4 min read • By Leena Chitnis, Founder, Timberdog®
First Things First - Why is RuffRest the Only Travel Dog Bed on the Market with Storage?
RuffRest® is the only travel dog bed with storage in the world. And there's many reasons for that.
When I set out to build the ultimate dog bed, I was staying abreast of the massively growing trend of people humanizing their dogs. I wanted to therefore make something highly practical, luxurious and durable within a fair price point, that also benefited busy parents who were weekend adventure warriors. I saw nothing like RuffRest® on the market and filled that need.
But getting back to why other dog bed makers don't put storage in their dog beds. For one, It simply isn't top of mind for them. I noticed that they were operating in the past, creating just slightly fancier versions of the ol' foam pad-in-velour dog beds. These were quality beds, yes, but really, you were paying a premium for the brand name, not for much-needed innovation and lifelong durability. And, let's face it—travel is uncomfortable, so why not give your dog some luxury on the road? RuffRest's got that.
Second, innovation costs companies time and money. A LOT of time and money. RuffRest, for example, was rejected by hundreds of manufacturers for its complexity; required several technical packs (booklets that detail how to create a product in the language of manufacturers; each one costing thousands to make); turned away by industrial designers, one of whom derisively called RuffRest "a kitchen sink;" and required several trademarks and patents to protect a design that is now multi-award-winning and on the best-of lists from The New York Times and Men's Journal, to Wirecutter and Forbes.
Finally, the long time it takes to bring an invention of this caliber to market. RuffRest took roughly 5 years to prototype (read: perfect) before we could start preorders. We were over 6 years into our company operations when our first purchase order of RuffRest finally made its way onto shelves. As you can see, profit wasn't our first or even main concern. We wanted to give customers the best doggone dog bed that money could buy.
So Why Do Travel Dog Beds Need Storage?
When you’re traveling with your dog—whether it’s a weekend road trip, overlanding adventure, or even flying to another country—organization is everything. The open road can be thrilling, but it’s also chaotic. Between the leashes, food bags, medicine, toys, and blankets, it can feel like you’re packing for a small child, much less a dog. That’s why a travel dog bed with built-in storage isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for anyone who loves adventure and hates the impracticality of rifling through several bags to find that one thing you need. And with dogs, you usually need that one thing right away.
The beauty of a travel bed with storage is that it gives your dog a familiar, comfortable place to sleep (we revolutionized RuffRest with an obsessively-tested dual foam system), while also acting as a smart storage system for their gear. This is why Gear Junkie called RuffRest an "ideal adventure base camp", because RuffRest is a cozy landing pad that also happens to carry critical necessities—with room leftover for "nice to haves." You’ll know exactly where the treats are, where the waste bags are, and where that one special toy is hiding. No more rummaging through your car at rest stops, inverting bags with a huff, or pulling over because you forgot the leash is buried under a pile of duffels. Everything your dog needs lives in one neat, super portable space.
That sense of order matters. A dog’s world revolves around routine and scent. Having a familiar sleeping spot that smells like home gives them comfort, especially in new places. It also makes your life easier—no more struggling to repack five different bags just for your dog. Instead, you just grab one bed that’s ready to roll. RuffRest even has a hydration pocket that fits up to a 40 oz. water bottle, so you can keep your pup cool on hot days or during long hikes.
Additionally, our RuffRest travel dog beds are made from durable, weather-resistant, ballistic nylon that can handle dirty airport conveyor belts, gross hotel and motel floors, camp moisture, and other rough adventures. We also added an eco-friendly PU coating that repels water, because no one wants to unpack a soggy mess after a rainstorm. Reinforced stitching and sturdy buckles go a long way, too—especially if you need RuffRest to double as a pack you can sling over your shoulder. Finally, for tired pups, RuffRest has lab-tested insulation (we're the only company to get a human-grade R-value for thermal excellence) to handle cool nights outdoors, with a soft bolster to cradle tired chins after a long day of exploring.
Storage compartments are more than just “extra space.” They’re a game-changer for active dog owners. When you can stash toys, snacks, medication, or even a copy of your dog’s vaccination record inside the bed, you’re reducing the risk of forgetting something important. Plus, it keeps your vehicle or campsite tidy, which matters when you’re packing up the car for a long drive, and unloading tiredly after.
Most importantly, a travel dog bed with storage helps you stay prepared. Emergencies happen—sometimes your dog needs quick first-aid, or the weather changes unexpectedly. Having everything in one place keeps you feeling secure, while saving time and stress. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference when you’re out in the wild or cruising down the highway.
So if you’re the kind of person who values smart design, comfort, and peace of mind, investing in a travel dog bed with storage is common sense. Because when everything your dog needs is within reach, the only thing left to focus on is the joy of the journey.
Graphic image credit: Jenny Lai