Quick answer
Put the Powsuit on first as a full-body base layer, then add the Sherpa Jacket over it for core warmth. Check that the Powsuit legs reach the paws without bunching, the Sherpa hood sits behind the ears, and your dog can walk, squat, and turn without restriction. Adjust straps and Velcro before heading out, and remove a layer if your dog pants or seems overheated.
Sherpa Jacket
Why layering works for winter camping with dogs
A full-body Powsuit blocks snow and ice from building up on legs and belly, while a Sherpa Jacket adds fleece warmth around the chest and back. Together they cover more surface area than either piece alone. The Powsuit is made of 84% nylon and 16% spandex, so it moves with your dog and resists snow packing. The Sherpa Jacket is double-layered fleece with a warm hood and a top leash hole, so you can attach a leash without removing the jacket. This combination is useful for cold weather camping dog gear when temperatures drop or trails are snowy.
Check the fit of each layer before you go
The Powsuit comes in sizes with specific measurements: Small has a 22-inch chest, 14-inch body length, and 9-inch leg length; Medium and other sizes have their own measurements. Measure your dog's chest circumference, body length, and leg length, then match to the size chart. The Sherpa Jacket is a Second Track item, meaning it is slightly used and comes in a mystery color, so you cannot choose a color. It only comes in sizes, so focus on the size that fits your dog's chest and back. If your dog is between sizes, size up for the Sherpa Jacket to avoid tightness over the Powsuit.
Put on the Powsuit first
Lay the Powsuit flat, then guide your dog's front legs into the leg openings. Pull it up over the shoulders and secure any closures. The fabric should be snug but not tight. Check that the legs are not twisted and that the body length covers the back without pulling at the chest. A common mistake is leaving the Powsuit bunched at the shoulders, which can restrict movement. Smooth out any folds before adding the next layer.
Add the Sherpa Jacket on top
With the Powsuit on, place the Sherpa Jacket over your dog's back. Guide the front legs through the armholes if it has them, or simply drape it if it is a shacket style. Fasten the heavy-duty hook and loop closures around the chest and belly. Make sure the fleece hood sits comfortably behind the ears and does not cover the eyes. The top leash hole should align with the Powsuit's back so you can attach a leash to the collar underneath. If the Sherpa Jacket feels too tight over the Powsuit, remove the Powsuit or size up the jacket.
Test movement and adjust
Before you set off, have your dog walk, trot, sit, and lie down. Watch for any signs of restriction: stiff legs, reluctance to move, or trying to bite at the gear. The layers should move with your dog without slipping or bunching. If the Powsuit legs ride up, adjust the leg openings. If the Sherpa Jacket shifts, tighten the closures. A checkpoint: your dog should be able to squat to eliminate without the jacket touching the ground. If not, the layers are too long or too loose.
Manage layers during activity
During active hiking or playing in snow, your dog may get warm. Watch for panting, slowing down, or seeking shade. If your dog seems overheated, remove the Sherpa Jacket first and keep the Powsuit on for snow protection. If your dog is still warm, remove the Powsuit. At camp, add the Sherpa Jacket back when your dog is resting or if the temperature drops. Always dry both layers if they get wet, and check for ice buildup on the Powsuit legs.
Care and storage for next time
Shake off snow and ice, then hang both layers to dry completely before storing. The Powsuit can be wiped clean or machine washed according to care instructions. The Sherpa Jacket may have some fur or dirt from previous use; brush it off and spot clean as needed. Store them loosely folded in a gear bin so they are ready for your next cold camping trip.
Step-by-step layering process
- Measure and size both layers: Use a soft tape to measure your dog's chest circumference, body length, and leg length. Compare to the Powsuit size chart. For the Sherpa Jacket, choose a size that fits your dog's chest and back; if between sizes, size up to accommodate the Powsuit underneath. Checkpoint: you can fit two fingers under the closures without strain.
- Put on the Powsuit: Guide front legs into the leg openings, pull the suit over the shoulders, and secure closures. Smooth out any bunching at the shoulders or legs. Common mistake: leaving the Powsuit twisted, which restricts movement.
- Add the Sherpa Jacket: Place the jacket over the Powsuit, fasten the hook and loop closures, and ensure the hood sits behind the ears. Align the leash hole with the Powsuit's back. Checkpoint: the jacket should not compress the Powsuit or restrict the chest.
- Test movement: Have your dog walk, sit, lie down, and squat. Adjust straps or closures if anything slips or bunches. If your dog seems stiff or tries to bite the gear, the fit is too tight or twisted.
- Monitor and adjust on the trail: Watch for panting or overheating. Remove the Sherpa Jacket first if your dog is warm; keep the Powsuit on for snow protection. Add the jacket back during rest stops. Checkpoint: your dog should be able to move freely and not shiver when stationary.
- Dry and store: Shake off snow, hang to dry completely, and store loosely folded. Clean the Sherpa Jacket if it has dirt or fur. Next step: pack both layers with your camping gear so they are ready for the next trip.
Product facts
- Powsuit: Powsuit is a full-body dog powder suit made of 84% nylon and 16% spandex, designed for medium to long furred dogs in winter conditions. This base layer blocks snow and ice from building up on legs and belly, keeping your dog dry and comfortable during cold weather camping.
- (Used) Sherpa Jacket / Shacket: Sherpa Jacket / Shacket is a Second Track item: double-layered fleece, warm fleece hood, top leash hole, heavy-duty hook and loop closures, slightly used, mystery color. It adds core warmth and a hood over the Powsuit, and the leash hole lets you attach a leash without removing the jacket. The mystery color and used condition mean you cannot choose appearance, but it is a lower-cost option.
- Silicone Bowl Lids: Silicone Bowl Lids are food-grade silicone and come in sizes to fit 16 oz and 32 oz stainless steel bowls. These lids keep leftovers fresh, prevent spills, and deter snack thieves at camp, making them a useful addition to your cold weather camping dog gear.
