• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Our website uses cookies. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies. To see what cookies we serve and set your own preferences, please review our Cookie Policy. Learn More.

The Dog People by Rover.com

Powered by Rover.com

Tips, stories, and reviews for people who love dogs, powered by Rover.com, the world's largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.

  • The Dog People by Rover.com
  • Dog Breeds
    • Golden Retriever
    • Australian Shepherd
    • German Shepherd
    • Pomeranian
    • Shih Tzu
    • Border Collie
    • Labrador Retriever
    • Boxer
    • Beagle
    • Dachshund
    • Chihuahua
    • Poodle
    • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Dog Love
    • Cute
    • Funny
    • Heartwarming
    • Quizzes
    • Trending
    • True Stories
  • Dog Names
    • Best Girl Dog Names
    • Top Boy Dog Names
    • Unique Dog Names
    • Cute Dog Names
    • Best Puppy Names
    • Dog Name Generator
    • Tough Dog Names
    • Food Dog Names
    • Romantic Dog Names
    • Literary Dog Names
    • Country Dog Names
  • Dog Videos
  • Life with Dogs
    • Dog Safety
    • Dog Behavior
    • Dog Psychology
    • Dog Nutrition
    • Dog Training
    • Health and Wellness
    • Recipes
    • Can My Dog Eat…?
  • PuppyHQ
    • Dog Adoption
    • Puppy Essentials
    • Puppy Names
    • Puppy Training
  • Shopping
    • Shop Rover Goods
    • All Dog Product Guides
    • Dog Gift Guides
    • Safety and Training
    • Toys and Chews
  • Cats!
    • Cat Breeds
    • Cat Names
    • Cat Psychology
  • Dog Training
  • Get Rover
    • Dog Boarding
    • Pet Sitting
    • Dog Walking
    • Doggy Day Care
    • House Sitting
    • Search Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers
    • Shop Rover Goods
    • Sitter Resources
  • Languages
    • en-CA
    • en-GB
    • fr-FR
    • es-ES
    • de-DE
    • it-IT
    • nl-NL
    • nb-NO
    • sv-SE
    • fr-CA

The Top 3 Dog Leashes for Hiking, Reviewed

Share42Pin It3
person running outside with dog on leash attached to belt
Solovyova/iStock

The Top 3 Dog Leashes for Hiking, Reviewed

Updated July 20, 2021 | Bonding with Your Dog
By Irene Keliher
Updated by Nia Martin

Share42Tweet0Pin It3
  • This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.

Most dogs love hiking, and for adventurous dog owners, nothing is better than hiking with dogs. It’s a win-win: companionship, fresh air, and exercise for you both. Outdoor adventures are possible with big dogs and small dogs alike—and they’re easier with the right gear. Whether you’re doing a long hike or a shorter jaunt, you’ll want to get the right dog harnesses, collars, and dog leashes for hiking and consider the terrain before you set out.

The 3 Best Dog Leashes for Hiking

We reviewed offerings from top brands Ruffwear, Kurgo, and Wilderdog in our search for high-quality dog gear for the best dog—yours, of course.

Check out our in-depth video review on these dog hiking leashes and then get the purchasing details below.

Still not sure which dog leash is right for your hiking adventures? Read on.

Kurgo Woven Dog Hiking Leash

Dog by water with Kurgo Back Bay leash attached to collar

While the Back Bay leash that we reviewed is no longer available, Kurgo sells a couple of similarly great options that will work well on and off the trail. The Kurgo Ascender is made of marine-grade double-woven line and can be clipped into a few configurations for hiking or other activities, including as a short training lead and a hands-free lead. Another alternative, the Humble dog leash, is what its name implies: a straightforward everyday piece of dog gear made with the same materials as the Ascender and Kurgo’s quality guarantees.

Shop on Chewy

You may also like: Kurgo Humble Dog Leash

Ruffwear Slackline Leash for Hiking (Review)

gray stripe Ruffwear Slackline leash

The Slackline Hands-Free Dog Leash is pretty impressive, the latest offering from the popular brand known for the Ruffwear Front Range Harness and the Web Master Secure. Their dog hiking gear is among the best and this heavy-duty leash is no exception. It’s reflective for use in low light, easily transforms into a hands-free leash, and is made of strong nylon webbing. It has an adjustable padded handle.

This is an upgrade pick for dog parents who want more from their gear when hiking or doing other activities, like jogging.

Shop at Walmart

Supplies are limited—check out the newest version of this leash: Ruffwear Crag Dog Leash

Wilderdog Leash Review

best hiking leashes for dogs include the Wilderdog, here in maple pattern, coiled up

Resembling a climbing rope, this sturdy dog leash for hiking is softer than you’d expect on the hands even without a padded handle. A strong locking carabiner is used for the attachment, so you can easily tether Fido. Wilderdog is a beloved U.S.-made brand in the world of outdoor dog gear and this leash is legendary for its durability. Leads come in 5- or 10-foot lengths.

A top choice for climbers, die-hard adventurers, and any pet parents who need a super-strength tether for their dog.

Find on Wilderdog

You may also like: The Hurtta Casual Rope Dog Leash

Hiking With Dogs: What Else Should You Bring?

Once you’ve got your dog’s leash picked out, you’ll also want to remember:

  • Poop bags
  • Water bottle holder or collapsible dog bowl
  • Pet first aid kit
  • Extra food
  • Spare hiking leash

If you’ll be covering rough terrain with your dog, you may also want to consider booties. They come in different sizes so it’s important to measure carefully before buying. If your dog isn’t a fan of wearing shoes, a paw wax like the classic Musher’s Secret is a good alternative for protecting your pooch.

Finally, a dog pack can be a handy addition to your hiking adventure. Dog packs give your dog a job and a sense of purpose, while also serving as an ideal spot to stash poop bags, a water bowl, treats, and a spare leash. Zipper it all up and you’re ready to roll with your very own pack dog.

Happy trails!

Top Dog-Friendly Hikes

Find a great hike for you and your furry friend in one of the following areas:

  • Colorado
  • D.C.
  • Los Angeles
  • San Diego
  • San Francisco
  • Seattle

More Outdoor Tips and Gear

  • 7 Tips for Camping With Dogs
  • Stepping Out in the Best Dog Hiking Boots
  • The Ultimate Dog Hiking Gear Guide
Share42Tweet0Pin It3
Avatar photo

Irene Keliher

Irene Keliher is a writer, editor, content strategist, and long-time contributor to The Dog People. She is also an NEA fellow with creative work appearing in many journals. Her rescue dogs, Vera and Scout, and her vocal kitties, Jojo and Pickle, sit at her feet while she writes.


Updated by Nia Martin

sidebar

Avatar photo
By Irene Keliher

Updated by Nia Martin

Share This Article

Share42Tweet0Pin It3

Popular Posts

  • 3 Frozen Dog Treats You Can Make in Less Than an Hour [Recipe]
  • 5 Reasons Dogs Lick and Chew Their Paws — And How to Help
  • The ‘Catluminati’ Magically Makes Friends With Every Cat He Meets
  • Ice Licks Keep Your Dog Cool and Happy All Summer Long [Recipe]
  • What to Do if Your Dog Is Stung by a Bee
  • What You Need to Know to Prevent Heatstroke in Dogs
  • Two-Ingredient Watermelon Ice Cream Is an Easy Summer Treat for Your Dog [Recipe]
  • 4 Blended Summer Slushies to Share With Your Dog [Recipe]
  • Peggy the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Molly the Magpie Make the Cutest, Unlikely BFFs
  • Esther the Wonder Pig and Her Dog Brother Phil Are Besties for Life
Advertisement
Advertisement

Learn More

  • About Rover.com
  • Download the App
  • Rover Store
  • Sitter Resources
  • In The Press
  • Terms of Service
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • User Terms
  • Privacy Statement
  • Cookie Policy

Need Help?

  • Help Center
  • Join the Team
Advertisement
Your privacy choices
© 2023 Rover.com. All Rights Reserved.
"Mmmm... cookies!"

While slightly less delicious than physical cookies, digital cookies help us enhance and personalize your ads and experience, analyze website traffic, and more.