Do you enjoy hiking? What about taking your dog along for outdoor adventures? If you want to take the dog hiking, you need to get the best dog harness.
Not all dog harnesses are good for hiking. It is why we came up with a guide giving you all the information that you need before making up your mind.
We will look at what makes the harness good for hiking and the various models available for purchase today. From the reviews, you will know where to start when buying the best dog harness for hiking.
Quick Picks: The Top-Rated Dog Harness for Hiking
In a hurry? Check our best pick above, or keep reading for product reviews and buying guide!
What to Look For When Choosing the Best Dog Harness for Hiking
Design
The design plays a vital role in the usability of the dog harness.
For the best dog harness for hiking, the dog needs something comfortable and does not restrict movement.
Look at the overall design to see it can meet the dog’s needs. Some of the things to consider are the padding, adjustment options, and ease of putting on and taking off.
When these several factors are met, then you can choose the model knowing that the design is good.
The Fit and Size
Of course, it needs to offer the right fit for it to be a good harness for hiking. If the harness is too tight, then it might lead to pain and discomfort. As for a big harness, it might lead to chafing, and the dog can easily get out of the harness.
We recommend that you buy a harness based on the size of your pet. This might include measuring its neck and chest. Most manufacturers will highlight the size of the harness based on the neck and chest sizes.
Also, the harness needs to allow for adjustment. When you can adjust the harness, it is easy to end up with a snug fit.
Harness Material
The harness material will determine its durability whenever you take the dog for hiking more often. It is then advisable to keenly look at the best dog harness for hiking material.
As much as you are looking for a durable harness, it should still be soft for comfort and strong to withstand the harsh outdoor conditions.
If you like hiking in the summer, then getting a lightweight and breathable harness will be ideal for your pet. As for the wet conditions, get a model with a water repellant and quick drying material.
It is best to get a model with easy to clean material for those that might visit muddy trails.
The Harness Type
Make sure that you pick the correct harness type. Not all harnesses are good for hiking. So, which is the best harness type of hiking?
The type of harness will be based on where the leash will be attached. It is why hiking harnesses will be categorized as front-clip, dual-clip, or back-clip.
The back-clip type is easily the most popular as it makes it easier to put on the harness and adjust it for the right fit. This harness is also easy on the neck and mostly comfortable for most dog breeds.
The front-clip harness is best for discouraging pulling in dogs. So, if your pet tends to pull more often, this is the harness that you buy for better control.
As for the dual clip, the name gives it all away. Such a harness would be great to harness the benefits of both back and front leash attachment options.
The type of harness can also be based on how the pet wears it. The two common styles include the over-the-head harness and the step-in harness.
The over-the-head harness is generally easy to put as it simply slips over the pet’s head. For a patient dog, you can always try the step-in harness. It is quite a hassle to use it for an impatient pet.
Top 5 Best Dog Harnesses for Dog Hiking
The harness is available in multiple sizes. The sizes include small, medium, large, and more. Choosing the correct size, depending on the pet’s size should be easy. Sometimes the dog owner might need to measure the pet’s neck and chest size to pick the best dog harness for hiking.
The model is easily adjustable. As such, users can adjust the harness until it is a snug fit on the pet. Other than adjustment options, the harness is simple to put on and take it off from the dog. Even if you are new to using a harness, it is generally simple to use.
The use of 900D nylon material with sturdy stitching makes it a durable harness. Even if you want to use it for training the dog, this harness should live up to such use. The other applications of the harness include working, hunting, and more.
The harness comes with the molle system. This system is important for the dog to carry its training gear. It can still be used for other applications by the law enforcement agencies. As such, the harness stands out for being highly versatile.
Pros
- The harness has two metal leash points for maximum control
- The molle system makes it versatile
- It is easy to adjust the harness for a snug fit
Cons
- The quick clips are plastic thus they can break easily
This harness is ideal for various applications you might have in mind other than hiking. It is why most dog owners would use it for running, hiking, camping, swimming, and more. So long as you want outdoor fun with your pet, this is it.
The harness stands out for being highly adjustable. This is thanks to the longer straps that give more room for adjusting the harness for a tight fit where necessary. It is why the same harness can even work for puppies. Just make sure to get the right size when buying.
This harness is easy on and off. The buckles are generally easy to operate. It should be more reason for the harness to appeal to more pet owners who need something simple.
It is made from strong military-grade nylon material. The result is that you now have a strong, heavy-duty, and extra-durable harness. To make it better, its pulling strength exceeds the national guidelines by 130 lbs.
The soft padding around the neck and the leash attachment point make it a safe product to use. Even if the pet loves to pull more often, its trachea remains protected by this design. So, the pet can wear it more often without worrying that it might choke.
Pros
- The harness is heavy duty and durable
- It is highly adjustable
- It is a safe harness for regular use
Cons
- The buckles are not the best to hold big dogs
From the word tactical in the pet’s harness name, it is easy to see that it would be the best dog harness for hiking. The manufacturer uses 2 metal heavy-duty buckles to make it a tactical harness. As such, the harness can hold down even the big dogs.
The design of the harness makes it good for controlling the dog. The front D ring is sealed and sturdy, making it effective for no-pull dog control. The nylon handles on the back of the harness make it easier to get the pet over obstacles.
Many pet owners will find this as being a comfortable dog harness to own right now. The comfort is made better since it has a breathable mesh padding on the back. It also allows up to four adjustment options so that the harness fits correctly.
For a tactical harness, it would not be complete without the Molle System. These Molle straps are good for helping you carry more supplies that the pet needs. It can also be great for training if you need the pet to go through it with the harness on.
The harness is available in multiple colors. So, take the time to check out what can work for your dog. While doing that, also check out the various size options. Always pick something that will not lead to choking or an uncomfortable fit.
Pros
- It offers a comfortable fit for the pet
- The harness is available in different colors
- The harness material feels rugged and durable
Cons
- It is not the best for small dog breeds
This is on the list of the best dog harness for hiking because of the versatility it offers. The manufacturer made it to be a backpack and harness combo. This means you can use it as a harness while carrying the important dog supplies in the backpack.
Do not worry about the backpack being additional weight as it is designed to be lightweight and comfortable. You now have enough space in the backpack to carry doggie bags, food, first aid supplies, and more.
The harness is available in multiple sizes to make it possible for dog owners to get the right fit. So, depending on the dog’s size and weight, the manufacturer has specific recommendations to consider. It is still adjustable for a snug fit over the dog.
Having reflective stitching and design should make it appeal to many users. They will find it a great choice for hiking with their dogs, especially in low light conditions. The reflective design makes the dog visible.
The padded handle will give the owner additional control over the pet. This handle is also good for getting the pet over obstacles while taking a hike.
Pros
- It is a versatile harness and backpack combo
- The additional backpack is lightweight
- The harness is padded for comfort
Cons
- A few complaints about the straps getting loose easily
To make it the best dog harness for hiking, the manufacturer includes two metal buckles. When other models have plastic buckles that can break easily, the metal buckles are for better durability. These buckles also make the harness to have 1000-lbs proof-load test results.
Having the no-pull design makes it a safe harness for the pet. Many pet owners find it easier to control their pets when using the harness thanks to this design. The position of anchoring the leash also eliminates choking possibilities.
There is also the durable hand-sewn grab handle on top of the harness. The grab handle can be good for better control of the pet when walking in a crowd or when you have to help it over obstacles. It still comes in handy for helping the dog in and out of the car.
It is the easiest to maintain in terms of cleaning. The manufacturer provides you with all the important information you need to care for the harness. As such, the harness would last for longer without the need for replacing it.
The harness is available in different sizes too. If you are not sure of the pet’s size, measure its neck and chest width. It is from these measurements that you can pick the right harness from the available harnesses.
Pros
- The harness is highly durable
- The metal buckles improve its strength
- It is easily adjustable for a snug fit
Cons
- It is not the best for working dogs as the buckles can get noisy
Final Thoughts
Your life will be easier whenever you have the best dog harness for hiking. This means that you no longer have to leave the dog behind when it is time to have some outdoor fun.
The best harness will make it easier to also use it for other applications. The harness does not have to be for hiking alone. It is why pet owners would buy a versatile harness. This is where you use the same harness for hunting, jogging, walking, working, and more.
Always make sure that the harness is comfortable. Look at what the manufacturer offers in terms of comfort. Other than comfort, having a snug fit is important too. From the guide above, it should be possible to get the right harness for your pet.
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