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If you’ve ever tried bushwalking with a dog that constantly pulls, you know it’s about as relaxing as trying to hold back a horse in the Melbourne Cup. A good harness doesn’t just keep your dog safe — it makes the whole experience more enjoyable and immersive for both of you.
But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best dog harness for bushwalking Australia has to offer? From fit and materials to clip style and comfort, this guide walks you through the essentials so you spend more time enjoying the trail and less time wrestling with straps.
TL;DR – Jump to a Section
Fit Is Everything
A poorly fitted harness causes rubbing, chafing, and escape risks — and that’s before you’ve even hit the first hill. Start by measuring the widest part of your dog’s chest and check the brand’s size chart instead of guessing by weight. A well-fitting harness should sit snug without pinching, and you should be able to slide two fingers under every strap.
Look for multiple adjustment points so you can dial in a secure fit across the chest and belly. Dogs change shape with age, coat, and conditioning, so adjustable straps matter more than you think. If the harness shifts when your dog turns or backs up, it’s either too loose or the pattern doesn’t suit your dog’s body.
Materials That Go the Distance
Bushwalking throws everything at your gear — heat, rain, grit, mud, and the occasional red dirt that stains everything it touches (ask me how I know…). That’s why we put harnesses through their paces on real Perth trails like Whistlepipe Gully, Bells Rapids, and Ellis Brook Valley, where you’ll face rocky climbs, splashy river crossings, and fine dust that can ruin cheap nylon in a single walk.
For maximum comfort and durability, look for high-denier nylon paired with foam padding and breathable airmesh. This combo is tough, quick-drying, and kind to your dog’s skin, unlike cheaper, unpadded nylon that rubs, traps heat, and frays fast in the Aussie bush. Reinforced stitching at high-stress points helps it survive years of hikes, while a padded chest plate spreads pressure evenly — especially handy on steep descents or when your dog hits the end of the leash.
Quick checklist for quality materials:
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High-denier nylon (durable & weather-resistant)
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Foam padding + breathable airmesh (comfort + quick drying)
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Reinforced stitching at high-stress points
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Metal clips, rings, and buckles for longevity
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Reflective trim or stitching for low-light safety
Hardware matters too. Metal clips, rings, and buckles almost always outlast plastic, especially for strong pullers or large dogs. If you’re out at dawn or dusk, reflective stitching or trim adds lightweight, built-in safety. And after a muddy mission? A good harness should rinse clean, dry quickly, and not hold onto that “swamp dog” smell — because repeat adventures shouldn’t start with yesterday’s stink.
Control & Safety Features
Clip style changes how your dog moves and how much control you have. A front clip (at the chest) on a no-pull dog harness helps reduce pulling by redirecting momentum back toward you. It’s not a magic trick, but it makes life easier for training and dog walking on busy or technical sections.
A back leash attachment sits high between the shoulders and feels natural for most dogs once they’ve settled. Many adventure harnesses include both, and that flexibility is worth it: front clip for the first kilometre while your pup is fizzing, back clip once they walk calmly. If you like extra security on scrambles or river entries, a low-profile top handle is handy for steadying without grabbing at the collar or dog’s neck.
Comfort for the Long Haul
Comfort decides whether your dog forgets the harness is there — or spends the hike trying to shake it off. Prioritise all day comfort: soft edging, breathable padding, and patterns that respect the dog’s shoulder movement so they keep their full range of motion. Watch high-friction spots behind the elbows and along the sternum; that’s where an ill-fitting harness usually shows first.
Aim for balance: a lightweight harness with enough structure to stay stable when the lead goes tight. If your dog pants harder than usual, freezes at obstacles, or keeps shaking, something’s off. Little issues at the carpark become big problems at kilometre eight — tweak early.
Don’t Forget Your Dog’s Needs
Different dogs, different decisions. Small dogs benefit from lighter builds with soft padding; bulk adds fatigue fast. Medium-sized dogs usually thrive in versatile “do-most-things” patterns that balance support and freedom. Large dogs and strong pullers need sturdier hardware and wider load zones so the harness doesn’t creep into the armpits under tension.
Think behaviour and terrain too. If your dog pulls, reach for a no-pull harness with a front clip to prevent pulling on narrow singletrack. If your mate is steady but curious about other dogs, wildlife, and puddles (honestly, same), dual-clip setups let you switch from control to comfort on the fly. Add an ID tag to the harness even if your dog wears a collar — redundancy is your friend if the unexpected happens.
Test It Before You Hit the Track
Don’t debut new kit on a big day. Do a couple of daily walks first, then a short, varied loop: grass, gravel, a curb step, maybe a shallow creek. Try both attachments — front clip to manage excitement, back clip for cruising. After ten minutes, check for hot spots under the straps and along the dog’s head and shoulders where movement is highest.
💡 Pro Tip: Test in different conditions — wet grass, steep slopes, and loose gravel. A harness that works on footpaths might shift or rub once you hit varied bush terrain. It also might come in handy to find a harness with a top handle, for when you need to physically pull your dog up rocky terrain (for all you scramblers out there).
If you spot rubbing, adjust the adjustment points in small increments or try a different size. A proper fit should sit still when the dog’s movement changes speed or direction. When in doubt, video a few strides from the side; you’ll see instantly if the harness is lifting, twisting, or blocking the stride.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best dog harness for bushwalking in Australia?
There’s no single “winner” for every dog — but the sweet spot is a harness with a padded chest plate, multiple adjustment points, and both a front and back clip. Go for durable fabrics like high-denier nylon with foam padding and breathable airmesh. They’re comfortable, quick-drying, and will survive long days on rough tracks without fraying or trapping heat.
Front clip or back clip — which should I use?
Think of it like driving modes: the front clip is “sport mode” for steering and calming strong pullers, especially at the start of a hike when excitement levels are sky-high. The back clip is “cruise control” — perfect once they’ve settled into a steady pace. Switching between them can make the whole walk smoother for both of you.
How tight should a harness be?
Use the two-finger rule — snug, but not squeezing like jeans after Christmas lunch. Too tight limits breathing and shoulder movement; too loose risks escapes and rubbing. Always check fit again mid-hike, as straps can shift once your dog’s warmed up and moving over varied terrain.
Will a no pull dog harness teach my dog not to pull?
It’ll help, but it’s not a magic wand. The front clip changes the leverage so pulling is harder work, but without consistent training, your dog may still try their luck. Combine it with short, focused leash sessions to really change habits.
What if my dog is between sizes?
Pick the size with more room to adjust down. Better to fine-tune a slightly bigger harness than have one that pinches from day one. Seasonal coat changes and conditioning can shift fit more than you’d expect, so keep your adjuster straps in play year-round.
Is a collar enough for hiking?
Not for long bush tracks. Collars are fine for quick outings, but over hours they put too much pressure on the neck — especially if your dog lunges or takes a sudden interest in a rustle in the bushes. A harness spreads that force across the chest and shoulders for safer control.
Any special advice for puppies or seniors?
Puppies grow fast (we currently have a 5-month-old cocker), so recheck fit monthly. For seniors, look for soft padding and a cut that allows full shoulder and spine movement. Either way, build up hike distance gradually — carrying your dog back to the car is a workout you don’t want to train for.
Final Thoughts
The right harness makes bushwalking feel smooth, safe, and — importantly — enjoyable for both of you. Prioritise fit, durability, and comfort, choose a clip setup that matches your dog’s behaviour, and always test before the big day out. Do that, and you’ll spend more time exploring and less time adjusting buckles.
We’re also in the midst of designing the ultimate outdoor hiking harness, built with all the features we’ve talked about here — from high-denier nylon and breathable padding to dual-clip flexibility and reflective safety — but without the bulk of a top handle. It’s being shaped by real-world testing on Perth’s toughest trails and down around the Sterling Ranges (we know we’re not climbing Mt Everest here… but neither should your dog), so when it arrives, it’ll be ready for anything your adventures throw at it.
