What is the best hands-free leash to use while hiking, backpacking or running? No one could answer that question but you. Everyone’s “style” and pupper is different. Let’s break down the top 5 hands-free leashes you can buy today!
- OllyDog Mt Tam II Leash
- RUFFWEAR – Roamer Leash, Purple Dusk, Large
- Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Dog Leash
- Black Rhino – Premium Hands-Free Dog Leash
- Kurgo 6-in-1 Quantum Hands-Free Dog Leash
I use the OllyDog leash the most when hiking and backpacking. Nothing has been as versatile for myself and Liberty. I’ve been able to tie Liberty to a table and tree while in base-camp. I’ve been able to hook it around my waist, and I’m a big boy. I’ve been able to hook it to my pack without any issues. I’ve had this leash for over three years now, the clasps are all metal and continue to stand up to the rigors of the trail. I can shorten the leash when in congested places, giving me more control over Liberty. The two things I don’t like, the assist loop at the collar connection is just a tad out of reach for me. Liberty is a smaller Labrador, and I’m over 6 feet tall. The only other thing to note is the bungee; while it’s great, it does have some drawbacks. For example, your dog will be less responsive to you and your leash inputs. As a result of this, Liberty and I use a Kurgo style leash for urban hiking and around town adventures and reserve the OllyDog for our back-country adventures.
Let Liberty and I know which leash you have or the one you decided to go within the comments section below. Other readers may find your review helpful when trying to make a decision.
OllyDog Mt Tam II Leash
PHOTO: OllyDog Mt Tam II Leash
- Leash Length: Adjustable from 5 feet to 7 feet, and up to 8 feet including the handle
- Leash Weight: 6.4 ounces
- Method of Attachment: This leash can be used around your waist while running or hooked on a hiking pack. This leash has a bungee portion allowing a more relaxed hike
- Colors: comes in 3 colors, blue, chili, and raspberry
RUFFWEAR – Roamer Leash
PHOTO: RUFFWEAR – Roamer
- Leash Length: nonadjustable, comes in 5.5 foot or 7.3-foot versions
- Leash Weight: 6.4 ounces
- Method of Attachment: a Padded handle that can clip onto any pack or belt loop. Not long enough to go around the waist.
- Colors: comes in 3 colors, red, purple and black
Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Dog Leash
PHOTO: Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Leash
- Leash Length: Nonadjustable 4 foot leash
- Leash Weight: 9.6 ounces
- Method of Attachment: Adjustable waist belt fitting up to 42 inches
- Colors: comes in 7 colors; gray with purple/orange/blue/green/teal/coral/yellow accents
Black Rhino – Premium Dog Leash
PHOTO: BLACK RHINO
- Leash Length: Adjustable 4.5 feet to 5 feet
- Leash Weight: 11 ounces
- Method of Attachment: Adjustable waist belt
- Colors: comes in 4 colors, gray/blue and aqua, black /pink and red
Kurgo 6-in-1 Quantum Hands-Free Dog Leash
PHOTO: Kurgo 6-in-1 Quantum Hands-Free Dog Leash
- Leash Length: Adjustable 3 foot training length and 6-foot normal length
- Leash Weight: 8 ounces
- Method of Attachment: Carabiner-style attachment. The leash can be converted into a two dog leash, or set up as an over the shoulder leash.
- Colors: comes in 7 colors, red, green, blue, pink, orange, raspberry, and coastal blue
TRAIL TAILS
A great leash you can trust and a leash that doesn’t get in the way while adventuring is a backpacking must. Nothing is worse than tripping over your dog leash while hiking. I used to hate when Liberty would get in the way of my trekking poles. Those tiny frustrations would take away from my overall journey. I was so glad for finding the leash set up that made my hiking easier. Hopefully, this article helped shed some light on the questions you had, you can click the images to get up-to-date prices on Amazon. If you are looking for additional gear to add to your dog backpack then check out this 🐕RELATED ARTICLE – 12 Dog Backpacking Essentials – Compete Kit🐕
If this or any of the articles have been helpful, please share it on Facebook. If it’s missing something, let us know in the comments so we can update our article. As always be safe and hike that hike!
