The Best Dog Harnesses for Hiking—Reviewed

Traversing new trails is one of life’s great pleasures, especially when you get to bring your pup along for the journey. Even if your pup is very well behaved and has excellent recall, it’s always a good idea to outfit them for adventure.

While you might not want to make them wear boots (given just how finicky dogs tend to be with shoes and the fact that their paws are quite literally designed to walk the earth), harnesses can come in handy. The way we see it, the best dog harnesses for hiking not only provide more control while on leash, but also make pups more visible in the forest, canyons, and atop peaks.

Plus, many heavy-duty hiking harnesses come with built-in handles, which offer an easy way to grab your pup out of harm’s way if ever necessary. Sold? Keep reading to discover our top 10 picks for the best dog harnesses for hiking. 

Btw, our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission. (We’ve got a lot of toys to buy over here, you know?)

The top 10 Kinship reviewed dog harnesses for hiking

• Best overall: Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness 

• Best for three-legged dogs and escape artists: Ruffwear Flagline Dog Harness 

• Best looking: Zee.Dog FlyHarness 

• Best for large dogs: Beebiepet Heavy Duty Tactical Dog Harness 

• Best tactical dog harness: WINGOIN Tactical Dog Harness

• Best reflective dog harness: Embark Adventure Dog Harness

• Best everyday trail harness: Wilderdog Dog Harness

• Best minimalist harness: Pawtitas Nylon Reflective Step-In Dog Harness

• Best step-in harness: Gooby Simple Step-In III Dog Harness

• Best pocket pack harness: Frisco Outdoor Premium Ripstop Nylon Dog Harness

How to choose the dog harness for hiking that is right for you:

Size: Measure your dog’s neck and chest, then compare it to the product’s size chart. Remember, you want the harness to fit snugly but comfortably. The best way to ensure this is with an adjustable design. 

Safety: The safest dog harnesses for hiking are made with durable ripstop material and feature padding, handles, loops, and/or reflective accents. Where padding offers cushioning between your pup and potential scrapes or punctures, handles and loops allow pet owners and walkers to pull or pick up their pets out of harm’s way. They also serve as a place to clip gear, should your pup be large enough to carry some. Meanwhile, reflective accents not only make your pup more visible to passersby, they also ensure you can see them if they venture off.

Type: Most often, dog harnesses for hiking feature an overhead or vest silhouette, as they’re the most secure. That said, if your dog has limited range of motion or is on the smaller size, a step-in harness is worth considering. 

Price: You don’t have to break the bank to have a memorable and safe hiking adventure with your pup. Most dog harnesses for hiking ring up between $20 and $30, with a few outliers in the teens and $50-plus range. Like anything, you get what you pay for. And when it comes to our pups, we say it’s well worth the investment.

Best overall

Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness

$55

The Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness is my personal favorite dog harness for hiking, as well as everyday neighborhood jaunts with my Jack-Chi, Cash. While it works particularly well for his small, 14-pound frame, the best-selling, shockingly lightweight harness is sold in five sizes, accommodating up to a 32-42-inch chest. As for what makes this Ruffwear Harness so special, it comes down to the front and back clip design and durable ripstop material, which encapsulates a layer of foam for optimal comfort and protection on the trails.

$55 at Amazon

Pros

• Front and back clip options

• Four-way adjustable design

• Reflective seams

• Beacon light loop (add-on accessory)

• Lightweight

• ID pocket to keep tags from jangling

• Sold in 11 colors and five sizes

Cons

• Some dogs don’t dig the overhead design

Overall review

This is my personal favorite dog harness for my 14-pound Jack Russell Chihuahua. The ultra-lightweight design doesn’t overwhelm his little body, and the padded, reflective design ensures he stays safe on walks and hikes alike. 

Review rating: 5/5

Best for three-legged dogs and escape artists

Ruffwear Flagline Dog Harness

$65

The Ruffwear Flagline Dog Harness is another of the brand’s top sellers. Sold in five sizes and four colors, the elongated harness stands apart for the way it more equally distributes weight on the dog’s body, should the handled design be used to assist with lifts or trickier trails—or if you’re merely trying to pull your pup away from an approaching person, pup, or wild animal. Because of this, many consider the Ruffwear Flagline Dog Harness to be the optimal choice for tripods. And because the harness is fitted to the body further back, many find it harder for pups to escape from, too. While the harness features three clip options, front, top back, and rear back, the top back option is the most solid, as it’s made with an Aluminum V-ring, while the others are webbed.

$65 at Ruffwear

Pros

• Three-clip design

• Six-way adjustable design 

• More evenly distributes weight 

• Built-in handle

• Reflective design

• Elongated design is harder to escape

Cons

• Limited color selection

Overall review

“When fit correctly this harness is escape proof! What a wonder after a scary situation where my pup got out of another harness from another brand and tried to make a break for it. She is very tough on gear and I feel like this will last a long time. The peace of mind this harness brings us is worth every penny. Also has so many handy features like the handle and 3 separate clip options. Love this harness.” —Ruffwear Shopper

Review rating: 4.8/5

Best looking

Zee.Dog FlyHarness

$40

How fun is this Zee.Dog FlyHarness? The color-block design looks like something out of the future, or better yet, out of a Nickelodeon show. The overhead harness features thick, adjustable straps that evenly disperse weight across a dog's shoulders and chest to give the walker better control of their gait, meaning pulling will be less likely with this head-turning gear. The reason it’s particularly suited for hiking is that it’s made with 3D knitted material, typically reserved for athletic sneakers but reimagined for the ultimate dog harness for outdoor adventures.

$40 at Zee.Dog

Pros

• Front and back clips

• Four-way adjustable fit

• Reflective seams

• Built-in handle 

• Comfortable padded design

• Comes with matching rope leash

• Sold in four colors and four sizes 

Cons

• Limited color offering

Overall review

“I bought this tactical vest and leash for my Boxer, and it has exceeded expectations! The material is heavy-duty and feels extremely durable, but it’s also breathable and padded where it needs to be, so my dog stays comfortable even on longer walks or hikes. The fit is adjustable and secure—no slipping or chafing. I love the control handle on the back for extra support in crowded areas, and the leash that comes with it is equally high quality with strong hardware and just the right amount of stretch and control.” —Amazon Shopper

Review rating:4.6/5

Best tactical dog harness

Beebiepet Heavy Duty Tactical Dog Harness

$27

All of the harnesses on this list come in sizes to accommodate large breeds. That said, if you have a large dog who tends to pull, or if you simply want a more heavy-duty-looking design, the Beebiepet Heavy Duty Tactical Dog Harness is worth considering. Beloved by hundreds of Amazon shoppers, this reinforced nylon harness features a four-way adjustable fit, front and back leash clips, and velcro sections to adhere custom patches.

$27 at Amazon

Pros

• Made of highly durable military-grade nylon

• Reflective seams

• Built-in handle

• Front and back clips

• Fierce looking

• Sold in 12 colors and five sizes

Cons

• The buckles are made of plastic, not metal, so they may not weather as well over time

Overall review

“I solely bought this to be a visibility vest for my dogs and I’s first camping and kayaking trip. I like that this has four separate clips, so you are able to completely separate the front from the back for some kind of an emergency. It also has a very nice thin reflective line around the edge of the harness, which was a big relief to me at night. It’s very bright, served its purpose, gives the dogs’ full range of shoulder motion, and has a small area to put patches on, which I appreciate a lot.”—Amazon Shopper

Review rating: 4.4/5

Best reflective dog harness

WINGOIN Tactical Dog Harness

$29

$23

While on the topic of heavy-duty dog harnesses, be sure to check out the WINGOIN Tactical Dog Harness for something truly tough-looking. Made of padded military-grade nylon accented with reflective seams, this harness is built to weather all terrain and visibility conditions. The 4-way adjustable fit ensures secure wear that’s comfortable for your pup and provides peace of mind for you, the parent. Some added design features include velcro strips for patches, reinforced loops to easily attach gear to their pack, and a built-in heavy-duty handle to gain instant control of your fur baby. No wonder thousands of Amazon shoppers have given it their 5-star seal of approval.

$23 at Amazon

Pros

• Front and back clips

• Quid-dry material

• Four-way adjustable fit

• Built-in handle

• Interior name and address label

• Sold in 10 colors and five sizes

Cons

• Some shoppers report that the harness is easy to escape from (properly sizing your dog can help prevent this)

Overall review

“Excellent dog harness despite some negative reviews by folks that can’t follow simple instructions. It's minimal but tough, and easily adjustable. The leash attachment D-ring on the back is heavy-duty, as is the heavy-duty stitching on the nylon webbing. Highly reflective accents make it easy to spot our boy in the backyard late at night. He’s worn it for up to 10 hours without any issues. All the typical rub points are well-padded and soft.” —Amazon Shopper

Review rating: 4.5/5

Best reflective dog harness

Embark Adventure Dog Harness

$35

Maintaining visibility of your dog on a hike is paramount, and the Embark Adventure Dog Harness does what it can to keep your pup well-lit in the dark. In addition to the reflective seams around the entire body of the harness, the straps are made of shiny military grade nylon to help further ricochet light. Beyond its high-visibility design, this harness sticks to the primary characteristics of a high-quality hiking harness: It has a durable, padded body with a 4-way adjustable fit.

$35 at Amazon

Pros

• Front and back clips

• Quid-dry material

• Four-way adjustable fit

• Built-in handle

• Interior name and address label

• Sold in 10 colors and five sizes

Cons

• Some shoppers report that the harness is easy to escape from (properly sizing your dog can help prevent this)

Overall review

“Excellent dog harness despite some negative reviews by folks that can't follow simple instructions. It's minimal but tough, and easily adjustable. The leash attachment D-ring on the back is heavy-duty, as is the heavy-duty stitching on the nylon webbing. Highly reflective accents make it easy to spot our boy in the backyard late at night. He's worn it for up to 10 hours without any issues. All the typical rub points are well-padded and soft.” —Amazon Shopper

Review rating: 4.5/5

Best everyday trail harness

Wilderdog Dog Harness

$48

Love padded mesh harnesses and hoping to let your pup wear one on the trail? The Wilderdog Dog Harness is a comfy, secure option (not to mention a stylish one!) that works well for shorter hikes. Since it’s not made with ripstop material, this popular harness is best suited for easy hikes and trail strolls, as opposed to rigorous climbing.

$48 at Wilderdog

Pros

• Comfortable padded design

• Four-way adjustable fit

• Breathable mesh make-up

• Built-in handle

• Sold in three sizes and seven colors

Cons

• Plastic buckles

• Not as heavy-duty

• Limited sizing 

Overall review

“This is a fantastic practical use and great looking harness! My dog loves wearing it on walks and in the car. It's strong but flexible for easy movement when walking or hiking. Easily washable and drys quick when she gets it wet while out on hikes. The handle on the back is great for grabbing her if needed. Love the front and back clip in options which helped a ton when loose leash walking training. I originally got one from a local pet store but have loved it so much I bought a different color online!” —Wilderdog Shopper

Review rating: 4.5/5

Best minimalist harness

Pawtitas Nylon Reflective Step-In Dog Harness

$29

$16

For a cute, colorful hiking harness that does the job without overwhelming your pup with fabric or straps, consider the Pawtitas Nylon Reflective Step-In Dog Harness. The minimalist step-in harness is easy to put on, allows a full range of motion, and ensures your dog will stay visible even at night. Just keep in mind that because it doesn’t feature any padding of chest/back coverage, it’s not as protective, so it’s not as suitable for more strenuous hikes.

$16 at Chewy

Pros

• Two-way adjustable design 

• Reflective straps all the way around

• Easy on and off

• Sold in 10 colors and four sizes

Cons

• Not as protective

Overall review

“Harness fits my Aussie well! We’ve tried other styles, and when he pulls, he can slip out. This harness feels snug and secure — it’s a keeper!” —Chewy Shopper

Review rating: 4.1/5

Best step-in harness

Gooby Simple Step-In III Dog Harness

$13

$10

Love the idea of a step-in harness, but hoping for a bit more padded protection? The Gooby Simple Step-In III Dog Harness is a popular pick among shoppers thanks to its wider straps, which offer better weight distribution and control of pups on leash. Plus, the straps have thick reflective seams, ensuring they stay visible if walking or hiking as it gets dark.

$10 at Chewy

Pros

• Reflective straps

• Made of breathable mesh

• Sold in five colors and four sizes 

Cons

• Some shoppers report underarm chafing with the wraparound design

Overall review

“Awesome Harness and so happy I finally found one that works for my French Bulldog. He can’t wear a collar on a walk, and all the other harnesses were giving him knots in his back and by his shoulders. This puts the pressure on his chest not on the top of his shoulder blades. Which is exactly where it needs to be without causing him any pain. So happy I found this harness.” —Chewy Shopper

Review rating: 4.5/5

Best pocket pack harness

Frisco Outdoor Premium Ripstop Nylon Dog Harness

$27

Give your pup the true trekking experience with the Frisco Outdoor Premium Ripstop Nylon Dog Harness, complete with zippered pockets to carry treats, waste bags, and other small goodies they might like on the trail. The four-way adjustable fit harness is made of durable ripstop nylon with reflective seams. With D-rings on the chest and back, you can leash up however works best for their stroll style, too.

$27 at Chewy

Pros

• Four-way adjustable fit

• Built-in handle

• Two zip pockets

• Made with ripstop nylon

• Sold in four colors and four sizes

Cons

• Limited color range

Overall review

“I love this harness & how durable it is. It's perfect, with the straps I can adjust it to what fits her. It has two large pockets, which is great for treats,or keeping something small inside. And even has a poop bag dispenser at the end of the harness! The clips are great as well. I'd definitely recommend this product!” —Chewy Shopper

Review rating: 4.4/5

FAQs

What makes a harness best suited for hiking?

The best hiking harnesses are made with durable, ripstop material, allowing them to hold up against the terrain. Padded harnesses are particularly ideal for hiking, as they provide extra cushion and comfort for pups on long treks. 

What size hiking harness do you need for your dog?

It varies from product to product. For the best fit, measure your dog’s neck and the widest part of their chest, then compare those numbers to the specific product’s size chart. 

What is the safest dog harness for hiking?

Generally speaking, sturdier, more padded harnesses offer the most safety on hikes, as they guarantee pet parents have ample control while ensuring that pups stay comfortable in the process. From a design stance, over-head or vest harnesses tend to be safest, as some dogs can wiggle out of step-in silhouettes.

How much does a dog harness for hiking cost?

Hiking dog harnesses vary in price. There are affordable options as low as $13, with higher quality designs ringing up in the $60 to $80 range, depending on the size of your dog.