Best Dog Harness for Hiking

Dog Harness For Hiking Buyer's Guide

Hikers often take their dogs on outdoor adventures for safety purposes and to keep them company. With that said, it is crucial to ensure the dog's safety and comfort when hiking in the outdoors. How is that possible? Well, you can start with a dog harness that is trail-ready. Below, you will discover an in-depth buying guide for trail-ready hiking harnesses.

• Belly Strap
  
  The belly strap is one of the most vital components of a dog harness. This is the part that fits around the dog's chest. Every time you pull on your dog's lead, you put pressure on the chest area. Keeping that in mind, your dog's comfort should be noted at all times. To ensure the dog's comfort at the highest level, the belly strap must be adjustable and constructed out of durable but soft materials. Most manufacturers opt for a mixture of polyester and cotton because they are durable and soft to touch.
  
  Since the snap is connected directly to the belly strap, you must pay close attention to its design. The strap will lay somewhere on the dog's chest or right/left side. Most harness snaps are constructed of durable plastic, which has been molded to ensure durability, comfort, and safety. Check the edges of the snap to ensure they are not protruding or sharp.
  
  The harness should be fitted properly before you set out on your trip. Most brands offer various size option, ranging from small to x-large. Measure your dog according to the expert's directions before making an investment. That will ensure you get the properly sized harness the first go-round. A harness that is too small will be very uncomfortable and dangerous for your dog. If it is too big, it will leave a lot of room for the dog to escape your grasp.

• Quick Release Design
  
  Depending on your dog's breed, it should be easy to convince him or her to go on a hiking adventure with you. Preparing for such an adventure can, at times, be time-consuming. To keep you and your dog's preparation time to a minimum, the harness should be designed to be put on and taken off in seconds. The quick-release design will offer both. In the event, your dog is involved in an accident and needs medical attention, the quick release snap will give you quick access to ensure there is no delay in treatment.

• Handler Control
  
  Hikers should have full control of their dogs at all times when trekking through the woods. Your dog's safety is in your hands every time you take him/her hiking. The best way to ensure your dog's safety is to remain in control as much as possible. And, you can do just that if the harness is designed with a durable metal ring for the leash and handle. It is recommended to test these components before your trip just to make sure they are working properly and have no defects.
  
  The handle should have an ergonomic design, with extra padding and double stitching. The metal ring, on the other hand, should be double-stitched and secured properly into the harness. When you are in close proximity to other animals and humans, you will find that the handle gives you extra control. The metal leash ring will work better when you are trekking through the woods alone.
  
  To ensure the longevity of the leash ring, it should be welded completely together and constructed of rustproof metal. That will prevent the metal leash ring from breaking apart and corroding.

• Water-Resistant
  
  Every time you go hiking, there is a chance that it will rain. Even if it doesn't rain, the humidity level can be high enough to generate a lot of moisture on your clothes, gear, and dog's harness. To protect the integrity of the harness, the exterior should be designed to resist moisture and rainwater. Most manufacturers utilize a combination of materials, including polyester and nylon, for the construction of their harnesses. While polyester and nylon are not waterproof, they can be treated to add a protective barrier. These materials are very durable, so they can endure long-term exposure to rain and humidity moisture.

• Range Of Motion And Lift Assist
  
  You’ll find that many hiking harnesses are too restricting. They’re so tight that it is going to make it tough for your dog to navigate the trail. They’ll struggle when they encounter rocks, limbs, and other objects. You don’t want your furry friend to slow you down on the trail. So, you’ll want to buy a hiking harness that ensures your dog can maintain a full range of motion. When wearing the harness, your dog should be able to move his arms and legs without any problems whatsoever.
  
  Simultaneously, it is vital to understand that you’re going to encounter a lot of obstacles. Depending on the obstacle and the size of your dog, he may struggle to leap over boulders, stones, limbs, and other items. You’ll need to give your dog assistance. Choosing a harness with a top handle will prove to be very wise. This allows you to grab the handle and lift your dog without bending over too far or using both hands.
  
  Choose a harness with a top handle and one that isn’t too restrictive. This combination ensures that you and your canine friend will be able to navigate the rough trails without any problems.