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.
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Our top pick is the RUFFWEAR - WebMaster Multi-Use Support Dog Harness because is designed with the highest quality materials available in the market today, making it perfect for hiking.
Here are some other choices:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We recommend that you carefully size your dog before purchasing this harness. The sizing chart can be inaccurate.
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.
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.
We find the harness slightly bulky, which could be uncomfortable for small or medium dogs.
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.
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.
The sizing chart provided by the manufacturer is inaccurate. Measure your dog carefully before purchasing this harness.
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.
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.
This harness is not chew-resistant. Your dog could chew through it with ease, so it is not suitable for constant unsupervised wear.
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!
![PoyPet No Pull Dog Harness, [Release on Neck] Reflective Adjustable No Choke Pet Vest with Front & Back 2 Leash Attachments, Soft Control Training Handle, Buffalo Plaid(Checkered Red, Large)](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51PyWdv6daL.jpg "PoyPet No Pull Dog Harness, [Release on Neck] Reflective Adjustable No Choke Pet Vest with Front & Back 2 Leash Attachments, Soft Control Training Handle, Buffalo Plaid(Checkered Red, Large)")
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.
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.
The sizing chart is off. Carefully measure your dog to avoid getting an ill-fitting harness.
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.
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:
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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