Using a lead outside

Has anyone had success using a lead to keep a cat in a yard outside? In lieu of a catio or other containment structure, I am considering a cable attached to harness that would allow my cat to run the length of my yard, jump on my deck, but keep him from leaving. He has worn a harness for walks before, but hasn't been thrilled about it on walks. Up until now, he has roamed, but I'm adamant about keeping him in the yard. Eventually, I'll build a structure in the yard for him to climb, but for now, I just want him to go outside and be safe while feeling more free than if he would if I was standing next to him. Any experiences with this technique?

I was going to try this, but it didn't work because Mingo got the lead tangled up in the bushes and in the tree branches. At one point he was hanging in the air by his harness. I was right there to untangle him, but that was the end of the lead idea. Cats are not like dogs, which like to run around. Cats like to climb and hide, so the lead doesn't really work well with them.