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- The Crag Reflective Dog Leash can be worn around your waist for hands-free walks, hikes, and runs or held by a comfortable padded handle.
- It can be adjusted from 3.5 feet to 6 feet in length, so you can keep your dog close or give them, and yourself, a little space.
Whether you're
Early this spring, I tested one of these leashes when Ruffwear sent me an editorial review sample of its Crag Reflective Dog Leash. Unlike most leashes, the Crag is designed to be used two different ways: handheld or hands-free by extending the handle and clipping it around the waist.
Design and specs
The 6-foot-long Crag consists of reflective polyester webbing, an oversized swiveling aluminum clip that attaches to your dog's collar, a padded handle with an attached accessory loop, a slider to adjust the length of the lead, and a quick-release buckle. The reflective polyester webbing and extra burly hardware are notable features.
The padded handle made from foam and mesh offers a comfortable, reliable grip. To keep your dog close when holding the leash by hand, slide the webbing through the slider to make the lead as short as 3.5 feet. Or slide the webbing out to give your dog up to 6 feet of range.
To use the Crag hands-free, slide the webbing through the quick-release buckle, which shortens the lead and lengthens the handle into a waist belt. If you're walking or running with your pup and need to detach the leash quickly, squeeze the quick release and the waist belt will release instantly.
What it's like to use
The Crag quickly became my go-to leash for my dog Maple. It's the perfect length for both casual use and training. I've been using it on our daily walks, including woods walks and hikes.
When using it hands-free out on walks and runs, I don't have to fumble around with a handle and can keep Maple close. And if she gets distracted and decides to chase a chipmunk, she doesn't have enough slack to pull me off my feet.
I also wear it around my waist for training so I can easily give hand commands along with verbal commands. Maple and I work on "heel," "wait," and "sit" and my hands are free to dole out rewards.
When holding the handle, I can adjust the leash length to suit our surroundings. In the woods, I usually extend it to the maximum length. In the city, I keep it short.
What makes it stand out
This is an incredibly durable leash that's comfortable to wear and hold, and the accessory loop on the handle is convenient for carrying unused waste bags or a clip-on treat bag. And for walkers who hit the streets at night, the reflective stripe offers good visibility. It won't peel or rub off even with years of use thanks to its woven construction.
The cons
With the leash worn hands-free, it can feel a bit short. This depends on a few factors: the height of your dog, your height, and your waist circumference. At $35, the Crag is by no means a bargain. If you're looking for a less expensive alternative, try Tuff Mutt's Hands-Free Bungee Leash ($23), although it's not as streamlined.
The bottom line
As someone who walks, runs, hikes, and climbs with my dog, I appreciate this leash's versatile design and tough materials. The Crag helps keep me and my dog safe and gives us flexibility on walks and hikes. To me, that's money well spent.
Pros: Extremely durable, easy to adjust, can be worn or hand-held, one-hand operational
Cons: Leash closer to 3 feet when worn as a belt, which sometimes feels too short