Meta: Finding the best dog harness for hiking for your four-legged companion has never been easier with the 12 best harnesses listed here.
Introduction
People ask me all the time what is the best harness for their dog. For many people, a simple walking harness is all they need. But for those wanting to be outdoors hiking, the answer is a bit more complex. Check out our list of the Top 12 Dog Breeds that are Great for Hiking.
So, what does make the best dog harness for hiking? One that properly fits your dog, allows them free movement, and does not overburden them is the best harness. The type of dog you are hiking with will help determine which harness is best for them.
Check out the top 12 best hiking harnesses for dogs and find one that is a good fit for your hiking buddy.
Top 12 Best Dog Harnesses for Hiking
Our Top Picks
Best overall: Ruffwear Web Master, Multi-Use Dog Harness
The Ruffwear Web Master, Multi-Use harness is a very secure harness that your dog cannot slip out of and it is padded for their comfort. The fit is customizable, making it easy to adjust to fit your hiking buddy just right.
Runner-up: T3 K9 Quick Harness
This versatile harness is easy to put on and adjust for a secure fit. Made from the same materials Navy SEALS use on their retention lanyards and riggers belts, the T3 K9 Quick Harness will last a long time and it is made in the USA.
Best Comfort: Ruffwear Front Range Harness
The harness has foam padding across the chest and underside as well as underneath the front legs. The Ruffwear Front Range Harness is easy to put on your dog and is adjustable.
Best for Small Dogs: EcoBark Step-In Dog Harness
This harness is perfect for toy dogs or smaller dogs as it is easy to put on a wiggly little dog and is well padded to provide the best comfort. The reflective material will make your dog visible while out hiking.
Best for Large Dogs: Kurgo Journey Dog Harness
The Kurgo Journey Dog Harness is a no-pull harness that will help you keep control of even the most unruly canine. This harness is perfect for large dogs that are just learning the ins and outs of hiking.
Best Pack Harness: Outward Hound Dog Backpack
This lightweight dog backpack is ideal for carrying extra supplies. There are two large pockets and a clip for the leash. It is one of the better dog harness with pockets.
Best Hiking Carrier: Kurgo G-Train Dog Carrier Backpack
Perfect for small dogs that you would love to have on a hike with you but unable to keep up or climb over rough terrain.
Ruffwear Web Master, Multi-Use Dog Harness
While Ruffwear makes a variety of harnesses, the Web Master is the best hiking harness. It is padded for comfort and has an extra security strap on the underneath to prevent even the most determined dogs from wiggling out of it.
This harness also has a handle which allows you lift and assist if your dog needs a bit of help while hiking. The harness does adjust for a secure fit but is not ideal for toy breeds or giant breeds.
The Ruffwear Web Master Harness comes in a wide range of sizes and does adjust up or down for a secure fit. It does not come in vibrant colors so your dog may blend in when out in the brush.
Ruffwear Front Range Harness
This multi-use harness has clips in the front and back so you can use the no-pull clips in the front if you need or the more relaxed back clips. The harness even has a small pocket between your dog’s shoulder blades to carry small treats, your keys, or cell phone.
Lightweight and well-padded make it a comfortable harness for your dog to wear all day while hiking. There is no handle on the harness to help your pooch over rougher terrain. Bright colors help you keep track of your dog when out in the woods.
The Ruffwear Front Range Harness will keep over-exuberant canine hikers from forging ahead when the leash is clipped to the front D-ring. Once your dog learns not to pull you around, you can clip the leash to the back D-ring for a more comfortable fit.
Ruffwear Web Master Pro Harness
The Web Master Pro is not to be confused with the Web Master Multi-Use harness. The Pro harness was designed with working dogs in mind and is great for search-and-rescue dogs. This harness has all the bells and whistles that most hiking harnesses will not have.
This harness is best used when hiking in colder weather and does have side pockets great for stowing small items. The harness is padded for comfort and has adjustable straps for a secure fit. Handles allow you to assist your dog over rough ground.
The Ruffwear Web Master Pro may look a little boring since it does not come in vibrant colors, but it is a great harness that will keep your dog secure while you are out in the wilderness.
Babyltrl Big Dog Harness
The Babyltrl Big Dog harness is similar in style to the Ruffwear Front Range harness but is made for giant breeds and is not ideal for anything under 100 pounds. The secure front clip allows you to have better control of your dog.
Most giant breeds do not necessarily need help over rough terrain, but there is a handle on the harness, probably more for you aid than your dogs. The harness is easy to put on with snap buckles that can be adjusted.
This harness does come in smaller sizes and is a good option for smaller dogs, but it is still the top pick for giant breeds. The size small is good for sturdy small dogs such as the Jack Russell Terrier or Pug, not more refined toy breeds such as the Japanese Chin or English Toy Spaniel.
Eco Bark Step-In Harness
This is probably one of the best hiking harnesses for small dogs on the market. The soft mesh padding keeps the harness from rubbing sensitive areas and is breathable making it ideal for warm weather.
While the harness is bright and lightweight, it is not as durable as other hiking harnesses. The straps easily adjust for a snug fit making it hard for small dogs to wiggle free. There is no handle to help your little dog over obstacles along the trail.
The harness is great for even your smallest hiking companion and does adjust to ensure your tiny friend cannot slip out of it. The Eco Bark Step-In Harness also comes in larger sizes for your bigger canine companions.
T3 K9 Quick Harness
Made in the USA, the T3 K9 Quick Harness is used by military dogs and is a versatile harness that is lightweight, but very durable. The harness will keep your dog cool when hiking in warm weather. It is the best dog harness for running.
Easy to put on and adjust, this harness is a great for medium to large sized dogs. Some giant breeds can fit the harness when adjusted properly. There is a handle to assist your dog when hiking over rough ground.
It may seem a bit odd to put a small breed dog in a military harness, but the T3 K9 Quick Harness comes in small, medium, and large. This harness is not flashy, but is well made and durable.
Kurgo Journey Dog Harness
The Kurgo Journey harness is a no-pull harness with a front hook to help keep your dog under control. There is also another hook on the back for when you do not need to restrain your dog with a training leash.
This harness is great for medium to large sized dogs and offers a sturdy handle to help you lift your dog over boulders, if needed. Well padded and adjustable, the harness is easy to put on and is great for hiking day trips.
Easily keep your dog under control by using the front D-ring until they learn their manners and will easily listen to you when out hiking, then switch to the D-ring on the back.
Outward Hound Denver Urban Pack
While not technically a dog harness, the Outward Hound Denver Urban Pack is perfect for long, overnight treks through the woods. The lightweight pack has pockets to stow small items while out hiking. The D-ring allows you to attach a leash for easy walking.
The pack is padded for the ultimate comfort and lightweight so it will not weigh your dog down while you are hiking. The adjustable straps on the underside let you easily balance the pack correctly. It is a good adventure dog harness for hiking.
Remember; just because there is a pack, it does not mean you have to load your dog down with supplies. Know your dog’s limitations and do not overburden them. Small and medium sized dogs should not carry heavy items in their packs.
Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Front Clip Dog Harness
For the hiking buddies that love to forge ahead and pull you along the Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Harness is ideal. There is an O-ring on the front to prevent pulling and train your dog to be a well-behaved canine when out on the trail.
There is padding on the chest and underside for a comfortable fit that can easily be worn all day through rough terrain. The straps are adjustable allowing for a secure fit without being too tight or too loose.
The reflective material allows your dog to be seen on nighttime jaunts whereas the vibrant colors will make it easy to spot your dog in the brush and woods. The handle on top allows you to assist your dog over rough terrain.
One Tigris Mammoth Backpack for Dogs
This tactical backpack for dogs has been used for military dogs and is ultra-durable and lightweight. The padded handle gives you a way to assist your hiking buddy over boulders and rough terrain.
There is a leash attachment allowing you to keep your dog on leash while on the trail. The pack is padded for comfort and has a breathable mesh to keep your dog cool while backpacking.
The pouches are large but should not be overloaded with heavy objects that can overtax your dog’s abilities. Make sure your dog is in optimal condition before adding a pack to their backs when hiking.
Arcadia Trail Lightweight Harness
This is an easy harness to put on your dog and offers a lightweight design so your dog can easily move while in the harness. It does have reflective piping to help your dog be seen at night.
There is a handle on the harness, but it is not as strong as other harness handles so be careful when using it to lift your dog. The harness is water repellent which is great when hiking near water or in the elements.
Strong aluminum D-rings make for easy leash attachments and there is even a place for a name tag and information in case your dog gets separated from you while hiking. The harness only comes in blue or burgundy.
Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness
This sleek, well-padded harness is a great training tool for dogs that like to forge ahead on the trail. The ring on the front of the harness is used to attach the leash and keep your dog from pulling ahead.
Once your dog is trained, use the ring on the back of the harness for the leash and hit the trails without worrying about your pooch wandering off. The buckles on the harness make it easy to put on or take off.
The adjustable straps are great for a custom fit and the handle allows you to assist your dog over rough ground or grab for better control of your pooch. The harness is lightweight and has reflective strips that can be seen at night.
How to Choose a Harness
Remember, the harness you choose for your dog is important as it almost becomes an extension of the dog. It has to be comfortable for them to wear all day, over even the roughest terrain. A harness that is ill-fitting or not well padded can cause chafing and skin irritation.
Check the sizing measurements on the harness but also bring your dog with you if possible for a fitting to ensure you are getting the best dog hiking harness that fits correctly. If your dog is between sizes, pick the bigger size, and then adjust down to properly fit.
Consider your dog’s physical capabilities when choosing the right harness. If you think your dog will need help on parts of the hike, look for a harness that has a handle and can easily hold its weight if picked up by the handle.
Here is a list of things to really look for when looking for the best hiking dog harness:
Movement – can my dog reach their full stride when in the harness
Comfort – is the harness padded enough and does not rub sensitive areas
Proper fit – too snug and it is uncomfortable, too loose and it can snag on branches and brush or your dog can slip out of it
Handles – look for handles that will easily bear your dog’s weight if your dog will need assistance while hiking
Color – when hiking in the wilderness, bright colors make your dog easier to see
Summary
Finding the best hiking dog harness should not be a difficult thing. The main thing to remember is to pick the right harness for the type of hiking you are planning. Look for a hiking harness for dogs that is padded, but not so padded that their movement is restricted.
A well-made hiking harness gives you control while out in rough terrain and also gives your dog a sense of security. Look for bright colors when you will be in densely wooded areas so you can easily spot your dog if off-leash.
Measure your dog before you purchase a hiking harness to ensure you have the right fit. An ill-fitting harness can cause your dog to easily slip out or cause them to be uncomfortable.
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