10 Best Dog Harness for Hiking 2024 – Reviews &amp; Top Picks

For best overall performance, we recommend the Rabbitgoo dog harness. Offered in six bold color choices, this harness has soft padded panels made of Nylon Oxford, which not only allow for comfort and durability but also provide air flow to keep your dog cool as they’re blazing down the trail.

The no-slip lock system employs two buckles that are easy to clasp and unclasp and hold strong when it counts. Plus, the four adjustment points create a better fit. However, be aware that some dogs who are prone to escaping may become entangled.

This harness comes with two sturdy leash attachment loops. Use the back loop for casual walks and long hikes, and the front clip comes in handy for reducing your dog’s tendency to pull. There’s also a top handle incorporated into the harness for increased control and for lifting your dog. The reflective strips help keep your dog safe in low light.

Pros

Soft padded panels
Comfort and durability
Breathable fabric
No-slip lock system buckles
Four adjustment points
Front and back leash attachments
Top handle
Reflective strips
Six color choices

Cons

Some dogs may escape or become entangled

2. EcoBark Classic Dog Harness – Best Value

Our choice for the best dog harness for hiking for the money goes to EcoBark Classic dog harness. Beyond being a great value, this harness is built to provide a comfortable fit for your dog. The custom stitch cover is designed to prevent rubbing and chafing.

The double-layered mesh fabric allows for breathability and is lightweight but strong enough to endure your dog’s high activity level. With eco-friendly straps made from recycled water bottles, this harness is built to prevent your dog from escaping, though it’s easy to put on and remove with the specialized buckles.

The EcoBark Classic comes in 10 bright color choices and six sizes. It has a leash attachment on the back, but there’s no option for a front leash and no top handle. We also found that breeds with wider necks encountered problems with the fit of the collar portion.

Pros

Best value
Comfortable, breathable, and lightweight
Custom stitch cover to prevent rubbing and chafing
Eco-friendly straps
Specialized buckles
10 color choices
Six size options

Cons

No front leash attachment or top handle
Difficult fit for wider neck dog breeds

3. OneTigris Dog Vest Harness – Premium Choice

If you’re planning several days of backpacking and hiking with your dog, you may want to spend the extra money on our premium choice, the OneTigris tactical dog vest harness. As the name implies, this dog harness is designed for professional medical and emergency use. On the trail, your dog can carry their own supplies and first aid materials.

The OneTigris includes three MOLLE pouches, an EMT bag, a tool pouch, and a waist pack. It comes with two sturdy top handles located in the front and back. This harness is built from durable 1000D nylon and has a rather soft interior. It only comes with a back-leash attachment, however.

Keep in mind that this harness is created for medium to extra-large dogs and is not intended for extra-heavy loads. Also, you may need to regularly adjust the fit, and the weight of the bags may cause the vest to shift out of place.

Pros

Professional-looking design
Three pouches for carrying supplies
Two sturdy top handles
Durable 1000D nylon
Soft interior

Cons

Expensive
Not for small dogs
No front leash attachment

4. RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness

Built for extended wear during day-long hikes, the Ruffwear dog harness offers a simple design made from lightweight and durable materials. Two foam-padded strips stretch across your dog’s chest and belly for improved comfort and load distribution.

Four adjustment straps help provide a functional fit. We found, however, that larger chest dog breeds had difficulties with the fit. Also, dogs prone to escaping may make easy work of this harness.

Ruffwear comes with two leash attachment points. There’s an aluminum V-ring on the back and a reinforced loop on the front, which helps deter excessive pulling. However, if you have a strong dog, the front loop, made only of fabric, may snap under the force.

This vest-style dog harness comes in six sporty colors and has reflective strips for your dog’s safety in low light.

Pros

Designed for extended wear
Lightweight and durable material
Two foam-padded strips for comfort and load distribution
Four adjustment straps
Two leash attachment points, front and back
Six sporty colors
Reflective strips

Cons

Higher priced
Larger chest dog breeds can have difficulty with fit
Weak design of front leash attachment
Some dogs may escape from this harness

5. Outward Hound 22003 Daypak

If you’re looking for a dog harness that allows you to pack supplies but without the high price tag, you may want to consider the Outward Hound daypack. This cleverly designed dog harness employs two evenly distributed pouches with four expandable pockets to provide ample room for plenty of necessary items.

This harness is built for long hikes with its breathable mesh fabric that will help keep your dog comfortable all day long. It comes with a sturdy D-ring leash attachment located only on the back, and it has a built-in top handle.

The adjustable straps help secure a better fit. As with any harness that has added storage, keeping the vest in its proper position may become an issue. Also, we learned of some dogs experiencing rubbing and chafing along the straps.

The Outward Hound Daypak comes in a choice of two vivid colors for higher visibility. It also has reflective accents for night use.

Pros

Inexpensive
Two pouches with four expandable pockets
Breathable mesh fabric
Sturdy D-ring leash attachment
Adjustable straps
Built-in top handle
Two vivid color choices
Reflective accents

Cons

No front leash attachment
Difficulty with maintaining proper fit
Some rubbing and chafing may occur with extended use

6. BARKBAY Front Clip Dog Harness

BARKBAY

Made for a day of hiking, the Barkbay dog harness clips securely onto your dog with ease. It comes with four adjustment points, and the buckles are weight tested up to 450 pounds.

The lightweight nylon on this front-styled vest is built for durability, prevents ripping, and is weatherproof for all seasons. This harness also provides your dog with extra comfort due to its anti-chafe padding and soft, breathable mesh fabric.

Two leash attachment clips located on the front and the back are made from strong zinc alloy metal, which resists rust and scratches. However, the metal clips may not be up to the challenge of a stronger, larger dog that pulls. Also, we learned of proper fitting difficulties.

Though primarily black, the vest portion comes in six attractive color accents. Also, the straps have reflective strips for added safety. This dog harness comes with a built-in top handle for extra control.

Pros

Sturdy and secure buckles
Four adjustment points
Lightweight and weatherproof nylon material
Anti-chafe, soft, breathable mesh padding
Front and back attachments for your leash
Six attractive color choices
Reflective strips
Built-in top handle

Cons

Weak metal leash attachment
Proper fitting difficulties

7. Kurgo Dog Saddlebag Harness

If you’re looking for another option for a backpack design dog harness, the Kurgo dog saddlebag harness is designed for dogs on the go. Two large saddlebag-style storage bags attach to either side of the harness, which can be adjusted for better comfort, fit, and load distribution.

The two leash attachments are built for durability and performance. The rear attachment has a D-ring design that also doubles a bottle opener. The sturdy top handle, designed to help your dog over obstacles, is offered in three rugged colors and has reflective stitching for added safety.

We learned that some users encounter issues with the zippers on the saddlebags opening too easily during use. Also, you may have difficulties getting a proper fit on your dog. Overall, we found that the Kurgo works well for day hiking but may not be up to the challenge of longer trips.

Pros

Two large saddlebag-style storage bags
Adjustable bags and fit
Two leash attachment points/bottle opener
Sturdy top handle
Three rugged color choices
Reflective stitching

Cons

Zippers may open easily and unexpectantly
May encounter difficulty with proper fit
May not be durable for long, multi-day hikes

8. PoyPet No Pull Dog Harness

PoyPet

The front clip leash attachment on the PoyPet No Pull dog harness works well to deter your dog from pulling during your hike. Both the front and rear clips are constructed with sturdy metal and are secured with reinforced webbing.

You’ll can get this harness on and off with ease with a click of the quick-snap buckle on the neckline. Two additional buckles located on the belly and four adjustable straps secure this harness in place. However, you may run into trouble properly adjusting the straps for an ideal fit. Some dogs were able to easily escape.

This harness is built for your dog’s comfort during strenuous exercise. The non-toxic mesh allows for air circulation and provides padding to evenly distribute pulling pressure. The top handle can even be used to attach a seatbelt. This harness also comes with reflective stitching.

Pros

Front leash attachment design deters pulling
Sturdy metal leash attachment clips
Quick-snap buckle
Breathable mesh material
Comfort padding
Top handle with padding for your comfort
Reflective stitching

Cons

Adjustment straps may be difficult to adjust for an ideal fit
Some dogs escaped

9. ThinkPet Breathable Sport Harness

Designed with active dogs in mind, the ThinkPet breathable sport harness comes with a variety of high-performance components, including a front leash clip to better control your dog’s tendency to pull.

The padded ventilated material is built for air flow to keep your dog cool on the go. The safety buckles attach securely and come with adjustable straps for a better fit. This harness includes a padded sturdy top handle, an additional leash attachment located on the center of the back, and full-size reflective straps.

We placed this harness second to last on our list for having durability issues, as well as proper fitting difficulties. This harness may not be able to stand up to large powerful dogs. Also, if your dog is an aggressive chewer, you may discover that this harness falls apart too easily. Finally, some dog owners do not care for the color choices.

Pros

Front and rear clip leash attachment
Padded, ventilated material
Safety buckles and adjustable straps
Sturdy, padded top handle
Full-size reflective straps

Cons

Difficulties achieving proper fit
Not durable for larger, stronger dogs
Not strong enough for aggressive chewers
Lackluster color choices

10. Embark Adventure Dog Harness