I’ve reviewed several different leashes for Dogster readers over the past year, and this week I’m excited to introduce you to my favorite leash for small and medium dogs so far. From the makers of the H-Clip, a poop bag holder I reviewed last year, H4Legs brings you another innovative product, the H-Leash ($21.95). They set out to develop the ultimate dog leash -– lightweight, free of clips and other hardware, and durable.

As a small dog owner and amateur rock climber, I’ve always liked the look of dog leashes made from climbing rope, but have found consistently that the hardware on such leashes is too bulky and heavy for Ace. I was elated to receive my sample H-Leash because I was hoping it would be the climbing rope leash for small dogs for which I’ve been pining.

The H-Leash is five feet long and made in the USA. from 7mm climbing rope. You can choose from three bold colors: blue, orange, and red.

Without any hardware, the H-Leash uses a simple lark’s head hitch knot to attach to your dog’s collar or harness D-ring. The end of the H-Leash threads through the D-ring on your dog’s collar or harness, and then you pull the leash through this loop to make a secure hitch. To remove the leash, pull the small, reflective black loop and the knot comes undone easily. Because of the texture of the rope, the knot does not become so tight that you can’t undo it easily, especially with the help of that little black loop. No bulky, noisy hardware –- truly ingenious!

The H-Leash comes with a knot about halfway down the leash for ease of handling. I found this knot to fall in the perfect place for holding the extra slack in the leash while walking on city sidewalks. The H-Leash’s handle is made from knotted rope and is smooth yet easy to grip. The whole leash felt good in my hand -– solid yet lightweight.

Near the handle there is a small reflective black loop to which you can attach small items like keys or a poop bag holder. I found my standard bone-shaped plastic bag holder clipped easily to this loop; however, it made the process of attaching and detaching the leash take an extra second as I guided the bulky bag holder through the hitch knot. The small black loop would be a great place to tie a single dog bag or two for lighter traveling, or for using your H-Clip.

As you can see, I’m really excited about this leash! I can think of a few small improvements that would make it even better. I would like to see some reflective material woven through the length of the leash for better safety in low-light conditions. The small black loops at the handle and at the end of the leash do have reflective threads, but they are pretty small and might not be easily spotted by passerby. I would also appreciate having the option to choose different lengths of leash, especially a four-foot option.

Given the size of the climbing rope that comprises the H-Leash, which is smaller in diameter than other climbing rope leashes, I would recommend using this leash with small and medium dogs. Larger dogs who are strong pullers probably would benefit from the extra strength of thicker leashes and solid hardware. If you’re fortunate enough to have a small, athletic, and outdoorsy dog, you should definitely give the H-Leash a try.

Dogster Scorecard for the H-Leash by H4Legs:

• Quality: H-Leash is made in the U.S.A. of durable, colorful 7mm climbing rope.
• Style: I like the look of this climbing rope leash, especially the colors available and the twisted rope handle.
• Function: No heavy hardware? Small dogs rejoice!
• Creativity: The hitch knot is an ingenious way to attach the H-Leash to your dog’s collar or harness.
• Value: At $21.95, H-Leash is competitively priced.

Bottom line

Small, outdoorsy dogs and their owners will find the H-leash to be the perfect climbing rope leash: no heavy hardware, durable, and colorful.

Dogster readers, share your recommendations for your favorite leash in the comments below!

And read more reviews from Ace’s Mama here!

Read more about rescue on Dogster:

• The Story of Bulletproof Sam, a Victim of Dog Fighting
• Leo the Puppy Mill Rescue Boxer Always Has His Mouth Full
• Rescuing Dogs from Overseas: Three Arguments for and Against

About the Author: This East Coast transplant enjoys the bounty of San Francisco, including its microclimates, farmers’ markets, and secret stairway walks. When she’s not walking with, talking about, or kissing the face of her Boston Terrier, Ace, she blogs about Ace’s adventures. Product reviews writer and guinea pig at Dogster.