Written in the language of the West by legendary packer and artist Joe Back, Horses, Hitches, and Rocky Trails is a practical — and often humorous — guide to packing stock into the wilderness.
Joe Back was born in Ohio in 1899 and moved to Wyoming at thirteen. After serving as a machine gun instructor during World War I, he worked as a cowboy, guide, and packer in the Rocky Mountains. He later studied at the Art Institute of Chicago — where he famously said he “damn near starved to death” — before becoming nationally known as a sculptor. Yet packing and guiding remained part of his life. Joe and his wife Mary were inducted into the Wyoming Outdoor Hall of Fame in 2013, honoring a lifetime devoted to the Western way of life.
This book reflects that lifetime of experience.
Filled with clear instruction and classic illustrations, it walks you step-by-step through preparing for a backcountry trip and handling the unexpected once you’re out on the trail.
Inside you’ll learn:
• What makes a good camp — and why it matters
• Packing saddles, rope tying, knots, and field repairs
• Equipment selection and load organization
• Practical wisdom for getting along in the wilderness
For those of us who pack mules and donkeys into the high country, the fundamentals never change — proper saddle setup, balanced loads, solid hitches, thoughtful camp selection, and stockmanship that keeps your animals comfortable and willing mile after mile.
Whether you're preparing for your first trip or you’ve spent years leading a string, this book reinforces the timeless principles that make packing safer, smoother, and more enjoyable for both you and your animals.
It pairs naturally with the kind of gear we build — equipment designed for strength, movement, and long days on rocky trails.
PAPERBACK