At the heart of Summit Dogwear is a story of adventure, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their dogs. Founded by Braden and Hollie Haley, this brand is more than just a collection of high-quality dog gear—it’s a reflection of a life spent exploring the rugged landscapes of Canada, overcoming adversity, and embracing the power of the great outdoors.
Where It All Began: A Life Built on Adventure
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Braden and Hollie spent their childhood immersed in the Rocky Mountains. From an early age, they were drawn to the untamed beauty of Kananaskis, the Bow Valley, and Banff National Park, spending nearly every weekend climbing, hiking, and adventuring.
During the winters, they worked hard to save money, fueling their passion for exploration. Every spring, they would convert vans into campers, allowing them to live on the road for months at a time. The summers were spent between Squamish and the Kelowna Boulder Fields, climbing, exploring, and pushing the limits of what was possible.
Summit: The Dog That Changed Everything
Their lives took a sudden turn when Braden experienced a life-altering workplace accident while working as a cell tower climber. A colleague, who was on prescription medication following an appendectomy, misoperated a crane, leading to the amputation of Braden’s left middle finger. This traumatic event triggered a deep struggle with mental health and PTSD, forcing him to reevaluate his path.
Enter Summit—a service dog who would not only save Braden’s life but also inspire an entirely new journey. Training and working with Summit provided Braden with purpose, structure, and healing. He often says:
“Sometimes in life, there’s nothing anyone can say—whether it’s family, a therapist, or a friend—that will truly help. But that’s the beauty of a service dog. They don’t say anything at all. They’re just there. They support you with unconditional love and consistency, and in return, they teach you focus, discipline, and dedication.”
The Birth of Summit Dogwear
While adventuring with Summit, Braden and Hollie often received compliments on his collar—a handmade paracord collar they had crafted from scrap materials at the base of Stawamus Chief in Squamish, British Columbia. Despite years of use, it remained incredibly durable, sparking an idea.
Braden, who had spent over a decade in the outdoor industry, had a deep passion for learning about outdoor brands, materials, and what makes a product truly stand out. Hollie shared his entrepreneurial mindset, having previously co-founded a successful natural health clinic that was quickly acquired. The realization that they had created something both functional and beautiful—paired with their desire to give back—led to the birth of Summit Dogwear.
Their mission? To create premium, adventure-ready dog gear while spreading “pawsitivity” and supporting service dogs.
Launching the Brand on the West Coast
The Haleys relocated to Tofino, British Columbia, where they officially launched Summit Dogwear. The first product lineup focused on paracord collars and leashes with integrated tactical hardware—designed to handle the toughest conditions while ensuring comfort, durability, and safety for adventure-loving pups.
Since 2020, the brand has grown significantly, expanding across Canada and online. More than just creating high-quality products, Summit Dogwear is dedicated to giving back—a percentage of all proceeds is donated to the Pacific Assistance Dog Society, ensuring more individuals can experience the life-changing support of a service dog, just as Braden did with Summit.
Why Summit Dogwear Stands Out
Every collar and leash is designed for lifelong adventure. Crafted from military-grade paracord, Summit Dogwear products are:
✅ Mold, mildew, and bacteria-resistant – Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
✅ Easily washable and repairable – Cut, chewed, or frayed paracord can be melted back into itself.
✅ Sustainable & upcyclable – Unlike disposable pet collars, these products can be repurposed into survival tools.
✅ Built for adventure – Designed for hikers, campers, hunters, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
More Than a Collar—A Survival Tool
It’s a well-known fact in adventure sports and survival industries that paracord should be carried in every backpack, emergency kit, and camping kit. Now, thanks to Summit Dogwear, that same essential piece of survival gear is on every dog collar.
As Braden puts it:
“Hope for the best and prepare for the worst—it may be able to save your life in a situation where adventure becomes survival. After all, an adventurer is merely a survivalist who’s having a good day.”
Summit: The Adventure Pup & CPTO (Chief Product Testing Officer)
While Summit is now enjoying retirement as a well-loved adventure pup, his role at Summit Dogwear is far from over. He remains the lead model and CPTO (Chief Product Testing Officer), ensuring every collar and leash lives up to the brand’s rugged standards. If a product can withstand Summit’s adventures, it can handle anything.
Growing the Family & the Adventure Pack
Today, Summit Dogwear is more than just a company—it’s a family business. Braden and Hollie have welcomed two children into their adventure-filled lives, passing down their love for the outdoors.
They have since returned to Alberta, where they now spend their time raising their family in the same mountains they grew up in. Summit, their loyal companion and inspiration, continues to be a living testament to the brand’s philosophy—that adventure and companionship go hand in hand.
More Than Just a Brand—A Lifestyle
Summit Dogwear is built on a simple philosophy:
“A dog’s only fault is that their life is too short—so make the most of it.”
The brand’s mission is to encourage dog owners to get outside, stay active, and make unforgettable memories with their pups. Whether it’s a hike in the mountains, a day at the lake, or a weekend camping trip, Summit Dogwear is here to equip adventurers and their dogs for a lifetime of exploration.
So, next time you look at your pup’s collar, let it be a reminder to chase adventure, soak up every moment, and enjoy the journey together.