A lead is the one piece of kit you use every single day, and most of the money in the category goes on features nobody needs. This is a plain blue lead: a comfortable grip, a clip at the far end, and nothing else to think about at seven in the morning in the rain with your coat half on.

What makes a lead good is dull and physical. A handle that does not saw into your palm when a dog checks suddenly, a clip that opens with cold fingers, and stitching at the join that has been gone over more than once. The blue is a solid, unfussy colour that hides road dirt rather better than pale webbing does. There is nothing here to lock, unlock, retract or jam, which is the appeal of it: a lead that works the same way on its five hundredth walk as it did on the first.

• Comfortable grip for everyday walking
• Steady, direct control on pavements and paths
• Solid blue finish that hides dirt
• Nothing to lock, retract or adjust
• A straightforward daily lead rather than a specialist one

Worth knowing. We would rather tell you that than guess.

Who it's for: owners after an inexpensive, no-nonsense everyday or spare lead, who are happy to check the detail with us first.