First Impressions of DRAKE Travel Food & Water Bowl Gun Dog
The DRAKE Travel Food & Water Bowl Gun Dog aims to solve a persistent problem for any dog owner who adventures with their canine companion: providing a convenient and sanitary way for your dog to eat and drink on the go. Drake is a well-known brand in the hunting and outdoor community, so my expectations were high for a product designed with the needs of working dogs in mind. This product promises to be a compact and easily transportable solution, ideal for hunting trips, camping excursions, or even just day trips to the park.
My old travel bowl was a flimsy silicone thing that never quite stayed open and was always a pain to clean properly in the field. I was looking for something more durable, easier to manage, and that could withstand the rough handling that comes with being tossed in and out of a truck bed or dog crate. Seeing that the DRAKE Travel Food & Water Bowl Gun Dog was made from 600D Polyester, I hoped it would offer the durability I needed.
Upon receiving the DRAKE Travel Food & Water Bowl Gun Dog, my initial impression was positive; it felt much more substantial than my previous collapsible bowl. The brown 600D polyester felt robust, and the overall construction seemed solid. Compared to other travel bowls I’ve used, like the basic, roll-up nylon bowls or flimsy plastic options, the Drake bowl seemed much more thoughtfully designed for real-world use. I chose this over a similar product by Mud River, which seemed a bit bulky, and a Ruffwear Bivy Bowl, which, while excellent, was significantly more expensive.
I was cautiously optimistic – excited about the potential for a convenient and durable travel bowl, but also aware that the true test would be how it performed in the field with my energetic Labrador Retriever, Gus. The price of $35.99 seemed reasonable if it could hold up to the demands of a hunting dog’s lifestyle.
Real-World Testing: Putting DRAKE Travel Food & Water Bowl Gun Dog to the Test
First Use Experience
The first real test for the DRAKE Travel Food & Water Bowl Gun Dog came during a weekend duck hunting trip. I used it to provide Gus with both food and water after a long morning in the blind. It was relatively dry, with a bit of mud on the ground.
Setting up the bowl was simple; it unfolded easily and held its shape well, even on uneven terrain. Gus took to it immediately, and the bowl provided a stable and accessible source of water without collapsing or spilling. After his meal, a quick rinse with water cleaned it surprisingly well.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, including multiple hunting trips, camping weekends, and even just everyday outings, the DRAKE Travel Food & Water Bowl Gun Dog has proven to be remarkably durable. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite being thrown in and out of the truck, exposed to mud and water, and generally subjected to the rigors of a dog’s life. Cleaning is a breeze; a simple wipe-down or rinse is usually sufficient.
Compared to my previous experiences with flimsy travel bowls, this has been a game-changer; it holds up much better, cleans easily, and shows no signs of falling apart. It has definitely outperformed my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of DRAKE Travel Food & Water Bowl Gun Dog
Specifications
- Manufacturer: DRAKE.
- Color: Brown, blending well with outdoor environments.
- Fabric/Material: 600D Polyester, offering good durability and water resistance.
- Size: One Size, suitable for most dog breeds.
- Band/Strap Color: Brown, matching the overall aesthetic.
- Quantity: 1.
These specifications are important because they dictate the durability, portability, and suitability of the bowl for outdoor use; the 600D Polyester construction is key for resisting tears and abrasions, ensuring it can withstand the demands of travel and outdoor activities.
Performance & Functionality
The DRAKE Travel Food & Water Bowl Gun Dog performs its job admirably. It provides a stable and reliable container for food and water, folds down compactly for easy transport, and is relatively easy to clean. Its primary strength is its durability; it stands up to rough handling and outdoor conditions better than most collapsible bowls.
The only potential area for improvement would be the addition of a non-slip base to prevent it from sliding around on slick surfaces. Otherwise, it meets and exceeds my expectations for a travel dog bowl.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and functional, focusing on durability and ease of use. The 600D Polyester material gives it a rugged feel, while the brown color blends in well with outdoor surroundings. It’s lightweight and compact when folded, making it easy to carry in a pack or truck.
There’s no real learning curve; it’s intuitive to use and requires no special setup. The design balances portability with stability, making it a practical choice for traveling with a dog.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its construction from 600D Polyester, the DRAKE Travel Food & Water Bowl Gun Dog should last for years with proper care. The material is resistant to tears and abrasions, and the stitching appears to be robust. Maintenance is simple; a quick rinse or wipe-down after each use is usually sufficient.
Occasional deeper cleaning with mild soap and water will help to maintain its cleanliness and prevent odors. The durability and ease of maintenance are significant advantages for outdoor enthusiasts.
Accessories and Customization Options
The DRAKE Travel Food & Water Bowl Gun Dog does not come with any additional accessories, nor are there many customization options available. Its simplicity is part of its appeal. However, it is compatible with various dog food and water bottles, making it easy to pair with your existing travel gear.
A small carabiner clip could be added to easily clip the folded bowl to a backpack.
Pros and Cons of DRAKE Travel Food & Water Bowl Gun Dog
Pros
- Durable Construction: Made from 600D Polyester, built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
- Compact and Portable: Folds down easily for convenient transport.
- Easy to Clean: Simple design allows for quick and easy cleaning.
- Stable and Functional: Provides a reliable container for food and water on uneven surfaces.
- Reputable Brand: Drake is a trusted name in hunting and outdoor gear.
Cons
- Lacks a Non-Slip Base: Can slide around on smooth surfaces.
- Limited Customization: Few options for accessories or modifications.
Who Should Buy DRAKE Travel Food & Water Bowl Gun Dog?
The DRAKE Travel Food & Water Bowl Gun Dog is perfect for hunters, campers, hikers, and anyone who frequently travels with their dog. It’s especially well-suited for owners of active breeds, like retrievers and pointers, who need a durable and portable bowl for food and water on the go.
If you primarily use your dog bowl indoors or rarely travel, a simpler, less rugged option might suffice. A must-have modification would be to add a non-slip pad to the bottom for use on truck tailgates or other smooth surfaces.
Conclusion on DRAKE Travel Food & Water Bowl Gun Dog
Overall, the DRAKE Travel Food & Water Bowl Gun Dog is an excellent product that delivers on its promise of providing a durable and portable solution for feeding and watering your dog on the go. The price of $35.99 is justified by its robust construction, ease of use, and reliability in the field.
I would personally recommend it to any dog owner who spends time outdoors with their canine companion; it’s a worthwhile investment that will make your adventures more convenient and enjoyable for both you and your dog. Ditch the flimsy silicone bowls and upgrade to the DRAKE Travel Food & Water Bowl Gun Dog – your dog will thank you for it!