As most of you know, I’m  a HUGE dog lover.  One of my favorite activities with my dogs is hiking and running.   However, I’m also a freak about having my hands free while “on the run” for a variety of safety reasons.  For the last 10+ years, I used the same hands free leash system.  It wore out and didn’t make the move to Indiana.  I’ve recently discovered that it’s no longer available unless I feel like shopping in the UK.  You may have seen it previously posted in my “how to” segment on Running With Your Dog.  Needless to say, I don’t do a lot of shopping in the UK so I need something new and readily available.  Enter the Outward Hound Hands Free Hipster Leash. 

Much to Libby’s dismay, we took the Hipster out for a test run.  She really isn’t into running much anymore and prefers napping while tucked into a warm blanket.  Age will do that, right?  While Libby may not be using this much, we do have plans to add another 4 legged “runner” to our family soon, so it’s important that we are ready to run when the time arrives!!!

The Hipster arrived quickly and looked great.  Loved the a neon green color!  It had several zippered pockets for storage, including one pocket that contained a collapsible water bottle carrier (pictured above) and another (the one labeled #2 above) that was large enough for most cell phones.   There were also D rings on both sides of the adjustable waist belt.  While Libby runs in heel position, I love the dual positioning option for dogs who run/walk/hike on both sides of their human.  Clever!

The Hipster also comes with an adjustable leash, with clasps on both ends.  The leash can be adjusted from traffic lead length (2’) to approximately 6’.  The leash is NOT on a quick release so be vigilant, my friends!

Off for a run to test this Hipster out!!

The verdict?  The Hipster will work great for a dog that’s been trained.  However, the same goes for all hands free systems.  You can’t use a hands free leash if you haven’t put the time in to train your dog to walk/run with you.  And “with you” means either beside or slightly in front of your body.  No pulling, otherwise, they could pull you off your feet!    I also loved all the zippered pockets so that I had plenty of space for my phone and a few doggie bags.  Plus there is plenty of room/pockets for Sour Patch Kids gels or fuel for your run/hike.

If I were doing a list of Pros/Cons for the Hipster, my only con would be that the D rings for the leash were on the side of my hip.  Libby generally runs one step in front of me, rather than directly beside me.  Therefore, when she was ahead of me, she tugged on the belt and twisted it a bit.  Next time I’ll tighten the belt a bit more to see if that helps or I’ll just twist the belt at the start so that our D ring is sitting on the front of my hip bone.  I don’t think this is actually a design flaw but rather, just the way that we have learned to run together.  Overall, I like the Hipster and am happy to add it out our arsenal of must have dog accessories! 

Thanks to Dog Fence DIY for allowing me to review this awesome product!  They not only sent one for me to review but are also giving one ($34.95 value) to a lucky, dog loving reader!  Who can’t wait to hit the road with their dog & a new Hipster Hands Free Leash?!?!?!?

In order to be entered in this giveaway, please comment below and tell me & Dog Fence DIY where you plan to go with your dog after winning the Hipster Hands Free Leash!  Are you a runner, walker,  hiker or all of the above?

Giveaway “runs” from now until Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at 9 am.  I’ll draw one winner via a random number generator.  Good luck!!

** Run Hands Free ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **