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Begin with planning and research when packing-for-a-trip on horses that is the key


Successful packing-for-a-trip on horses begins with research and planning on where you want to go.





horse pack trip



Some of the important things to research are weather, tourist season, water and grazing sources, camping restrictions and fees. Check out my horseback riding tips page for more important information.

The national parks and forests can give you hundreds of ideas of where your can go on your pack trip or horseback riding.

There maybe a day-use fee for packing and camping on some U.S. forest service land.


Steps to follow when planning a pack trip

When researching for a pack trip camping location, check the rules and fees because they may vary depending on the area.

National forests and parks allow opportunities for getting into the backcountry.

Some National forests don't require backcountry permits but some may require a day use fee when horse riding and camping. There are no designated Campsites or reservations. Forest campsites are on first come, first serve basis.

National parks have over night permits, with designated campsites. That must be reserved ahead of time.


Research the area when packing-for-a-trip on horses

Part of taking a pack trip is exploring new country, but researching the area before starting on the journey, is the best way to insure a successful trip. Check out our page on horseback riding rocky mountains for other destinations for your pack trips.

The best source of information about a new pack trip location is the local outfitters. They know where the best trails are, what the weather is like, and the best place to see wildlife.

packing-for-a-trip on horses include aerial photographs, topographical maps, and weather radar images of storm movement.





Mapping out the journey

When mapping out the journey decided if the trip will be out and back or a circular route.

The out and back trip is best for a journey with a destination. The camp is established in one place for the duration of the stay. There is more free time to enjoy the trip if the camp doesn't have to be set up and taken down each day.

The circular trip covers more ground and multiple camps are made along the way. So take the lightest camp outfit as possible when packing-for-a-trip on horses. Something that can be set up and taken down quickly. On a circular trip you will see more of the forest and wildlife on horseback.

It is recommend that first time packers should do a three to four day trip. Experienced packers can take a good five to six day trip.



How to Figure out your pack horses needs

The horse to person ratio is one pack horse per rider. This allows for camping gear, horse tack, and personal items necessary for an extended trip. A travel packing list would be a good way to remember all the camping and horse supplies you need to take with you on your adventure.

If you are plaining to bring camping chairs, extra food, and drinks add an extra pack horse.

A horse can carry about one hundred and fifty pounds but remember the load is dead weight and harder to carry, unlike the rider, the load cannot adjust itself so rearrange the panniers each time you are braking camp.

When riding in the forest check the pack horse often because the horse may bump against the trees and shift the load.

Please believe me! If you have brought just the right amount of food per person, you don't want to lose any of the food supply or you may have to cut the trip short and redistribute the supplies. It's not fun!


Ways to hold horses

The National Forest Service allows you to tie a horse to a dead tree or from a highline overnight.

On the other hand, the National Parks Service prefer that horses roam when they graze so that they don't overly impact the area.

Using an electric wire and a charger to fence off a area is a solution for both parkland and forest.

Other ways to hold your horses is to bring an extra long rope and stake the horses out in a good grassy area.





Let the grass for grazing guide your trip.


Set up camp where ever the grass is best because horses will search out the best grass. If that's a mile down the trail, in the morning you will be walking to get them.

If you let your horses freely graze, Set up camp on the down-trail side of the grazing spot. That way, if the horses spook they will run past the tent on the way back to the trial head. Hopefully,you have a chance to catch at least one or two before they get away.

When the campsite is in one spot for a while, make sure the horses are moved to new grass every day.


Successful packing-for-a-trip on horses includes the travel packing list, the horseback riding tips and horseback riding rocky mountains. So check out the these pages and begin to plan your successful pack trip.


The key to packing-for-a-trip on horsestop of page



you will save time and money following a travel packing list
Using the horse riding tips can decrease your stress when camping with horses

It is unforgettable the first time you experience horseback riding rocky mountain

In the great outdoors camping with horses can be fun


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