The Best Leashes for Adventurous Dogs

Published April 6, 2017 12:00AM

We love our dogs here at Outside and have strong opinions about which breeds are best suited for outdoor adventures. Regardless of your companion type—be it a champion Weimaraner or a rescue of questionable descent—you need a solid leash when you head out to play. To help narrow the field, we’ve picked several of our favorites, plus a couple cool accessories.

Chaco Dog Leash ($20)

You wear Chacos all summer, so you might as well get Fido a leash to match. We dig the adjustable handle that can be expanded to go around your waist for hands-free dog walking or running.

Ruffwear Ridgeline ($25)

Ruffwear’s newest leash is built from a stretchy webbing that expands from 2.5 feet to 4.25 feet when needed. Bonus: you can open the collar clip with one hand.

Mendota Slip Lead ($15)

The simple Slip is a leash-and-collar combo that teaches your dog not to tug and comes with a guarantee that lasts the life of your pet.

Bike Tow Leash ($150)

This semirigid arm attaches to the back of your bike and then to your dog’s collar, keeping him away from your wheels when you go for a pedal-assisted run.

Found My Animal ($65)

These rope leashes take cues from the nautical world. A portion of the proceeds goes to pet adoption charities.

Flexi Vario ($35)

If your dog likes to wander, get a retractable leash. We like this one because you can add accessories like an LED flashlight and a detachable “glove box” for treats and poop bags (all sold separately).

Bold Lead Designs ($55)

Handcrafted in Colorado from vegetable-tanned leather, this versatile leash can be adjusted to go around your waist for hands-free walking and has two clips for double-dog duty.

OllyDog Running Belt and Leash ($45)

Pair OllyDog’s lightweight and stretchy elastic leash with the company’s waist belt (which has a pouch for treats, keys, and poop bags), and you have a hands-free running kit built for speedy pursuits.

RockPet Dog Leash ($25)

Six feet of climbing rope and a carabineer let everyone know you send rock, even when you’re just out for a stroll with your poodle.

Ruffwear Doubleback Harness ($125)

And if you actually want to climb with your dog, this harness from Ruffwear is strength-rated to 2,000 pounds, allowing you to attach your pup to a rope and haul her up to spicy spots she can’t reach on her own.

Kurgo Tru-Fit Dog Harness ($30)

Protect your dog on the way to the trailhead with this crash-tested harness that clips to a seatbelt.

GoPro Fetch ($40)

You know how you’ve always wanted to strap a GoPro to your dog to see the world through his eyes? This is how you do it.