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Greetings
trail riders
As
the weather warms and we get ready for more short and long rides I thought
I would share some info. Everyone expects when you take a multi-day
packing trip there are a lot of things you need to bring. But
sometimes we get too comfortable or we forget even on a short trip or a
couple hour ride you or your animal can become hurt or lost. Especially at
new trails but injuries can happen even on those trails we “have ridden
a hundred times and know like the back of our hands”.
“But I know the trails I ride I will be ok if something
happens.” Even on trails you know you are likely to be miles from the
truck or any help when you or your around 1000 pound mule friend are
injured.
There
are some light weight inexpensive items you can pack with you and can be
left in your saddle bag that can make a difference in an emergency.
We
don’t recommend over weighting your animals so be careful. We use a
cantle bag, This is a small bag that ties behind the seat back of your
saddle and looks a lot like the old cowboy roll.
If you don’t want to buy one of these you can make one by cutting
up an old pair of jeans and cutting off a pant leg and tying off both
ends. We use store bought cantle bags because they are a little easier to
get into without removing them from the saddle and we use them instead of
the larger saddle bags because it reminds us not to over pack our animals
and encourages us to use lightweight gear.
Here
are few things you can do or pack to be prepared.
1-
Always let someone know where you are riding and when you will be
back. Especially if riding
alone. It will make it easier for rescuers to find you if you cant call
for help. And will increase the odds someone calls for help on your behalf
if you can’t make it back.
2-
Try to have a map of the area you will ride. -
Take a GPS and use it. Mark the parking lot with a waypoint before
you leave. If your GPS has the Track Back feature make sure it’s turned
on. This will allow you to follow a line on the GPS back to your truck if
need be. Pack extra batteries or a Compass. Many camp stores have small
cheap light weight effective compass.
3-
Basic first aid kit – At a minimum band aids, bandage roll, antibiotics and wound ointment. If you have room a Baby diaper. No
its not for the cowboy who’s had to much. When combined with medical
tape they can be used to stop heavy bleeding on you or your mule. If you
can afford it carry one of the electrolytes
packs that can be mixed with water for horses that are overheated.
4-
Cell Phone. Even if you are out there to get away from it all. You
can turn it off and use it if an emergency comes up. Usually a good idea
to keep this on your person and not in a saddle bag.
Should you get thrown and the mule leaves you, it wont do you any
good in that runaway mules saddle bag.
6-
Bring water. (Not just
beer…find some room for water. You or your horse may need it).
We also pack one of those collapsible plastic water pails. You can
tie a lead rope to it and use it to get water from any pond or stream that
is to dangerous to walk the mule down to.
Some riders pack an ultra light water filter straw. If you got room
and can afford the cost they can be handy in a pinch.
7-
Power bar or some kind of small not easily spoiled food that will
give you energy if stranded or over heated. Something you can leave in
your cantle bag and not spoil or attract critters.
8-
Emergency thermal foil blanket. They look like a high tech aluminum
foil blanket and pack about the size of a deck of cards. They cost only a
few bucks and weigh very little. If
you have a shock victim or get stuck in the cold they can be a life saver.
10-
Matches, butane lighter, fire starter. The ability to easily start
a fire if stranded out over night is not only a luxury but can be a life
saver and make you easier to find.
11-
Multi tool – a good multi tool with a knife, wire cutters, saw,
etc can be used to treat hooves, remove barbwire, make a fire etc etc.
12-
Emergency Raincoat/poncho – you can get a really small light one
that packs the size of a deck of cards and weighs very little.
13-
Trash bag – a bunch of uses from raincoat, water bucket to
shelter…heck you can even pickup trash.
Some stuff you might also want
-Bug spray for you
-Fly spray for your horse
-Easy boot
-Sun screen
-Toilet paper – Check out a camp store for environment safe
easy to pack mini rolls. Won’t save your life but will make you friends.
-Zip ties or leather cord. Good for quick fix of broken tack
to get you back.
Be
safe and see you on the trails,
Dave
Kaemmerer
Got a good
suggestion for this list? Contact us. Email us
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