9 Best Dog Harnesses for Hiking for 2023

As dog lovers, there’s nothing better than taking our dogs with us wherever we go. But without the right equipment, it can make things challenging.

Many people like to use a collar and leash to control their dog while they’re out hiking, but this isn’t necessarily the best option, especially if your dog likes to pull. Many collars can put unnecessary pressure on your dog’s neck.

Dog harnesses are a safer solution and are less likely to cause injury. Harnesses work by spreading the load across your dog’s shoulders and chest.

But what are the best dog harnesses for hiking? In this blog post, I’ll list my 9 top choices along with answering some frequently asked questions.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, but I only recommend products I find trustworthy and you pay nothing extra.

My Top Picks for Best Dog Harnesses for Hiking

1. OneTigris Tactical Canine Straps – Top Overall Straps

Specifications

• Size: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large

• Material: Nylon

• Colors: Green, Black, Brown, Grey, Camo

• Leash Clips: Two

• Tactical Handle: Yes

• Quick Release Clips: Four

• Pockets: N/A

• Adjusting Points: Three

The OneTigris tactical harness is made with a durable 1000D nylon which has been padded to provide your dog with extra comfort. You’ll find the tactical harness in four different sizes, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding one that fits your dog.

It comes with four quick-release clips, making it easy to put the harness on and take it off. On top of the four buckles, they have three adjusting points so that you can get the perfect fit.

At the front and side of the harness, it features a hook and loop design so you can stick ID badges or pockets to it.

And finally, you have two leash spots, one at the front for dogs that pull and one at the rear for everyday use.

Pros

• A good solid build
• Plenty of velcro for customizations
• Great top handle
• Easy to clean

Cons

• The straps dangle

2. Albcorp Working Canine Vest Straps – Optimal For Canines With A Wide Chest

Specifications

• Size: S, M, L, XL

• Material: Nylon, Mesh, Sponge, Neoprene, Polypropylene

• Colors: Pink, Black, Blue, Red

• Leash Clips: Two D-rings

• Tactical Handle: Yes

• Quick Release Clips: Four clips

• Pockets: N/A

• Adjusting Points: Four

The Albcorp working dog vest comes in four different sizes, so you’ll have no issues finding one to fit your dog. The sizes range from 21.6” to 33.4” chest and a 20.5” to 23” neck. To help you choose the right one, they provide a sizing guide.

It’s also made with a combination of materials to make it strong and comfortable for your dog. On top of that, you also get four-color designs to choose from, and the front and side panels feature a velcro material, which allows you to attach patches to your dog.

You’ll find four quick-release clips on the harness, which come with adjustable straps, making it easy to attach to your dog. The clips also come with safety lock buttons to prevent them from coming undone.

It also comes with a D-loop at the front panel and the rear of the harness, which you can use to attach a leash or ID tags. If your dog is a puller, I suggest using the front D-ring to give you more control; they also have a handle at the top of the harness.

Pros

• Very well-made harness
• The top handle offers excellent control
• Safety buttons prevent the clip from failing

Cons

• The sizing feels a bit off
• Buckles can rub against your dog

3. RUFFWEAR, Front Range Canine Straps – Most Comfortable Canine Straps

Specifications

• Size: XX-Small, X-Small, Small, Medium, Large/X-Large

• Material: Reinforced Padded Nylon

• Colors: Pink, Teal, Blue, Orange, Grey, Purple, And more

• Leash Clips: Two

• Tactical Handle: N/A

• Quick Release Clips: Two

• Pockets: N/A

• Adjusting Points: Four

It’s made with a padded material that wraps around the chest and belly to provide an equal load while running or pulling. They also made the harness lightweight and durable, so you can use it all day long without causing distress.

You’ll find two leash attachments on the harness. The front attachment is reinforced with webbing and is ideal for pull training. The one at the rear is an aluminum V-ring, perfect for everyday use.

To place it on your dog, it comes with two quick-release clips which sit between the fabric so it doesn’t cause your dog any discomfort. You’ll also find four adjustment points to fit it perfectly to your dog’s body.

If you’re hiking at night, the harness features reflective strips to help keep you and your dog safe at night.

Pros

• Great for dogs that pull
• Very comfortably padded
• Helps with training
• Excellent fit for medium dogs

Cons

• Quite bulky
• Reflective strips are small

4. Auroth Tactical Canine Straps – Top Adjustability Range

Specifications

• Size: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large

• Material: Wear-resistant nylon with padded cotton cushion

• Colors: Army Yellow, Black, Blue Camo, Dessert Camo, And much more

• Leash Clips: Two

• Tactical Handle: Yes

• Quick Release Clips: Two

• Pockets: N/A

• Adjusting Points: Four

The Auroth Tactical dog harness is made with a breathable air mesh with a cotton cushion to add comfort to your dog. They also wrapped it with a durable wear-resistant 900D nylon, so it lasts for years.

To connect the harness to your dog, it comes with two quick-release clips at the rear, making it easy to get on and off. You also have four adjustment points so that you can get an excellent snug fit on your dog’s body.

At the front and rear of the harness is a D-ring leash clip, so you can choose how you want to walk your dog. You’ll also notice the tactical handle at the top of the harness so that you can get more control of your dog when you need it.

On the sides of the harness, they have a hook and loop system with a “Best Friend” ID badge. But you can also use it in conjunction with Molle/Pals pouches so that you can connect dog bowls and water bottles to the harness.

Pros

• Padding on the straps helps to reduce rubbing
• Great design and fit
• Well-constructed

Cons

• The material is thick, making it challenging for your dog in the summer

5. Embark Adventure Canine Straps – Good For Large Puppies

Specifications

• Size: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large

• Material: Rip-Stop nylon

• Colors: Teal Blue, Black, Orange, Pink

• Leash Clips: Two

• Tactical Handle: Yes

• Quick Release Clips: Two

• Pockets: N/A

• Adjusting Points: Four

The Embark Adventure dog harness is highly durable thanks to the Tip-Stop nylon design so that you can use it for any situation. The military-grade nylon can withstand over 130 lbs. of pulling strength with ease.

Each harness comes with a control handle to help keep your dog close if necessary. They also include two leash clips, one at the front for pull training and a rear-mounted one when things get adventurous.

It comes with two quick-release clips to attach the harness to your dog with ease; the problem is the padding doesn’t cover the clips, so it rubs. You also have four adjustment points to help you get a snug fit around your dog.

One of the nice things about this harness is the reflective trim which looks stunning in the dark and keeps you and your pup safe.

Pros

• The handle on the back is convenient for hiking
• Fits very well
• Very comfortable
• Lightweight and nice-looking

Cons

• The front clip doesn’t feel too strong

6. PHOEPET Upgraded No Pull Canine Straps – Recommended For Small Canines

Specifications

• Size: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large

• Material: Breathable air-mesh cushion with a durable oxford surface

• Colors: Pink, Red, Black, Purple, Blue, Orange

• Leash Clips: Two

• Tactical Handle: Yes

• Quick Release Clips: Three

• Pockets: N/A

• Adjusting Points: Four

The durable harness is made with extremely strong materials, so it can handle the pull no matter how strong your dog is. This is thanks to the three specially designed buckles which ensure the highest strength protection.

As you can see above, it comes in five sizes to help you find the right one for your dog. And to make things better, you also have four adjustment points so you can get the perfect fit on your dog.

You also have two hook loops to choose from; the one at the front reduces the pulling, which can make your walk more enjoyable. The one at the rear is the most commonly used but doesn’t reduce your dog’s pulling.

If you’re looking to gain more control of your dog, you can use the handle at the top. It’s great for stopping your dog from lunging or helping them up boulders.

Pros

• Easy to fit on your dog
• The seams look very strong
• The specially designed buckles work well

Cons

• The neckpiece isn’t very adjustable

7. PETAGE Tactical Service Canine Straps – Greatest For Canines With A Thin Chest

Specifications

• Size: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large

• Material: 1050D Nylon

• Colors: Army Green, Blue, Dark Khaki, Grey, Orange, And much more

• Leash Clips: Two

• Tactical Handle: Yes

• Quick Release Clips: Two

• Pockets: No

• Adjusting Points: Four

The PETAGE Service Dog harness comes with a Molle system on each side, which allows you to connect pouches, water bottles, and tactical dog gear without any issues. And thanks to it being made with military standard 1050D nylon, it’s very robust.

It also comes with two V-rings, which can bear a pulling force of 1500lbs, which should be more than enough for any dog. The V-rings are located at the front and rear of the harness, so you can choose how to use it.

If you’re looking to gain more control of your dog while you’re hiking, you can use the tactical handle at the top of the harness. It’s a quick and efficient way of gaining control quickly.

You can use the two quick-release buckles at the rear of the harness to help you get it on your dog. All you have to do is feed it over your dog’s neck and clip it together. Once it’s on, it’s a simple case of adjusting the straps, so you get the perfect fit.

Pros

• Fits perfectly
• Made with high-quality materials
• The reflective strips work well

Cons

• The adjustable straps slide when your dog is wearing them.

8. ICEFANG Tactical Canine Straps – Optimal For Large Canines

Specifications

• Size: Medium, Large, X-Large

• Material: Nylon

• Colors: Range Green, Safety Orange, Wolf Grey, Black, Coyote Brown

• Leash Clips: Two

• Tactical Handle: Yes

• Quick Release Clips: Four

• Pockets: N/A

• Adjusting Points: Four

The ICEFANG tactical dog harness is made with extremely strong nylon, which adds durability and strength to the design. It comes in three sizes, so it’s best for larger dogs as there’s no option for smaller dogs.

It comes with four metal buckles which have been tested for loading 1000 lbs., so you shouldn’t have any troubles with your dog breaking the harness. On top of that, you have four adjustment points so you can get a good fit for your dog.

The front of the harness and the sides feature strips of velcro, which allows you to attach extra accessories like ID patches and PALs pouches.

They have an anti-pull leash clip at the front of the harness, and at the rear, they have a tactical handle and a second leash clip. Thanks to these additions, you have more options for walking your dog.

Pros

• Very sturdy design
• Highly adjustable, providing an excellent fit
• Lots of velcro for extra attachments

Cons

• It’s quite heavy

9. Rabbitgoo Canine Straps – Good For Medium Canines

Specifications

• Size: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large

• Material: Polyester and Nylon

• Colors: Black, Mint Green, Lime, Orange, Yellow, Grey, And much more

• Leash Clips: Two

• Tactical Handle: Yes

• Quick Release Clips: Two

• Pockets: N/A

• Adjusting Points: Four

The fully adjustable harness has four points for you to make your dog more comfortable while wearing it. It’s made with a mix of polyester and nylon, which helps increase the harness’s durability.

The harness features two quick-release clips to help you put the harness on quickly. All you have to do is place the harness over your dog’s neck and clip it up.

At the front of the harness, you have a D-ring to clip a leash to, and it will help stop your dog from pulling without choking them. They also have another D-ring at the rear of the harness, so you have another option.

Overall, the harness is solid and looks extremely comfortable, so your dog shouldn’t mind wearing it on a long hike.

Pros

• Very well constructed
• Easy to put on
• Fits nicely
• Affordable

Cons

• The handle is thin and uncomfortable to hold
• The leash rings are a little small, which makes it hard to use

My Top Pick

Choosing one harness to rule them all is very challenging, mainly because it depends on the individual dog. But, if I had to pick one, it would be the OneTigris Tactical Dog harness.

The reason being is it does everything very well. You have plenty of sizes to choose from, it fits well, and you can adjust it.

I also loved how the buckles are cushioned with padding, so they don’t rub against your dog and cause sore spots.

If you’re hiking in the mountains, you also have the tactical handle to pull your dog up any boulders they struggle with.

Overall, a great harness with a lot of adjustability and color designs to choose from. Make sure you check it out.

Before purchasing any of the harnesses mentioned above, check the manufacturer’s sizing guides to ensure you get the right one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind Of Strap Is Recommended For A Canine That Pulls?

Having a dog that pulls is never easy, and if you just use a collar, you’ve probably noticed your dog struggling to breathe.

Not only is it bad practice letting your dog pull on a collar, but it’s also bad for their health, which is why you should start looking at harnesses.

But which one is the best for stopping your dog from pulling?

There’s no one size fits all harness, so I’m not going to suggest a specific harness, but I will give you an idea of what to look for.

Ideally, you should be looking for a harness with a leash clip on the chest. When they pull, it brings their chest down, which they don’t like, and will stop pulling overtime.

What To Look For In The Best Dog Harness For Hiking?

It’s no good just choosing a dog harness for hiking just because it looks pretty. It might make you feel happy, but it does nothing for your dog.

And this is why I want to show you some things I like to look for when buying a dog harness for hiking:

Fit

One of the most important things to think about when choosing a new harness for your dog is the fit. Not all harnesses are made the same, so just because you used a small one once doesn’t mean you’ll get away with it again.

A harness that’s too tight will dig into your dog’s body, which causes a lot of discomfort for the little guy. Not only that, but it makes it hard for your dog to breathe, which isn’t ideal when you’re on a long hike.

On the flip side, if it’s too big, your dog can wiggle out of it and run loose, or it will cause chafing on the body.

To find the right size for your dog, you need to measure the circumference of your dog, which is the widest part of their chest. You’ll also have to measure the length from the neck to the tail and the neck girth.

Make sure you compare these measurements with the manufacturer’s suggestions before you buy it.

Material

Depending on where you live and the environmental conditions, you may need a different type of harness material than someone else.

For example, if you’re hiking in a hot area, you might want to look for a harness that doesn’t have much material to help keep your dog cool.

If you’re hiking in areas where it gets wet and muddy, you might find a material that’s easier to clean much more beneficial.

Think about the conditions and what your dog likes to do to find the suitable material for you.

Padding

I always like to find a harness with padding to it. It helps to protect your dog and makes it more comfortable for them.

I especially like to look for padding around the clips. It helps to stop the clasps from digging into their rib cage, which can cause discomfort in the long run.

Front Or Back Attachment

Some harnesses use front attachments, some use rear attachments, and others have both. And which one you should choose depends on you.

If your dog needs pull training, a front clip would be better for you. It helps prevent your dog from pulling because they don’t like the feeling of the leash pulling from the chest.

If you want to give your dog more freedom, a back attachment is a good option. But if you’re dog is not well trained, I wouldn’t suggest it.

Personally, I like to go for harnesses that have both to have more options.

Why Are Straps Bad For Canines?

Honestly, harnesses aren’t bad for dogs; unless they’re poorly fitted, then they can cause damage or enable them to slip out.

As long as you get a harness that fits your dog well, you shouldn’t have any problems.

A collar can cause a lot more damage to your dog’s neck, which is why you should try to avoid using them when you’re hiking.

Is A Martingale Collar Better Than A Strap?

In my opinion, no, they’re not better. They tighten around your dog’s neck when they pull on the leash. This might help stop them from slipping away, but a well-fitted harness can do the same without tightening around their neck.

Conclusion 

Well, I hope I’ve offered you some good choices to choose the best dog harness for hiking.

While all of these collars are high quality, you have a number of options depending on the preferences of you and your dog.

I wish you luck on your next hike and hope whichever harness you choose makes your time more enjoyable.

Please feel free to leave your comments and questions below.