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Cleaning and Caring for Your Pack Pannier
When it comes to keeping your pack pannier clean and cared for, I have a few simple tips for you to use both at home and in the backcountry. However, your cleaning process depends solely on the kind of pack pannier you use, so let’s start with the basics - what kind of pack pannier material are you using? Pack Panniers - Materials Cordura Nylon: I recommend this material - it doesn’t rot, mildew or hold smell. The tough, durable fabric easily resists abrasions, scuffs and tears and it’s easy to clean and prevent stains due to it’s high quality...
Backcountry Hunting Essentials: Preparing for a Hunt in the Backcountry
One of the most common questions I get from novices is ‘how should I prepare for my first hunt in the backcountry?’ Hunting for elk and other big game in what can be a dangerous and unwelcoming environment is no small task, but I think I can help make it a little easier for you by sharing some of my backcountry hunting essentials. These are a handful of tips based on my experience as a backcountry hunter that could be valuable to novices and seasoned adventurers alike. Before you head out on your next excursion to remote areas, take my...
Horse Packing Tips: How to Pack Saddlebags Without Hurting Your Animals
I meet a lot of folks at my shows and I hear even more stories. I always pay attention because there is much to be learned, especially when the story involves broken bones. A couple of years ago when I was at an expo in Salt Lake City, UT there was a gentleman at my booth admiring my saddle bags. He liked my design but wanted to make sure there was a way to tie them down. He proceeded to tell me a story of how his horse did not do well with floppy saddlebags. He said he was on...
How Not to Lose Your Pack Animal
My hunting buddy and I were packing up. We were about to head back to the trailhead after a week in the backcountry. I was loading and weighing the panniers while John was saddling the pack burros when a couple of out-of-state, neophyte bow hunters who were camped up the valley walked into camp. They looked concerned. They began to explain when they returned from their morning hunt they discovered that cattle had wandered into camp. The alfalfa pellets that were left on the ground had been eaten. It was all they had for their horse. Plus, the cattle had...
Backcountry Tips: The Best Way to Keep a Pack String Hydrated
There are many reasons why people choose to use long-eared critters. It seems that donkeys are becoming more and more popular. They are being utilized as farm companions, they're great under saddle or as pack animals, and folks even compete in halter class and other arena events with them. Donkeys have many positive attributes. If you ever ask a donkey owner why they like them, chances are you'll get an earful. As a packer, one of the positive things about utilizing donkeys and mules is their ability to survive on lower quality forage and less water than a horse. It...
