Hiking Dog Leash: Top 6 Picks for Adventure Pups

Hiking, going on adventures, and exploring the outdoors with our dogs is good for our mental health and strengthens our bond with our dogs. A reliable, sturdy, and functional leash helps us keep our dogs safe without sacrificing comfort.

Hiking dog leashes are specifically designed to withstand the elements and provide a more comfortable and secure grip. They usually have different features from a regular leash, like reflective materials for visibility, mulitple handles for added control, and shock-absorbing bungee systems for a smoother walking experience.

The perfect hiking dog leash should be made of a durable material like nylon, biothane, or strong climbing rope to ensure longevity and dependability. Length is another important aspect. You want it to be long enough to allow your dog to explore while maintaining control. Equally important is the attachment mechanism, with options such as carabiner clips and swivel hooks that can be securely attached to your dog’s collar or harness.

With these factors in mind, we have researched and tested various hiking dog leashes to help you find the one that best suits your needs and maximizes your outdoor adventures with your doggo.

Best Hiking Dog Leashes

We’ve compiled a list of our top 6 favorite hiking dog leashes for you and your doggo. Enjoy exploring the great outdoors with these top-notch products!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and might earn us a small commission if you make a purchase at absolutely no extra cost to you. Pawsome, right?!

#1 Pick – Ruffwear Roamer Bungee Dog Leash

The Ruffwear Roamer is our Top Pick and the leash we use for hiking! I’ve been using this leash for a couple years now and its been a reliable, sturdy awesome leash.

Pros:

• The bungee design allows for some stretch, which can prevent jerking on the dog’s neck. This is nicer for hikes and adventurs than a fixed-length leash.
• It can be clipped around your waist and used as a hands-free leash.
• It has a traffic handle if you need to keep your dog close by your side.
• The bungee provides resistance so the dog can’t pull you as easily as with a standard leash. This can help with leash training.
• High-quality, durable materials and construction for long-lasting use. Ruffwear gear is known to withstand heavy use.
• Lightweight design won’t tire out your hand on longer walks.
• Lifetime warranty from Ruffwear if it breaks or wears out.

Cons:

• Leash is more expensive than basic fixed leashes.
• Some dogs may still be able to pull against the bungee resistance, depending on their strength and behavior.
• Bungee could snap back/whip hand, if stretched to max and the dog lunges forward.

Overall it’s a high quality leash but does come at a higher price compared to basic leash options. Ruffwear gear is very rugged and meant to withstand heavy daily use. This leash will last for years of walks and hikes. We’ve found it be be a great value over time.

The bungee design provides resistance to help train dogs not to pull on walks. It gives feedback to the dog when they put tension on the leash without jerking their neck.

The bungee provides a bit of “give” in the leash, reducing tugging for ourselves and our dog. This makes hikes, long walks and runs less straining on our bodies and on our dogs. While still allowing freedom of movement, the bungee resistance gives better control over strong or excitable dogs that may try to lunge or bolt which can make it safer for encounters with other dogs/people.

The lifetime warranty protects the investment if the leash does happen to fail after years of tough use and love. Ruffwear stands behind their products and we can vouch for how awesome this leash is.

iYoShop Hands Free Dog Leash

This hands-free dog leash is a great option for walking, jogging, or hiking with your dog. 

Pros

• Removable zipper pouch for storage
• Double shock absorbers for smoother walks
• Nighttime visibility with reflective threading

Cons

• The adjustability of the waist belt may be limiting for some users
• No cushioning on the waistband
• Potential durability concerns with the D-ring

We recently took our dog for a hike using the iYoShop Hands-Free Dog Leash and found it incredibly helpful. The removable zipper pouch is handy. It’s big enough to easily store a smartphone, keys, and dog treats, making the walk more enjoyable and hands-free.

The double shock absorbers were a standout feature as they provided a bit of “give” in the leash, reducing tugging.

The reflective threading on the leash is nice for evening walks as it helps with visibility in low-light conditions. We appreciate the extra thought put into this feature for our safety.

While the adjustable waist belt worked well for us, it may not suit everyone as its length range is limited to 27 inches to 48 inches. Additionally, the waistband had no cushioning, so some users might find it uncomfortable during long walks.

Lastly, we encountered a minor issue with the D-ring. While it didn’t break for us, we did some research,, and some users reported durability concerns, so it’s something to keep in mind.

MayPaw Heavy Duty Rope Dog Leash

The MayPaw Heavy Duty Rope Dog Leash is a durable and comfortable option.

Pros

• Extremely durable and sturdy, made of climbing standard nylon rope
• Soft padded handle for a comfortable grip
• 360° rotation clasp to prevent twisting

Cons

• It may not be suitable for very small dogs
• Limited color options
• Handle padding may not hold up against heavy chewers

During a recent hike, we tested the MayPaw Heavy Duty Rope Dog Leash for our German Shepherd and were impressed by its durability and design. This 6-foot leash is made from climbing standard nylon rope, proving its strength even with our enthusiastic puller.

We appreciated the soft padded handle, which provided a comfortable grip during our walk. This feature made it easy to keep control of our dog, especially when we encountered other hikers and their dogs on the trail.

One of the best aspects of this leash is the 360° rotation clasp. This prevents the leash from getting twisted, which can be a hassle while hiking and exploring. We never had an issue with the leash getting tangled, allowing us to enjoy our hike without constantly stopping to untangle it.

The only drawbacks we noticed are that the leash might not be suitable for smaller dogs as the rope is quite thick. It comes in varous colors which is nice. The handle padding was comfortable but could also be vulnerable if your dog is a heavy chewer and gets ahold of the leash.

SparklyPets Hands Free Dog Leash

The SparklyPets Hands-Free Dog Leash is versatible and durable and would work well for medium and large dogs.

Pros

• Strong and flexible bungee with stainless steel clasps
• Features an easy grip control handle for increased safety
• Can be switched between hands-free and hands-on mode

Cons

• It may not be suitable for very small dogs
• The Bungee cord could be too short for some users
• Plastic buckle may wear out over time

We were impressed by its functionality for medium and large dogs. This leash is Ideal for hiking, jogging, and walking, and provides a sturdy connection between us and our dogs, making it perfect for active lifestyles.

One of the standout features is the easy grip control handle on the bungee, which allows for precise control of our dog when navigating through busy streets or crowded areas. The stainless steel clasps and strong bungee material provide shock absorption, minimizing the impact on our arms and shoulders, especially when handling a strong, excitable dog.

This leash’s ability to switch between hands-free and hands-on operations seamlessly sets it apart. This is made possible by the convenient rubber handle, allowing greater flexibility in how we interact with our dogs during outdoor activities.

NTR 15FT Training Leash for Dogs

The NTR 15FT Training Leash is a great long line option for training.

Pros

• High-strength, wear-resistant material
• Soft, padded handle for comfort
• Unique lockable bone-shaped hook

Cons

• A bit heavy for smaller dogs
• It may be too stretchy for some users
• Limited color options

We tried out the NTR 15FT Training Leash for Dogs and immediately noticed how durable and strong the leash was. The climbing rope material is resilient and allows total control when walking your dog. The leash is also suitable for various outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and mountain climbing, making it perfect for the adventurous pet owner. 

The soft padded handle on this leash is another outstanding feature we loved. The upgraded thickness adds extra comfort, preventing rope burn. This handle makes it easy to hold onto during any activity without compromising comfort. We also appreciated the longer length of the leash, which gave our dog more freedom to sniff while hiking.

However, we experienced one downside with this leash: it would most likely feel a bit heavy for smaller dogs. While the various thickness options cater to different breed sizes, some pet owners might find the leash too heavy for their small pets. Additionally, the rope’s stretchiness caught us by surprise and might not be suitable for those who prefer more rigid leashes.

UPPETLY Hands Free Dog Running Leash

This leash offers comfortable hands-free running and hiking with your dog, but its durability might not be suitable for strong pullers.

Pros

• Hands-free waist belt design
• Shock-absorbing dual bungee leash
• Reflective stitching for nighttime visibility

Cons

• Plastic buckle may not be durable enough
• Inadequate pouch attachment design
• Insufficient padding on the waist belt

We recently tried the UPPETLY Hands Free Dog Running Leash, and the waist belt-wearing design truly keeps our hands free. A nice feature is the ability to adjust the waist belt from 27” to 50” so it will comfortably fit people of all sizes. The dual bungee heavy-duty design can absorb shock and pull force from dogs up to 150 lbs, reducing stress and muscle strain.

Another feature we appreciate is the dual handles with soft neoprene padding, which provides an easy and comfortable grip. In addition, the leash’s reflective stitching ensures extra safety during early morning or nighttime activities. The retractable leash has a length of 52”, stretching up to 70”, accommodating all dog sizes.

However, we noticed a few downsides to the UPPETLY Hands-Free Dog Running Leash. The plastic buckle might not be strong enough for heavy-duty use, particularly with strong pullers. Additionally, the pouch attachment design could use improvement as it tends to bounce around, and the waist belt lacks padding, causing discomfort when dogs pull.

Overall, the UPPETLY Hands-Free Dog Running Leash offers a great hands-free experience for dog owners who love hiking and running with their pets. But, if your dog is a strong puller, you might want to consider a leash with more durable materials and better padding on the waist belt for enhanced comfort and durability.

Buying Guide

As avid hikers, we feel that it is important it is to choose the perfect dog leash for outdoor adventures with our furry side kicks. In this buying guide, we will discuss some key factors to consider when looking for a hiking dog leash.

Material: Durability matters! Look for a leash that will withstand various terrains and weather conditions. Look for materials like nylon, polyester, biothane, or rope, as they are strong and long-lasting. Be sure also to choose a leash with sturdy metal hardware.

Length: A leash’s length is important for maintaining control over our dogs during a hike. Ideally, look for leashes between 4 and 6 feet long, as they balance freedom and control. Some leashes are also adjustable to accommodate different hiking conditions.

Handle: A comfortable handle with a padded grip will make a big difference on a long hike. Look for handles with an ergonomic design to reduce strain on your hands.

Reflective Elements: Hiking can sometimes stretch into the evening hours; having a leash with reflective elements will help increase visibility and safety on the trails.

Attachment Points: There are various ways to attach a leash to our dogs and ourselves. Consider leashes with carabiner clips or swivel attachments for added security and convenience. Some leashes even offer hands-free options by attaching to our waist or backpack.

Before making a purchase, assess your individual hiking needs and those of your dog. Evaluate the types of terrain you usually hike and the difficulty of the trails, as well as the size and temperament of your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of leash is ideal for hiking with dogs?

When hiking with our dogs, we prefer to use a sturdy and comfortable leash. Materials such as nylon, biothane, leather, or rope work well, as they are durable and reliable. Look for an ergonomic handle and a secure clip to ensure a comfortable and secure connection with your dog.

Should I use a hands-free leash for hiking?

A hands-free leash is an excellent option for hiking, as it allows us to maintain better balance on uneven terrain while keeping our hands available for other tasks. However, keep in mind that the dog’s size, temperament, leash manners, and ability to control them should be considered when deciding to use a hands-free leash.

How long should a hiking dog leash be?

The ideal length of a hiking dog leash depends on the specific situation and your preferences. We generally use a leash between 4 and 6 feet. This length provides enough space for our dogs to explore while still allowing us to maintain control. If you’d prefer to give your dog more distance to roam a long line leash is a good option. Just keep in mind that it may be more challenging to manage on rocky or narrow trails.

Is a retractable dog leash suitable for hiking?

While retractable dog leashes can be convenient, they are not recommended for hiking. Retractable leashes offer less control and can get tangled easily in bushes and branches. In addition, they can have a potential risk of brake failure. It’s best to stick with a non-retractable leash for hiking purposes.

Which dog harness is comfortable for hiking?

When choosing a dog harness for hiking, we recommend looking for features such as padded straps, adjustable sizing, and breathable materials. Harnesses that distribute the pulling force across the dog’s chest are more comfortable for the dog and easier for us to control. Some popular styles include the front-clip and back-clip harnesses. You may need to try a few options or consult a dog trainer to find the perfect fit for your furry friend.

Are there specific hiking dog leash brands to consider?

While several brands offer hiking dog leashes and harnesses, choosing the right one for us and our dog depends on individual needs. Our favorite brand is Ruffwear. Some other reputable brands include Tuff Mutt and Kurgo. We suggest reading customer reviews, asking for recommendations from fellow hikers, or consulting a professional dog trainer to find the perfect match for your dog.