Built to Travel, Ready for Adventure

I’ll be honest. I am a bit of a gearhead when it comes to outdoor equipment, especially if it will help me stay outside longer and keep me, and my dogs safe and enjoying the great outdoors.

When Will Chen of P.L.A.Y. Pet Lifestyle and You approached us about designing a graphic pattern for a new “outdoor friendly” line he and his team were dreaming up, we jumped at the chance to be involved. This project has been in the works for a few months now, and it is finally here, released into the wild and ready to join you and your dogs on your next adventure.

This is a project where we got to be involved from the drawing table to the functionality of the product and finally to the marketing aspect of it:

• We illustrated a pattern that would later come in two color options: Mocha and Vanilla
• We helped in brainstorming a catchy name for the whole line, finally deciding on Scout & About
• In designing the actual products, we helped test their functionality and design, offering advice on features that would make the product better and a little different. That squeaker hidden inside the treat bag was Bill’s idea, which has come in very handy with our photoshoots
• We helped in the design of the packaging for Scout & About, designing a logo for the line, hangtags and bellybands for boxes
• We took the products out to test in the field and offered feedback
• We arranged an adventure photoshoot to create an image library to bring the products to their perfect target market

It has been a truly fun project to be a part of, and Corbin and Willow got to model for it, true adventure dogs that they are 🙂

Below, I’m sharing a little about each product in the line, and the coolest part is, should you just have to get your hands on one of these products, you can just visit our Mercantile, where they are ready to be picked up, just in time for your spring and summer camping trips! AND, valid through 5/18/2016, you can get 15% off your order, using the promo code PLAYOUTSIDE

“We wanted to create a line that was functional, durable and tastefully designed. This collection is perfectly suited for active humans and dogs featuring Rope Toys, Training Pouches, Travel Bowls, Tents, Beds and Mats. Head to the wilderness in style with these go-to travel accessories for journeys with your best friend.”
–Will Chen, P.L.A.Y. Pet, Lifestyle and You

It all stared with a fun, illustrated pattern…
The very name of Will’s company, P.L.A.Y. is infused with action, and they wanted something that represented joy and fun in style. The pattern is made up of dog silhouettes in action, at play, running, jumping, trotting, etc. We stuck within brand-friendly colors and they finally chose two options, Mocha and Vanilla. The fabric is weather-proof, durable and adventure-ready.

While the P.L.A.Y. team was busy with perfecting prototypes of each product, we were hard at work creating the look of the line and its packaging. We developed a logo for the line based on inspiration from iron-on patches.

illustrating fun icons with a little humor is one of my favorite things from this line, in particular the “Squeaker” one. Bill suggested the idea of a little mouse holding a speakerphone jokingly, and it made me laugh so much that we pitched it to P.L.A.Y., and they went with it! Reason #25467 why we love working with them 🙂

And lastly, Once all the products were ready to go, we set about photographing them in their natural habitat! Without further delay, meet P.L.A.Y.’s new Scout & About outdoor line! Click on any image or product name to go to the Mercantile and snag one for your next adventure with your dog.

Scout & About- Outdoor Dog Tent

One of the coolest products in the whole line and one the P.L.A.Y. team took great care in designing and perfecting. We even asked advice from a dog pro friend who enjoys taking her dogs to agility trials and often has her dogs relax in a soft crate or pop up tent. This easy to pack and set-up tent is the perfect companion to any camping, beach or dog event. Providing your dog with a safe place to rest and keep safe from the weather elements and bugs, and it has a rainfly as an optional accessory. Please note, though this tent can be used in place of a soft crate, make sure your dog is comfortable being confined to a crate before giving the tent a try, and don’t leave your dog unsupervised inside unless they are well crate-trained.
Get it HERE, use Promo Code PLAYOUTSIDE for 15% off, valid until 5/18/2016
*This item is currently on backorder, and shipping in early June.

Scout & About- Travel Bowl

An easy to carry and clean portable food and water bowl for your dog is a must. If I know I’ll be going somewhere with my dogs, I have one in the car and in my backpack at all times. What I love about these bowls is how light they are. If you are a backpacker, you know every ounce counts!
Get it HERE, use Promo Code PLAYOUTSIDE for 15% off, valid until 5/18/2016

Scout & About- Compact Training Pouch

Grab and go with P.L.A.Y.’s simple and functional Scout & About Compact Training Pouch. This treat pouch is light, practical and holds essentials like treats or poop bags. Hidden squeaker can be used to capture your dog’s interest, sides are lined with 3M reflective stripes for evening strolls and carabiner clip easily secures to your belongings.
Get it HERE, use Promo Code PLAYOUTSIDE for 15% off, valid until 5/18/2016

Scout & About- Deluxe Training Pouch

This deluxe multi-functional pouch comes with a spacious interior that holds treats, has a magnetic, easy access front pocket poop bag dispenser, a discreet back zip pocket for money and cards, and a built-in squeaker to capture your dog’s attention. Detachable and adjustable strap can be worn as a crossbody or as an over-the-shoulder training bag. Strap can also be used around the waist, or you can attach to your own belt with convenient belt loops. Sides are lined with 3M reflective stripes for evening strolls.
Get it HERE, use Promo Code PLAYOUTSIDE for 15% off, valid until 5/18/2016

Scout & About- Outdoor Chill Pad

This waterproof mat rolls up compactly and features a convenient carrying handle for easy travel. Attach it to your backpack or leave it in your car for cozier rides. I love how easy to clean these things are. WHen camping, we add a couple inside our tent for the dogs to curl up in.
Get it HERE, use Promo Code PLAYOUTSIDE for 15% off, valid until 5/18/2016

Scout & About- Flying Disc Toy

The Flying Disc toy is designed to spin effortlessly through the air and float on water, making it the perfect toy for the active dog who likes to chase, fetch and swim. Ideal for training, agility or just plain fun! Comes with a hidden squeaker and available in two colors.
Get it HERE, use Promo Code PLAYOUTSIDE for 15% off, valid until 5/18/2016

Scout & About- Barbell Rope Toy

This strong and durable toy is perfect for the chew-happy canine who likes to play fetch, as well as tug. Ideal for training, agility or just plain fun! 100% machine washable. They currently only have a large size available.
Get it HERE, use Promo Code PLAYOUTSIDE for 15% off, valid until 5/18/2016

Scout & About – Toss & Float Toy

Ideal for dogs who love water, splash games and enjoy getting a workout swimming out to fetch. This toy is light and floatable with an easy-toss/hold handle. Available in two sizes and colors.
Get it HERE, use Promo Code PLAYOUTSIDE for 15% off, valid until 5/18/2016

Scout & About – Outdoor Bed

Ahhhhhh. Dozing al fresco is one of the finer things in a dog’s life. That, and fresh air, a warm sunbeam, and a soft bed. P.L.A.Y.’s Scout & About Outdoor Dog Bed adds stylish comfort to any space from your deck to your garden or can create the perfect place to snooze after a long trek in the wilderness. Washable, waterproof, dog-proof… Adventure ready.
Get it HERE, use Promo Code PLAYOUTSIDE for 15% off, valid until 5/18/2016

Scout & About – Tug Rope Toy

Designed to allow interactive pulling and tugging, it can be easily swung and used as a fetch and retrieve toy. Perfect for enthusiastic dogs who love to play with their humans, great for agility reinforcement play.
Get it HERE, use Promo Code PLAYOUTSIDE for 15% off, valid until 5/18/2016

We hope you and your dog find great joy, use and functionality in these products. We’d love to see them in action too! Tag us on Instagram and share your experience @thelabsand.co and @petplaysf

Have a wonderful and safe time out there!