The following equipment list is a guide to help you prepare for horse pack trips. More items are listed than you will actually need to give you an idea of some of the equipment possibilities. Also, before leaving on your next trip, be sure to review the information on minimizing the impact of pack animals on the environment.
Many thanks to JoLynn Angle of Sweet Talk Ranch for her assistance in putting this list together.
Equipment for Each Animal
◻Saddle (pack or riding saddle depending upon animal)
◻Halter (include one extra)
◻Saddle blanket
◻Lead rope
◻Panniers and tie down ropes
◻Saddle bags
◻Bridle
◻Old cinch (Use around trees. Helps eliminate rope burns when necessary to tie stock to trees.)
◻Containment system for each horse: hobbles, picket rope and pins
General Items for Stock
◻Hoof pick
◻Grooming supplies (curry comb, brush, etc.)
◻Canvas bucket
◻Easy boot (emergency shoe for a horse that anybody can put on)
◻Shoeing kit (horseshoe hammer, horseshoe nails)
◻First aid kit for animals (large-sized gauze, tape, elastic bandages, salve, antibiotic ointment, etc.)
◻Ropes for picket lines, tying up corrals, etc.
◻Wire cutters & extra fence wire (For emergency purposes if necessary to cut through a fence)
◻Insect repellent for horses
Clothing - Inner Layer
◻Synthetic underwear
◻Inner socks (wool or synthetic)
◻Swim suit
Clothing - Insulating Layer
◻Pile shirts or jackets
◻Down or synthetic fill jackets
◻Down or synthetic fill vest
◻Wool shirt
◻Wool sweater
◻Pants
◻T-shirt
◻Wool socks (2 pairs)
◻Wool stocking hat
◻If you expect cold weather: mittens or gloves (wool or pile)
Clothing - Protective Layer
◻Wind breaker or parka with hood
◻Rain jacket or poncho
◻Cowboy hat for sun protection
Other Clothing Items
◻Suspenders or belt
◻Bandana
◻Leather gloves
Pants Pockets
◻Matches (with striker in waterproof container)
◻Knife
◻Fire starter
Feet
◻Cowboy boots
◻Lightweight boots for hiking
◻Extra socks
Bedroom
◻Sleeping bag
◻Sleeping pad
◻Tent (poles, snow stakes, fly, guy lines) OR Tarp and Groundcloth
◻Candle or candle lantern
Kitchen
◻Stove
◻Matches in stove
◻Fuel bottle (with gas)
◻Funnel
◻Pots
◻Frying Pan
◻Dutch Oven
◻Pot gripper
◻Cup
◻Spoon
◻Corkscrew
◻Food
◻Water container(s) & water
◻Water purification system (filter & accessories, purification tablets)
Repair Kit
◻Leather and laces
◻Leather punch
◻Sewing needle
◻Nylon thread or dental floss
◻Duct tape
◻Vice grips (5" size)
◻Bailing wire
◻Extra stove parts (gaskets for stove, fuel cap, etc.)
Emergency Kit
◻Matches (and striker in waterproof container)
◻Fire starter (solid fuel pellets, candle, pitch wood, etc.)
◻Compass
◻Map
◻Knife
◻Whistle
◻Nylon cord
First Aid Kit
◻Two gauze rolls (2" wide)
◻Moleskin for blisters
◻Chapstick
◻Sunblock
◻Two triangular bandages
◻Six sterile pads (4"x4")
◻Anti-acid tablets
◻Ace bandage
◻Bandaids-assorted sizes
◻Butterfly closures
◻Safety pins
◻Aspirin
◻Two-inch first aid tape
◻First aid book
◻Personal medications
Also see Lightweight First Aid Kit.
Personals
◻Lotion
◻Toothbrush/paste
◻Glasses or contacts
◻Comb
◻Mirror
Miscellaneous
◻Axe
◻File and stone for sharpening axe
◻Folding saw
◻Sunglasses
◻Sun block
◻Headlamp or flashlight (spare batteries and bulb)
◻Extra candles
◻Watch
◻Notebook/pencil
◻Book
◻Wire saw
◻Thermometer
◻Toilet paper
◻Insect repellent
◻Fishing gear & license
◻Binoculars
◻Day pack for day hikes
[END]