We must have thought about hiking with our dog a lot of time but didn’t know where to start. These 5 best dog leashes for hiking will help you get through your adventures.
There are a lot of factors that need to be taken care of when you go hiking which you will discover in the article.
Our Top Picks of 2023
Best Overall: SparklyPets Hands-Free Dog Leash
It gives you an easy transition from hands-on to hands-free and vice versa, available in various colors, and comes with reflective stitching that makes your dog safe on the street.
Best Multi-Purpose: RUFFWEAR Flat Out Dog Leash
The leash is designed for easy one-handed attachment. Can be easily switched from hands-free to hands-on. It also provides a comfortable and strong grip while holding.
Best Budget Pick: BAAPET 5 FT Strong Dog Leash
This leash in addition to being the most popular one in all categories, is also available at the most affordable price amongst others. It also comes with a padded rubber handle that makes it comfortable to hold while hiking.
Check our list of best dog leashes for hiking in 2021
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Best Dog Leash for Hiking?
Hiking with a dog adds more responsibility because we have to make sure the dog is trained and not misbehaving.
Most of the dog leashes for hiking come in a length of six feet. This length of the leash not only helps you to control your dog in a better way but at the same time it also your fido to be in full freedom.
However, besides its size, there are few more factors that you need to consider so as to get the best dog leash for hiking.
Type
The type of dog leash that you need mostly depends upon the specific requirement and your preference as well. However, the hands-free leashes are most preferable for normal terrains. This is because, along with helping you to keep your pooch in control, it also keeps your hands free.
On the other hand, if you are going for hiking and plan your trip during night, then the reflective, glow-in-dark, and LED leashes would be more prefarable.
So, before choosing any leash, make sure that you select the type based on your specific requirement as well as preference.
Durability
It completely depends on the usage by the owner although there are companies that give a guarantee for the product. Most of the leashes are made of nylon, it is a pretty sturdy material to start with. The durability of the leash is very important while you go on hiking.
So better safe than sorry. Never compromise on the quality of the leash for the price. Nonetheless, with our list of 5 best dog leashes for hiking, you are assured of the quality and durability. So go for your hiking with your doggo with confident.
Read More: Dog Leashes | The 9 Best Leather Dog Leashes Of 2021 | The 10 Best Retractable Dog Leashes of 2021
Ease of Cleaning
Most leashes are easy to clean, they just need a soak in water. Nylon material, of which the majority of the leashes are made up, doesn’t get dirty that often. All you need is some dish soap and soak the leash in it. As this material is very easy to clean, all the dirt and dust will come off very easily.
Your task becomes even more easier for the leashes that are machine washable. Hence, if you are someone who does not like to wash anything manually, then get one of the leashes that are completely machine washable.
Reflective Stitching
Most leashes nowadays have reflective stitching. All the products listed above have reflective stitching. It is important to have this feature on a leash cause it gives a sense of security since it makes people around cautious about your presence by reflecting the light.
Our 5 Favorite Dog Leashes for Hiking
You need a steady grip on your dog when you go hiking. These 5 best dog leashes for hiking will be perfect for hiking. Choose one that suits your pooch the best.
1. SparklyPets Hands-Free Dog Leash
You will see your pup happy and smiling when you put him or her on SparklyPet Hands-free dog leash. It is made for medium to large dogs hence it gets easy for you to control your dog. This dog leash is perfect for hiking, walk, or anything else wherever the durability of the leash is a major concern.
The main reason for it being the best dog leash for hiking is that it gives you an easy transition from hands-on to hands-free and vice versa. It is available in various colors. It comes with reflective stitching that makes your dog safe on the street.
It is made of nylon which is good for the grip on your dog when he or she is mischievous or wants to play. It has security clips that are made of stainless steel which takes off the tension from the plastic buckle.
Pros:
- The shock-absorbent bungee absorbs sudden shock.
- Its padded handle makes it comfortable to hold.
- Easy switch from hands-free to hands-on.
- Comes with a storage bag to keep your dog’s accessories.
Cons:
- The bungee is not very sturdy.
Read More: Best Rated Reflective Leash for Dogs | Swimming Leash for Dogs in 2021 | Best Chew-Proof Dog Leashes
2. RUFFWEAR – Flat Out Dog Leash
This brand has been standing out for a long time now. People know what they want and the first choice for a leash is Ruffwear. This brand comes in the premium brand of a dog leash.
This Flat out dog leash comes in various colors. It has a beautiful look that matches your outdoor adventure. It takes your dog on a riff. The leash is made of nylon which makes it durable.
It is best for any kind of walk for your dog. Your pooch will be safe with the talon clip and is easy to adjust. It provides strength and grip along with the secure attachment. The leash is designed for easy one-handed attachment.
Pros:
- It comes in various colors and attractive design.
- The leash is durable and lightweight.
- Its rubber padded handle provides a good grip and makes it comfortable to hold.
- It is versatile and can be used in various forms.
Cons:
- It is a bit overpriced.
3. BAAPET 5 FT Strong Dog Leash
When you know that your dog is safe and the leash cannot break, BAAPET comes to your mind. They vouch for their strength and durability.
It is available in various colors which makes it attractive as well as safe. A versatile leash that does so much more than just training.
This leash is made for medium to large dogs. Hence perfect for a heavy duty walk or climb. The width of this rope is ½ inch which is great to manage your dogs. It has a durable clip and the company provides moneyback guarantee if you face any issue with the product.
The leash is made of nylon and the handle is padded so that you and your dog are comfortable. It has reflective threads for all those night walks with your best buddy.
Pros:
- It is good for loose training.
- Available at a budget-friendly price.
- It can be used for any dog.
- It has good quality and durability.
- ½ inch rope gives a good grip on the dog.
Cons:
- There is a chemical smell when you unpack.
4. Tuff Mutt Hands Free Dog Leash for Hiking
We do everything in our power to keep our dogs happy. When you leash them, they might feel a bit suffocated.
But with Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Dog Leash For Hiking you do not have to worry about anything. It is made of nylon and a hardware clip for the collar.
The easy-glide clip makes your dog feel free and you can control him as well. It is available in various colours. It is best suited for medium and large dogs.
It has a reflective thread that will provide safety and security during the night. The leash has got a shock-absorbent bungee. This will help you and your dog to be free while walking.
It is best suited for hiking, running, and walking the dog. It has a dual control handle, this will help you retract your dog and control him or her.
Pros:
- Comes with an adjustable waist belt for all the runners.
- The dual handle provides better control in all scenarios.
- It is available in various colors.
- It has an easy glide belt clip.
Cons:
- The hook may break under extreme wear and tear.
Read More: Best Big Dog Leash | Best Leashes for German Shepherd Dogs | Dog Leash for Dogs that Like Pull
5. LANNEY Hands Free Dog Leash
Lanney Hands-Free Dog Leash is made of anti-tear nylon which means it has good durability. It is best suited for medium to large dogs as it is very steady and strong.
It has a metal clasp that has 360 degree rotation so that your dog can move freely and you don’t have to worry about anything. The leash has reflective stripes that help you and your dog to be safe during those night walks.
It comes with a shock-absorbent bungee that keeps your dog at ease and free. This leash can take pull force up to 150lb which means it is perfectly suited for large and heavy dogs.
It has a movable ring that allows the dog to move in different directions. It comes with a multifunctional bag for you so that you can give him or her all the treats you want.
Pros:
- Made from durable nylon material.
- Comes with shockproof bungee to absorb sudden shocks from jumps.
- It comes with a pouch or multifunctional bag
- It has reflective stripes.
Cons:
- There may be quality issues.
Checklist While You Go On Hiking With Your Dog
Besides a dog leash that will help you to keep a good hold of your pooch, there are some other accessories and essentials as well that you need to carry along on your hiking trip.
So besides, the things that you’ll carry for yourself, here are the required things that your pooch will need.
- Dog bed: After all your adventures, give him a cozy bed to relax
- Portable dog pen/house: Keep your pooch protected from the weather
- Dog Collar/Harness (preferably one with LED) will help to attach the leash to your dog
- Food & treats: With all the hard work, food is a must, treats for rewards
- Dog poop bag: Never discard dog waste in open
Read More: Best Two Dog Leash and Coupler | Best Rope Dog Leashes | Best Hands Free Dog Leash For Running
FAQs About Dog Leash for Hiking
How much do hiking dog leashes cost?
There are a lot of varieties available in the market. You get cheaper leashes to premium leashes like RUFFWEAR – Flat Out Dog Leash.
It completely depends on your need and usage with the leash.
Why do you need a different leash for hiking?
When hiking there are many factors that need to be taken care of like the trees and rough area. You don’t want your dog to get lost or run away because your leash was not proper. Hence, you need a different leash for hiking.
Are rope leashes better for hiking?
Rope leashes are steady and difficult to tear hence they can be used for hiking. These leashes will make your dog feel closer to you and make him or her a part of your activities. It is appropriate to use for hiking and climbing.
Are dog leashes waterproof?
Usually dog leashes are not waterproof because it gets easier to clean when the leashes are not waterproof. It can solve short term problems like sweat but apart from that it’s not waterproof.
Conclusion
The above listed are the top 5 leashes you can use for hiking. When we take our dog out for a walk it is different from taking the dog on a hike. There are various factors that you need to keep in account like the weather and food.
The top priority is the leash, make sure the leash is strong enough to take the weight of the dog when he or she is pulling you. This happens because dogs get excited and they want to reach somewhere.
Training your dog is a must and one should attempt the hike option only after your dog is completely or partially trained. Treat your dog with all the milestones that he or she finishes. This helps your dog stay focused and motivated.
Lets have a quick recap of our recommendations:
- SparklyPets Hands-Free Dog Leash (Best Overall)
- RUFFWEAR – Flat Out Dog Leash (Premium Choice)
- BAAPET 5 FT Strong Dog Leash (Best Budget-Pick)
- Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Dog Leash for Hiking
- LANNEY Hands-Free Dog Leash
Just know that as tired you would get after the hike so will be your dog. So keep yourself and the dog well hydrated on your adventure trip.
Also Read:
Resources:
- Tips for hiking with your dog [1]
- Dogs motivate walking and make you happy [2]
- How to hike with your dog [3]
Kathryn is a certified animal behaviorist, dog trainer, and a proud parent of four dogs. Having dealt with hyper-active dogs herself, she certainly knows what will work best for your canines. Moreover, her love for pets drives her to get the most reliable products in the market!
