Dog Harnesses, Leashes & Collars

The right dog harness, leash or collar depends on much more than size or personal preference. What matters is how you spend time together. A setup that works perfectly for everyday walks may not be what we would choose for hiking, traveling or spending long days outdoors. Your dog’s build, freedom of movement and the way you want to handle the leash all make a real difference.

That’s also why we don’t believe in filling this category with dozens of nearly identical options. At Campanions, we select dog harnesses, leashes and collars based on what they actually add to your setup. Sometimes that means a lightweight harness that almost disappears on the dog. For another dog or activity, more structure, additional adjustment points or a different attachment option can make much more sense.

The same applies to leashes. There is no single length or construction that works best everywhere. On narrow trails or in busy surroundings, you may want your dog closer to you. On open trails, a little more range can make walking together much more relaxed. And if you prefer to keep your hands free, a leash designed for crossbody or waist attachment changes what you should look for again.

The goal isn’t to own more dog gear. It’s to choose the gear that works for you and your dog.

That’s where our selection – and our own experience with dogs outdoors – comes in.

For us, this isn’t really an either-or decision. At Campanions, we generally prefer a well-fitting harness when we’re out for longer walks, hiking or spending a full day on the trail – especially with a dog that occasionally puts tension on the leash. In those situations, we’d rather have the leash attached to a properly fitted harness than have that force concentrated around the neck.

But more padding and a long list of features don’t automatically make a better harness. Fit matters more. A harness needs to work with your dog’s individual build and stay comfortable when your dog walks, climbs or steps over larger obstacles. This is where differences between harness designs become obvious: a harness that looks great while your dog is standing still can shift, rub or restrict natural movement once you’re actually on the trail.

We still almost always carry a collar with us. We don’t see it as a replacement for the harness, but as a useful backup and a practical option for certain situations. For dogs that require additional security, a harness and collar can also provide two separate attachment points – as long as both fit correctly and the safety setup is appropriate for that individual dog.

There’s another, much simpler reason we like having both. After a long day in the mountains, we think the harness deserves to come off. If our dog has spent hours wearing a pack harness, we wouldn’t necessarily put all that gear back on just for a short evening walk around the mountain hut or campsite. Depending on the dog and the situation, a collar may be all we need – or we switch to an ultralight harness.

That’s why both harnesses and collars have a place in our gear. Not because every dog needs both at all times, but because different situations call for different solutions.

Out on the trail, your dog’s gear works best when the harness, leash and collar aren’t chosen as separate pieces. What really matters is how they work together – and whether that combination fits your dog, your activity and the way you like to move outdoors.

For hiking, a well-fitting dog harness is usually our starting point. It distributes pressure across the body rather than concentrating it around the neck and gives your dog good freedom of movement. Pair that with a leash that suits the terrain and the way you handle your dog. On narrow trails or busy sections, you may want your dog closer to you; on open stretches, a little more range can make the walk more relaxed for both of you.

A collar still has its place. We see it as a useful addition rather than an alternative that has to replace the harness: as a backup, for short walks or simply for those moments when your dog gets a break from wearing a harness. After a long day carrying a dog pack, for example, we often prefer something lighter for the evening around camp or at the hut. Depending on the dog, that might be a collar or an ultralight harness. For dogs that need additional security, using a properly fitted collar and harness can also provide two separate attachment points when the situation calls for it.

That’s also why there isn’t one perfect dog gear setup for every dog. A small, lightweight dog has different needs from a powerful dog that puts considerable tension on the leash. A relaxed walk around the campground asks something different of your gear than a full day in the mountains with a dog pack.

Our tip: Don’t choose each piece of gear simply because it performs well on its own. Look at the complete setup. Your dog’s harness, collar and leash should work together and suit your dog’s build, movement, behavior and the adventures you actually share.