a guy carrying on a mower, another on a tractor mower (brush hog), another who was burning a field... are several I have seen who lost something... run it over with the mower (1st two), the 3rd knew when he heard "gun fire"... all three lost their side arm to "field" exercises. yeah, the lanyard can be a pain BUT it's really a pain to loose something. I do burns, mow on a tractor, a lawn mower (small tractor, "0" turn), wonder on a 4 wheeler, on horseback (less now days). I want all the help I can get!! and I agree on the earlier post, the full flap only helps so much. Think of the RCMP loosing in a snow fall. In my part of the country, I would more likely loose in a stream, in the lake, a river crossing. I've had tall brush pull a fairly large knife out of the sheath, pull shot shells from a vest. The "leash" has it's place. If it get's in the way, get rid of it... otoh, it might work... Good Luck