The Best Dog Harnesses for Hiking: Keep Your Pup Safe During Outdoor Adventures
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Taking your dogs on a hiking adventure is one of the purest pleasures in life.
However, we rarely realize just how much equipment is needed to keep both you and your dog safe. The terrain can vary wildly, so you must be prepared to handle any obstacles or weather conditions that may come about.
This is where hiking harnesses come in handy for your four-legged friend. These useful accessories not only keep your dog comfortable, but safe and visible, and able to navigate whatever terrain or water bodies they encounter.
So, which are the best dog harnesses for hiking? Read on to find out.
This RUFFWEAR harness is made with the highest quality materials available, making it perfect for hiking. The soft padded chest and belly panels provide all-day wear comfort for your dog, and it comes in four adjustment sizes to fit all manner of dog breeds. Couple it with the best dog leash for hiking, and you’ve got an unbeatable combination.
Key Features
Highest-quality, weather-resistant materials
Two leash attachment points
Foam –padded straps for extra comfort
Four customizable adjustments to fit any dog
Weight: 5.9 oz.
What We Like
Hiking is an adventure but ridden with so many hidden dangers. This harness helps to keep your dog secure with padded comfort, an ID pocket for easy identification, and bright reflective material for high visibility.
The harness also features two secure leash attachment points made of sturdy metal for connecting a dog lead.
What We Don’t Like
This harness is not car safe. We would have liked if RUFFWEAR had made this a dual-action harness, as generally to get to where you plan to hike, you have to drive somewhere.
Pros
Comfortable yet lightweight and can be worn all-day
Fully adjustable for the ultimate comfort
Bright reflective strips provide high visibility while on the hike
An ID pocket identifies your dog in case they get lost while hiking
Comes in six attractive colors
Cons
This harness is slightly expensive, but it is also worth it
It can be hard to put on and take off initially
If you regularly hike with your dog, this is the harness to go for. Feel safe and secure on your outdoor adventure, knowing that your dog is protected, comfortable, and visible at all times.
This Outward Bound harness is built for hiking and takes into account rivers and streams encountered on the landscape. The front neck float keeps your dog's head above water at all times, and the reflective, bright colors provide high visibility.
Reflective material provides high daytime and night-time visibility
Front neck float device keeps your dog’s head above water
Neoprene belly band for a secure fit
Two top handles for quick restraint or rescue action
What We Like
We love that this harness is built for use in water. The buoyancy from the front neck float device keeps your dog well above water, and the flotation capabilities help your dog swim comfortably. It also features two top handles that make restraint and rescue a breeze.
What We Don’t Like
We recommend that you carefully size your dog before purchasing this harness. The sizing chart can be inaccurate.
Pros
Incredibly strong and durable
Bright reflective materials help you spot your dog from a distance in any landscape
Rescue handles help you retrieve your dog from tight spots
Affordably-priced
Complements and even enhances your dog’s swimming abilities
Gives your dog buoyancy as they cross rivers or streams
Cons
The Velcro and fabric attachments can fray over time
The chin flap is slightly short, especially for larger dogs
This is another excellent harness for outdoor activities with your dog. If you regularly hike across landscapes with water, buy your dog this harness to keep them safe and comfortable while hiking. The price is also very accessible.
Kurgo hiking harnesses do not disappoint. They are suitable for both a simple walk around your neighborhood or hiking in the harshest landscapes. They feature a sturdy, weather-resistant material that will give you years of service.
Key Features
Durable, weather-resistant material
Convenient back handles to assist your dog over tough terrain
Reflective material for high visibility
Easy on-and-off buckles
Comes in five sizes - x-small, small, medium, large, and x-large
Weight: 10.6 oz.
What We Like
We love the V-neck design that reduces strain on your dog’s throat and neck area. The broad, padded chest area and back handle allow you to protect and control your dog in any terrain, too. Use the handles to lift your dog where they can’t walk.
What We Don’t Like
We find the harness slightly bulky, which could be uncomfortable for small or medium dogs.
Pros
Highly durable and weather-resistant
Bright reflective materials mean you can spot your dog at long distances
Two back handles to help lift your dog over harsh terrain or rescue them from tight spots
Easy to put on and take off
Comes with a seat belt tether for car journeys
Available in six attractive color combinations
Cons
Not chew-resistant
The back panel protrudes forward slightly and can dig into your dog's neck
If you hike regularly with your dog, this harness does the job. Kurgo is known for the quality of their dog accessories, and what's more, they offer a lifetime manufacturer's warranty.
Rabbitgoo has made this harness no-pull and no-choke by attaching a front clip to control the direction of your dog as you hike. Consequently, it's perfect for smaller dogs, susceptible to trachea conditions.
Key Features
Breathable Nylon air mesh for comfort
Two metal rings for leash attachment
Features two neck and two chest straps
Two fast-release buckles for easy-on-off action
Weight: 10.4 oz.
What We Like
We love the price of this hiking harness! It is an excellent value for money as it features high-quality elements for a low price. The soft and breathable padding also keeps your dog’s front and belly area protected during the hike, as well as fresh on those hot days. It also goes on over your dog's head, so it is both easy to put on and take off, too.
What We Don’t Like
The sizing chart provided by the manufacturer is inaccurate. Measure your dog carefully before purchasing this harness.
Pros
Hassle-free overhead harness that is durable
Easy to use—two top handles help you to lift your dog
Affordably priced
Reflective stitching for high visibility
Comes in six attractive colors
Cons
The straps can be difficult to adjust
Not chew-resistant
If you are on a budget and looking for an affordable hiking harness, the Rabbitgoo No-Pull harness is a perfect choice.
TAIL UP has made a quality harness that is fully adjustable and comfortable for your dog as they hike. Use the front and rear attachments to attach your dog’s safety belt during car journeys or when walking or hiking with your dog.
Key Features
Scratch-resistant Oxford nylon material
Lightweight and breathable mesh lining
D-ring on dog's back and zinc-alloy O-ring on dog's chest area
Weight: 7 oz.
What We Like
We love the reflective material. It has been weaved all over the harness strategically for the highest visibility as you hike with your dog. Your dog will be visible from a mile away.
The sturdy D-ring leash attachment and soft leather carry handle will also help you to carry your dog over obstacles. They can also assist dogs when they are in a tight spot.
What We Don’t Like
This harness is not chew-resistant. Your dog could chew through it with ease, so it is not suitable for constant unsupervised wear.
Pros
Highly-reflective material for all-time visibility
Light-weight, breathable, and comfortable for your dog
Comes in five convenient sizes for all manner of dog breeds
Cons
Secure attachment clips are not durable
The harness can stretch and become ill-fitting over time
If you regularly go out in the early morning or late evening conditions, this lightweight yet durable hiking harness will keep your dog protected, and more importantly, visible!
Hiking with small dogs is not that common, but if you’re one of the few who indulge in this enjoyable activity with your dog, then the PoyPet harness is perfect.
Key Features
Durable nylon material
3M reflective material
Black mesh pocket for your dog’s identification
Quick-snap buckle on neckline for smooth on-and-off action
Weight: 7.2 oz.
What We Like
We love the choke-free design on this hiking harness. Small dogs are susceptible to trachea conditions, so a choke-free harness is essential. This harness is also 3M reflective, which means your dog can be seen easily from a distance. There are three snap buckles to ensure maximum safety and double leash attachment hooks for greater control.
What We Don’t Like
The sizing chart is off. Carefully measure your dog to avoid getting an ill-fitting harness.
Pros
A pocket ensures that your dog can be identified if lost
Reflective material provides high visibility at all times
No-pull and choke-free, perfect for small dogs
Comes in eleven attractive color combinations
Cons
The buckle is not sturdy
Not chew-resistant
If you have a little dog, and regularly hike with them, choose this 3M reflective, quick, and convenient step-in harness for the ultimate safety and comfort.
Overall Rating - 4.2/5
Buying Guide – All You Need to Know to Buy the Best Dog Harness for Hiking
Before you go out hiking, it is essential to fit your dog with the best dog harness for hiking. These harnesses should be flexible, warm, visible, and stable, to allow your dog sufficient freedom of movement.
The best harnesses feature 3M reflective material or LED lights for visibility, buoyancy for crossing rivers and streams, ID pockets, and padded handles for lifting your dog over rough terrain. These harnesses should also last as long as they experience more intense wear-and-tear.
If you’d like to read about other great dog harnesses that are flexible and will allow your dog to move around comfortably check out this roundup post.
Other essential factors to consider when choosing a hiking harness include:
Correct sizing as per your dog’s measurements to ensure the harness doesn’t fall off or hold your dog in too tightly irritating their fur and skin
Are made to swivel and work with a leash to keep your dog tangle-free
Evenly distribute weight all-around your dog's body
Give you full no-pull control over your dog
Have front-chest buoyancy to allow your dog to float and swim in the water
Feature leash attachments that are corrosion-proof and heavy-duty
Feel comfortable and secure for your dog
Offer dual use as a car harness
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! We have covered the best dog harness for hiking. We hope you found these choices useful.
Whenever you're out hiking, it is crucial to ensure that your dog is well covered in reflective 3M material and carrying an ID tag if they do get lost. Harnesses are crucial for ensuring these requirements are met.
Also, keep your dog cool and hydrated at all times. Ensure your pup is safe and comfortable, whatever the terrain.
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