Why We Use Genuine BioThane® for Our Dog Gear
At High Tail Hikes, every leash, long line, collar, and accessory is handcrafted using genuine BioThane®. We believe it’s one of the best materials available on the market for dog gear - especially for dogs who love to hike, swim, dig, roll, romp, and adventure!
What Is BioThane®?
BioThane® is a proprietary material manufactured in the United States. It starts with an extremely strong woven polyester webbing core that is coated in a durable PVC or TPU coating.
The result is a material that combines the strength of webbing with the convenience and weather resistance of a coated material.
Originally developed for use in horse tack, BioThane® quickly became popular in the dog world because it performs exceptionally well in wet, muddy, sandy, and high-use environments.
BioThane is incredibly soft and easy to handle. It has a similar feel to leather (it's often thought of as a vegan leather substitute) and maintains its pliability over its lifetime, unlike leather, which can degrade if it’s not cared for. BioThane resists fading and deterioration from UV, weather, snow, ice, salt water, chemicals, and oil.
There are many imitation materials on the market, often manufactured overseas, that may look similar at first glance but feel and perform very differently. Some have more of a slick nylon or plastic feel, while genuine BioThane® is known for its soft, flexible, slightly textured grip that feels comfortable and secure in the hand.
Genuine BioThane® has an unbeatable texture and feel.
Soft, Grippy & Comfortable to Handle
One of the biggest reasons we love genuine BioThane® is how good it feels to use.
It has a soft, flexible, slightly grippy texture that’s comfortable in the hand and easier to manage than many traditional leash materials. It’s less likely to cause painful leash burn compared to rough nylon webbing, and it stays flexible even after years of use.
It’s also lightweight for its strength, which means it’s easier on both the human and the dog during everyday walks and adventures.
Extremely Strong & Durable
BioThane® is incredibly strong.
The webbing itself is tested at approximately 1,000 pounds of break strength per inch of width. An intact, undamaged BioThane® leash will not snap or break under normal dog handling conditions - even with large, strong dogs.
We relied on BioThane® leashes and drag lines for years while operating our dog hiking and walking business, often walking 10-12 dogs a day in all types of weather and terrain. Our leashes were dragged through mud, sand, water, and rocky trails daily, and they still lasted for years before needing replacement.
That real-world durability is one of the reasons we trust it so deeply.
Waterproof, Odor Resistant & Easy to Clean
BioThane® is waterproof and non-absorbent, which means it won’t soak up moisture, dirt, bacteria, or odors the way fabric leashes often do.
That makes it ideal for:
- Beach trips
- Muddy hikes
- Rainy walks
- Swimming
- Shelter and rescue environments
- Multi-dog households
- Dogs who love rolling in gross things
Instead of becoming soggy, heavy, or smelly, BioThane® simply wipes clean and dries quickly.
It also has antimicrobial properties and can be easily cleaned and disinfected when needed.
Long-Lasting Colors & Consistent Quality
Another reason we choose genuine BioThane® is the manufacturing quality and consistency.
BioThane® undergoes rigorous quality testing to ensure:
- Consistent texture and thickness
- Reliable strength standards
- Long-lasting color durability
- Uniform manufacturing quality
We love that it comes in a huge range of vibrant colors and sizes, allowing us to create gear that is both highly functional and beautiful.
Find Your Perfect BioThane Leash Color.
How to Care for Your BioThane® Gear
One of the best things about BioThane® is how low-maintenance it is.
To keep your gear looking great for years:
- Rinse with fresh water after beach or saltwater use
- Allow gear to fully dry before storing
- Store indoors in a dry environment when not in use
- Occasionally clean with mild soap, rinse, and dry as needed
With proper care, BioThane® gear can continue looking beautiful and functioning well for many years.
Read more about how to clean and care for your gear.
Why We’ll Keep Choosing BioThane®
After years of professional dog walking, hiking, training, and everyday use, we genuinely believe BioThane® is one of the best materials available for dog gear. It’s:
- Strong
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
- Odor proof
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable to handle
- Long-lasting
- Made in the USA
Most importantly, it supports easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable adventures with your dog. And that's what we're all about!
Read about why we think everyone should have a BioThane Long Line.
