When packing your gear, keep in mind it is being packed out on a mule and our animal's comfort is very important to us. By following these guidelines you can help us ensure that.
You must pack your gear in soft-sided, cloth or nylon bag. It can not have any hard edges, frames or wheels. Your gear is restricted to a Total maximum weight of 30 lbs (sleeping bag, thermorest pad, and your duffel). It's a good idea to line the inside of your bag with garbage bags for waterproofing. You may pack your sleeping bag and mattress separately from your other gear. Your coat, rain gear, hat and gloves are packed separately from your duffel and are either worn or tied with saddle strings to the back of your saddle. Saddlebags, rain gear and other essentials that you are taking on your horse with you are not included in the 30lb weight restriction.
If you would like to bring saddlebags please fill them with only those essential items that you would need during the day, such as lip balm, your camera, sunscreen, etc. We reserve the right to limit the amount of gear in the saddlebags for weight. Fanny packs (a small pack that ties around the waist) also work well. Daypacks, backpacks or other bags are NOT allowed -- they are hard on your back and hard on the horse's back, and do not tie properly to the saddle. We have a limited supply of saddlebags for rent for $2/day, however we suggest you book them early, as last year this was a popular service. These are available for pick up upon check in (sorry, no earlier), and are rented out on a cash only basis.
A maximum of 8 guests are allowed on the moving trips and duffel is kept at a weight not exceeding 30 lbs.
The following list details essential items to bring with you:
1. A warm sleeping bag -- We recommend a bag rated to -15 degrees Celsius or 5 degrees Fahrenheit. You may not need one quite that warm, but it sure comes in handy if you do. To further keep you snug and warm, we also recommend that you bring a flannel sheet or non-bulky blanket that fits inside your sleeping bag.
2. A treated canvas tarp -- used to wrap under and around your sleeping bag to help keep you warm and dry during the night. This can also be used during the day to waterproof your sleeping bag (see instructions below on how to make a bedroll). Tarps can often be found at army surplus stores. Heavy cotton found at a fabric store can be waterproofed and serve the same purpose. Although canvas tarps are what we use and recommend, you are welcome to bring the bedroll of your choice. We have a limited supply of 8'x10' treated canvas tarps for rent for $5/day. If you are interested in this service, please book early. These are available for pick up upon check in and are rented out on a cash only basis.
3. A mattress -- A self-inflatable mattress (e.g. Thermarest) works the best to ensure a comfortable night's sleep. You will be sleeping on a wooden floor in your tent.
4. A warm coat -- Essential to ward off chilly nights or a windy day. Also bring a heavy sweater (wool is a great insulator) or fleece jacket.
5. Rain gear -- A rain coat and rain pants, and if possible, coverings for your boots and hat. Please DO NOT bring rain ponchos, they flap in the wind and spook the horses. If you have an oilskin slicker, we definitely recommend that you bring it. We have a limited number of full length oilskin slickers for rent for $7/day. If you are interested in this service, please book early. Slickers are available for pick up upon check in and are rented out on a cash only basis.
6. Shirts -- 2 Sweatshirts, 1 long-sleeved shirt (turtleneck if you prefer) and 2 t-shirts. Adjust according to the length of your trip.
7. Jeans -- We suggest one pair for riding in during the day and another pair for wearing around camp. Two pairs of jeans are all you should need on any of our trips. Also important is a pair of long underwear for chilly nights.
8. Riding boots -- A boot with a heel that can easily slip in and out of stirrups. Alternatives would be a narrow style of hiking boot or solid sneaker. For safety reasons, clunky hiking boots are not recommended. Plastic bags inside your boots will help keep your feet dry on rainy days.
9. Sneakers -- or an extra pair of shoes for wearing around camp. An extra pair of DRY socks is also recommended.
10. Toiletries -- Towel, facecloth, biodegradable shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, disposable razors, etc. Please note that we do not have any electricity at the camps. WE SUPPLY TOILET PAPER AND HAND SOAP AT ALL CAMPS.
11. Flashlight -- Remember to check your batteries!
12. Hat -- A cowboy hat offers the most protection from the elements. Baseball caps or canvas-type hats are also fine.
13. Gloves -- Lined leather or suede gloves provide protection from the elements and a sure grip on the reins (bring two pair just in case).
14. Scarf -- A silk or cotton scarf/bandana is recommended for extra warmth.
15. Sunscreen-- sunglasses and mosquito repellent are important as well.
16. Your camera -- Don't forget extra film.
17. Chaps -- If you have them, bring them.
18. Liquor -- Please make sure that all bottled liquor is well-wrapped in plastic and placed in the middle of your duffel to prevent it from breaking. Plastic bottles are preferred. Please remember that alcohol is included in your 30 lb weight limit on your duffel (all camps are supplied by mule or pack horse).
19. Cellular phones do not work in the areas you'll be riding in so leave them somewhere safe.
20. Water bottle - for refreshment while you are riding.
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
It's a good idea to reserve ahead if you are interested in renting saddlebags or rain slickers. Saddle bags rent for $2 a day. Rain slickers rent for $7 a day.
Sleeping bags and ground mats are about $12 a day
http://www.snowtips-bactrax.com/bactrax/index.html
Cellular phones do not work in the areas you’ll be riding in so leave them somewhere safe.
When packing your gear, keep in mind it is being packed out on a mule and our animal’s comfort is very important to us. By following these guidelines you can help us ensure that.
You must pack your gear in soft-sided, cloth or nylon bag. It can not have any hard edges, frames or wheels. Your gear is restricted to a Total maximum weight of 30 lbs. (sleeping bag, thermorest pad, and your duffel). It’s a good idea to line the inside of your bag with garbage bags for waterproofing. You may pack your sleeping bag and mattress separately from your other gear. Your coat, rain gear, hat and gloves are packed separately from your duffel and are either worn or tied with saddle strings to the back of your saddle. Saddlebags, rain gear and other essentials that you are taking on your horse with you are not included in the 30lb weight restriction.
If you would like to bring saddlebags please fill them with only those essential items that you would need during the day, such as lip balm, your camera, sunscreen, etc. We reserve the right to limit the amount of gear in the saddlebags for weight. Fanny packs (a small pack that ties around the waist) also work well. Daypacks, backpacks or other bags are NOT allowed -- they are hard on your back and hard on the horse’s back, and do not tie properly to the saddle.
We have a limited supply of saddlebags for rent for $2/day, however we suggest you book them early, as last year this was a popular service. These are available for pick up upon check in (sorry, no earlier), and are rented out on a cash only basis.