If you’re a dog-lover, chances are you’re already aware of the problems that can arise from a traditional collar and leash set-up. It makes energetic dogs hard to handle, risks chafing and choking, and leaves you nowhere to display important information or store useful items. That’s where tactical dog vests come in: these handy devices make handling your dog far easier, let you display patches, and often act as a sort of canine backpack so your dog can carry their own things.
Whether you’re looking for a service dog vest or a military dog harness, we’re confident there’s something on our list to meet every need. We’ve also taken the time to answer some common questions about tactical dog vests, so you can rest assured your canine companion is safe and happy during use.
OneTigris Tactical Dog Training Vest Harness
ICEFANG Large Dog Tactical Vest Harness
yisibo Service Dog Vest
The Best Tactical Dog Vests:
- Key Features:
- Versatile MOLLE style dog vest
- Available in three sizes and five colors
- Made from durable but lightweight 1000 Denier nylon
- Breathable
- Cleverly-placed padding for maximum comfort
- Handles at front and back for easy handling
- Quick and easy to put on and take off
- Adjustable straps offer a secure fit
- Suitable for medium to large sized dogs
- Key Features:
- MOLLE style harness
- Available in four colors and three sizes
- Constructed from lightweight and durable nylon
- Easy to put on and remove thanks to three adjustable straps
- Easy to clean
- Padded chest strap offers excellent comfort
- Key Features:
- Compact, lightweight harness
- Made from high quality 1000 Denier nylon
- Adjustable thorax and abdomen straps allow a snug, comfortable fit
- Velcro on both sides of the vest is perfect for attaching patches displaying vital information
- Great for service dogs, police dogs, and other working pooches
- Key Features:
- MOLLE compatible vest for dogs
- Available in three sizes and colors
- Made from durable 1,050 Denier nylon
- Breathable
- Soft padding for optimum comfort
- Alloy metal buckle can withstand 1,000 pounds of force
- Velcro area on the front of the harness is ideal for patches
- Adjustable for a great fit - no rubbing or riding
- Key Features:
- Camouflage design available in three different sizes
- MOLLE compatible, with three pouches included
- Three adjustable straps for a snug fit
- Padded chest strap for optimum comfort
- Two strong handles at either end of the harness
- Two metal attachment points for leads
- Velcro space on top of the harness is great for displaying patches
- Key Features:
- Compact and lightweight design available in three sizes and four colors
- 1,000 Denier nylon is soft, breathable, and durable
- Fully adjustable straps, including a padded chest strap, keeps god comfortable
- Quick-release mechanism for easy removal
- Handle at the top of the harness, along with a V-ring, for easy handling
- MOLLE compatible - features one top panel and 3.5” strips on each side
- Key Features:
- MOLLE compatible vest
- Available in three colors and sizes
- Made from lightweight but durable 1,000 Denier nylon
- Fits snugly thanks to three adjustable straps
- Padded chest strap
- Breathable design
- Two handles at front and back
- Two metallic attachment points at front and back
- Large velcro surface for displaying patches
- Key Features:
- Compact tactical vest available in four sizes and five colors
- Suitable even for small dogs
- Durable nylon, with a padded interior for great comfort
- Strong handle, along with an attachment point, makes for easy handling control
- Velcro patches on either side allow you to display patches
- Key Features:
- Tactical dog vest, available in two sizes (small and large)
- Fully adjustable straps make for a great fit
- Made from 1,000 denier nylon
- Lightweight and breathable
- Padded interior for comfort
- Strong handle for safe and convenient handling
- Aluminum alloy ring for leash attachment
- Velcro surfaces on both sides for patch display
- Key Features:
- GrayCell offer a variety of military grade attachable patches and set of saddlebags
- Patches are perfect for service dogs
- Patches made from high quality nylon
- Saddlebag harness features two pouches and a collapsible silicone bowl
- Adjustable straps and padding for great fit and comfort
- Sturdy rubber handle and D-ring for easy handling
Best Tactical Dog Vest Buying Guide & FAQ
And there you have it – the best tactical dog vests on the market right now. To help you decide which one might be right for you and your canine, and to help you get the most out of your purchase, we’ve answered some common questions about these handy devices below.
Things to Consider When Buying a Tactical Dog Vest
Choosing a tactical dog vest is a surprisingly personal decision; which features you require will depend a lot on what you and your dog need it for – below are some key factors to bear in mind:
- Fit
The first thing to consider when buying a tactical vest for your dog boils down to a simple question: will it fit? Most vests and harnesses are adjustable, allowing them to fit dogs of all shapes and sizes, but it’s a good idea to measure your pooch and check the manufacturer’s size guide carefully before making a final purchase.
- Carrying Capability
If you need your dog to carry supplies, this should be another key concern. Look out for MOLLE compatible vests for the most versatile storage options, but bear in mind that you’ll need to buy the pouches separately. For built-in storage, consider option 10 on our list – the saddlebag style harness.
- Space for Patches
For working dogs, letting the general public know you’re on the job and shouldn’t be distracted is vital. If you need to display patches, look out for harnesses that allow this – they’ll usually have velcro surfaces on their top or side, depending on the shape.
- Handling
Finally, handling is an important consideration when choosing a tactical vest. Most good quality vests feature a sturdy handle or two, and space to attach a leash, giving you great control without hurting the dog. If you suspect you’ll need to lift a larger dog at any point, consider opting for a two handle design for better weight distribution.
Related Post: Best Dog Lift Harness
What Makes it “Tactical”?
The name ‘tactical’ stems from this type of vest’s military origins, and refers mainly to MOLLE compatible versions. MOLLE vests, whether they’re designed to fit humans or dogs, have the advantage of a modular design, meaning various pouches and other means of storing equipment can be switched out to best fit the circumstances at hand. This versatility means they can be used tactically, unlike other storage solutions.
Why You Should Use Tactical Dog Harness
Tactical dog harnesses come with a whole host of benefits; below we outline some key advantages of using them:
- Tactical dog vests make handling more comfortable for dogs than a leash and collar
- These vests are comfortable for dogs to wear, thanks to breatable, lightweight fabric and strategically placed padding
- Wearing a vest offers dogs an extra layer of protection against cuts and scrapes
- Tactical vests allow patches to be displayed – ideal for making the public aware that working dogs are on the job
- Many tactical vests offer storage space, freeing up room for more useful items
- A lot of tactical vests are MOLLE compatible, so you can switch out pouches depending upon your needs that day
Difference Between MOLLE and PALS Webbing
There’s often some confusion in survival and military circles about the difference between MOLLE and PALS, and they’re sometimes used interchangeably – they are certainly connected, but they’re not one and the same.
- MOLLE – Pronounced like the name ‘Molly’, this acronym stands for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. It’s a category of gear – mainly consisting of backpacks, pouches, vests, and belts – developed by Natick Labs, and used by NATO forces including the US Military. MOLLE equipment can be combined in various ways. If something is said to be MOLLE compatible, this means that other MOLLE items can be connected to it. The system allows for a lot of versatility, as pouches can be rearranged easily.
- PALS – On the other hand, PALS stands for Pouch Attachment Ladder System. It refers to the webbing system consisting of regularly spaced fabric loops found on MOLLE gear, which allows the modular components to be attached.
In other words, MOLLE equipment is attached via PALS webbing.
Best Tactical Dog Vest FAQ:
Q: How do I pick the right size tactical harness for my dog?
A: Choosing the right size can be a tricky affair, but luckily most manufacturers want to help you out. You’ll likely need to measure your dog’s chest and bust, before checking these sizes against the size ranges offered by the vest maker. Makers usually offer instructions on how to do this.
Q: Can my dog get out of the vest?
A: Assuming it’s the correct size and the straps are properly adjusted; no. If your dog is trying to escape the harness, though, you should consider introducing them to it more gradually, and double checking that the fit is good.
Regularly checking for this proper fit is vital for keeping your dog safe, as well as preventing them from sneaking off. Dr Susan Nelson, a veterinary professor at Kansas State University, advises that when dogs pull on the leash wearing a poorly fitting harness, there’s a potential for chest injury.
You should also remember that harnesses can be too tight as well as too loose. You can tell a vest is too tight if it chafes, causes rolls of skin to gather about the dog’s neck, or leaves indentations when it’s removed.
Q: How do I clean my dog’s vest?
A: Because most vests are made from durable nylon, they’re very easy to clean; simply wipe down, or pop them in the washing machine.
It’s important to make sure the vest is fully dry before putting it onto your dog again. This is because wearing a wet harness for long periods of time can cause chafing, or in severe cases, a skin infection. To prevent this, consider removing your dog’s harness if it has been wet for more than a couple of hours, and check hidden areas, such as your dog’s armpits and chest once a twice a week to make sure the vest hasn’t started to rub.
Our Top Pick
When it comes to tactical dog vests, we give pride of place to OneTigris, for their padded training harness. Its MOLLE compatible design makes carrying exactly what you need a breeze, allowing it to act as a tactical dog backpack. The two strong handles and leash attachment points make the vest a great way to safely and effectively handle dogs, while a velcro surface on its top is perfect for displaying patches.
As well as being useful for the owner, the vest is comfortable for the dog. It comes in three different sizes, each of which features a breathable design, strategic padding, and adjustable straps for a truly comfortable fit even during long periods of wear. Made from nylon that’s built to last, the durable but comfortable vest will serve you and your pooch well for many years to come.
