Noztonoz Sof-krate Indoor/outdoor Pet Home

November 2, 2010 9:36 pm | By Zootoo Editor Melba B.

Whether you crate your dog at home or not, many dog-friendly hotels now require dogs to be secured in crates whenever they're left unattended in the room. The NOZTONOZ Sof-Krate n2 Travel Crate is a lightweight, convenient option for securing your dog on the road—while offering him a familiar home away from home. My dog enjoys his crate as his "special place", but at 42", it's too heavy and awkward to travel with easily.

When the NOZTONOZ Sof-Krate n2 Travel Crate arrived, I was overwhelmed with how huge the shipping box was. But once I unpacked the crate, it was obvious how light the product was—and seemed extremely durable. The Sof-Krate Travel Crate is made of tightly woven polypropylene mesh over a very sturdy steel frame. The crate packs almost completely flat—about 3" deep. It has a sturdy stitched fabric handle on one side for easy carrying, and plastic snap buckles to hold the folding sides secure.

I found set-up to be a total snap—the only trick is figuring out how to slide the frame locks into place. And there are several mesh doors/windows that can be zipped closed for privacy/security or unzipped to provide access and increased ventilation. The bottom is water-resistant and easy to wipe clean—which is great for spills or accidents.

When it's time to pack it up, you might be disappointed that folding it back down isn't as intuitive as set-up. I still don't have the hang of it. But even if you struggle to figure out which side folds first, it still only takes seconds to get it ready to go. Fair warning, however: although this seems like a well made, durable product, my dog was able to rip a hole in one of the mesh windows. (Although I'll admit that he was overdue for a nail trim.)

Pros: Water-resistant and easy to clean; setup is a breeze.

Cons: Strong dogs may be able to rip holes in the crate; could be lighter for traveling.