When you shop through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

Best Harness For Hiking Dogs (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a way to safely take your dogs on hikes, then you need to consider investing in a harness for hiking dogs. However, choosing the right one can be quite daunting, especially with the wide range of options available in the market today. Before making a purchase, there are several factors you need to consider to ensure you get the right fit, comfort, and stability for your furry friend.

Firstly, it’s important to consider the size of your dog and whether the harness will be adjustable enough to fit them securely. You should also think about how comfortable the harness is for your pet, especially if they’ll be wearing it for extended periods. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the durability of the harness, as well as the material it’s made from, to ensure it can withstand harsh terrains and weather conditions.

Are you tired of your dog pulling while hiking? Do you want to give your pet an opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities with you? Then, investing in a high-quality harness for hiking dogs may be the solution you need. How can you tell if a harness is safe and comfortable? What do you need to look for to ensure it fits your dog properly? Keep reading to learn all you need to know before making your next purchase.

10 Best Harness For Hiking Dogs

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is ideal for medium and large pets to wear during hiking, camping, and travel with a reflective, lightweight design.
2
The product is ideal for dog owners who enjoy outdoor activities and want their pet to carry their own gear.
3
Ideal for providing support and comfort to dogs during hiking, running, working, and everyday wear.
4
The product is ideal for medium to large dogs who enjoy hiking and need a backpack with pockets to carry their essentials.
5
Ideal for hiking and training medium to large dogs, with added storage pouches and patches for personalization.
6
Ideal for helping dogs during difficult terrain, providing lifting assistance and a secure handle for control.
7
Ideal for medium and large dogs to carry essentials during hiking, camping, or travel activities.
8
The product is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, as it is a lightweight and water-repellent backpack designed for dogs.
9
This product is ideal for medium dogs as a no-pull harness with front & back leash clips, control handle, and comfort padding.
10
This product is ideal for dogs going on outdoor adventures, allowing them to carry their own gear comfortably.
The product is ideal for medium and large pets to wear during hiking, camping, and travel with a reflective, lightweight design.
The product is ideal for dog owners who enjoy outdoor activities and want their pet to carry their own gear.
Ideal for providing support and comfort to dogs during hiking, running, working, and everyday wear.
The product is ideal for medium to large dogs who enjoy hiking and need a backpack with pockets to carry their essentials.
Ideal for hiking and training medium to large dogs, with added storage pouches and patches for personalization.
Ideal for helping dogs during difficult terrain, providing lifting assistance and a secure handle for control.
Ideal for medium and large dogs to carry essentials during hiking, camping, or travel activities.
The product is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, as it is a lightweight and water-repellent backpack designed for dogs.
This product is ideal for medium dogs as a no-pull harness with front & back leash clips, control handle, and comfort padding.
This product is ideal for dogs going on outdoor adventures, allowing them to carry their own gear comfortably.

1. Kurgo Baxter Pack: Adventure-Ready Dog Backpack.

The Hiking Backpack for Dogs to Wear is a perfect solution for pet owners who love to take their furry friends on outdoor adventures. This saddlebag is lightweight and comfortable for dogs to wear, providing enough space for all your pup's essentials, including food, doggie bags, first aid supplies, and travel bowls. With this dog harness and backpack in one, you can easily take your dog on hiking trips or camping expeditions.

The backpack features an integrated dog harness with a rear-mounted leash ring to attach your pet's leash, providing extra control over your dog. The rear D-ring can also be used as a bottle opener, making it a useful tool for outdoor activities. The backpack also includes two side pockets for extra storage, allowing you to store hiking accessories for dogs.

The hiking dog backpack has a large handle for extra control over your pet, or to assist them over obstacles. The dog pack includes reflective trim for visibility in the dark, ensuring your pet is safe during night-time hikes. The backpack is available in two sizes: the Baxter size is for dogs weighing 30-85 pounds and fits 3.75L, while the Big Baxter size is for dogs weighing 50-110 pounds and fits 7.5L. You can contact Kurgo Customer Service for size recommendations or more information about the product.

Pros

  • Lightweight and comfortable for dogs to wear
  • Integrated dog harness with rear-mounted leash ring for extra control
  • Two side pockets for extra storage
  • Reflective trim for visibility in the dark
  • Available in two sizes

Cons

  • – Some dogs may not like wearing a backpack

2. Adventure Pack: Onetigris Dog Backpack With Handle

The Y-shaped harness design of this dog vest is perfect for evenly distributing the weight of loaded packs, preventing slippage, and hugging the torso without hindering movement. It is an ideal choice for a weighted dog vest. The harness is made of durable nylon, which resists dirt, water, and abrasion. The mesh lining is lightweight and breathable, providing extra comfort, and the no-slide feature ensures that the vest stays in place. The vest has a zippered side harness with pockets for carrying adventure gear such as water, litter bags, toys, snacks, etc. making it suitable for short trips. The UTX-Duraflex buckles provide adjustability to ensure a proper fit for medium and large dogs. The vest comes with a top grab handle that is useful for lifting your pup in and out of the car or over obstacles in the outdoors. The vest also has a no pull D-Ring attachment point at the front of the chest as well as on the back. The light reflective trim provides nighttime visibility and roadside safety.

Pros

  • Y-shaped harness design prevents slippage and evenly distributes weight
  • Zippered side harness with pockets for carrying adventure gear
  • No pull D-Ring attachment point at the front of the chest as well as on the back
  • Top grab handle for lifting your pup in and out of the car and when there are obstacles in the outdoors
  • Lightweight and breathable with no-slide mesh lining for extra comfort
  • Multiple sizes with adjustability via UTX-Duraflex buckles for medium and large dogs
  • Light reflective trim for nighttime visibility and roadside safety
  • Made of durable nylon that resists dirt, water, and abrasion

3. Ruffwear's Web Master: Versatile Dog Harness.

The Super Secure dog harness is designed to provide maximum comfort and security for canine companions who love adventure. It is perfect for challenging terrains, working dogs, service dog handlers, and amputee dogs. The harness is anatomically designed to fit your dog perfectly, ensuring that it is both comfortable and secure during any activity.

The newly designed chassis foam improves breathability and flexibility, allowing for a better fit. The harness also features 5 customizable points of adjustment with form-fitting buckles, which allows for a full range of motion. This makes it easier for your dog to move around comfortably without any restrictions.

The padded and reinforced handle is designed to help your dog up and over obstacles safely and comfortably. The harness is built to last and is constructed with high-performance, bluesign-certified polyester ripstop fabric. You can choose between two highly durable leash attachment points, the Anodized aluminum V-ring or webbing loop.

The foam-padded straps provide lasting comfort without hindering movement. The harness also features reflective trim and a safety light loop (Beacon light sold separately) to keep your dog visible during low-light conditions.

Pros

  • Anatomically designed for maximum comfort and security
  • Customizable points of adjustment with form-fitting buckles
  • Padded and reinforced handle for maneuvering
  • Constructed with high-performance, bluesign-certified polyester ripstop fabric
  • Two highly durable leash attachment points
  • Foam-padded straps provide lasting comfort
  • Reflective trim and safety light loop for visibility during low-light conditions

4. Jiepai Dog Hiking Backpack For Medium/large Dogs

The Dog Backpack is a must-have for medium to large dogs who love to hike, camp, or take long walks. Made of high-quality 500D nylon and zippers material with neat stitching, this backpack has a soft padded lining to prevent chafing for your dog's skin and hair, ensuring a comfortable fit.

This adjustable dog harness backpack has a front strap and hook-and-loop belly strap with UTX-Duraflex buckles, ensuring that the pack stays in place and wraps around the dog's neck and belly well. The MOLLE system on the backside allows you to add more items you want.

The multi-functional dog pack features a 3L pouch with two 2" by 7" loop panels on either side for carrying water, dog food, treats, toys, and more. It is perfect for dog hiking, camping, long trail walks, backpacking trips, traveling, or everyday use.

The Dog Saddle Bag has a top handle that redirects the dog's forward motion, allowing you to control the puller with minimal effort and training your dog to walk beside you. The top of the backpack has a metal D-ring that can be attached to the JiePai dog leash, keeping your partner close to you and giving you more control.

This backpack comes with a 90-day warranty, and the company stands behind its products and wants to ensure that you love them as much as they do. You'll be glad you got these – guaranteed!

Pros

  • Made of high-quality materials with neat stitching and a soft padded lining for your dog's comfort
  • Adjustable front strap and hook-and-loop belly strap with UTX-Duraflex buckles, ensuring that the pack stays in place
  • MOLLE system on the backside allows you to add more items you want
  • Multi-functional 3L pouch with two 2" by 7" loop panels on either side for carrying water, dog food, treats, toys, and more
  • Top handle redirects the dog's forward motion, allowing you to control the puller with minimal effort and training your dog to walk beside you
  • Metal D-ring on top of the backpack that can be attached to the JiePai dog leash, keeping your partner close to you and giving you more control
  • Comes with a 90-day warranty

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for small dogs

5. Tactical Vest For Medium-Large Dogs – Pet Artist

The PET ARTIST Tactical Dog Harness is a well-constructed and durable harness that is perfect for outdoor adventures, training, police, and military use. The harness has 2 metal heavy-duty buckles and 2 nylon quick-release snaps that are proof-load tested for added security. The hook and loop pad beneath the belly and all stitched parts are also reinforced to ensure the harness can bear heavy loads.

This harness offers a no-pull, escape-proof, and easy-to-control design. The front D-ring is sturdy and effectively controls your dog with less effort. The 2 back clips work well with hooks for different purposes, such as hanging the dog when necessary. The longitudinal padded handle allows for easy lifting of the dog with one hand to get over barriers during adventure hiking, training, and outdoor missions. The 2 durable nylon handles are also available for grabbing the harness easily when walking in the crowd or lifting the dog, especially if the dog's leg is injured.

Comfortable fit is guaranteed with the PET ARTIST Tactical Dog Harness. The harness has a total of 4 adjustment positions to ensure a perfect fit for your dog. The harness is made of soft sponge and breathable mesh padding for added comfort. The full coverage design also protects the dog's body and delicate belly well. The front D-ring panel part is positioned through 2 legs, balanced properly, and this vest won’t slide to one side and annoy the dog. The harness is also easy to put on and take off.

The harness also features a MOLLE system that allows for attaching molle pouches, ID panels, morale patches, and accessories such as a dog folded bowl or poop bag dispenser. Each side of the harness has 2 molle straps, a hook and loop strips panel, and 3 nylon loops. The package also comes with 1 tactical vest harness, 1 waist pouch, 1 tools pouch, 1 EMT bag (with no emergency supplies), and 2 US flag patches. This package is a great value for your money.

The PET ARTIST Tactical Dog Harness is available in 2 adjustable sizes: Medium and Large. The Medium size is suitable for dogs with a chest size of 20.5-27.6 inches and a back length of 14.5 inches. The Large size is suitable for dogs with a chest size of 24.4-31.5 inches and a back length of 16.5 inches. This harness is perfect for medium-large dogs such as German Shepherds, Dobermans, Belgian Malinois, Golden Retrievers, Huskies, Labradors, Akitas, and many more. It is recommended to measure your dog and refer to the size chart before ordering to ensure a perfect fit. If you do not receive the pouches or patches, please contact PET ARTIST for a solution.

Pros

  • Well-constructed and durable
  • No-pull, escape-proof, and easy-to-control design
  • Comfortable fit with soft sponge and breathable mesh padding
  • MOLLE system for attaching accessories
  • Great value for money

Cons

  • – None

6. Ruffwear Flagline: Padded Lift-And-Assist Dog Harness.

Introducing the versatile, lightweight, and easy-to-use Lift-and-Assist Harness. This multi-use harness is perfect for everyday use, hiking, rock scrambling, or any activity where your dog might need a little help. With its streamlined handle and load-dispersing chest and belly panel, it provides comfortable lifting for dogs who need mobility assistance and amputees. The harness features six points of adjustment, including two at the belly, to provide a secure fit. It is recommended for dogs who try to back out of traditional collars or harnesses.

The Lift-and-Assist Harness offers three leash attachment points. The chest attachment point has been updated for greater durability and is perfect for pullers. The two leash points on the back provide a more relaxed setup or towing. The harness also features a debris-resistant liner, reflective trim, and a light loop for attaching The Beacon (sold separately).

The updated shell fabric offers improved durability, making it a popular choice for dog owners who want a reliable and long-lasting harness. If you're looking for a harness that's easy to put on and offers versatile use, the Lift-and-Assist Harness is the perfect choice for you and your furry friend.

Pros

  • Lightweight and versatile
  • Easy to put on
  • Streamlined handle and load-dispersing chest and belly panel for comfortable lifting
  • Six points of adjustment for a secure fit
  • Three leash attachment points for greater control
  • Debris-resistant liner and reflective trim for improved safety
  • Updated shell fabric for improved durability

Cons

  • – Beacon sold separately

7. Rugged Hound Pack: Petmolico Dog Saddle Bag

The sturdy Nylon and zippers material with mesh lining make this dog saddle bag backpack durable and breathable for longer outings. It offers a comfortable and functional way for your dog to carry its essentials during hiking, camping, backpacking trips, traveling, or everyday use. The backpack has adjustable front straps for the dog's neck and belly, with quick-release buckles for easy adjustments. The Hook and Loop on the backside allow you to add more items as needed. Additionally, the hiking dog backpack features a magic sticker ID panel that you can change patches according to your preference.

The backpack has two main zipper side compartments with semi-open pockets, allowing you to carry dog food, pet toys, water, waste disposal bags, and more. This backpack will free your hands and lighten your load, providing a multi-functional and adjustable dog harness pack with soft padded lining to prevent chafing on your dog's skin and hair. The backpack is suitable for medium and large dogs, offering a comfortable fit for your furry friend.

Pros

  • Made of sturdy Nylon and zippers material with mesh lining for breathability
  • Adjustable front straps for the dog's neck and belly with quick-release buckles
  • Hook and Loop on the backside for adding more items
  • Magic sticker ID panel that you can change patches according to your preference
  • Two main zipper side compartments with semi-open pockets for carrying essentials
  • Multi-functional and adjustable dog harness pack with soft padded lining to prevent chafing
  • Suitable for medium and large dogs

8. Colorful Dog Backpack With Free Leash For Hiking

The Extra Soft Hiking Dog Backpack and Daily Harness is a perfect accessory for your furry friend. The backpack is made of light-weighted material, making it easy for your dog to carry while hiking. The small size weighs approximately 3.2 oz, medium size 4.1 oz, and large size 5.6 oz. The backpack comes with extra soft and colorful silky straps that add a pop of color to your pet's hiking gear.

The backpack has been designed with extra comfort in mind. The breathable mesh material on the back allows for proper ventilation, keeping your dog cool and comfortable during long hikes. The outer material is water repellent, ensuring your pet stays dry during unexpected rain showers.

The Extra Safe design of the backpack ensures your pet's safety. The lockable safety red buckle keeps your dog secure, preventing them from escaping while on the trail.

The Extra Convenience design of the backpack makes it a versatile accessory. It functions as both a hiking dog backpack and a daily harness, making it convenient for everyday use.

The backpack's Extra Fashion design features contrast colors that make your pet stand out from the crowd, making them the most stylish dog on the trail.

Pros

  • Light-weighted material for easy carrying
  • Breathable mesh material for proper ventilation
  • Water repellent outer material
  • Lockable safety red buckle for extra safety
  • 2 in 1 function as a hiking dog backpack and daily harness
  • Extra soft and colorful silky straps for added comfort and style
  • Contrast colors for a fashionable look

9. Adventure Pro Dog Harness – No Pull Comfort

The Ultimate Adventure Dog Harness is perfect for medium-sized dogs that love to live an active lifestyle. Whether it's a walk, run, hike, swim, or camping trip, this harness is designed to keep up with your furry friend. It comes with a built-in handle that allows you to assist or control your dog when needed.

The harness is highly adjustable and easy to put on and take off. It features longer straps with extra adjustment to help you find a snug fit for your dog. The medium size dog harness is suitable for medium breeds like the Springer Spaniel, both male and female. To put the harness on, simply slide it over your dog's head and clip the buckles.

Made from strong military-grade nylon, this no pull dog harness is heavy-duty and durable. It exceeds national pulling strength guidelines by over 130 LBS! The front metal D-Ring and buckles have been reinforced and tripled in strength since the first version of this harness, making it even safer and more durable.

This no pull dog harness is perfect for safe training. It positions the back leash attachment and soft padding around the neck to help protect your dog's trachea, while the front leash attachment can be used to teach your canine to heel and stop pulling.

The Ultimate Adventure Dog Harness is not only functional but also super comfortable and stylish. The lightweight materials with reflective trim look stunning and help your furry friend move freely without rubbing or discomfort.

Pros

  • Built-in handle for assistance and control
  • Highly adjustable for a snug fit
  • Heavy-duty and durable
  • Perfect for safe training
  • Super comfortable and stylish

10. Lightweight Trekker Dog Backpack For Outdoors

The OllyDog Trekker RF Dog Harness is a perfect solution for dog owners who love to take their pets on outdoor adventures. This harness is crafted from Repreve Nylon, making it lightweight and durable. It comes with two built-in packs for your dog to carry their gear, making it functional and stylish.

The lightweight plastic buckles attach onto the harness fabric to help avoid creating hotspots on your dog. There are multiple adjustment points that allow you to create the perfect harness and saddlebag fit for your dog's ultimate comfort and a full range of motion. The Trekker RF has two O-ring leash attachment points on the back of the harness made from sturdy aluminum.

The Trekker RF has a back grab handle made from a comfortable silicon-type material. There is reflective piping on the saddlebags to increase visibility in low-light conditions. The saddlebags feature additional mesh interior pockets for increased organization. On the outside of each saddlebag is a slip pocket with velcro closure for easy access. Orange zipper pullers help increase visibility and accessibility to pockets.

The Trekker RF comes in three colors to fit your dog's outdoor style. We recommend pairing this pack with our OllyBottle, Crumple Travel Bowl, and Urban Trail Reflective Spring Leash (all sold separately) for the ultimate hiking dog pack.

The Trekker RF is available in two sizes. The medium adjusts from 26''-32'' and has a 5L capacity. The large adjusts from 30''-38'' and has a 7.5L capacity. It is recommended that your dog carry no more than 25% of their body weight. If they are new to carrying a pack, start with a light weight to help get your dog comfortable. To clean the Trekker RF, hand wash in cold water with a pet-safe detergent and let air dry.

All of OllyDog's products come with a lifetime warranty. However, chewing and biting are not covered by the warranty as that is not the intended use of the product. If parts of the harness become loose or detached, please discontinue use of the product for dog and handler safety.

Pros

  • Crafted from Repreve Nylon, making it lightweight and durable
  • Two built-in packs for your dog to carry their gear
  • Multiple adjustment points for the perfect fit and full range of motion
  • Two O-ring leash attachment points on the back made from sturdy aluminum
  • Back grab handle made from a comfortable silicon-type material
  • Reflective piping on the saddlebags to increase visibility
  • Additional mesh interior pockets for increased organization
  • Slip pocket with velcro closure for easy access
  • Orange zipper pullers help increase visibility and accessibility
  • Available in two sizes with different capacities
  • Comes with a lifetime warranty

Cons

  • – None

Best Harness For Hiking Dogs FAQs

Are there any safety tips or precautions I should be aware of when using a harness for hiking with my dog?

Yes, there are several safety tips and precautions that you should be aware of when using a harness for hiking with your dog. Firstly, make sure that the harness fits snugly and comfortably on your dog to prevent any rubbing or chafing. It's also important to check the harness regularly during the hike to ensure that it hasn't become loose or damaged.

Another important safety tip is to always keep your dog on a leash while hiking, even if they are well-trained and obedient. This will prevent them from running off or getting into dangerous situations. Additionally, be aware of the terrain and weather conditions before setting out on your hike. If it's particularly hot or cold, make sure to take breaks and provide your dog with plenty of water and shade.

Finally, if you're hiking in an area with wildlife, it's important to keep your dog under control and on a leash to prevent them from chasing or attacking animals. By following these safety tips and precautions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience for both you and your furry companion.

How do I properly fit and adjust a harness for my hiking dog?

Fitting and adjusting a harness for your hiking dog is essential for their safety and comfort during your outdoor adventures. Firstly, choose a harness that is appropriate for your dog's size and weight, and ensure that it is made of high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of hiking.

When fitting the harness, ensure that it is snug but not too tight, as this can restrict your dog's movement and breathing. You should be able to fit two fingers between the harness and your dog's skin. Adjust the straps accordingly to achieve the right fit.

Next, check that the harness is in the correct position on your dog's body. The harness should be centered on your dog's back, with the D-ring for attaching the leash located at the top. This will give you better control and prevent your dog from pulling excessively.

Finally, ensure that all buckles and fastenings are securely fastened, and that there are no loose parts that could cause your dog discomfort or become a safety hazard. Regularly check the harness for signs of wear and tear, and replace it if necessary.

In summary, fitting and adjusting a harness for your hiking dog requires careful attention to detail to ensure their safety and comfort. With the right harness and proper fitting, you and your dog can enjoy many happy and safe hiking adventures together.

What are some of the best harnesses for hiking with dogs on the market?

When it comes to hiking with your furry friend, a good harness is essential to keep them safe and comfortable. There are several options available in the market, but some of the best harnesses for hiking with dogs are:

1. Ruffwear Front Range Harness: This harness is lightweight, durable and features padded straps for added comfort. It also has two leash attachment points, making it versatile for different hiking scenarios.

2. Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness: This harness is made of high-quality materials, features a front D-ring leash attachment for added control, and has a padded chest plate for comfort.

3. Hurtta Active Harness: This harness is designed specifically for active dogs and features a padded breastplate and straps for added comfort. It also has reflective strips for added safety during low-light hikes.

4. EzyDog Convert Harness: This harness is versatile, lightweight and has a durable construction. It also has a padded chest plate for added comfort and a handle for added control during hikes.

When choosing a harness, it's important to consider your dog's size, activity level and any special needs they may have. It's also important to ensure a proper fit to avoid any discomfort or injuries during hikes.

What features should I look for in a harness for hiking with my dog?

When it comes to hiking with your dog, a good harness is essential. It not only ensures your dog's safety but also provides comfort during long hikes. Here are some features to look for in a harness for hiking with your dog:

1. Durability: Look for a harness made of sturdy materials that can withstand the wear and tear of outdoor activities.

2. Comfort: The harness should be comfortable for your dog to wear for extended periods. Look for padding and adjustable straps to ensure a custom fit.

3. Breathability: A breathable harness is important during hot weather to prevent your dog from overheating.

4. Reflective features: If you plan on hiking during low light conditions, a harness with reflective features will ensure your dog is visible to others.

5. Easy to put on and take off: A harness that is easy to put on and take off will save you time and prevent frustration for both you and your dog.

6. Leash attachment points: Look for a harness with multiple leash attachment points to give you more control over your dog during the hike.

Overall, a good hiking harness should be durable, comfortable, breathable, reflective, easy to put on and take off, and have multiple leash attachment points.

What is a harness for hiking dogs and why is it important?

A harness for hiking dogs is a specialized piece of equipment designed to keep dogs safe and comfortable while they are out on the trails with their owners. Unlike traditional dog collars, which can cause neck strain and even injury if a dog pulls too hard, a harness distributes the pressure evenly across the dog's chest and back, making it a much safer and more comfortable option for hiking.

There are a number of reasons why a harness is important when hiking with dogs. First and foremost, it helps to keep the dog safe and secure, especially when navigating rough terrain or steep inclines. A well-fitted harness can also prevent the dog from slipping out of its collar, which can be a major hazard on the trail.

Additionally, a harness can help to prevent injury to the dog's neck and spine, particularly if the dog is prone to pulling or tugging on the leash. Finally, a harness can make it easier to control the dog and keep it focused on the trail, which can help to prevent accidents and injuries for both the dog and its owner. Overall, investing in a high-quality harness for hiking is an essential step for any dog owner who loves to explore the great outdoors with their furry companion.

Leave a Comment