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Let’s face it, a life lived outdoor can get downright soiled — and having a canine kicks issues up a notch or 10. However spending each weekend vacuuming out your car isn’t anybody’s thought of a superb time. Enter: the necessity for a seat protector.
From Ruffwear, the Dirtbag Canine Automobile Seat Cowl was constructed on your messy four-legged bestie. What I like about this design is that the majority is skipped. With it on, my automotive’s upholstery was spared from changing into moist and muddy — like my canine when she entered the automotive — whereas additionally defending the material towards snagging claws.
In brief: The Ruffwear Dirtbag Canine Automobile Seat Cowl ($100) hits a candy spot for providing sturdiness and assurance with out bulk or weight. The sturdy materials protects towards mud, moisture, and nails. There’s a straightforward set up and a self-contained storage system, so you may change from being dog-ready to loading up human passengers like a breeze. I additionally actually appreciated the built-in pocket for stashing leashes and doggie snacks.
See our full round-up of well-made automotive seat protectors within the Greatest Automobile Seat Protectors purchaser’s information.
Ruffwear cowl folds down for sectional rear seats; (picture/Elizabeth Miller)
Assessment: Automobile Seat Protector Ruffwear Dirtbag Seat Cowl
Ruffwear has been dialing in high-quality canine gear since 1996. The model emphasizes craftsmanship, high quality, and a willingness to face behind its merchandise. At the least one among my canine harnesses has held as much as a number of years of beating by means of bushes and splashing by means of creeks!
So, I used to be excited to check out this Automobile Seat Protector from Ruffwear, primarily based in Santa Fe, N.M. After I’m not adventuring with my canine, I tote round gear for yoga and snowboarding. So, the inside of my Subaru is at all times vulnerable to grime and tears. I examined this cowl within the autumn of 2024.
(Photograph/Elizabeth Miller)
Unhazardous Supplies
The Dirtbag Canine Automobile Seat Cowl seat cowl is made with recycled 300-denier polyester. The floor is handled with a PFAS-free end for water-repellency. The end result: It feels a bit rubbery — however in the precise approach.
Water beads and dries on the duvet’s floor with out saturating the fabric, even when it’s trampled below mid-size canine paws. Plus, Ruffwear earns bonus factors for skipping the “forever chemicals” within the water repellency therapy. The model additionally opted for recycled supplies.
Usually, I discovered that unclipping the seat cowl and shaking off the dust was ample for a lightweight clear. Nevertheless it’ll additionally whirl by means of a machine wash on the mild cycle simply advantageous.
A mountain profile silhouette adorns the seat cowl; (picture/Elizabeth Miller)
Fast Set up: Automobile Seat Cowl
The set up was a breeze, as a result of this light-weight cowl clips into place rapidly. Then, T-shaped items of material with silicone grips helped anchor and hold the duvet from slipping round. After the duvet is eliminated, it stows simply into an connected stuff sack.
Mesh Window
A 55-inch-wide, 63-inch-long cowl hangs as both a bench coat or a hammock to discourage canine from clambering into the entrance seat. There are additionally two aspect flaps that assist stop grime from getting on the perimeters of the seats whereas your doggo climbs out and in!
An optionally available mesh window, with a stable cowl that zips open, means that you can look into the rear seat to test in in your pup. I additionally like that the mesh permits for the air-con to achieve the again seat.
Seatbelt cowl flaps snap closed; (picture/Elizabeth Miller)
Seatbelt Entry, Skid-Free Placement
There are zippers that open and shut entry to the seatbelts. So, it’s nonetheless potential to buckle in rambunctious canine that prefer to bounce from window to window. A non-slip coating on the seat cowl’s underside makes for minimal skidding whereas canine load up or transfer round mid-ride.
Critiques
Whereas I appreciated the mesh window, shedding canine hair can work its approach by means of that mesh to unprotected upholstery within the footwells under. It’s additionally value noting that the duvet doesn’t include sectional zippers. So, it received’t be potential to fold down a part of the rear seat with the duvet in place.
(Photograph/Elizabeth Miller)
Conclusion: Sturdy Automobile Seat Cowl
Whereas this automotive seat cowl comes at the next value level than different fashions available in the market, the sturdiness and sustainability cushion the sticker shock.
Whereas Ruffwear might need canine high of thoughts, they’ve additionally bought a watch for human aesthetics: A pleasant mountain silhouette is embroidered on the again panel, which provides type — and I admire the look.
This packable, quick-to-install cowl supplies simply sufficient protection with none bulk. It’s straightforward to scrub, and stands out as a product. I count on the Ruffwear Dirtbag Canine Automobile Seat Cowl to carry up by means of years of loading up mutts for hikes, whatever the climate.
For big autos that spend a number of day without work street, the Cooper Tires Discoverer AT3 XLTs give nice all-season traction. And so they accomplish that whereas sustaining good manners on the freeway.
We’ve scoured the trade to search out you one of the best automotive seat covers. Learn on for our high suggestions.