The Backyard Invention Redefining the Aussie Adventure Dog
From Pacing to Peace: How a Restless Dog Named Ziva Inspired the Ultimate Outdoor Sanctuary.
Every Australian dog owner who has ever spent a night under the stars knows the "Paw Patrol" dance. You’ve finally got the fire crackling, your camp chair is perfectly positioned, and the kettle is on. You’re ready to relax. But your dog? Your dog is stuck in a loop. They circle the fire. They pace the perimeter of the tent. They try to settle on a patch of cold, uneven dirt, only to jump up at the snap of a twig thirty seconds later.
For Michael Goritsas, a Sydney-based adventurer and dog lover, this wasn't just a minor camping annoyance—it was a heart-breaking barrier to bringing his dog, Ziva, along for the ride. Ziva never "switched off." One crackle of a leaf and she was up again, guarding, watching, and never truly resting. Michael tried everything: jackets for warmth, blankets for comfort, and shifting her spot around the campfire. Nothing stuck.
"I’d end up with a cold lap and a dog that couldn’t relax," Michael recalls. "She’d settle for a minute, then be back on paw patrol."
It was out of this frustration—and a deep desire to give his best friend the same comfort he enjoyed by the fire—that The Outbark was born. It wasn't meant to be a commercial product; it was simply a backyard solution built the hard way.
The Backyard Prototype: Engineering a Sense of Security
Michael’s philosophy was simple: Ziva needed a place of her own. Not a flimsy, soft bed that would soak up the morning dew or a thin mat that offered no protection from the rocky ground. She needed something elevated. Something solid. A spot that felt safe and defined, but kept her close to her "pack."
The first version of what has now evolved into the Best Friend Camp Chair came together in a Sydney backyard. Using steel, heavy-duty fabric, and a "trial and error" approach to assembly, Michael built a raised platform. "It wasn’t perfect," he says. "It didn’t need to be. It just had to work."
The true test came the moment the last screw was tightened. Ziva didn't need to be coaxed or trained to use it. She stepped onto the raised seat before Michael had even finished the build. She turned once, lay down, and—for the first time in their camping history—she didn't move.
"She slept so hard I checked she was still breathing," Michael says.
"No circling. No getting up at every sound. That’s when I knew it worked."
Built the Hard Way: Real-World Testing for Australian Conditions
When friends saw Ziva’s transformation, the requests started pouring in. "Can you make one for my dog too?" became the catalyst for The Outbark’s evolution from a DIY project into a premium Australian outdoor brand.
But Michael refused to take shortcuts. In a world of mass-produced, flimsy pet accessories, he stayed true to the "Ziva Standard." Every iteration of the chair has been put through the wringer in real-world Australian conditions. This isn't gear designed for a manicured lawn; it’s gear built for the red dust of the Centre, the salt air of the Sunshine Coast, and the uneven, muddy tracks of the Victorian High Country.
"Real ground is uneven, dusty, and wet," Michael explains. "Real use means being tossed in and out of trucks, set up, packed down, and repeated over and over. And real dogs? They dig, they drool, and they don't care how the gear looks."
The "Best Friend" Features: Why It Stands Alone
At 90cm wide, the Best Friend Camp Chair is a spacious sanctuary designed to end the juggle of beds, blankets, and flimsy chairs. The beauty lies in the technical details Michael perfected to ensure both dog and owner can relax properly:
Adventure-Tough Fabrics: The chair uses premium 600D Oxford fabric. It’s engineered to be "dog-soft" for comfort, yet "adventure-tough" enough to repel dirt, water, and the inevitable wear and tear of claws and grit.
Rock-Solid Stability: Lightweight, ultra-tough steel legs deliver stability on any terrain. Engineered with a massive 150kg weight capacity, it's combined with specialised anti-sink feet to ensure your dog stays level and secure even on sand, mud, or soft bush ground.
Dual-Season Comfort: For hot summer days, integrated tear-proof breathable mesh allows for natural airflow. For colder nights, the removable 600D Oxford cushion delivers cosy warmth and pops off for effortless cleaning.
The Human Element: Michael hasn't forgotten the owners. The chair includes a built-in cup holder to keep your drink secure, plus back storage pockets to keep leashes, toys, and camping essentials organised and off the ground.
Caravan-Ready Portability: Despite the generous resting area, the chair folds down to just 95cm (H) x 30cm (W) x 22cm (D), making it a perfect fit for caravan tunnels or packed SUVs.
Redefining the Outdoor Experience
"The Outbark is about making it easier to bring your dog along," Michael says.
"It’s about giving them a spot they trust. Close by. Wherever you are. If it handles my dog, it’ll handle yours. See you by the fire. Ziva’s already taken your spot."
Price & Where to Buy
RRP: $299 AUD (free shipping). The Outbark Best Friend Camp Chair is available online at
The Outbark offers Australia-wide shipping and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, ensuring you and your dog can adventure with total peace of mind.
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