Cool Pooch Hydration System

I made my first venture to R.E.I. today. I was impressed with the variety of equipment at this store. One of the things I would like to start with this site is equipment reviews by people that actually use the gear for an extended period. So if you have some gear that you want to comment on, positive or negative, please comment on it in the Forum. I picked up a few items which I will do a post for once I have used the items for more than a single hike or two. The one thing that R.E.I. had that M.E.C. lacks was a wall full of equipment for dogs including the widest selection of backpacks for dogs that I have come across. I want to do a couple of fast packs with my dog this year and you better believe the dog will be carrying her own gear. No freeloaders allowed. I also saw some sleeping pads for dogs which I did not know you could buy.

This picture below was the most bizarre item I have seen in some time. Manufactured by Cool Pooch it is advertised as “The Original Sport Water Bottle for the Dog & Owner on the Go.” To use the bottle you squeeze the bottle and fill the cap with water. Your dog can then drink out of the cap while you drink out of the straw. Advertised benefits include: “No Backwash, No Leakage.” I am thankful for this, bad enough to be drinking from the same bottle, I would want at a minimum some guarantee that the drool is not mixing with the water. I will likely use the Cool Pooch for the dog. It is tough to complain about having a little bowl conveniently attached to a water bottle. I would have to be crazy to get my face anywhere near a 80 pound dog with a drool filled tongue slurping up water. I will likely stick to my camelback.