5 Reasons Your Dog Leash Should Be Made With Genuine BioThane
At High Tail Hikes, we use genuine BioThane to make all of our dog leashes, long lines, collars, and accessories. What is BioThane? We're so glad you asked!
BioThane is a trademarked material manufactured by BioThane USA that is widely regarded to be the highest quality coated webbing available on the market. There are other coated webbing options available (most manufactured overseas with fewer quality controls), but we strongly feel that BioThane is far superior to all of them!
BioThane is comprised of an extremely strong woven polyester webbing coated in a PVC material. The webbing lends BioThane it's lightweight strength, while the coating gives BioThane it's waterproof, odor proof, and antimicrobial properties - and also makes it soft and grippy in the hand.
BioThane was originally designed and manufactured for equestrians as a superior leather alternative. It's been used for decades for horse tack, and started catching on the dog world in the last 10 years or so - for good reason!
Here are five reasons we'll never use anything but genuine BioThane for our dog walking gear!
1. BioThane is manufactured in the US.
This domestic production offers several significant benefits. Stricter safety and labor standards ensure BioThane products are created responsibly and without harmful practices. The BioThane Corporation must comply with U.S. regulatory requirements, guaranteeing their products are safe and that workers are protected, including limits on exposure to chemicals used in plastic manufacturing. Additionally, domestic shipping reduces resource and carbon intensity, while supporting U.S. manufacturing jobs. While other coated webbing products may be cheaper, they often come with hidden costs—both ethical and environmental.
2. Product Research and Testing
The BioThane Corporation conducts rigorous testing on their products to ensure the highest quality and safety standards. They test for break strength to guarantee durability, colorfastness to ensure vibrant colors won't fade over time, antimicrobial properties to resist bacteria and mold, and a uniform surface coating for consistency and performance. These tests provide reliable data on how their products perform under various conditions.
What’s even better is that much of this data is available on their website, offering transparency into their quality control process. For us, this level of testing and openness gives tremendous peace of mind when considering the safety of our dogs —and yours too! Knowing that BioThane products are not only strong and durable but also safe and thoughtfully engineered makes all the difference.
3. A Reputation for Quality
The BioThane Corporation has built a long-standing reputation as a trusted leader in coated webbing manufacturing. With decades of experience and a loyal customer base across industries, BioThane has proven its commitment to quality, innovation, and safety. Unlike some companies that may cut corners to reduce costs, BioThane prioritizes maintaining the integrity and durability of their products.
As an established and reliable company, BioThane is here to stay. Their focus on long-term excellence, rather than short-term cost-cutting, gives me complete peace of mind when it comes to the safety and durability of their products—for my dog, your dog, and the many others who rely on BioThane every day.
4. BioThane means options.
BioThane offers an incredible range of colors, widths, and styles, making it a versatile choice for creating dog leashes and longlines that perfectly suit your preferences and needs. With so many options available, you can find leashes in vibrant, bold hues or more subdued, classic tones, all in widths and styles that work for everything from everyday walks to outdoor adventures.
What’s even better? BioThane regularly releases new colors, keeping the selection fresh and exciting! Every new color goes through rigorous testing before being released to ensure it holds up over time—even when exposed to tough conditions like sun, rain, and mud. This means you can count on your gear to stay as durable and vibrant as the day you bought it.
And let’s be real—waterproof dog leashes are an absolute game changer. BioThane’s waterproof, easy-to-clean material ensures that your leash not only performs in all weather but also makes life so much easier when it’s time to clean up after a messy adventure.
5. Genuine BioThane has that magic touch.
Genuine BioThane stands out for its incredible "hand feel" that truly sets it apart from other materials. Dog leashes made from BioThane are soft, pliable, and have a slightly textured surface that provides an excellent grip, even in wet or muddy conditions. This thoughtful design not only enhances your comfort but also ensures a secure hold during walks or adventures with your dog.
In contrast, other coated webbings—especially cheaper alternatives—often lack these qualities. They tend to have a smoother, slippery texture, are less pliable, and can even cause leash burn, making them less reliable and less comfortable to use.
At High Tail Hikes, we choose genuine BioThane because we genuinely believe it’s the best material available for making durable, safe, and stylish dog gear. Its unmatched quality, performance, and feel make it our top choice for crafting dog leashes, longlines, and other accessories. We’re confident that once you experience the difference, you and your dog will love them as much as we do!