When it comes to choosing gear that holds up in the real world—rain, mud, sweat, slobber, and everything in between—materials matter. At American Ruffneck Collars, we take pride in building gear that’s as tough and dependable as the dogs who wear it. One material that’s taken the lead in modern dog gear is BioThane®, and for good reason.
But what exactly is BioThane®? How does it stack up against traditional webbing? Let’s break it down.
A Brief History of BioThane®
BioThane® was developed in the 1970s by BioPlastics, a company based in Ohio. Originally created for the equestrian world, BioThane was designed to replace leather tack. Riders needed something that could handle sweat, rain, and rugged use without the high maintenance and risk of cracking that came with leather. The solution? A polyester webbing core coated in a flexible, protective material.
Over time, that material evolved into what we now know as BioThane®, a coated webbing that has found its way into dog gear, medical equipment, military gear, and beyond.
The Coatings: PVC vs. TPU
BioThane webbing uses one of two coatings:
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PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): More cost-effective and slightly more rigid. Often used for equine gear or heavy-duty equipment.
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TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): More flexible, abrasion-resistant, and temperature-stable. This is the coating we use at American Ruffneck Collars for dog gear.
Why TPU? Because it outperforms PVC in nearly every way when it comes to canine safety and comfort. TPU remains supple in cold weather, doesn’t crack or stiffen over time, and is 100% non-toxic—safe for your dog to wear and chew-resistant without harsh chemicals.
Why TPU-Coated BioThane® is a Game Changer for Dogs
Waterproof: Unlike traditional nylon or polypropylene webbing, BioThane® doesn't absorb moisture. Whether your dog is jumping into lakes, rolling in snow, or drooling with excitement, BioThane® wipes clean and dries instantly.
Bacteria & Odor Resistant: The smooth TPU coating creates a non-porous surface. That means no hidden bacteria, mildew, or the dreaded “wet dog” stink that never seems to leave nylon collars.
Durable as Hell: The polyester core gives BioThane® a high tensile strength—comparable or superior to traditional webbing. It won’t stretch, sag, or fray, even under heavy use.
Low Maintenance: No need for scrubbing, soaking, or special cleaners. A quick rinse or wipe-down with soap and water keeps it looking new.
Safe for Skin: TPU is skin-safe and hypoallergenic. No rashes, no rough edges—just smooth, reliable performance.
Traditional Webbing: The Old Standard
Let’s give credit where it’s due—traditional nylon webbing has been around for decades and is still widely used. It’s lightweight, affordable, and can come in a variety of colors and weaves.
We even use traditional webbing in our tactical collar line—where structure, strength, and load-bearing durability are non-negotiable. When used intentionally and built to spec, webbing is still a mission-ready material.
But in everyday use:
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Absorbs Water & Odor: Nylon soaks up everything—rainwater, sweat, drool, and whatever your dog just rolled in.
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Bacteria Can Thrive: Once wet, traditional webbing takes a long time to dry, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mildew.
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Harder to Clean: You can wash it, but that doesn't always kill the smell or remove embedded grime.
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Less Abrasion-Resistant: Over time, nylon frays, pills, and shows signs of wear—especially when exposed to UV or rough surfaces.
| Feature | BioThane® (TPU-Coated) | Traditional Webbing |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes | No |
| Bacteria/Odor Resistant | Yes | No |
| Easy to Clean | Yes | No |
| Strength | High tensile | Moderate to High |
| Flexibility in Cold/Heat | Yes | No (can stiffen or stretch) |
| UV Resistant | Yes | No |
| Cheaper Price | No (slightly higher) | Yes |
The Bottom Line
BioThane® isn’t just a trend—it’s a practical evolution of traditional gear. Designed originally for rugged equestrian demands, it has adapted seamlessly to the world of working dogs, active pets, and outdoor lifestyles. Its combination of strength, hygiene, and weatherproofing makes it the clear winner for gear that’s built to last.
That said, we don’t believe in a “one size fits all” approach. Our tactical collar line incorporates traditional webbing where added structure and rigidity are required, giving you performance-driven options for different needs.
Whether you’re rucking through the woods, splashing in creeks, or training in the field, your dog deserves gear that can keep up. That’s why most of our collars and leashes are built with TPU-coated BioThane®, and our tactical gear blends in traditional webbing where it counts.
Want to feel the difference for yourself?
Shop our collection of American-made BioThane® and tactical collars and leashes at americanruffneckcollars.com
