I guess I can KINDA see where you're coming from with the looping-over-hand-getting-it-caught thing (hahaha how long was that XD) but I hack through tree's and I have never *touch wood* had any problems with it catching. Alternative is to tuck it into the side of your wellies but I personally just loop it over your hand :)

When i carry a whip i tie a knot in the loop that helps me. x x x