I’ve been using my Ruffwear Harness and my Mighty Paw Harness for many years now, so today it’s finally time for a comparison blog post.
Although both brands carry several different harnesses, today I’ll be focusing on the Ruffwear Front Range Harness and the Mighty Paw Sport Harness 2.0.
Just a heads up: I’ve mainly used these harnesses to:
- Carry items like collapsible bowls and poop bag holders
- Secure my pups on car rides
- Have something extra to hold on to when their prey drive takes over
Yep, the love-hate relationship with squirrels, cats and rabbits are a common denominator in Missy, Buzz and Wally!
One more thing up front: I personally prefer to walk my pups on leashes rather than harnesses to have more control when they do act up, but both harnesses also have leash attachment points.
Mighty Paw vs Ruffwear Harness: Which Is Better?
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. Neither Ruffwear nor Mighty Paw are responsible for the content of this blog post as it reflects only my personal opinion.
I need to preface this by saying that although both harnesses are great, I do have a favorite. But before I dive too deeply into the topic, I’d like to point out my history with both brands.
My History with Ruffwear
I first learned about Ruffwear in early 2012.
That’s when my then puppies Missy & Buzz were about 6 months old and needed some new doggie gear. I clearly remember the huge Ruffwear section in this pet retail store in Northern Virginia where I lived at the time.
30 minutes later, I came out with collars, leashes and harnesses for the pups, and the rest is history! When the pups grew a little older, I also got them Ruffwear backpacks to intensify our walks and hikes from a mental and physical perspective.
My History with Mighty Paw
First off, I’ll be completely transparent and say that I worked for Mighty Paw from 2020-2022.
I didn’t learn about the brand until 2017 when a fellow blogger, Lindsay from ThatMutt.com, introduced me to them.
The very first Mighty Paw product I used was their treat pouch, and I remember calling it the Ferrari of dog treat pouches, lol. Compared to the flimsy treat bags I had used until then, it felt super strong and durable – and it still is.
I slowly progressed to using their dual handle leashes as well as their poop bag holder and poop bags in 2018, followed by their harnesses, collars and sling leashes in 2019.
Back then, I was still running my own dog walking and pet sitting business and really began to appreciate the Mighty Paw dual handle leashes whenever I walked client dogs.
They make it super easy to handle large dogs who pull and lunge, as well as those with a strong prey drive!
Now without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the two harnesses. We’ll start with the Mighty Paw Sport Harness 2.0!
Mighty Paw’s Sport Harness 2.0: Features & Benefits
- Made with weatherproof polyester
- Features metal hardware
- Padded with soft neoprene lining
- 4 adjustment points around the neck and chest
- 2 leash attachment points on the chest and back
- Quick release buckles
- Padded handle on the back
- Includes a neck buckle
- Reflective stitching
- Available in 2 colors & 4 sizes
- Retails for affordable $22.99
- Made in China
Mighty Paw designed this harness specifically for dogs who don’t love having gear pulled over their heads. Thanks to the neck buckle, the harness goes on around the dog’s neck instead of over their head.
What a game changer!
The Sport Harness 2.0 is a wonderful everyday harness that can be used in all climates. It did great in humid NC and does just as well in temperate Germany where we currently live.
Since Wally wears it on at least 3 walks a day, I appreciate that the harness is neoprene padded. That way I don’t have to worry about any chafing.
Just FYI: Wally typically wears a doggie backpack on his morning walk to get rid of his energy, and then he wears his harness on the rest of his walks throughout the day.
It’s super easy to put on and take back off, and the handle on the back is fantastic when I need to stop him in his tracks come squirrel time!
Pros
- All metal hardware, including the front leash attachment point
- Can go over the head OR around the neck
- Padded handle on the back
Cons
- Only available in 2 colors
Ultimate verdict: Great everyday harness
OK, now let’s look at Ruffwear’s Front Range harness next!
Ruffwear’s Front Range Harness: Features & Benefits
- Made with polyester webbing
- Features aluminum hardware
- Foam padded
- 4 adjustment points
- 2 leash attachment points
- Quick release buckles
- ID pocket for ID tags
- Reflective trim
- Available in 8 colors & 5 sizes
- Retails for $39.95
- Made in Vietnam
Ruffwear designed this harness for everyday walks. It’s foam padded for a comfortable wear and features an ID pocket that offers a convenient way of storing your pup’s ID tags.
That’s a pretty unique feature!
Additionally, the Front Range Harness is easy to clean and always did great on our beach walks back on the East Coast.
Pros
- Available in many colors
- ID pocket for ID tags
Cons
- Goes over the head only
- Front leash attachment point is made of nylon webbing, not metal hardware
- No handle on the back
Ultimate verdict: Good everyday harness
How To Put On The Ruffwear Harness & The Mighty Paw Harness
One thing I always want to know when it comes to new doggie gear is how do you put it on, and is it easy to do so?
Well, since it’s a lot easier to understand how to put the harnesses on in a video instead of reading instructions, I recorded a video with Wally who was a patient, good sport, so thanks, buddy!
Ruffwear Harness vs Mighty Paw Harness: Bottom Line
Both come with reflective elements for low light visibility. I REALLY appreciate this feature because we do walk at all times of the day and in all seasons.
That includes morning walks at dawn during the hot summer months, and dark evening walks in winter!
That said, I’ve used both harnesses for several years on many walks and hikes. They’ve been rained on, got saltwater, fresh water and mud on them and were fairly easy to clean. Obviously they no longer look brand new, but they’re still in really good shape for how much I’ve used them.
Both can double as a car harness although I have to point out that both brands carry specific harnesses for car rides as well.
Overall Verdict: The Mighty Paw Sport Harness 2.0 Is More Versatile
Overall, the Mighty Paw Sport Harness 2.0 is more versatile to me than the Ruffwear Front Range Harness.
I say that not because I worked for the brand, but because it combines different features like the handle on the back, the all metal leash attachment points and the neck buckle opening that are missing on the Ruffwear Harness.
If you’ve followed my blogging journey over the years, you’ll know that I’m always very blunt about the dog products we’ve been using.
To be fair, I have to point out that Ruffwear carries other harnesses that combine most of the features just mentioned, but they’re considerably more expensive than their Front Range Harness.
I’m also not aware of any Ruffwear harness that features a METAL front leash attachment point as opposed to webbing ones.
Ultimately, I’d say it comes down to personal preference and favorite ways to use harnesses.
If you’re someone who wants to help decrease mild to moderate pulling on walks and appreciates a handle to hold on to, I’d go with the Mighty Paw Sport Harness 2.0.
After all, the front leash attachment point on the chest area is made of solid metal instead of less sturdy webbing.
However, if you’re looking for ways to store your pup’s ID tags while out on walks and don’t need a handle, the Ruffwear Front Range Harness may work better for you!
Content Related to Dog Harness:
- Ruffwear Front Range vs Load Up Harness: Which Is Better?
- Exercising with the Ruffwear Commuter Pack
- Enjoying the Outdoors with Mighty Paw’s Durable Dog Gear
- Dog Car Anxiety: How to Travel with an Anxious Dog
