Top 5 Best Dog Hiking Harnesses

If you want to take your dog hiking, you need the best dog hiking harness for their protection. So many of our readers are dog owners and love getting outside with their furry pals. It’s great exercise for you both and a fun way to bond. When squirrels and deer are running through the woods, it can be hard to control your dog’s hunting urges with just a collar and leash. This is where a harness comes in handy. Keep reading for dog hiking harness reviews and ratings.

The 5 Top Dog Hiking Harnesss

There are so many harnesses on the market, it can be hard to know which one will work best for you and your pup. To make this easier, we’ve done all the testing so you can pick the best dog hiking harness for your pooch. Here are our top five favorites for the best dog hiking harnesses and why we love them.

* Ratings are determined using our specialized rating system.

OneTigris Dog Saddle Bag Rucksack for Medium & Large Dog

The OneTigris Dog Saddle Bag Rucksack for Medium & Large Dog is our top pick because it is sturdy, affordable, and can help carry your pet’s gear without being too heavy. It’s made from nylon so it’s water-resistant while still being durable. The padded underside means it will be comfortable for your dog to wear all day. Two large pockets on either side can hold all your dog’s gear including snacks, toys, poop bags, first aid kit, and whatever else you need to carry.

It even features a clear ID card holder and V-ring for the leash. This is the best dog hiking harness for quick walks, long hikes, or overnight camping trips. If your dog is still a puppy, no worries. This harness has adjustable straps so it will still fit as your dog grows.

The OneTigris Blaze Tracker is marketed for medium and large dogs. However, when we tested it, it didn’t hold up as well for larger dogs (over 50 pounds) that like to be really active. If your dog is closer to the medium sized range, or is happy with just a casual walk and doesn’t do as much running, you’ll probably be just fine. But if your dog is pushing 75 or 100 pounds and likes to run and jump all over the place, this harness may not hold up as well.

PET ARTIST Tactical Dog Harness for Hiking and Training

If you’ve got a little more money to spend, we recommend the PET ARTIST Tactical Dog Harness for Hiking and Training. This harness is extremely heavy-duty. It features two metal buckles, two nylon buckles, and reinforced stitching. Across the top is a padded handle you can use to lift and carry your dog over rough terrain or in case of injury. The adjustable straps can fit into four positions and the harness is padded with a soft sponge and mesh layer that makes it breathable and comfortable for your dog.

Each side of the harness has space for removable pouches. You’ll receive a waist pouch, a tools pouch, and a first aid pouch. The adjustable size of this harness is perfect for larger dogs. We also liked that this harness can be used for senior dogs who have trouble getting up steps or into the car. The handles make it easy to carry your dog, regardless of size. 

Rabbitgoo No-Pull Pet Harness and Adjustable Outdoor Pet Vest

If your needs are minimal and you’re looking to save a few dollars, check out the Rabbitgoo No-Pull Pet Harness and Adjustable Outdoor Pet Vest. This harness is purely for attaching a leash and does not include extra pouches or pockets for carrying items. This is the best dog hiking harness for training and behavioral control.  This harness is made from durable nylon and has a soft mesh-lined cushion to keep your dog cool and comfortable no matter what adventures you’re going on.

Plus, the reflective strip keeps you safe during nighttime walks. There are two leash hooks. The one in the front is best to stop your dog from pulling while on a walk. The back hook works great for casual walks, hiking, jogging, etc.

It has two quick-release buckles so it’s easy to get on and off. There is also a handle on the top in case you need to hold your dog back from chasing a rabbit or otherwise running off. The adjustable straps help you find the perfect fit for your dog. What makes this the best dog hiking harness on a budget is the variety of colors it comes in. Whether you have a favorite color, want to match the leash, or support a favorite team, you can choose from a black, blue, green, orange, pink, or red harness.

PoyPet No Pull Reflective Dog Harness with Front & Back Leash Attachments

Our runner up for the best dog hiking harness is the PoyPet No Pull Reflective Dog Harness with Front & Back Leash Attachments. This minimalist harness has three buckles for easy on and off. It features two leash hooks; one on the front to prevent pulling and one on the back for casual walks. It is made from soft, breathable, non-toxic mesh and is padded so it will be comfortable for your dog.

For your own comfort, there is a soft handle for immediate control. It also includes a seat belt attachment for car rides and reflective stitching for late night walks. The straps adjust in four places so your pup has room to grow. It comes in sizes from small to extra large and in a variety of colors including light blue, black, blue, gray, green, orange, pink, purple, red, and two Americana prints.

ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness and Vest with Front Clip Leash Attachment

The ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness and Vest with Front Clip Leash Attachment deserves honorable mention because it meets all our testing requirements for a durable and safe harness. It features two metal buckles at each of the dog’s shoulders, plus a nylon buckle across the belly. All three buckles are attached with adjustable straps for the perfect fit. There are two metal hooks for leash attachments: one on the chest and one on the back.

This dog harness does not include the removable pouches and only comes in neutral colors such as black, gray, brown, and olive green. There is space on the sides and back for removable pouches or patches. The handle on the back allows you to grab control of your dog if necessary.

Features to Consider for the Best Dog Hiking Harness

Choosing the right dog harness can feel overwhelming. There are a lot of choices out there and varying reviews. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for the best dog hiking harness.

Storage Options

If you’re looking for a harness for short hikes, you won’t need to worry about pouches. Since these will be shorter walks, you can bring anything you need a string backpack or fanny pack of some kind.

For longer walks, hikes, or camping trips, you’ll want to purchase a dog harness with side pouches. These can be removable or attached, zippered or fold over. The choice is up to you and what you find most comfortable and easy to access. Pouches let your dog help out by carrying their own collapsible dog bowl and travel dog food container.

Size Ranges

Some brands may only carry small to large harnesses, while other brands may have different sizes for big dogs and small dogs. Be sure to follow the brand’s instructions for measuring your dog before deciding which harness to purchase. Also look for adjustable straps and what points of adjustment are available if you think your dog may grow, or if you want to use the same harness for multiple dogs.

Color Choices

Although your dog can’t tell what color the harness is, you sure can. A lot of harnesses come in bright colors, and those are especially useful when camping. Visibility is a good thing to have on your dog, especially if you’re camping during a hunting season. A brightly-colored harness can prevent your dog from getting mistaken for a deer and leading to a tragedy. Dog hiking boots also come in bright colors to help with visibility. But on the side of aesthetics, colors are just fun. You may have a feeling for what your dog’s favorite color is, or you may want to stay neutral. Either way, check out the various color options and purchase according to your tastes.

Other Features

Some will have different leash attachment points, so be aware of where you want your leash to hook up to. Additionally, some have chest plates or padded chest areas that can protect your dog’s chest if they’re inclined to be pullers who pull dog harnesses and hurt themselves.

Benefits of Using Dog Hiking Harnesss

A dog harness can be used in a variety of situations. One with a front leash clip is great for training a dog to stop pulling while on a casual neighborhood stroll. They are also ideal for increased safety on car rides. Of course, the most likely use is for hiking and camping or longer walks so that you have more control over your dog in rough terrain or near wildlife than with a collar that may constrict your dog’s neck.

There’s a lot of debate about whether using a dog harness or collar is better. A harness is more frequently used during training or strenuous activity. When you’re just hanging out at home or playing fetch in the backyard, you can stick with a collar.

Many people worry about their dog being choked when using a collar. This can happen when a dog suddenly gets excited and pulls on the leash. Using a harness can avoid such injuries, but training your dog to stop pulling is ideal.

Precautions When Using Dog Hiking Harnesss

Always make sure you properly measure your dog according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This can vary between brands so it’s important that you’re measuring the right place on your dog for the brand you’re considering purchasing from. A properly fitting harness should not slide or fall off your dog but it should also not be too tight and cause chafing.

Be sure to check that the leash is attached securely before heading out on your adventures. The last thing you need is for a small animal to run across your path and have your dog take off into the woods. If this is your dog’s first harness, help them get used to it by going on shorter walks at first. After all, you wouldn’t wear a brand new pair of shoes on an eight-hour hike, would you?

When packing for a hike, consider your dog’s size and breed. A small dog should not be responsible for carrying too much in the pack. They will get weighed down and tire easily. Especially for dogs with short noses, pay attention to their breathing. If your dog appears tired, uncomfortable, or is having difficulty breathing, take a break for some water and see if you need to adjust the harness or lighten the pack. Some dogs will need a custom fit harness in order to travel comfortably.

Always keep an eye on your dog when they’re wearing a harness. If you’re out in the wilderness, there’s a chance that it can get stuck on fallen branches, bushes, or even the portable dog fence or dog camping crate you brought along. Being proactive is the best way to have a safe camping trip with your dog.

Last, if you think you’ll be outdoors at night, get a reflective trim on your harness so your dog is more visible.

Conclusion

In our series of tests, the best dog hiking harness was the OneTigris Dog Saddle Bag Rucksack for Medium & Large Dog. We loved this harness because it was durable enough to handle our woodland hiking adventures with a splash in the river, but comfortable enough for the dog to wear the entire time. We were able to pack a few tasty snacks, a ball for fetching, two water bottles, and a collapsible dog bowl in the two packs alongside our hikers. Plus, the built-in waste bag holder made cleaning up easy to do with just one hand.

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