Are you planning to take your furry friend on a hiking adventure?
Exploring the vastness of mountains with your pup can be a moment to cherish. But, it’s essential to have the best dog leash for hiking to keep your dog safe and under control.
A durable and reliable leash is crucial when walking on steep trails or rough terrains. It can also be used to tie your dog to a tree or attach it to your belt.
To help you find the perfect leash for your hiking needs, we’ve put together a list of the 8 best dog leashes for hiking, along with a helpful buyer’s guide.
Must Read: How to Clean Any Dog Leash (Simple Guide)
RUFFWEAR Crag Leash for Hiking
- Six Bright Colors
- Padded Handle
- Adjustable-length
- Nylon Leash
- 9 Colors Available
- Reflective At Night
- Secure Carabiner
- Nylon Rope
- Reflective At Night
Best Dog Leashes For Hiking | In-Dept Reviews
Considering the diversity of dog leashes on the market. We’ve compiled a list of the top dog leashes for outdoor activities like hiking.
1. RUFFWEAR Crag Dog Leash for Hiking
- Type: Standard Leash
- Brand: RUFFWEAR
- Material: Tubelok webbing, Talon metal clip
- Length: 3.5 ft.
Looking for a sturdy dog leash that’s perfect for all-weather use? Check out the RUFFWEAR leash! Made from durable nylon webbing, this leash is ideal for active dogs with a strong instinct to pull and chase.
The metal slider allows for easy one-handed adjustment, while the talon connector provides a quick-release safety mechanism. Plus, the padded handle ensures extra comfort during long walks. And with distinct reflective trim, this leash keeps your furry friend visible in low-light conditions.
If you’re planning a hiking adventure with your pup, a reliable leash like the RUFFWEAR dog leash is a must-have.
Pros:
- Can be used as a waist-worn and hand-held leash.
- Adjustable leash 3.5 to 6 ft in length.
- Available in 6 bright colors.
- A short leash is ideal for training a dog that pulls.
Cons:
- A bit expensive.
- Short leash in comparison with others.
2. Chai's Choice Outdoor Leash
- Type: Standard Leash
- Brand: Chai's Choice
- Material: 3M reflective material, Zinc alloy clip
- Length: 6.5 ft. or 3.6 ft.
Are you looking for a leash that can keep up with your pup’s adventurous spirit?
Specially made for outdoor activities, Chai’s Choice Premium leash has a sturdy footprint.
It’s lightweight yet sturdy, with a comfortable padded handle that makes it perfect for long hikes. The strong alloy zinc swivel clip keeps your pet secure, and the leash is available in a range of bright colors to match your pet’s collar.
Plus, it comes in two lengths to suit medium and large dogs. With reflective strips for added visibility, this leash is a great choice for any outdoor adventure.
Pros:
- Durable Leash made from 3M reflective fabric.
- The handle is soft and gentle to grip.
- Choose from 9 colors.
- Available in medium and large sizes.
Cons:
- Not for dogs who chew on the leash.
3. RUFFWEAR Climbing Rope Leash
- Type: Rope Leash
- Brand: RUFFWEAR
- Material: Nylon polyamide, Secure locking carabiner
- Length: 5 ft.
The RUFFWEAR Knot-a-Leash is an excellent leash option for dogs who love outdoor activities. With a strong and secure locking carabiner, it easily attaches to any dog’s collar or harness, providing reliable control and protection.
Designed for dogs weighing under 45 lbs, this climbing rope leash is made from sturdy nylon that’s inspired by rock climbers. It also features reflective webbing, making it highly visible in low-light conditions, perfect for nighttime camping.
The easy-to-hold tubular handle is comfortable to carry around, and you can choose from ten different colors to find the perfect match for your dog’s collar or harness. The carabiner is also a handy feature of this leash.
Pros:
- Made from a strong flexible rope.
- Has a wide variety of colors to choose from.
- The handle is easy to hold, yet not padded.
- To assure a secure connection, a locking carabiner is used.
Cons:
- Effective leash, yet it is expensive.
- Not suitable for dogs who pull a lot.
4. Leashboss Long Leash for Hiking & Camping
- Type: Long Nylon Leash
- Brand: Leash Boss
- Material: Nylon neoprene, Swivel no-tangle clip
- Length: 10 ft. or 15 ft.
The Leashboss dog leash is perfect for training a dog in the most convenient and comfortable way.
This leash is perfect for camping, hiking, and exploring. The long length allows you to walk a dog without having to adjust the leash. The padded neoprene handle is comfortable and durable.
The long leash allows your dog to explore while maintaining complete control. Leashboss leashes have a perfect length of 10ft or 15ft for ease and safety. Its length is perfect for off-leash training as well.
This leash is sturdy and reliable enough to go on a camping trip with a sense of relief. USA-assembled dog leash comes with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty protected against defects.
Pros:
- An extra-long leash made from Nylon webbing.
- Available in 10ft and 15ft sizes.
- Neoprene padded handle for added comfort.
- The leash is assembled in the USA.
- Ideal choice for off-leash training.
Cons:
- Not recommended for use in crowded places.
- Not a chew-proof leash.
5. OutdoorMaster Bungee Leash
- Type: Bungee Leash
- Brand: OutdoorMaster
- Material: 1000D Nylon, Metal clip
- Length: 3 ft.
Looking for a secure leash to take on your outdoor adventures with your furry companion?
Look no further than the OutdoorMaster Bungee Leash! This leash is designed to keep your pup safe from forest animals while camping and is perfect for walks in any outdoor setting.
The bungee design provides extra comfort and helps to reduce the risk of injury for your furry friend. This is a must-have for every dog owner, providing a safe and secure solution for pets on the go.
The soft, padded handle offers ultimate comfort and is easy to hold, while the connector clasp provides a stronghold and quick-release mechanism for emergencies. Although not chew-proof, this lightweight leash is great for training small dogs and perfect for crowded places thanks to the traffic handle.
Choose the OutdoorMaster Bungee Leash for a comfortable, reliable leash that will keep your pup safe on all your outdoor adventures!
Pros:
- The specially designed bungee leash for outdoor activities.
- Best choice if your dog is a heavy puller.
- Its heavy-duty clasp is said to withstand a 1000lbs load.
- An affordable dog leash for hiking.
Cons:
- Available in one size only.
- Not for large dog breeds.
6. Lynxking Check Cord Dog Leash
- Type: Check Cord Leash
- Brand: lynxking Store
- Material: Water-proof polyester, Swivel metal clip
- Length: 10 ft., 15 ft., 30 ft., or 50 ft.
Looking for a reliable leash for your furry friend? Lynxking Check Cord Dog Leash is an excellent choice!
This leash comes in a variety of lengths ranging from 10ft to 50ft, making it perfect for long lead training or outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and hunting.
Made of sturdy round climbing rope, this leash won’t absorb water, which means it’s ideal for teaching your dog how to swim.
The double-layer handle is soft to the touch and provides a strong grip, ensuring you have full control of your dog. Its lightweight design is perfect for small and medium-sized dogs and won’t weigh them down.
The rope is woven with a well-built mesh of polyester and nylon that can withstand light chewing. The 360-degree rotating clasp material is strong and tangle-free, providing you with the confidence to take your dog on any adventure.
Allow your dog to explore the wilderness with the freedom of movement that Lynxking Check Cord Dog Leash offers!
Pros:
- A Check Cord long trainer lead is lightweight and strong.
- Well-suited for off-leash training.
- Water-resistant rope leash, it won’t drown in a lake or swimming pool.
- Its double-layer woven handle is grippy.
Cons:
- Extra long leash difficult to manage while traveling.
- The handle is not padded, thus may give rope burn.
7. TUG 360° Retractable Dog Leash For Hiking
- Type: Retractable Dog Leash
- Brand: TUG Store
- Material: ABS Plastic Case, Swivel metal snap clip
- Length: 16 ft.
Want to grab a lightweight and reliable leash for your furry friend? Look no further than the Tug 360° Retractable Dog Leash!
Made with sturdy nylon tape, this leash features a tough connector clip and plastic casing, making it perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities
The 360-degree tape movement ensures that the leash won’t tangle around your dog’s legs, while the easy lock and unlock feature provides added safety. You can even free or pause tape retraction at any time with the press of a button.
With an anti-slip handle that’s easy to grip with one hand and won’t cause discomfort during long walks, the Tug 360° leash is the perfect choice for any hiking enthusiast. And thanks to its easy-to-carry handle, it’s also incredibly portable.
So if you’re looking for a heavy-duty leash that you can rely on for all your outdoor adventures, look no further than the Tug 360° Retractable Dog Leash!
Pros:
- Retractable dog leash made from hard plastic and nylon tape.
- Choose from tiny, small, medium, and large sizes.
- Its handle is ergonomic, anti-slip, and comfortable.
- Features a quick lock and unlock mechanism.
Cons:
- Not recommended for teething puppies.
- Avoid if your dog is an aggressive leash puller.
8. SparklyPets On Hands-Free Hiking Leash
- Type: Hands-free Leash
- Brand: SparklyPets Store
- Material: Nylon, Stainless steel clip
- Length: 5.6 ft.
Get your hands on this stylish and practical hands-free leash. The SparklyPets leash has a support mechanism that features 2 clasps for equal force distribution, you can be sure that your dog is safe and secure while you hike or walk.
This leash comes in 6 different colors and is made with a lightweight elastic bungee that provides better control than traditional leashes. The convenient rubber handle is easy to use and manage, and the two handles are comfortable for controlling your dog even in busy places.
Plus, you can attach it to a belt or backpack via the D-ring, giving you even more options for hands-free control. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just enjoying the great outdoors, the SparklyPets leash is the perfect accessory for your furry friend.
Pros:
- A versatile leash that has an elastic bungee, adjustable handle, and traffic handle.
- Can be used as a hand-free as well as a hand-on leash.
- Freely move your hand while jogging, hiking, and running.
Cons:
- Not for small dogs and puppies.
- Not a chew-proof leash.
Must Read: How to Leash Train an Older Dog
Buyer's Guide: Best Hiking Dog Leash in 2023
We’ve just wrapped up our review of the best hiking leashes currently available.
Now, if you’re on the hunt for the perfect hiking leash for your furry friend, here are the key features you should focus on while getting one.
Let’s get your pup ready for its next adventure!
Size
When it comes to hiking with your furry friend, it’s important to choose the right leash length based on their behavior and the hiking location.
If you’re exploring areas with potential dangers, a short leash can keep your dog close and ensure better control.
On the other hand, longer leashes provide more freedom for your pup to explore but may compromise control. If you’re unsure about which length to choose, a retractable leash with adjustable length can be a great option.
Material
The most commonly used material for making leashes is nylon, which is readily available and affordable at a range of prices.
For those looking for a premium option, leather leashes are a great choice. They feel great to the touch and offer a more comfortable experience than nylon leashes. However, leather leashes can be damaged by water and might not be as durable as other materials.
There are also some other less popular leash materials available such as chew-proof chain leashes, rope leashes, or waterproof bio-thane leashes. It all depends on your personal preferences and what works best for you and your furry friend.
Comfortable Handle
A comfortable leash is essential when you’re taking your furry friend hiking or spending a day out in nature. Don’t underestimate the importance of this feature!
For maximum comfort, look for braided cotton or nylon leashes that are soft to the touch. However, if your dog is strong or full of energy, a leash with a padded handle is a must-have to prevent any hand injuries.
Durable Hardware
When you’re out hiking with your furry friend, you want to make sure their leash is up to the challenge.
That’s why it’s important to choose a hiking leash with durable metal hardware that can withstand wear and tear. Look for strong clips, sturdy rivets, and rigid D-rings that can handle the strain of regular use.
It’s also a good idea to choose hardware that’s resistant to corrosion, so it can hold up even in wet or humid conditions. With a sturdy connector coated in chromium, you can be sure your leash will stay strong and reliable for many hikes to come!
Read More: How to Teach a Dog to Walk on a Leash?
Which Type of Leash is Best For Hiking
Each leash type has its own merits and demerits, so it’s important to consider your dog’s behavior and your hiking destination before making a decision.
Here we will explore the different types of leashes and help you choose the best one for your hiking needs.
Standard Leash
Standard leashes are typically 6 ft. in length and made of nylon. Regular dog leashes are often of average quality, although they are also typically cheap and short-lived.
Training Leash
Training dog leashes are ideal for hiking and trekking since they provide dogs with more freedom to explore. However, they have several disadvantages, like being relatively heavy and awkward to handle. Trainer leashes are longer leashes constructed from tough nylon rope.
Elastic Bungee Leash
Bungee leashes make the dog and owner more comfortable by reducing the possibility of lurching. Both the dog and the trainer may suffer from muscular strains as a result of the dog’s excessive leash pulling.
These stretchy leashes are appropriate for hiking.
Retractable Leash
A retractable leash can be stretched out to a maximum of 16 feet, giving your dog the freedom to roam while still complying with the majority of leash safety rules.
The dog can easily navigate slopes, steep hills, mountain scrambles, and creek crossings with the help of a retractable leash.
Hands-free Leash
These leashes work nicely for running and can also be used for trekking.
Hands-free leashes can be advantageous for a well-behaved dog. Be careful with big, aggressive dogs because Hands-free leashes are not enough to keep them under control.
Final Thoughts
Hiking with your furry friend is an excellent way to bond and get some exercise in nature. However, it’s crucial to have the right equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.
Make sure to choose the appropriate dog collar, harness, and best leash for hiking. Whether you’re going for a short or long trip, having the proper equipment will make all the difference.
Remember, outdoor activities are beneficial for both large and small dogs. So, gear up and enjoy the great outdoor experience with that your canine companion!
