Packing can be daunting, and sometimes when you don’t know what you need it can be tempting to bring EVERYTHING, just in case. But then you’re stuck with a heavy, over-sized bag you have to lug around for the whole trip. The trick is to bring everything you need and use everything you bring, but nothing more. Here are some essentials.
The right coat - your hunt coat is important, but the coat you wear hunting at home might not be the best choice when traveling, so make sure to check the weather before you go. For winter foxhunting in Colorado or other cold climates, you will want a heavier, preferably wool coat. For summer foxhunting in South Africa, you want something lightweight and breathable. Many hunts are also particular about what colors can be worn, and some even have different colors on different days (like formal coats on Sundays and tweed during the week) so it’s important to check before you go.
The right boots - tall boots are obviously more formal and considered appropriate for foxhunting anywhere in the world, but they can be cumbersome to travel with, and some can be uncomfortable to ride in day after day if you don’t do so at home. Some hunts allow paddock boots and half chaps, as long as they’re clean and nice-looking, and they’re much easier to pack, so check before you go. You definitely don’t need both! Whatever you bring though, make sure they’re comfortable! I once borrowed boots for a trip because I had busted the zipper on mine just before I left, and they were the right size but were NOT comfortable to ride in, and then I was stuck with them for two week. I had blisters the size of quarters.
The right hat/helmet - this takes up the most space in your luggage, so make sure you bring one that will be comfortable, appropriate, and suitable for the weather conditions. You do not need to bring a schooling helmet for hacking in addition to a velvet helmet for hunting, just one will suffice.
The right gloves - form is just as important as function here, and you want your hands to be warm enough if you’re hunting in the winter, and cool enough if you’re hunting in the summer, so make sure your gloves are suitable as well as appropriate.
The right breeches - once again, the weather is a factor to consider. Your best-looking breeches might not be warm enough or cool enough for the climate where you’re hunting, and you want breeches that will be easy to wash, dry, and wear again. Make sure to bring a few pairs though, just in case!
The right shirt - again, this is a weather-dependent one. For warm climates, wear something breathable, or even short-sleeved or sleeveless under your coat. For cold climates, you will want something warmer, maybe even layers. It also helps to have a hunt shirt you can also wear for other events or activities.
The right stirrups - if you’re used to riding in anything other than ordinary stirrups, like Sprenger stirrups or other varieties which help your knees, consider bringing them with you. Long hours in the saddle mean lots of posting trot, and if your knees give you trouble, you want to make them as comfortable as possible.
The right seat…saver - if you are used to a super-cushy saddle, or maybe you have a sensitive behind, consider a fleece seat-saver saddle cover to give you some extra padding. Your seat is not a fun place to have bruises or chaffing!
The right dress - foxhunting trips often encompass some sort of formal evening, so make sure you pack accordingly, whether it’s just a nice outfit the for the evening or a black-tie affair.
The right suitcase - if you’re visiting multiple hunts and moving from place to place, make sure you can fit everything into a bag that’s up to the trip. The last thing you want is to have to lug a giant suitcase up and down stairs, day in day out.