Why We Use BioThane®

At Loop & Hound, we build our collars and leashes using genuine BioThane® coated webbing because we believe it offers one of the best balances of durability, weather resistance, ease of maintenance, and long-term value available for dog gear.

If you've been researching dog collars and leashes, you've probably come across the term "BioThane®."

It's become increasingly popular among dog trainers, outdoor enthusiasts, working dog handlers, and everyday dog owners looking for gear that can handle wet and messy conditions.

But what exactly is BioThane®, and why do so many people prefer it over traditional materials like nylon or leather?

More importantly, why do we use it at Loop & Hound?

The answer isn't because it's trendy.

It's because, after considering the alternatives, we believe it offers one of the best balances of durability, ease of maintenance, weather resistance, and long-term value available for dog gear.

What Is BioThane®?

BioThane® is a coated webbing material.

At its core, it consists of a strong woven webbing that is covered with a durable waterproof coating.

The result is a material that combines the strength of webbing with a smooth, weather-resistant outer surface.

Unlike traditional nylon, BioThane® does not absorb water.

Unlike leather, it doesn't require conditioning or specialized care.

And unlike many fabric materials, it can be cleaned in seconds with soap and water.

For dog owners who spend time outdoors, these characteristics make a meaningful difference.

The Problem With Traditional Materials

To understand why we use BioThane®, it helps to understand some of the limitations of more traditional options.

Nylon

Nylon is affordable, lightweight, and widely available.

It's also highly absorbent.

After a rainy walk or a swim, nylon can remain wet for extended periods.

Over time, it may develop odours and require more frequent cleaning.

For some owners, that's not a major issue.

For others, especially those with active dogs, it becomes a constant annoyance.

Leather

Leather has a classic appearance and can last for years when properly maintained.

The trade-off is maintenance.

Leather requires ongoing care to prevent drying, cracking, and deterioration.

It also doesn't perform particularly well when repeatedly exposed to water and mud.

For some dog owners, the aesthetic is worth the effort.

For others, practicality matters more.

Rope and Fabric Materials

Many rope and fabric-based products are comfortable and lightweight.

However, they can also trap dirt, moisture, and odours more easily than coated materials.

Depending on how they're used, they may require more frequent cleaning and maintenance.

Why BioThane® Works So Well for Dog Gear

Every material has strengths and weaknesses.

The reason we use BioThane® isn't because it's perfect.

It's because its strengths align extremely well with the demands most dog owners place on their gear.

Waterproof

One of BioThane®'s biggest advantages is that it doesn't absorb water.

Rainy walks.

Snowy trails.

Beach days.

Lake adventures.

The material remains essentially unchanged.

It won't become heavy, soggy, or uncomfortable to handle simply because it got wet.

Easy to Clean

Dog gear gets dirty.

That's unavoidable.

Mud, sand, dust, and everyday grime are part of life with dogs.

One of the things owners consistently appreciate about BioThane® is how easy it is to clean.

A quick rinse is often all that's needed to restore the material.

No special cleaners.

No conditioning products.

No complicated maintenance routines.

Odour Resistant

Traditional fabrics can hold moisture and odours over time.

Because BioThane® doesn't absorb water the same way many traditional materials do, it tends to remain fresher with less effort.

For owners of dogs who love water, that's a significant benefit.

Durable

Dog gear experiences a surprising amount of wear.

Leashes get dragged across trails.

Collars rub against fur and dirt.

Hardware is exposed to the elements.

BioThane® is well suited to these conditions because it's designed to withstand repeated use while maintaining its appearance and performance.

Comfortable to Handle

Many people assume waterproof materials will feel stiff or unpleasant in the hand.

Modern BioThane® is surprisingly comfortable to use.

It provides a secure grip while remaining flexible enough for everyday walks, training sessions, and outdoor adventures.

Why We Believe It Offers Excellent Value

One of the reasons BioThane® aligns so closely with our philosophy is that it delivers benefits that owners actually notice.

It isn't simply a premium material with a premium price tag.

The advantages are practical.

Less maintenance.

Less cleaning.

Better weather resistance.

Long-term durability.

Those benefits can improve the ownership experience every single day.

For us, that's what value is really about.

Not spending more.

Getting more from the products you use.

Is BioThane® Right for Everyone?

Not necessarily.

Some owners prefer the look and feel of traditional leather.

Others may prioritize the lowest possible purchase price.

There isn't a single material that's perfect for every dog owner.

What we can say is that for people who want durable, waterproof, low-maintenance dog gear, BioThane® is one of the most compelling materials available today.

It's the material we trust for our products.

And it's the material we'd choose for our own dogs.

Final Thoughts

When we select materials for Loop & Hound products, we aren't looking for the most expensive option.

We're looking for the option that provides the best overall experience for dog owners.

For us, BioThane® consistently delivers that balance.

It's durable.

It's waterproof.

It's easy to clean.

It's comfortable to use.

And perhaps most importantly, it performs reliably in the real-world conditions dog owners face every day.

That's why we use it.

 

BioThane® is a registered trademark of BioThane Coated Webbing Corp. Loop & Hound is not affiliated with or endorsed by BioThane.