Here’s a Checklist for
Your Next Horse Packing Trip

The following equipment list provided by High Country Supply. It is a guide to help you prepare for horse pack trips. More items are listed than you will actually need or be able to take. This list will give you an idea of some of the equipment possibilities.

Before leaving on your next trip, be sure to review the public land information and requirements for stock in the area. When in bear country make sure you follow the additional requirements from the US Forest Service and National Parks.

Equipment for Each Animal

• Decker or Sawbuck Pack Saddle
• Side Pull Mule Halter (include one extra)
• Saddle blanket
• Lead rope
• Panniers (many need bear proof) and Lash Cincha with rope
• Saddle Bags for riding horse
• Bridle
• Old cinch (Use around trees. Helps eliminate rope burns when necessary to tie stock to trees.)
• Containment system for each horse: hobbler, 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 long johns
• Inner socks (wool or synthetic)

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: wool gloves

Clothing - Protective Layer

• Wind breaker or parka with hood
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Cowboy hat for sun protection
• 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, stakes, fly, guy lines) OR Tarp and Ground Cloth
• Candle, Flash Light or Lantern

Kitchen

• Camp 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
• Bear Deterrent
• Matches (and striker in waterproof container)
• Fire starter (solid fuel pellets, candle, pitch wood, etc.)
• Compass
• Map
• Knife
• Nylon cord

First Aid Kit

• Two gauze rolls (2" wide)
• Moleskin for blisters
• Chap Stick
• Sunblock
• Two triangular bandages
• Six sterile pads (4"x4")
• Anti-acid tablets
• Ace bandage
• Band Aids-assorted sizes
• Butterfly closures
• Safety pins
• Aspirin
• Two-inch first aid tape
• First aid book
• Personal medications

Personals

• Lotion
• Toothbrush/paste
• Glasses or contacts
• Comb
• Mirror

Miscellaneous

• Axe & Sheath
• File and stone for sharpening axe
  
• Folding saw
  
• Sunglasses
  
• Sun block
  
• Headlamp or flashlight (spare batteries and bulb)
  
• Extra candles
  
• Watch
  
• Notebook/pencil
  
• Toilet paper
  
• Insect repellent
  
• Fishing gear & license
  
• Binoculars
  
• Day pack for day hikes