Built for Long Days with Your Dog – Companion Dummy Vest

It started with a simple insight: today’s dummy vests don’t go far enough.

For those who train and hunt with retrievers and spaniels, the dummy vest is an essential piece of working gear. Yet, it’s a product that has long been somewhat overlooked.

“It often feels like dummy vests have just been regular vests with larger pockets added. But no one has really looked at how they’re actually used – how much you carry, how you move, and what’s required over a full day,” says Ida, retriever handler.

Together with Chevalier, Åsa Davidsson and Ida Nilsson – both experienced retriever handlers – set out to develop something new, based on real needs in the field.

Designed for Better Weight Distribution

During a training session or a day in the field, dog handlers often carry a significant amount of gear. This places high demands not only on storage capacity, but on how the vest performs in motion, across terrain, and over time.

“You carry dummies, leads, water, blankets, towels, bowls, and more. Over a full day, it quickly adds up,” says Åsa.

Because of this, a key focus in development was how the vest distributes weight.

“Many vests place most of the load on the shoulders. We wanted to create a design that distributes weight more evenly across the body,” says Lina Cleijsen, designer and product developer at Chevalier.

Through an ergonomic fit and an adjustable waist belt, part of the load is shifted from the shoulders down to the hips – reducing strain and improving comfort.

“It makes a real difference, especially when the vest is fully loaded and you're out for long hours,” Åsa adds.

Function in Every Detail

The large rear pocket is designed to hold multiple dummies or small game, and features drainage holes as well as a waterproof membrane against the back. Durable materials have been carefully selected to withstand movement through dense terrain.

The vest is built for year-round use, with features such as fleece-lined handwarmer pockets and breathable mesh panels – ensuring comfort even during warmer days.

“We tested the vest almost daily for six months. It was crucial that it truly works in real-life situations. At its core, it’s about making it easier to spend a full day outdoors – allowing you to focus on your dog and the work, without your gear getting in the way or putting unnecessary strain on your body,” says Ida.

Rethinking an Overlooked Product

With the Companion Dummy Vest, the goal was to take a fresh, holistic approach to a product that has long been taken for granted. By putting function, movement, and user experience at the centre of the design process, the result is something more than just a vest.

“We hope it makes it a little easier – and more enjoyable – to do what we love most: training and working with our dogs,” says Åsa.