What equipment do you need for mantrailing

A collar for the dog (ours do not wear one in normal everyday life, but are only Moxon leash). An appropriate harness for the dog. Now comes the question of course, what does appropriate mean? To be honest, this is exactly what you have to try out individually with each dog, so that the harness does not restrict movements or even scrubs or causes pressure points. Furthermore you need a 6-8 meter long leash, that's where the preferences diverge as well. I trail with a greased leather leash, Lutz with a line made of braided nylon ropes. For each trail don't forget water and of course a reward for the dog (food or toy).
For humans of course also water and snacks (mantrailing is time consuming). Weatherproof clothing and good weatherproof shoes. Also in summer we recommend long trousers and good sturdy shoes, because a trail can also go through the undergrowth in the forest or through Brooks and blackberry bushes.

Some tips to select the right gear

The most common types of leashes used in mantrailing are greasy leather, round leather, biotane and canvas leashes. It is best to try out different types in the trailing group before you buy your own leash. With the leash it is important that it glides well through the hand with release, has a good grip on the leash when the line length is to be limited and is easy to roll up. In addition, some handlers use leashes with hand-loop at the end, others prefer a knot at the open end.
There are many variants of harnesses, including special "Mantrail" harnesses. Important for the mantrailing is a harness that applies traction pressure well to the muscles of the chest and shoulder and it does not restrict the movement of the head at the neck, especially for work on floor. The eyelet for the leash should be placed in the middle of the dog's back, not at the root of the tail. The front of the harness should be stable and not move, but not too tight at the chest. Many so called "mantrailing" harnesses do not comply. Especially harnesses with flexy-element on the back have the line attachment anatomically too far back for trailing.