Horse Camping, Packing, and Trekking Essentials
Packing can be daunting, and sometimes when you don’t know what you need it can be tempting to just bring EVERYTHING, just in case. But when you’re moving to a new place every night and your things are being transported by pack horses, it’s super important to pack light! So here are some essentials we always make sure to pack for the trail.
You have to have a good hat!
1. A good hat - riding in a helmet is always advised, but we know some people don’t. Especially on slower trails and riding Western, folks seem to think it’s less important, which is untrue. BUT if you’re not going to wear a helmet, you need to at least have a good hat to keep both the sun and rain out of your face. The key to a good hat though isn’t the feathers, or a colorful hatband, it’s the string, because even the best hat doesn’t do you any good if it doesn’t stay on!
2. Sunglasses + Croakie - sunglasses are key, but they won’t do you much good if they fall off. Plus, if it gets cloudy or you’re riding at sunset, you might want to take them off and they will get squashed if you put them in your saddle bags or your fanny pack. Keeping sunglasses on a croakie around your neck is a great solution.
3. Chinks - I first bought chinks because I was told that as a trail guide, you got better tips if you dressed the part. This was absolutely true, but I did actually find that riding in chinks is great! They protect my legs from scratches and branches, plus add an extra, warm, waterproof layer when riding in the rain and snow.
Rockin’ my chinks!
4. Scarf, Buff, or Bandana - other than making you look like a cowboy from an old movie, having neck and face protection is just as helpful in the harsh sun as it is in the bitter cold. This small, extra layer is easy to put on, take off, and store in saddle bags, and it can make a world of difference when the weather changes quickly.
I had these boots for almost 15 years before they finally crumbled to pieces, and I have yet to find another pair as comfortable.
5. Boots made for Walking…and Riding - my favorite pair of boots to ride in aren’t great for walking, and many of my favorite hiking and camping boots are not ideal for riding. It’s important to have a pair that are comfortable in the saddle AND on the ground, because you will be wearing them all. day. long. every. day.
6. A Decent Coat + Layers - personally, I used to have a Barbour oilskin jacket that’s waterproof and warm, but not too warm. It was big enough to fit over a vest or a puffy layer, so very versatile. Sadly, it fell off the back of my saddle last year while I was galloping away from a charging bison, and I never saw it again. Moral of the story: tie your stuff to your saddle really well!
7. Gloves - mornings on the trail can be chilly, and nights can be downright cold. But gloves are not just for warmth; you might have to pony a stubborn horse, or cut through fallen logs along the trail. Gloves which are warm but also sturdy and waterproof are ideal.
8. Saddlebags - there are all different kinds of saddle bags, and you want something that fits your ride. If you’re out for the day and you’re just carrying water, sandwiches, and a first aid kit, you can get away with a small bag that fits over the pommel or cantle and doesn’t bounce around too much. If you’re out for longer and packing equipment, you want something bigger, as long as it isn’t going to flap around and spook your horse. Remember, you don’t have to bring the kitchen sink!
Saddle bags can be fancy, functional, or both. Some are basic, some are decorative, some are so pretty they’re stupid to look at and don’t sit well on the saddle, so choose wisely.
9. Seat Saver - Western saddles often last FOREVER, and older saddles tend to have hard, hard seats. When the terrain is tricky and you’re not moving very fast, having a comfortable seat makes all the difference. There’s nothing worse than being rubbed raw by a saddle somewhere, and then having to ride sore the rest of the trip!
10. The Right Tool for the Job - I have a pocketknife, that in addition to the knife has a hoof pick and a wine key. All three come in handy over and over out on the trail, and you never know when you might need just the right tool. Anything can happen in the backcountry, so it’s important to be prepared!
What would you bring on a horseback trek? Let us know in the comments below!
Camping with Horses
“Camping” can mean a lot of different things to different people, from bare-bones-backpacking to luxury glamping. Camping with horses covers a similarly wide range of activities, but at its core, it’s about enjoying horses, riding, nature, and the wilderness.
Join a Horse Camping Trip
Equescapes offers camping trips with horses in Colorado and Utah. Discover new terrain and meet new friends, sleep under the stars or in a tent or cabin. Bring your own horse, or lease one, depending on the trip options available. Explore and join one of our trips!