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Dogs are an excellent hiking companions. If you love going on outdoor adventures with your pup, a sturdy harness is essential. Well, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve rounded up the best dog harnesses for hiking.
In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each harness to help you decide on which hiking harness is perfect for your dog.
Best Dog Harness For Hiking
If you’re in a hurry, here’s a summary of the best dog harnesses for hiking:
- Best overall harness – Ruffwear Front Range Harness
- Most durable harness – Ruffwear Webmaster Pro Harness
- Best for large breeds – Babyltrl Big Dog Harness
Ruffwear Front Range Harness
Ruffwear is well known for their durable outdoor harnesses. The Ruffwear Front Range Harness is their most popular harness in the market and it’s for good reason. It comes with two leash attachment points making it easier for you to control your dog when hiking.
It boasts reinforced aluminum attachment rings with rings making the harness extremely durable. It also has padded chest and belly panels for additional comfort.
Special Features
- Reflective trimming
- 2 leash attachment points
- 4 points of adjustment
- Aluminum attachment rings are reinforced with webbing
- Padded chest and belly panels
- Tuck ID tags into the built-in pocket
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great for pullers
- Easy on and off
- Comfortable
Cons
- Quite bulky
Ruffwear Webmaster Harness
If your dog has too much energy, the Ruffwear Webmaster Harness might just be what you need. This secure harness features a belly strap making it hard for your escape artists to wiggle out. It also has two reinforced leash attachment points. In case you need to restrain or lift your dog, this harness also has an extra padded handle.
Special Features
- 5 convenient points of adjustment
- 2 sturdy leash connection points
- Foam-padded straps
- Reflective trim
Pros
- Durable construction
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Escape-proof
Cons
- Difficult to fit
ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness
If you’re looking for a harness that has a MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) system, the ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness is perfect for you. It’s one of the best tactical harnesses to buy. It’s made from 1050D Nylon with Pu Water Resistant Coating and alloy metal hardware instead of plastic. It also has a soft padded ventilated mesh.
Special Features
- Military 1050D nylon material
- 4 position adjustable
- Back leash Clip
- MOLLE system on the sides
- Hook and loop panel for badge ID
Pros
- No-rub as well as escape-proof
- Adjustable
- Easy to use
- Allows your dog to carry gear
- Soft padded ventilate mesh
Cons
- Weak stitching
Expawlorer Outdoor Adventure Pet Vest
Are you having a hard time finding the right size for your dog? If your dog is in between sizes, the Expawlorer Outdoor Adventure Pet Vest features multiple adjustment points and five sizes available. You’re sure to get a comfortable fit for your dog with this harness. Aside from the sizing, it also has reflective webbing so your dog stays visible during your early morning and late night walks.
During car rides, you can easily attach a seat belt to keep your pooch safe. You don’t have to worry about any chafing with the harness’ wide padding along the belly and chest areas.
Special Features
- Strong rubber ring
- Metal D ring
- No pull design
- Nighttime reflective tape
- Made from nylon
- Quick-release buckle
Pros
- Comfortable and breathable
- Adjustable and easy to use
Cons
- Front chest strap may be too short
Babyltrl Big Dog Harness
For large breeds, the Babyltrl Big Dog Harness is the perfect option. It’s designed with large dogs in mind especially those who are barrel-chested. It even boasts of quick snap features making it easy to put on and take off. Aside from these, it also has reflective straps, and front and back sturdy D-ring leash attachment point.
Special Features
- Reflective straps
- Front and back sturdy D-ring leash attachment point
- Quick snap buckles
Pros
- Help stop pulling and choking
- Reflectable in the dark
- Adjustable neck and chest girth
- Easy to put on and off
- Breathable and comfy
Cons
- Plastic clips are not durable
T3 K9 Quick Harness
Powerful and rugged, the T3 K9 Quick Harness is great for hiking and outdoor activities. It’s very versatile, lightweight, and doesn’t restrict your dog’s movements. It has a reinforced handle on top so you can easily lift and assist your dog if needed.
Made from 1000 weight Cordura nylon, this harness is quite durable and is sure to last you a long time. It has a sleek design and intended to be flexible.
Special Features
- Made from 1000 weight Cordura nylon
- Adjustable straps and buckle
- Reinforced handle
Pros
- Versatile
- Durable
- Sleek design
- Adjustable
- Navy SEAL approved
Cons
- Expensive
Ruffwear Webmaster Pro Harness
In case you want to go hiking during winter with your dog, this harness is a great choice. It is designed for professional avalanche and search and rescue teams. It has a sturdy and durable construction with reflective trim and safety light loop making it great for snow, ice and dirt.
This harness has 4 convenient points of adjustment for a full range of motion and 2 sturdy leash connection points. It even has foam-padded straps so your dog can stay comfortable.
Special Features
- With reflective trim and safety light loop (Beacon light sold separately)
- 4 convenient points of adjustment for a full range of motion
- 2 sturdy leash connection points
- Anodized aluminum V-ring and webbing loop
- Reinforced handle
- Foam-padded straps
- 2 low-profile zippered stash pockets
Pros
- Durable construction and sturdy
- Comfortable
- Professional grade
Cons
- Bulky
- No clip on straps
Things to Consider Before Buying A Dog Harness For Hiking
Here are a few things you should consider before buying a harness.
Sizing
Sizing is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a harness. You’ll want to have a harness that snugly fits your dog. It shouldn’t be too tight or be restrictive. Measure your dog and check the manufacturer’s sizing chart so you can order the size that best fits your pup.
Reflective Material
If you’re planning to hike early mornings or late nights, make sure to put on reflective clothing. This goes the same with your dog. Get a harness that has this feature so your dog stays visible and safe.
Comfort
Your dog will most likely spend several hours wearing that harness so it’s important to get one that will keep him comfortable. Check if the harness has padding and several adjustment points.
Durability
Choose a well-made dog harness that’s made from sturdy material. This way, the harness lasts a long time. Plus, you wouldn’t want to worry about your dog’s harness ripping when you’re hiking in the woods.
