Last updated on February 15th, 2023 at 06:02 pm
Fresh air, sunlight, and nature aren’t only good for you, but your pup too. In fact, there’s often nothing better than hitting the trail with your dog! Furthermore, hiking with your dog is a great opportunity for training and reinforcement as well as a great way to wear down excess energy. And while it may be tempting to let your dog roam without a leash, they usually need one on public trails. Here, we’ll provide the best dog leashes for hiking, so you can have the very best, carefree experience with your dog.
Our Favorite Dog Leashes for Hiking Are...
As you can see, even the type of material and anti-shock factors can affect you and your dog. With all of these factors considered, here are a few of our favorites:
The Best Overall: RUFFWEAR Knot-a-Leash
Our Favorite Hands-Free Leash: RUFFWEAR Slackline Crag Dog Leash
Best Retractable Leash: TUG 360 Heavy Duty Retractable Leash
Below we’re fetching (pun of course intended) the details of our favorite dog leashes.
Comparison Table of Dog Leashes
Firstly, we organized all of our favorites into the table below for quick reference.
As you can see, there are quite a few different styles of leashes. We explore each further in the in-depth reviews below.
1. RUFFWEAR Knot-a-Leash
First, we have our best overall, the RUFFWEAR Knot-a-Leash.
With this leash you and your pup are ready . The Knot-a-Leash features impressive locking elements for security, as well as reflective materials.
Locking Carabiner
Firstly, worries that your dog’s leash may snap or come unclipped in the wild is a valid concern.
However, Ruffwear’s locking carabiner eases your fears with its secure design.
In fact, instead of a simple snap-in-place hook, Ruffwear secures with a twisting lock, giving you maximum security.
Reflective and Durable Rope Design
Additionally, the Ruffwear Knot-a-Leash was inspired by climbing.
As such, it uses strong and durable kernmantle rope, so you don’t have to worry about snapping.
In addition, Ruffwear has also integrated reflective material into the rope, for maximum visibility in low light.
Along with this, the Knot-a-Leash has a tubular webbing handle that is comfortable to hold. This means no more wrapping leashes around your wrists!
Accessory Loop Included
Finally, the Knot-a-Leash also comes with a built-in accessory loop.
This allows you to conveniently stash small clip-on items or pick-up bags.
Rather than storing everything in a backpack you have to stop and take off, you can access them easily.
Pros and Cons of the RUFFWEAR Knot-a-Leash
RUFFWEAR Knot-a-Leash PROS
- Locking carabiner for security
- Reflective surface and durable rope design
- Comfortable handle
- Accessory loop included
RUFFWEAR Knot-a-Leash CONS
- Some hikers say you may have to periodically untwist the lead, since there is no swivel mechanism
Who is The Knot-a-Leash Perfect For?
This leash is perfect for dog owners who need durability and security in their leash. In fact, many customers who loved this leash had very large dog breeds upwards of 100 lbs. And, we found this to be one of the best dog leashes for hiking with its climbing-style durable rope and locking carabiner. We found these features are perfect for large breeds that pull. Thus, this gives you comfort in knowing the leash won’t snap even if they spot an animal!
2. RUFFWEAR Slackline Crag Dog Leash
Next up is our favorite hands-free option; the RUFFWEAR Slackline Crag Dog Leash offers an ergonomic, strong, and comfortable lead.
In fact, you and your pup will appreciate the feeling of effortless freedom with the Crag Dog.
Adjustable Leash Length
For instance, the Crag Dog extends from 3.5 ft to 6 ft depending on your desired level of control.
What’s more, the ergonomic metal slider allows you to adjust the length using only one hand, to keep things easy.
Not to mention, the leash can be held in your hand or around your waist.
Swiveling Talon Clip
Additionally, one of the best features its swiveling talon clip.
This mechanism helps hikers avoid unnecessary tangles.
Aside from swiveling with your dog’s direction, it’s also a secure clip. Because of this, hikers can rest assured it won’t snap.
Durable Tubelok Material
Finally, the Crag Dog is made from durable Tubelok webbing, adding extra security and longevity.
Plus, it’s woven with reflective fibers so both you and your pup remain visible in low lighting.
Pros and Cons of the Slackline Crag Dog Leash
Slackline Crag Dog Leash PROS
- Adjustable length (3.5 to 6 ft)
- Easy to adjust
- Can be hand-held or wrapped around the waist
- Comfortable padded handle
- Swiveling clip
- Accessory loop for clip-on items and pick up bags
- Reflective trim
Slackline Crag Dog Leash CONS
- Price
Who Will Love The Slackline Crag Dog Leash?
In short, you and your dog will thrive with the quick adjustability that the Crag Dog leash offers. No more fussing with the lead: simply move the metal slider with one hand to shorten or lengthen. Thus, this leash is great for hikers who need greater control, as well as freed-up hands.
3. TUG 360 Heavy Duty Retractable
Being able to give your dog plenty of freedom on your hike is a fun priority. The TUG 360 Heavy Duty Retractable makes this a possibility, while still giving you full control! From avoiding tangles to quick lock features, it’s also your dog’s best friend.
Tangle-Free 360º Movement And Heavy Duty Coil
Typically, retractable leashes are naturally better for avoiding line tangling up on itself.
The TUG 360 takes this a step further by designing a 360º movement hole for the lead to move in.
This means your dog can move any direction, and the 16 foot coil will follow.
We found the coil to be very heavy duty, and the leash to provide consistent retraction for many seasons.
Quick Lock And Unlock Feature
Additionally, during walks and hikes, it’s natural to come across the unexpected. Thus, it’s important to be able to lock and unlock your retractable leash fast.
For example, the TUG 360 has a quick lock and unlock button that acts immediately and securely.
Anti-Slip, Comfortable Handle
Finally, the Tug 360 has an outstanding, ergonomic handle.
Holding plastic while your palms are sweaty, or it’s raining is quite difficult.
In fact, the TUG 360 features an anti-slip, comfortable handle that combats sweaty palms and keeps your pup safely under control. Asa result, hikers can feel secure, no matter the conditions.
Pros and Cons of the TUG 360 Heavy Duty Retractable
TUG 360 Heavy Duty PROS
- Tangle-Free 360º Movement
- Anti-slip, comfortable handle
- Quick lock and unlock button
- Heavy duty 16 ft coil
- Small, medium, and large breed options
TUG 360 Heavy Duty CONS
Who Will Love The TUG 360?
The TUG 360 is a perfect option for most breed sizes and on any hike. For example, Tug offers different sizes for small, medium, and large breeds. If you want more freedom for your pup to roam during a hike, the TUG provides. However, it also allows you to have optimal control with the lock features and anti-slip handle.
4. Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure Leash
Next up is one of our favorite simple leads. The Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure Leash features heavy duty materials and great control over even the largest breeds.
Veteran-owned, Chai’s Choice adds military-level durability into their products.
With secure attachments, padded and reflective material, security and comfort are key.
Duraflex Attachment For Durability
Quality attachments is key when creating leashes that don’t snap. And Chai’s Choice is no exception.
For instance, the Outdoor Adventure features a duraflex leash attachment and hikers will notice its quality.
The duraflex latch attachment is a lightweight zinc-alloy material with a large load capacity that holds up under extreme tension.
As a result, this lead can handle the strength of large breeds. Even if they lunge or pull.
Padded Nylon, Reflective Material
Additionally, the Outdoor Adventure also features a reflective nylon webbing for strength and nighttime visibility.
While it looks like simple, standard leash, you’d have to use it to understand just how strong, comfortable and reliable it truly is.
Furthermore, the Outdoor Adventure leash is padded and very comfortable to hold.
Many Colors And Lengths
Finally, it would be a shame to not mention all the fun options Chai’s Choice offers dog owners.
The Outdoor Adventure is available in 9 different colors.
Additionally, it is available in two lengths (44 and 78 inches) and two widths (large 1 inch and medium .8 inches).
Pros and Cons of the Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure Leash
Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure Leash PROS
- Strong Duraflex attachment
- Padded Nylon webbing
- Reflective material
- Available in 9 colors
- Available in 2 lengths and 2 widths
- Very secure for large breeds
Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure Leash CONS
- Very few customers state that the latch spring is weak. We recommend testing the clip before taking your dog out.
Who Would This Leash be Perfect For?
The Outdoor Adventure Leash is an excellent choice for larger, stronger breeds. This is because the Duraflex attachment is designed to handle the stress of intense pulling and shock. It’s also great for owners who want a simple, comfortable, padded option that is also reflective for any time of day.
5. Primal Pet Gear 2 Handle Dog Leash
If you desire a leash that offers enhanced control that is also comfortable, it the Primal Pet Gear 2 Handle Dog Leash offers two handles.
We love the comfortable handles and the simplicity of this leash, especially on tight trails.
Double-Handled Leash For Full Control
Firstly, Primal Pet Gear’s 8 ft leash comes with two handles.
One handle is at 6 ft and the other is 1 ft from the clip. As many dog owners know, this lower lead gives firm control in crowded areas.
Plus, it’s also great for training! Furthermore, the handles are made of soft Neoprene, making them comfortable, yet heavy duty.
Upgraded, Stronger Clip
Primal Pet Gear features an upgrade from previous models; with a more durable clip to avoid coming unclasped with extreme use, this leash is a great go-to.
Moreover, the clip is now made of strong zinc metal alloy that is also rust proof.
Additionally, it also has a thicker thumbnail release.
Dual-Sided Double Reflective Stitching
Finally, the Pet Gear lead features a very effective reflective stitching that fills both sides of the leash.
As a result, this makes it one of the best for safe nighttime walks.
Pros and Cons of the Primal Pet Gear 2 Handle Leash
Primal Pet Gear 2 Handle Leash PROS
- Double-handled for full control and training
- Soft neoprene handles
- Closely-stitched Nylon for lightweight strength
- Dual-sided reflective stitching
- Metal zinc alloy rust-proof clip
Primal Pet Gear 2 Handle Leash CONS
- Some customers mentioned the short handle might be too low to grab quickly
Who Would This Leash be Perfect For?
The Primal Pet Gear 2 Handle leash is perfect for medium-to-large size breed owners. In addition, it is also great if you plan on twilight or early morning hikes, due to the double-reflective, dual-sided stitching.
6. Pet Dreamland Hands Free Double Leash
Finally, ‘Dreamland’ is not an exaggeration, the Pet Dreamland Hands Free Double Leash offers comfortable freedom both you and your dog will love. Furthermore, this hands-free leash features extremely thoughtful design and ergonomics. Once you and your dog experience shock absorption and versatility like this, you’ll never look back.
Retractable, Hands-Free Leash
Firstly, the Pet Dreamland is hands-on and hands-free! That’s right: you can either choose to use the waist belt or between two handles for control.
When you go hands-free for more freedom, you’ll be able to also quickly grab one of the two handles if need be.
We find this leash to be amazing when hiking with trekking poles.
And taking a break to dig through your pack is very easy. No worrying about tying your pup to a tree during lunch.
Shock Absorbing Cables
Additionally, we can not stress enough how effective and useful this lead’s bungee design is. Hikers find this is one of the key benefits of the Dreamland.
For instance, excessive pulling and yanking can be damaging to your dogs’ muscles, neck, and spine. Not to mention, it can also hurt your wrist, back, and shoulders.
Because of this, Dreamland has designed its leash with strong shock-absorbing cables. As a result, this minimizes the impact of sudden tugging on you and your dog. Talk about a health benefit!
Two Additional Handles
Finally, the Dreamland offers ample hands-on options.
Along with the waist belt option, the Dreamland also offers two handles. This means you can shorten or lengthen the leash as-needed.
In addition, it also features two d-rings for even more length adjustments.
Pros and Cons of the Pet Dreamland Hands Free Double Dog Leash
Pet Dreamland Hands-Free Double Leash PROS
- Hands-free leash
- Shock absorbing cables to prevent injury
- Dual-padded handles
- Reflective stitching
- Heavy-duty carabiners
Pet Dreamland Hands Free Double Leash CONS
Who Would This Leash be Perfect For?
The Pet Dreamland is excellent for medium to large breed dogs. The hands-free capabilities make it perfect for jogging and hiking. Not to mention, the shock-absorbent bungee cables also help prevent injury. The design of Dreamland is not only durable, but it keeps your dog (and you) happy and healthy.
Other Great Leashes That Almost Made Our Top 6:
Hiking with a Dog Off Leash
Hiking without a leash is a topic of consistent debate. Both sides have acceptable reasons for leashing or unleashing, which can make matters even more cloudy.
However, with a respectful stance and a few common-sense ground rules, both parties can exist peacefully.
First, let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks to hiking with your dog without a leash.
Benefits of hiking off-leash
- Freedom and more exercise without restriction
- Builds trust
- Keeps your hands free
Cons of hiking off-leash
Your pup can get injured on hikes without guidance
Dogs can encounter wild animals or other, less-friendly dogs
They can eat dangerous plants
It can cause conflict with other hikers
- Dogs can destroy local habitats, and are not permitted to roam free in most parks
As you can see, deciding whether or not to use a leash requires good judgment of the situation. If the area is remote and there are no cliffs, perhaps leash-free is okay. However, if there are a lot of dogs, foliage, cliffs, or other variables, perhaps a leash is warranted.
If you do decide to go leashless, keep these tips in mind:
- Make sure your dog is command and voice-trained. Your dog should come when you call and listen when you say “no” before you let him or her run freely.
- Don’t allow your dog to approach others without their consent.
- Be observant of your surroundings. If there are too many dogs, skittish people, or dangerous terrain, use a leash.
- Communicate with other hikers. Ask if their dog is friendly. Assure them yours is.
- Always pick up your dog’s poop. Always.
- Be very alert for wild animals.
What Makes a Great Dog Leash for a Hike?
There are quite a few dog leash options on the market. And, the choice quickly becomes overwhelming. Because of this, we’re breaking down the best dog leashes for hiking based on several intrinsic factors. In fact, these factors can definitely affect the quality of your experience, so we’ve kept them in mind while reviewing. In our reviews and with our dog, we consider leashes based on the following:
- Material: Nylon and rope leashes are most common; however, they are difficult to clean if they get muddy. Nylon and rope leads are also the lightest option, and ones we prefer for hiking. You also could choose a leather leash, which is easy to clean, but will deteriorate eventually from sun and water. Biothane, a synthetic leather-like material, is very durable. We highly discourage the use of heavy chain-style leashes.
- Type: There are several types of leashes to choose from when hiking. Based on your needs, you may need a standard lead, bungee, retractable, or hands-free style.
- Length: leashes range from 3 to 40 feet, shorter leads are good for crowded hikes and single track trails.
- Weight Capacity: Make sure to double check that a specific leash is strong enough to hold back the weight of your dog.
- Anti-Shock and Anti-Tugging Leads: Opt for a leash with a bungee function or a second handle for dogs that pull or lurch toward prey.
The choices of leads are nearly endless. However, if you follow these simple guideline, you’ll find the perfect leash for your nature hike.
Standard Leash
A standard leash works quite well when hiking in crowded trails or where brush makes exploring difficult. However, standard leashes limit exploring to 3-5 feet from you.
Hands-Free
Adjustable, or hands-free leads, are great for trail running and fastpacking or using trekking poles.
Bungee Leads
Bungee leashes absorb shock, which is good for lungers or dogs with a high prey drive, we prefer ones with a traffic handle to keep control of your pup when needed.
Retractable
Finally, retractable leashes allow free roam, the downside is that you can’t reel them in easily, they get tangled in the underbrush, and it can be a nuisance around crowds.
Gear up for a Happy Hike
Going on a hike with your pup is one of the best things you can do together. Hiking with a your dog is also a great training opportunity, but your standard leash may not be cut out for the rugged wilderness.
In fact, there is more to the best dog leashes for hiking than meets the eye. For a perfect hike with your partner, you want a very strong leash with maximum adjustability and convenience. Durable materials and safety extras like reflective material and sturdy handles are also essential.
Wherever you go with your pooch, you both deserve to go in safety and confidence. So, as you pack up for your hike, don’t forget a water source. a bowl, maybe a few nice training treats and enjoy watching you pup interact with nature.
About the Author
Sarah Sampsell
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