- This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
A hands-free leash is a game changer when hiking and walking with your dog. It’s also an excellent tool for training, letting you move freely and deliver treats while still maintaining control of your pup. However, many hands-free leashes are relatively limited when it comes to their length and their use. That’s why we were interested in reviewing the multi-functional Ruffwear Hitch Hiker Leash.
Not only does the Hitch Hiker have an adjustable length that’s longer than many other hands-free leashes, but it also doubles as a hitching system to keep your dog secure at a campsite, cafe, brewery, or wherever you adventure together.
But how does the Ruffwear Hitch Hiker Leash stand up to real-life use? To find out, we put the two-in-one system to the test. Here’s what we discovered.
Ruffwear’s Hitch Hiker Leash: Details & Dimensions
One of the most appealing features of the Hitch Hiker Leash is its adjustable length, which you can extend out to 12 feet for a long line or reel it back in for a shorter lead. A climbing-inspired hitch lock on the side uses tension to secure the leash to your preferred length. Any leftover line can be stowed away in the front zipper pocket of the integrated stow bag so you’re not left with the tail end flapping against your leg.
The waistband of the Hitch Hiker works in several ways. You can adjust it to fit your frame for a hands-free leash, tighten it to make a loop for your hand, or extend it out as a hitching rope on a nearby pole or tree. Another zippered pocket on the back of the stow bag holds whatever length of the band you don’t use. An added perk? The stow bag is waterproof to keep the gear dry when not in use. It also has a front mesh pocket for poop bags.
The leash itself is a durable but lightweight kernmantle rope with reflective properties. It also features a lockable Crux Clip that keeps the leash securely attached to a collar or leash.
Dimensions:
- Maximum leash length is 12 feet
- Stow bag is 6 x 7 x 2 inches
- Maximum waist belt length is 49 inches
Rover Test Pups Review the Ruffwear Hitch Hiker Leash
To thoroughly review the Ruffwear Hitch Hiker Leash, we recruited two very different Rover test pups. First up, we have Olive, a petite Boston Terrier who loves adventuring with her human, Amber.
Olive’s Hitch Hiker Leash review
One of the things that Amber liked best about the Hitch Hiker Leash was its compact and portable size. Since Olive is a small dog, she doesn’t need a bulky contraption. Amber also appreciated that the rope was thin and lightweight, as thicker and heavier leashes can weigh Olive down.
In their testing, Amber and Olive took the Hitch Hiker on several outdoor adventures, from strolls on the dock to cozy camping in the mountains.
While Amber would have preferred the leash to automatically retract into the stow bag instead of having to stuff it in manually, she found the product simple to adjust and loved using it out in the wild.
Roo’s Hitch Hiker Leash review
My rescue dog Roo and I were the next Rover test team to review the Hitch Hiker Leash. For context, Roo is a spicy 45-pound Lab mix who loves being outside but tends to pull on walks, especially if critters are around. She’s also dog-reactive and can get overly excited quickly, making taking her on hikes sometimes tricky.
The 12-foot length of the Hitch Hiker initially drew me into wanting to try it out. Since Roo’s reactive and has a high prey drive, I rarely feel comfortable letting her off-leash. So, instead, we use a long line (at least 10 feet) when we hike so she can have more freedom to move about. However, upon unboxing the gear, I became doubtful that such a thin leash and waistband could withstand Roo’s power pulls. (I even tried mimicking the design with a long line and fanny pack, which completely snapped apart on Roo’s first lunge.)
But I soon discovered that while the Hitch Hiker Leash is minimal in its design, it isn’t lacking in strength. This hands-free leash is tough! Unlike my janky copycat design, the waistband has never come undone under pressure. While I wish the waistband had padding for longer excursions, I’ve found it comfortable for a few hours of hiking at a time.
The rope is also sturdy, and the adjustability is handy on the trail when I need to take in the length (like when there’s a dog ahead). It’s also great for training as I can keep Roo close and my hands free to deliver treats.
The hitching system has also come in clutch, letting me secure Roo to a tree while we rest and take a break. I’ve even used it around the house to keep Roo secure while I work outside, and it’s held up well, even when I’ve forgotten it several times and left it out in the rain—whoops!
Final Review: Is the Ruffwear Hitch Hiker Leash Worth It?
If you have a small to medium dog who loves to be outside, the Ruffwear Hitch Hiker Leash is an excellent, high-quality piece of gear to add to your repertoire. With so many uses, it can really elevate your adventures, whether that be a stroll to your neighborhood coffee shop or a walk in the woods.
In particular, here are a few standout features we liked:
- Hands-free, adjustable, climbing-inspired rope
- Twelve-foot length, which is much longer than a lot of hands-free leashes
- The two-in-one system that doubles as a hitch
- Strong lockable Crux Clip for extra security (great for rollers, like Roo, who can easily dislodge leash attachments while flailing their body on the ground)
- Stow bag for leash when not at full length
- Compact and lightweight design that won’t weigh down small dogs
- Simple to use and adjust
- Made of high-quality material
While we think the pros definitely outweigh the cons of this leash, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- The leash has to be manually adjusted
- No real storage space for treats or other essential items
- Not ideal for big strong dogs or power pullers
- No padding on the waistband, which could get uncomfortable over time