The Call of the Wild (and the Call of the Dog)
When Sophia Martinez answers her phone for our interview, I hear enthusiastic barking in the background. “That’s Bandit saying hello,” she laughs. “He knows we’re talking about him and can’t stand being left out of the conversation.”
This perfectly captures the spirit of Sophia and Bandit, one of Ruffinitely’s most adventurous ambassador duos. Their Instagram account (@BanditAndSophiaExplore) chronicles the exploits of a 28-year-old photographer and her mixed-breed rescue dog as they hike, camp, and road-trip across the country.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to quit your corporate job, convert a van into a tiny home, and explore the national parks with your four-legged best friend, Sophia and Bandit are living that dream—and documenting every scenic vista, muddy paw print, and sunset along the way.
“People often ask if traveling with a dog limits where I can go,” Sophia tells me as Bandit finally settles down with what sounds like a squeaky toy. “It’s actually the opposite. Bandit has opened up my world in ways I never expected. He gives me confidence on solo hikes, forces me to be more present instead of just rushing to capture the perfect photo, and he’s an incredible conversation starter. I’ve made some of my best friends on the road because Bandit charmed them first.”
Of course, adventuring with a dog—especially one with Bandit’s energy level—requires the right gear. That’s where Ruffinitely comes in. Let’s dive into how Sophia and Bandit put our products to the test in some of America’s most beautiful (and challenging) landscapes.
From Cubicle to Campsite: Sophia and Bandit’s Story
Three years ago, Sophia was working 60-hour weeks as a marketing executive in Chicago. Bandit was a recent addition to her life—a scruffy, medium-sized rescue with, as the shelter put it, “enthusiasm that exceeds his obedience skills.”
“That was an understatement,” Sophia chuckles. “My tiny apartment was not enough space for his energy. The shelter had labeled him as a Lab/terrier mix, but I’m pretty sure he’s part kangaroo based on his jumping abilities.”
Weekend hikes became their escape, a way to burn Bandit’s seemingly endless energy and give Sophia a much-needed break from spreadsheets and strategy meetings. What started as a stress-relief activity quickly became a passion.
“There was this moment on a trail in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula,” Sophia recalls. “Bandit and I had hiked to this overlook at sunrise. No one else was around. The mist was rising off the lake, and Bandit was just sitting there next to me, taking it all in. Something clicked. I realized I was spending five days a week miserable at a desk so I could be happy for two days in places like this. The math didn’t make sense anymore.”
Six months later, after saving aggressively and downsizing most of her possessions, Sophia converted a van into a mobile home, handed in her resignation letter, and hit the road with Bandit riding shotgun. They’ve been exploring ever since.
“Of course, I had no idea what I was getting into,” she admits. “Those first few months were a steep learning curve—for both of us. Everything from figuring out where we could legally park overnight to realizing Bandit needed his own sleeping bag because he kept stealing mine.”
Adventure-Tested Gear: Ruffinitely in the Wild
When you’re living nomadically, every item needs to earn its place. Space is limited, durability is essential, and versatility is a bonus. Here’s how Sophia and Bandit put our gear to work:
The All-Terrain Harness Challenge
“We hike in everything from desert canyons to alpine forests, sometimes crossing streams or scrambling over rocks,” Sophia explains. “Bandit needed a harness that could handle it all without chafing or wearing out.”
After trying several brands that frayed, faded, or caused hot spots on Bandit’s skin, Sophia discovered the Ruffinitely Adventure Dog Harness.
“That harness has been through hell and back,” she says proudly. “It’s been submerged in the Pacific Ocean, covered in red Utah dust, and dragged through brambles in the Appalachian Mountains. The reflective stitching is a lifesaver for our early morning starts and evening finishes, and the handle on top has saved Bandit from a few precarious situations.”
One such situation occurred at Zion National Park, where Bandit misjudged a jump between rocks and found himself stuck on a ledge.
“I was able to grab the handle and lift all 45 pounds of him to safety,” Sophia recounts. “My heart was pounding, but the harness didn’t even strain. Now I insist on a handle for any adventure harness—it’s non-negotiable.”
The Multi-Environment Leash Solution
Different adventures call for different leash options. Sophia’s go-to is the Ruffinitely Dog Leash Set, which offers both standard and hands-free options.
“The hands-free option is essential for hiking,” she explains. “I need my hands for balance, taking photos, and occasionally grabbing Bandit by the harness handle when he spots wildlife and forgets all his training.”
For urban adventures and crowded areas, she switches to the standard hand-held leash. “It’s all about having options. In three years on the road, we’ve visited everything from remote wilderness to dog-friendly city cafes. Different environments require different equipment.”
The Camp Life Essentials
While the hiking gear gets the most Instagram glory, Sophia emphasizes that their camp setup is equally important.
“When you live in a van, your outdoor space becomes your living room,” she explains. “We spend hours outside the van when weather permits, so having comfy, durable dog gear for downtime is crucial.”
Bandit’s camp essentials include the Ruffinitely Portable Dog Water Bottle for on-the-go hydration and the Ruffinitely Durable Dog Toy Collection for entertainment.
“That water bottle has literally been a lifesaver on hot desert hikes,” Sophia says. “And the durable toys keep Bandit occupied while I’m cooking or setting up camp. He particularly loves the treat puzzle ball—it buys me at least 20 minutes of peace!”
The Unexpected MVP: Sleep Solution
When I ask Sophia about her most surprising essential piece of gear, her answer comes without hesitation: the Ruffinitely Comfort Plush Dog Bed.
“People don’t realize how important a portable but comfortable bed is for adventure dogs,” she explains. “Bandit hikes 5-10 miles on many days. Recovery is crucial. Having his own dedicated sleep space that smells familiar helps keep him comfortable whether we’re in the van, a tent, or staying with friends.”
The bed has become Bandit’s constant in an ever-changing environment. “It’s the first thing I set up at a new location. As soon as the bed comes out, Bandit knows we’re staying for a bit, and he can relax. It’s become his portable sense of ‘home.'”
Seasonal Adventures: Year-Round Challenges
One of the most interesting aspects of Sophia and Bandit’s lifestyle is how they adapt to changing seasons. Unlike weekend warriors who might stick to favorable conditions, they experience the full range of weather in their travels.
Summer Solutions
“Summer means early morning hikes to beat the heat,” Sophia explains. “Bandit wears his Ruffinitely Cooling Bandana soaked in cold water, and we carry the water bottle with ice water. I’ve become obsessive about checking ground temperature before letting him walk on any surface.”
Sophia also mentions that summer brings more wildlife encounters, making reliable gear even more important. “We’ve had to make quick retreats from everything from bears to moose. Having a harness and leash I completely trust can be the difference between a fun story and a disaster.”
Winter Wandering
Winter presents its own challenges, especially since Bandit’s short coat doesn’t provide much insulation.
“The Ruffinitely Dog Winter Jacket has been essential for our snow adventures,” Sophia says. “Bandit looks like a tiny mountaineer in it, but it keeps him comfortable even when we’re snowshoeing in Colorado or Wyoming.”
Cold weather also means more time in the van, making interactive toys even more important. “Winter is when the puzzle toys really earn their keep,” she laughs. “A tired dog in a small space is the only way we both stay sane during stormy days.”
The Reality Behind the Instagram Feed: Challenges and Solutions
While Sophia’s Instagram feed shows stunning vistas and a seemingly perfect adventure lifestyle, she’s refreshingly honest about the challenges.
“Social media shows the highlights,” she admits. “It doesn’t show the time Bandit rolled in something dead in the backcountry and we were three days from a shower. Or when he ate something that disagreed with him and threw up in my sleeping bag at 2 AM. Adventure dogs are still dogs—wonderfully unpredictable, sometimes frustrating dogs.”
These real-life moments have helped Sophia develop a practical approach to dog gear.
“Everything has to be washable—preferably in a creek if necessary,” she explains. “It needs to dry quickly, resist odors, and stand up to Bandit’s particular talent for destruction. It took trial and error to find products that could keep up with our lifestyle.”
The Mud Situation
“Mud is our constant companion,” Sophia laughs. “Even in desert environments, Bandit finds mud. I swear he has a sixth sense for it.”
This reality check led to her appreciating the quick-dry, easy-clean nature of the Ruffinitely Outdoor Collection. “I can rinse his harness in a stream, hang it off the van’s ladder, and it’s dry by morning. That kind of practicality matters more than how photogenic a product is—though the bright colors do pop nicely in photos!”
The Storage Dilemma
Living in 80 square feet means every inch counts. Sophia has become an expert at maximizing space.
“Bandit’s collapsible food and water bowls stack inside each other. His toys need to be multi-purpose—the Ruffinitely Interactive Ball works for fetch, mental stimulation, and even as a makeshift massage ball when he’s sore from hiking. Anything that only serves one purpose doesn’t make the cut.”
Sophia’s Tips for Aspiring Adventure Dog Parents
As our conversation winds down, I ask Sophia what advice she’d give to someone who wants to hit the trails with their dog—whether for a weekend or a lifestyle change.
Start Small and Build
“Don’t take your apartment-dwelling city dog on a 10-mile wilderness trek as your first adventure,” she cautions. “Start with short hikes, get appropriate gear, and build their stamina and confidence gradually. Bandit and I worked up to our current adventure level over months.”
Invest in Quality Basics
“Buy the best harness, leash, and portable water solution you can afford,” Sophia advises. “These three items are the foundation of safe adventures. The Ruffinitely Adventure Set has been worth every penny for us.”
Train for the Terrain
“Basic obedience becomes crucial in outdoor settings,” she explains. “Bandit’s recall wasn’t great when we started. We worked extensively on it because it’s potentially life-saving on the trail. A solid ‘leave it’ command has prevented him from investigating everything from porcupines to suspicious mushrooms.”
Know Your Dog
“Some dogs are born adventure partners; others may find certain aspects stressful,” Sophia notes. “Bandit loves hiking and swimming but gets anxious in crowded tourist areas. I respect that by visiting popular spots during off-hours. Your adventures should be enjoyable for both of you.”
The Road Ahead: Future Adventures
As for what’s next on their journey, Sophia and Bandit have big plans.
“We’re heading to Alaska this summer,” she reveals excitedly. “It’s been our dream destination since we started traveling. We’ll be testing our gear in completely new conditions—midnight sun, new wildlife challenges, remote locations. I’ve already stocked up on extra Ruffinitely supplies since shipping will be limited once we’re up there.”
Sophia is also working on a photo book documenting dog-friendly trails across America, with Bandit as the four-legged model demonstrating proper trail etiquette and gear usage.
“My goal is to inspire more people to responsibly enjoy nature with their dogs,” she explains. “With the right preparation and equipment, having a dog enhances the outdoor experience rather than limiting it.”
More Than Just Products: Building a Community
What strikes me most about Sophia isn’t just her adventures or how she uses the products—it’s her authentic connection to the community of dog lovers who follow her journey.
“The best part of being a Ruffinitely ambassador isn’t the free gear—though that’s nice,” she laughs. “It’s connecting with other dog parents who message me asking if a certain trail is dog-friendly or how Bandit handled a particular situation. We’ve even met up with followers and their dogs for hikes in various states.”
This community aspect has transformed what could be a solitary nomadic existence into something richer.
“Sometimes I’ll post about a challenge we’re facing, like Bandit being afraid of a wooden bridge on a trail, and I’ll get dozens of helpful suggestions from other dog owners. That support network, even if it’s virtual most of the time, is invaluable.”
The Ambassador Behind the Adventures
As our call wraps up, I hear Bandit whining in the background, clearly ready for their afternoon adventure.
“That’s my cue,” Sophia laughs. “He has a built-in clock for walk time. Rain or shine, he expects his afternoon outing.” I hear the jingle of what must be his harness being taken out, followed by excited panting.
Before she goes, I ask Sophia what she hopes people take away from following her and Bandit’s journey.
“I hope people see that adventures with dogs don’t have to be perfect Instagram moments,” she reflects. “They can be messy, challenging, occasionally frustrating—and absolutely worth it. The right gear helps, but the most important elements are patience, flexibility, and a sense of humor.”
As we say goodbye, I hear the van door sliding open and Bandit’s excited bark. Another adventure begins for this remarkable ambassador duo, well-equipped with their trusted Ruffinitely gear.
Somewhere in the mountains, Sophia is probably adjusting Bandit’s harness right now, checking his water bottle, and making sure his leash is secure before they set off to discover another breathtaking view—one paw print at a time.
Follow Sophia and Bandit’s adventures on Instagram @BanditAndSophiaExplore, and check out our complete collection of adventure-ready dog gear to prepare for your own outdoor journeys.
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