Imagine you could create the perfect dog product. You could dream up a design that would eliminate all the little problems that are obvious with the existing products. You could source the best materials in colors you love. Your perfect dog product would be easy to use, durable, attractive, and totally innovative. In this perfect world, other like-minded dog owners would come together to help you realize this dream by chipping in a little cash and receiving the first production of the fruits of your labor.
Want to help make this dream a reality for two dog-loving, adventure-seeking entrepreneurs in Portland? Introducing Bravery, the brainchild of Summer and Patrick, who are raising money to start their company through a Kickstarter campaign. They love sharing the out-of-doors with their active dogs, but they don’t love the existing options for active dog gear.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Kickstarter, it allows regular people to raise money to fund creative projects. Bravery has until Sunday, November 10 to raise its goal of $45,000, and although it has already raised over $10,000, if it doesn’t reach its goal, the company receives none of the money. Depending upon how much you pledge to its fund, you are essentially pre-ordering one of its dog adventure products.
Bravery’s feature product is a completely reimagined dog backpack called the PCT Adventure Pack. It buckles on the top for the human’s convenience, and it uses elasticized straps for a custom, snug, yet comfortable fit that moves with your active dog.
The base of the pack is a harness you can use alone by easily removing the packs. You can attach different items to the base harness, like lights or a poop bag holder, depending upon your day’s activities. The PCT Adventure Pack comes in three sizes for dogs with chest girths between 15-38 inches, with plans to introduce additional sizes in the future.
Bravery also has redesigned the standard collar and leash to address the pitfalls of typical products. Both are made of elastic material with a special claw fastener. Instead of a traditional buckle, the collar closes by simply slipping the fastener into one of the loops for a custom, comfortable fit.
The leash is even more incredible: You can adjust the length of the leash easily in the same manner as the collar, and you can even loop it around your waist for hands-free walking. The loops along the length of the leash are perfect for fastening lights, bag holders, keys, or any small objects you like to keep close during walks.
The PCT Adventure Pack, collar, and leash come in a stylish color palette of blacks and grays with bright accent colors of your choice. They are reminiscent of the look of quality outdoor gear for humans — very refreshing.
Other nifty Bravery offerings include a quartet of colorful bandanas with outdoor scenes, perfect to adorn you or your dog. Bravery also created an Adventure Log for taking notes on the places you’ve sniffed or plan to sniff in your travels.
If you needed one more reason to consider contributing to Bravery’s Kickstarter campaign, the first 10 Dogster readers to contribute to the campaign will receive a 10 percent refund on the amount of their contribution. Here’s how: After you make your contribution, click on the “contact me” link on Bravery’s Kickstarter page to tell Summer and Patrick that Dogster sent you. You’ll get your rebate when your reward ships in the spring of 2014, just in time to fill your new PCT Adventure Pack with the makings of a great day outdoors with your dog.
Dogster readers, have I piqued your curiosity and adventurous spirit? What do you think of Bravery’s brave new dog products? What are some of your own favorite products for active dogs? Let us know in the comments.
About Ace’s Mama: This East Coast transplant enjoys the bounty of San Francisco, including its microclimates, farmer’s’markets, and secret stairway walks. When she’s not walking with, talking about, or kissing the face of her Boston Terrier, Ace, she blogs about Ace’s adventures. Product reviews writer and guinea pig at Dogster.
