If you're new to packing livestock, there are countless videos, articles, and social media posts available today. Sixteen years ago, when I bought my first two donkeys, those resources weren't nearly as plentiful. I came from the horse world and considered myself an experienced equestrian, but I quickly realized that riding and packing are two very different skills.
Like many beginners, I found myself in over my head.
That's when I picked up Horses, Hitches and Rocky Trails by Joe Back.
The book became one of my most valuable resources as I learned the art of packing. Joe Back had a way of explaining things that made sense to someone who was just getting started. The illustrations were especially helpful. While I could understand the concepts, actually tying the hitches was another matter.
It often took me several attempts to get a hitch right. My wife, on the other hand, could look at an illustration once and have it figured out immediately. Between Joe Back's drawings and Michelle's patience, I eventually learned the diamond hitch, double diamond hitch, box hitch, and many of the other skills needed to safely secure a load.
What I appreciate most about the book is that it isn't just a technical manual. It's filled with practical knowledge, stories, and hard-earned lessons from someone who spent a lifetime in the backcountry. Even after all these years, I still find myself flipping through its pages.
In fact, I still carry a copy in the zippered top-flap pocket of my XL Hunting Panniers. It serves two purposes. First, it's a handy reference if I need to refresh my memory on a hitch or packing technique. Second, it's an enjoyable read when I'm sitting in camp and looking for something to occupy my mind while enjoying the solitude of the backcountry.
There are very few books that remain useful long after you've learned the basics. Horses, Hitches and Rocky Trails is one of them. Whether you're packing with horses, mules, or donkeys, it's a book I'd recommend having on your shelf and better yet, in your panniers.
Pick up a copy for yourself: Horses Hitches and Rocky Trails
