but they always seem to get destroyed on hikes or during play or don鈥檛 hold up in the wash.



So far we have two different sets of doggie snow booties and two heavy-duty doggie parkas. From what I've heard about where we are hiking the weather changes often and dramatically so I want to be prepared. I have been looking for something that can just be thrown over the top of the dogs to keep them protected I have been shopping around and found two jackets that I like but I would like the outside to be water resistant along with a fleece interior. These are the websites with the jackets that are similar to what I am looking for

http://www.darlingpetboutique.com/produc鈥?/a>

and

http://reviews.llbean.com/1138/55781/rev鈥?/a>



I personally have no sewing skills and I don鈥檛 know anyone who is able to make something like this for me. So if you know of a place where I can order a few nice field coats for my dogs I would appreciate it allot.



Thanks youDoggie cold weather Field jackets?
Sure thing - two very good sources of dogs coats are Dover Saddlery, which has a waterproof turnout coat, as well as a separate fleece turnout that can be worn beneath, and a fleece lined coat - all modeled after a horse turnout.



http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp鈥?/a>



http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp鈥?/a>



They are well made and not only fit well, but hold up to rough wear despite the price, as they are their house brand.



Smartpak.com has a line of similar coats as well - although they don't all seem to be on their website.



http://www.smartpakcanine.com/productcla鈥?/a>

http://www.smartpakcanine.com/productcla鈥?/a>



If at all possible, I would suggest a trip to the SmartPak store - they have a LOT of stuff there that is not on the website, and fit is important, although their customer service and return policies are excellent!



You will probably find that layering makes sense - it is far better - if you can find them- to get the version that is just the outer waterproof sheet, and the add a fleece or quilted layer beneath is you find they need it. There is often weather that only requires the dog stay dry and have a windproof layer, and the added insulation is too much when they are on the move. You'll also have less to pack.



The turnouts that just go over their back and shoulders also allow for more freedom of movement, and don't forget that their natural cooling process occurs from their belly. A well fitting turnout is far better than anything that makes an attempt at sleeves or has too much around the chest.



and take extra booties - you'd be surprised how easy it to lose them, and if you have no spare tire... you'll find those at SmartPak as well - if you go there, ask about the upstairs 'bargain attic'!