As dog owners we know that no adventure is complete if we can’t share it with our pet dogs. We want to take them on all the excursions imaginable! But just like we need special equipment when we go hiking outdoors, our pet dogs also need gear specifically for them.

Dog hiking harnesses are a must for the active canine in your life. We love them and can’t wait to share why you should switch from a collar to a harness and our top picks for hiking harnesses for dogs.

Why you should use a harness (and not a collar!) when hiking

One of the first questions dog owners ask when talking about active dog harnesses is why a regular dog collar won’t do the job.

The big difference between a collar and a hiking harness is safety.

Collars are great for short walks, but for extended hikes they can start to add unnecessary pressure to the neck. And if you think your dog gets tangled in things during a walk in the park, imagine how much worse (and scarier) it will be out in the wild.

A hiking harness prevents pressure from building up in the neck and shoulders. Due to their fit and how they’re designed, hiking harnesses are less likely to get tangled in undergrowth. Plus, most harnesses have some sort of reflective surface, so you can see your dog in the woods or in low light.

And finally, if you buy a harness with packs, you’ll get a little extra help carrying things like extra water, food, treats, poop bags, and collapsible dishes. The American Kennel Club breaks down more details on the differences between a dog harness and a dog collar.

How we picked the best ones

We look at a few very specific things when considering what dog hiking harnesses will make our list. Going through multiple articles, reading user reviews, and checking the validity of each listing, we looked for a few key things:

• Durability
• Fit
• Attachments and Handles
• Storage
• Safety
• Price

Keeping these the focus of our reviews allows us to offer you consistent, quality advice on what the best dog hiking harnesses are available today.

Jump to a section

• Our Top Picks
• How to Make Sure Your Harness Fits Right
• About Our Selection Process
• How to Choose the Right Hiking Harness for You
• How to Make Sure Your Dog is Trail Ready

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Our top picks

We’ve taken the guess work out of picking the best hiking harness for you and your dog. Our list of 7 best dog hiking harnesses is the perfect place for you to start your adventures.

At the top of our list by leaps and bounds, the Ruffwear Web Master Harness combines all of the most important features we want in a dog harness.

The fabric of the Web Master is durable and comfortable, with enough breathability to keep your pup as cool as possible on your hikes. The harness includes a thin foam layer that adds to its comfort without adding too much extra weight.

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The Web Master also comes with a five point adjustment system for the fit. Using this system and our recommended method for checking harness fit, not only will your pet dog be secure, but safe from any rubbing or irritation. The reinforced handle makes it easy for pet owners to lift pets over areas of rough terrain. And we’re huge fans of the two leash attachment loops, one of which can also be used as a light loop.

As you know, we’re huge fans of safety here at The Pet Masters. So, one of the big things we look for in our harnesses is how they’ll keep our fur babies safe. Not only does The Web Master come with a loop for a beacon light, it also has a reflective trim that will keep your dog visible.

While the Ruffwear Web Master comes with such thoughtful design and wonderful features, there isn’t any storage on the actual harness. Because we’re fans of our doggos carrying at least a few of their own belongings (no freeloaders here!), we do find this to be the biggest downside of this harness.

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If you’re looking for a truly heavy duty dog harness, look no further than the Rabbitgoo Tactical Harness. Made with the nylon for extreme adventures, but still coming with the light padding we prefer in harnesses, this vest can do it all.

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The Rabbitgoo comes in three different sizes, from Medium to Large, but also includes straps on the shoulders, chest, and across the belly so you can adjust the harness to the best fit for your dog. Having all this sizing versatility will greatly decrease any harness related irritation.

While the Rabbitgoo Tactical Dog Harness doesn’t come with any packs, it does have two Velcro strips on either side for MOLLE systems. You can purchase pouches, saddles, bottles, and equipment to fit on these two panels, designing them to best fit your needs. The harness does include two metal leash attachments, a handle for assisting or lifting you dog, and a really simple to use buckle system for getting the harness on and off.

Overall, we’re pretty impressed with our Runner-Up.

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We are fans of this simple, but effective, inexpensive dog harness by Kurgo. The Kurgo Dog Harness is lightweight, easy to get on and off, and has five adjustable points. Combined with the five sizes the Kurgo harness already offers, you’ll be able to find just the right size harness and fit for your very unique doggo.

The two attachments we’re most excited about when it comes to the Kurgo is its two leash attachments and its seat belt tether. The Kurgo Dog Harness includes a D-Ring for the leash which can be used during training. Once your pup is all trained, you can use the back leash ring for walking and hiking. And the seat belt tether is perfect for keeping your dog from moving around too much during long drives, a safety feature the Center for Pet Safety highly recommends.

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The Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack is a great choice for pet owners wanting a storage hiking harness for their dogs. The comfortable, compact harness works perfectly for bigger dogs able to carry their own supplies for hikes and camping trips.

Like all Ruffwear products, the Approach Dog Pack is made with durable, light materials that still manage to take on heavy duty jobs out in the wild. The lightly padded pack keeps pups comfortable and safe on longer hikes, so you don’t have to worry about blisters or exhaustion.

Ruffwear is also praised for its integrated harnesses with five adjustment points. You’ll be especially glad for the secure fit the adjustment points allow when you see how much it can carry! Depending on the size of your dog, you should be able to carry collapsible bowls, food, treats, and more in this convenient pack, which can take up to 1.3lbs of weight in its largest size.

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Sometimes you just want a dog harness that goes on easily and does its job. The Excellent Elite Spanker is a tactical dog harness that works perfectly for dogs that are more comfortable off leash. It has none of the frills and whistles you’ll find with other options on this list. And that’s what makes the Excellent Elite Spanker the perfect minimalist dog harness.

Despite being clean and simple, the Excellent Elite is made of water resistant nylon and includes quick-release buckles to make putting this on your dog easier than ever. With two adjustment straps, an aluminum leash hook, and ID panel, you’ll get everything you need with this harness.

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Let’s start with the best feature of the Ruffwear Singletrak Dog Pack. Unlike some dog harnesses for hiking, this pack comes with four storage spaces in the side pockets, two large and two small. With this extra space, not only will you be able to store the two hydration bladders that come with this harness, you’ll have space for any extras. And because hydration is so important for adventurous dogs, the hydration bladders can each hold 0.6 liters of water.

Just as important of the amount of water Singletrak can hold is how well the weight sits on your dog. With Ruffwear, you’ll always get a five point adjustment system, so you can determine just the right fit for your dog. The versatility of these adjustment points ensure weight is distributed and not straining the back and hips.

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One of the absolute best things about the Ruffwear Evaporative Cooling Vests is its fabric. The vest is made of three layers: One to reflect heat, one to absorb and store water, and one to act as a dry shield. The combination of these three layers makes the Evaporative Cooling Vest both comfortable to wear and extremely efficient.

Because this is a Ruffwear product, it includes all our favorite features. The reflective trim, integrated light loop, and the leash loop. What makes the vest so much more efficient is that you can actually combine it with almost any dog harness, including many of the ones mentioned above. By using the cooling vest with a hiking harness, you’ll have even more features for outdoor adventures with your pups.

We’re also super appreciative of how easy this vest is to get on and off even the most fidgety dogs. There are two side clips that make the whole process quick and easy. However, we do miss having a grab handle on this, especially for more difficult hikes.

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How to make sure your harness fits right

Making sure the harness you’re using for your dog fits correctly is sometimes more important than the actual harness. A dog harness that is too loose could slip off when you least expect. And a dog harness that is too tight can cause awful chaffing on your sweet dog.

Before you even purchase a harness, you’ll want to collect specific measurements from your dog to ensure the best fit.

• Neck – Measure just above your dog’s shoulders, at the thickest point.
• Chest – Measure at the center of your dog’s rib cage, at the widest point of the chest.
• Weight – Most harnesses include weight guides, though these are less specific than measurements.

Once you have your harness, there are steps you can take to make sure it fits perfectly, so as not to put too much pressure on any one area of your dog.

First, place the harness on your dog loosely. You want all the straps to be slack to start.

Next, start to tighten the various straps until they are tighter, but you can still place two fingers between the harness and your dog. As you tighten each strap, double and triple check that you can slide two fingers beneath the harness without trouble. This will ensure the best fit of the harness for your dog.

Even when you’ve measured and checked the fit of the harness, it might not fit perfectly. Keep an eye out for a few signs your harness is ill-fitting to be the best dog parent possible.

• Slipping out of the harness
• Fur Loss
• Chaffed Skin
• Dog stopping walks early

Making sure the harness fits your pup properly and being aware of warning signs will ensure your dog will get the most out of wearing a harness. You can find more details on how to put on and size a dog harness at the American Kennel Club.

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How we picked – About our selection process

We’re real sticklers for research here at The Pets Master, which is why research forms the basis for our selection process.

Not only did we search through user reviews, seeing what pet parents loved or disliked about any given harness, we also based our selections on recommendations offered by the American Kennel Club and Center for Pet Safety.

Some of our foundational reviews were based on the qualifications and details set out by the American Kennel Clubs Best Dog Harnesses reviews. These professional and detailed reviews gave us a working baseline for what we wanted in our selections. And finally, we checked certification sources and safety ratings for the selections we made for our best dog hiking harnesses selections. We wouldn’t recommend anything we wouldn’t use for our own fur babies, making these reviews personal.

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How to choose the right hiking harness for you

A hiking harness that works for me and my doggos isn’t going to be the same harness that works for you and your pup. This is why it’s so important to know how to choose the right harness for you and your specific needs.

Take the following aspects into consideration when picking out a hiking harness.

Trail Type – The harder a trail or longer your hike, the more thought you want to put into your harness. Extended hikes tire out dogs, so you’ll want a harness with less weight and structure.

Structure – The best hiking harnesses leave the stomach and chest free of structure. This allows for free movement, which is especially important on longer or more difficult hikes.

Packs – Do you want to include hydration packs in your harness? If your dog is able to take the weight, what do you want to include in these packs? Extra water, food, collapsible dishes, and waste bags are great options as long as the weight can be distributed evenly.

Attachments – A front attachment is ideal for dogs who tend to pull away, while a back attachment allows for more freedom for experienced dogs. And grab handles are a must if you plan on lifting your dog over difficult spots.

Coloring – The brighter a harness, the better. You don’t want to be out in the woods and lose sight of your fur baby. Reflective linings also work, especially if you plan on hiking into the evening. You can find more information on the American Kennel Club on choosing the right harness for your dog.

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How to make sure your dog is ready for the trail

Now that you have a harness and you’re ready to hit the great outdoors, you might want to take a few steps to make sure your dog is ready for the trail.

We recommend having as many of these points covered before hitting the trail.

• Plan for Hazards (Narrow or Steep Trails, Running Water, etc)
• Prepare for Animal or Human Encounters
• Have a Clip On Light Available
• Check the Reflectiveness of the Harness
• Start Hands-Free Leash Training

We also recommend having a system or plan in place for leading your dog with the leash attached to your or your own pack. A little practice beforehand goes a long way when it comes to using hiking harnesses with your dog.

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Good hiking etiquette for dogs

If this is your first time hiking with your dog, there are a few unspoken rules of hiking etiquette you should know before hitting the trail.

• Keep Your Dog away from Other Dogs
• Stay Leashed on Trails
• Remain on Leash in Campgrounds
• Opt for a Long Lead instead of Going Off Leash
• Be Aware of Where Your Dog Is
• Be Able to Control Your Dog around other People or Wildlife

And always, always make sure you know the regulations of the places you’re going beforehand. A little prep work will allow you and your dog to have the best hiking experience possible.

Winter is here and that means cold, wet and snowy weather. Playing in the snow with my dog is my favorite winter activity, but it’s important to know how to keep your pup safe while having a blast.

Not All Dogs Are Created Equal

Dogs are not one size fits all and neither is their safety so although we can provide temperature guidelines, it’s important to get to know your dog as an individual in order to ensure they are safe and warm in the cold weather. Your dog’s size, age, health, coat type, and even personality can affect their susceptibility to the cold. Please take these temperature limits as a guideline and listen if your pup is telling you they’re too cold.

Single vs Double Layered Coats

Outdoor temperatures are going to feel very different for dogs with double layered coats as opposed to single layered coated dogs.

Single-layered coats consists of just one layer of hair. These dogs lack an undercoat and are more susceptible to cold temperatures and wind chill because they have less insulation.

A double-coated dog has two layers of fur that provide them with more protection and allow them to tolerate colder temperatures:

• A dense undercoat consisting of short hairs which is woolier in texture. This undercoat is similar to a thermal layer which protects the dog from hot or cold temperatures
• A top coat of longer hairs called ‘guard’ hairs. This hair helps to repel dirt and moisture

Small vs Large Dogs

Your dog’s body size and weight is another factor in how quickly they will become sensitive to the cold weather.

A smaller dog with less body fat is unable to generate enough heat for themselves and is therefore much more susceptible to colder temperatures compared to a larger dog with more body fat.

However, this should not be a reason to fatten up your pup for the winter as carrying excess weight is a serious health risk for your dog.

Your Dog’s Age & Health

Your dog’s overall health and wellbeing plays an important role in their tolerance to cold weather as well. A younger, healthier dog will be able to withstand the cold much more easily than an older pup.

You may want to limit outside time if you have an older dog with underlying health conditions or a lower immune system. Their resilience to the cold weather is much less than a younger, healthy dog. Older dogs are also more likely to be dealing with arthritis which can be exacerbated by cold weather.

Puppies can also have a difficult time staying warm, not only because of their size, but because their bellies often touch the cold ground or snow.

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Weather Factors To Consider

As anyone who lives somewhere that experiences winter can tell you, cold weather can come in all shapes and sizes. When it comes to taking your dog outside, keep in mind the weather factors and what sort of cold weather you and your pup will be dealing with.

Like humans, these weather conditions can impact their tolerance.

Wind can cut through a dog’s coat and make it more difficult to insulate against the cold.

Moisture like rain, snow, or dew can easily soak into a dog’s coat and make them chilly, even if it’s not actually that cold out.

Cloudy weather can also have a big impact on how cold affects dogs, because cloud cover can make it feel even colder than it is. On cold days, make sure you walk on the sunny side of the street so your pup can soak up as much sun as possible to stay warm.

Also, keep in mind what type of activities your dog will be doing while outside. If they are going to be running, playing with other dogs, playing fetch etc., it is likely they will not be as affected by the cold weather compared to if they were just going for a potty break or a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood.

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Signs to Look For If Your Dog Is Cold

All of this information can be helpful, but the most effective tool in determining how cold is too cold for your dog is…your dog! It’s important to watch out for and understand your dog’s behavior when they are outside in the cold weather.

Some signs to look out for include:

• Whining and making sounds
• Shivering and shaking
• Weakening and slowing down
• Looking to burrow to keep warm
• Lifting one or more paws
• Shallow breathing

If you start to notice these signs, be sure to head indoors quickly to prevent further health complications.

Risks Your Dog Could Face

If your dog is outside and exposed to freezing temperatures for too long, their risks for some life threatening conditions increase significantly. Some of these risks to be wary of include:

• Frostbite: Damage to your dogs skin and other tissues. It is caused by extreme cold and constricts blood flow to their extremities. The most common areas frostbite affects include the ears, paws and tail. Check your pup for signs of frostbite like pain, tenderness, or discoloration.
• Hypothermia: This occurs when your dog is losing body heat quicker than they can replace. As it worsens, your dog will become increasingly unresponsive as their body goes into heat conservation mode. If your dog is exhibiting signs of hypothermia, such as muscle stiffness, weakness, lethargy, or loss of consciousness, bring them to the vet immediately.
• Arthritis: Like humans, dogs with arthritis do suffer more in the cold temperatures. This is thought to be due to the drop in air pressure which affects the tissues. If your dog has arthritis, follow their lead, slow your pace, and limit time outdoors in the cold.
• Irritated Paws: Winter hazards aren’t just about the cold weather. Salt and de-icers on the sidewalk can get caught between toes and irritate the pads of your dog’s paws. To prevent more serious irritation, wash your dog’s paws on the way inside with soap and water or use a dog wipe to make sure any traces of harmful substances are gone.

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What You Can Do To Keep Them Warm & Safe

There are a variety of options to keep your dog warm and safe from the cold elements.

• Simply limit outdoor time for vulnerable, susceptible dogs. This may seem obvious, but it really is the easiest and most effective way to protect your pup.
• Use a jacket or sweater for small, thinner, single coated, sick or older dogs. Winter weather gear isn’t just for the coldest days, either. If your pup gets a little chilly when it’s 60 degrees and sunny, wrap them in a sweater. It will keep them feeling warm and looking stylish!
• Get your dog some booties to protect paws from the snow, ice, and salted sidewalks. A lot of dogs have trouble with booties and won’t wear them, but if your dog can tolerate them there’s nothing cuter.
• If you need to use de-icer or ice-melter for the pavement outside your home, be sure to use a pet-friendly version. Regular, chemical ice melters will irritate and burn your dog’s paw pads and can be toxic if accidentally ingested!
• Use some paw balm to soothe dry and irritated paw pads. Your pup will thank you for this!
• If your dog has been exposed to extreme temperatures, been outside for a long period of time, or is exhibiting any concerning symptoms, please call or visit your veterinarian.

Is Your Dog Getting Too Cold In Your House?

Winter weather can permeate any and all aspects of our lives. It isn’t just going outside that can expose your pup to the cold. If you have a drafty house or are worried about what temperature to keep your thermostat at during the night, you aren’t alone.

Try an indoor sweater if you think your pup is cold inside or at night. They might just need that little bit of extra insulation.

Make sure your dog has a dry, draft free place to sleep. The floor can be the coldest place in a house, so provide your dog with a dog bed, pillows, or a blanket to keep them off of the ground. If your dog sleeps in a crate, cover it with a warm blanket to keep it nice and cozy inside.

Give your pup a blanket that they can burrow under if their cold.

If you’re still concerned, turn up the heat on your thermostat to make sure your dog is at a comfortable temperature.

Nothing is scarier than feeling your leash go slack as your dog makes a daring escape and darts away from you.

That sharp moment of fear is one of the worst things that can happen to a pet parent. But it’s also something that happens way too often. And it’s because our smart little puppers know just what to do to escape their collars.

A harness is a perfect way to decrease the likelihood of your dog escaping the leash. And we’ve put together a list of our favorite escape proof dog harnesses to give you a starting point as you look for a way to stop your dog Houdini from getting away again.

How do dogs escape a harness?

While the answer for how dogs escape harnesses will vary depending on the dog, the main issue comes down to sizing.

Most dogs escape their harnesses because the harnesses don’t fit properly. The end result of a poor fitting harness is your dog will be able to back out of the harness and slip it over the shoulders and head.

It’s a common misconception with dog owners is that as long as you buy a harness that will generally fit your dog (small, medium, large), you’ll be good to go. However, sizing a harness takes a little more effort. You want to measure the chest and shoulders of your dog so you can get just the right fit.

A snug, properly fitting harness will stay in place without irritating the skin of your pet dog.

To learn more about how to make sure your harness fits properly, check out our sizing section below.

Jump to a section

Our top picks

How to make sure your harness fits right

How we chose

Why you should combine your harness with a collar

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Our top picks

Our list of best escape proof dog harnesses will give you peace of mind and keep your dog safe on your outdoor adventures.

Ruffwear knows how to make products for active dogs, so it’s not a surprise to see them at the top of this list. The Front Range Harness is an ideal escape proof option for everyday use: Light and comfortable, but also durable.

Reviewers love the high-quality materials, fit, and adjustability of the straps. The harness has an updated design with a new polyester shell, offering a flexible structure that is still tough on wear. And like all great escape proof harnesses, Ruffwear made this one with a chest strap and two body straps.

The Front Range Harness also includes two leash attachments, one on the back and one connected to the webbing around the chest. While the lightweight design of the Front Range Harness doesn’t allow for a back handle, it does have an ID pocket and light loop. For added safety, the harness has reflective lining for those nighttime walks.

Ruffwear also offers very specific sizing guides, so you know where to measure to find the right fit for your dog.

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The Kurgo Tru Fit is all about convenience without sacrificing quality. Despite having a total of five adjustment points, the harness is easy to slip over your dog’s head and clip into place. And the quick release buckle makes taking the harness off easier than ever.

The runner up for our favorite escape proof dog harnesses has two leash attachments, one on the back and one on the chest, giving you options for walks and for no-pull training. Of all the included attachments, our favorite is the car restraint. With this extra tether, you can rest assured your pup will be safe, and not a distraction, during car rides.

However, we’re not a fan of having to decide between crash tested certified buckles or the easy on/off buckles. We can’t wait to see Kurgo give an option that includes both!

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The Rabbitgoo No-Pull harness includes a thicker chest strap to provide extra comfort and support for wiggly, mischievous dogs. What makes this harness so great is that despite the thicker straps, the padded mesh still allows for breathability.

Of course, Rabbitgoo No-Pull includes two metal leash rings, one for daily walks and one on the chest to promote less pulling. Combining the leash attachments to the four adjustment points and fast release buckles makes our budget choice a fantastic option. And all for less than $20!

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While all the harness options on our list will be adjustable to some degree, when it comes to the smallest of our furry friends, we wanted to pick a harness specifically for them. Smaller dogs need harnesses with different functionalities, which is what we love about the Gooby dog harness.

The Escape Free Sport by Gooby is made from neoprene, a durable, breathable fabric, and has a four point adjustment system. One of the best things about the Gooby Escape Free Sport is the harness contracts when a dog tries to back out of the harness, releasing when puppers stop trying to escape. This stops escape attempts in their tracks!

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For larger dogs, we didn’t just want a harness that was near impossible to escape, we wanted something made to withstand all that extra weight.

The Icefang Tactical Dog Harness was designed for training very large dogs. The harness was made to take a beating, with buckles that can take up to 1,000lbs and solid, tough materials. The harness covers a larger area of the chest, making it almost impossible for a dog to wiggle out of. And, for when you need extra support, the harness includes a top handle for quick grabbing.

We’re also big fans of the versatility of Icefang harnesses. They all include MOLLE systems, so if you want to add packs or extras to your dog’s harness, you’ll have the options.

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Chai’s Choice has made a surprisingly simple escape proof harness of amazing quality. The structure across the back and along the chest are padded, an ergonomic design made possible by using mesh and sponge. While there are only two adjustment points, the harness will still fit snuggle without being too tight.

The Outdoor Adventure harness includes two leash rings, one on the back and one on the chest for training dogs not to pull. Because safety features are always important to us, the reflective lining of Chai’s harness and the seat belt attachment stand out as big pros. Plus, the extra support handle at the back is vital for extra rambunctious or injured dogs.

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We started with Ruffwear, so it seems appropriate to end here!

The Ruffwear Web Master could easily be anywhere on this list, including as our top or runner up. In fact, Web Master is our top choice for Hiking Harnesses. The harness is made with padded foam thin enough to allow air through, but thick enough to be tough. And Web Master includes an extra strap across the belly to make it even harder for dogs to escape.

As always, we’re here for the features. Web Master includes five adjustment points, two leash attachment points, and a reinforced back handle for extra assistance, or control depending on the circumstance. There’s light reflective lining along the edges of the harness, though not as much as we’d like.

Our biggest issue with the Ruffwear Web Master is sizing on bigger dogs gets a bit more imprecise, making it not as safe for the Houdini in your life.

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How to make sure your harness fits right

We’ve come up with a pretty impressive list of escape proof harnesses, but none of that will matter if your harness doesn’t fit your dog properly.

The key to making sure your dog won’t escape its harness is ensuring you have a proper fit. Thankfully, there are a few quick steps you can follow to make sure your pup will be safe, comfortable, and unable to Houdini out of their harness.

Follow the size guide

First, you’ll need to get the measuring guide for the specific harness you want to purchase. We can’t stress this enough! Every harness will have a different sizing guide, so it’s important to use the one that comes with the harness you want to buy.

Some harnesses will have weight guides, but we recommend harnesses that have actual measurements, as weight guides are broad estimates.

Follow these instructions very carefully, because they will determine how well the harness fits overall.

Put harness on standing dog

The second step in making sure your harness fits right is to put the harness on while your dog is standing. We know, it can be hard to wrestle a dog into anything. And the struggle is even worse when there are so many straps and buckles.

But taking the time to put your escape proof harness on while your dog is standing will decrease the likelihood of the need to make adjustments later. You don’t want your dog to stand up and find out the harness is too tight or too loose when you’re on the go.

Tighten straps and fasten buckles

Here comes the tricky part.

The third step in this process is making sure you’ve tightened all the straps and fastened all the buckles. Be careful to not catch your dog’s skin or hair during this process.

A good rule of thumb for knowing the harness is on just right is to make sure you can put two fingers between the strap and your dog. Any more space and the harness is too loose. Less space and the harness is probably too tight.

Double-check fit

Finally, for the first few days of wearing the harness, you’ll want to keep a close eye on your puppers and any areas the harness touches skin. Even with following all the sizing rules, there can chaffing or soreness, so it’s important to double-check the harness still fits properly once your dog is moving.

The materials in escape proof harnesses can relax over time, as well, so make sure you check the fit of the harness every few weeks. Adjust and tighten the harness as needed, always keeping in mind that two finger rule.

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How we chose

We want to be as transparent as possible at The Pets Master, which is why we always walk you through our choosing process. By letting you know how we’ve picked out our top escape proof harnesses, we hope to give you a little peace of mind that you’re making the right choice for your dog.

There are five main areas we looked at when considering which escape proof harnesses were the best.

Harness design

The whole purpose of an escape proof harness is to protect our dogs, even if it’s from themselves, which is why it’s the first thing we look for in a harness are safety features. First and foremost, we wanted harnesses with at least one chest strap, to prevent escaping.

We also made sure the harnesses evenly distributed weight across the shoulders and neck, so there would be no strain on your pet dog if they did try to pull away. Because we’ve had a few escape artists of our own, we made sure the harnesses had soft fabrics or foams, so they wouldn’t hurt themselves.

Escape-proof features

We checked that each harness included on our list had very specific features that are known to prevent dogs from escaping. We looked for options that included front and back clip harnesses, because we prefer two leash rings.

For extra security, we also wanted back handles on the harnesses for bigger dogs. And to better support the back and shoulders of our dogs, we paid close attention to the structure of the harnesses.

Material quality

Escape proof harnesses are going to spend a lot of time against the fur and skin of our dogs, which is why we wanted to make sure the materials used were of the highest quality. You want harnesses made from breathable, durable fabrics that won’t cause irritation.

And for your clips and rings, you want strong, tough materials that can take a bit of a beating.

Bonus features

In addition to the core features we looked at for our escape proof harnesses, we also looked for those little bonus features that make harnesses great. Reflective materials is a specific favorite of ours, mostly because it adds another layer of safety. Harnesses with seat belt tethers are another bonus feature we appreciate.

Reviews

And finally, we read through hundreds of reviews, not just from buyers, but from experts. We don’t just look for all the positive aspects of these harnesses, but also look into the negative reviews to see what goes wrong even with the best options on our list. The combination of professional reviews and reviews from pet parents who have used these products gives us a clearer understanding of how these harnesses work.

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Why you should combine your harness with a collar

The idea of wearing a collar with a harness might seem a bit redundant, but there are a couple good reasons why you should combine the two.

The biggest reason to keep a collar on your dog’s even when they’re wearing a harness is for identification purposes. In a study by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 15% of lost dogs are found because they were wearing ID or had been chipped.

Some harnesses have space for a nametag, but the best place to keep ID is usually on the collar. And while microchipping is recommended, a name and address tag will shorten the amount of time a dog is away from home because they won’t have to go to the clinic to have the chip read.

Another great reason for including both a harness and collar in your walk routines is for a backup connection option. Some dogs are great little escape artists and having a leash attached to both the harness and collar will add extra security.

We recommend leashes with extra give, so there’s no pressure on the collar unless the harness comes off. However, we never, ever recommend choke chains or prong collars to be used with harnesses, according to recommendations by the Humane Society.

The combination of a harness, to spread distribution of weight evenly across your dog and reduce choking risks, plus a collar to hold identification tags, is the way to go.

Just like us, dogs need a comfortable bed to sleep, cuddle and relax away from their worries. Getting the right bed for your pup can help them sleep better and even reduce aches and pains as they age.

While there are plenty of pet beds out there, there can be huge differences in the quality between beds and tons of sizing options. Too large and your dog may not feel safe on their bed. Too small and they won’t be able to change positions and stretch out to get comfortable.

We’ve done the work for you of picking out our favorite ten dog beds sure to work for all shapes and sizes of pup.

Selecting the Best Dog Beds in May, 2025

[Read more…] about Best Dog Beds 2022