TrailMAX Saddle Bags » home

The Stormy Economic Trail – 7 Tips for Being Prepared & Riding It Out

Unless you’ve been overwintering deep in the secluded wilderness, you’ve likely heard of the financial crisis looming on our nation’s horizon, and the possibility of a tough recession to come with it.

Exactly why, how, and when are subject to a number of different opinions, typically pointing to problems in the housing market and sub-prime mortgages. Exactly ‘what’ and ‘who,’ however, aren’t real difficult to nail down: With fewer jobs, less money, and everyday goods in shorter supply, a recession will put a lot of pressure & hurt on even the most successful working families & business owners of our nation.

Being avid horseback trail riders and backcountry wilderness packers, saddling up for a journey in spite of blowing wind, pouring rain, and fog thick as pea soup requires us to also be “professional optimists” at least part of the time, taking on the trail as if the warm sun will break through at any given moment.

Now to some, packing a train of horses/mules with every supply you could ever need (and then some) might seem very contrary to the concept of “optimism” - frankly, if you pack lightly and get caught up in a blinding Colorado Rockies snowstorm without proper gear and supplies… you’re not optimistic, you’re dead.

The truth is, we can afford to expect the best, even if the worst should come, because we follow a little time-honored motto of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts everywhere known as “Be Prepared.”

While we’re not much for boasting, we do believe Outfitters Supply and the TrailMAX brand stand to prove that “people come first” can be a successful business philosophy - We strive to make horseback trail riding & backcountry horse/mule packing a recreation that’s available & affordable to just about anyone, and it’s because of our employees, customers, and vendors that we’ve been able to make our products tougher, stronger, and more spacious, practical, and damage/weather resistant over the years.

It’s these people we take our hats off to, and as such, we felt it important to put together some “gearing up” tips for riding out the economic trail through whatever storm may come.

  1. Get Outside & Relieve Stress

    Horseback Riding as Outdoor RecreationPerhaps the worst & most immediate effect of a recession is the undue mental/emotional stress it brings upon people and their families.Stress substantially decreases our ability to work logically & be productive, but also causes harm to our physical well beings, driving up blood pressure and lowering metabolism and immune system effectiveness.
    Even in face of recession, we can fortunately keep the luxury of access to our public lands & forests, which are like a vacation that’s free of charge (with the exception of National Parks, which require a pass) and thus a great way to relax and relieve stress, whether you’re saddling up your horse to enjoy a sunny afternoon riding a mountain trail, fishing a lake or stream, or hiking/bicycling trails or pathways…

    Useful Resources:
    Directory of Montana Public Land & Forests
    Recreational Services at the U.S. Bureau of Land Management
    National Public Lands Info Center
    Horse/Mule Packer’s Check List at OutfittersSupply.com

  2. Take Care of Your Health

    Drink More WaterIt’s by far our most important tip, saving you money immediately and in the long run as well, by vastly cutting your risk for diabetes, heart disease, and enormous health insurance premiums and/or hospital bills.

    Exercise costs nothing, and even offers potentially therapeutic results.

    Few people drink enough water, which costs next-to-nothing, and the health benefits are too many to mention.

    Balance your diet and also save money by growing your own veggies, raising & butchering your own livestock, going fishing, or buying any of the aforementioned at a farmer’s market, which often costs less than a grocery store.

    Trim back on condiments, soft beverages, fast food, and alcohol - all cost extra money and are significant sources of bad sugars, fats, and unnecessary calories.

    Useful Resources:
    Article: Some Soft Drinks May Seriously Harm Your Health
    16 Ways To Eat Healthy While Keeping It Cheap
    ‘Superfoods’ Everyone Needs: Ward Off Heart Disease, Cancer, Cholesterol, and More
    10 Reasons to Drink More Water
    The 20 Worst Foods in America
    22 Ways to Never Feel Tired Again
    9 Secrets Health Insurers Don’t Want You To Know

  3. Stick to Necessities

    Stick to NecessitiesCut back on premium-programming television; after all, the Internet has plenty of free, legitimate streaming video now.Switch to lower-grade gasoline if your manufacturer allows it. Cancel any infrequently-used memberships.Buy food items in bulk if you are getting lesser-perishable items or have a large family - otherwise, you may just find yourself tempted to spoon up larger helpings.And lastly, it’s never a bad time to quit smoking.

    Useful Resources:
    Top 10 Money Drains
    How To Teach Your Kids about Money
    50 Smartest Things To Do With Your Money
    Top 4 Ways You’re Wasting Gas (When You Think You’re Saving It!)
    52 Weeks of Ways to Save Money
    9 Steps to Budgeting for Beginners
    102 Personal Finance Tips Your Professor Never Taught You

  4. Save, Check, and Borrow with a Credit Union

    Use a Credit Union to Save, Check, and BorrowWho doesn’t enjoy more personalized service these days? Credit unions tend to have higher savings-interest rates, lower fees, keep money within a community, are typically FDIC insured & non-profit, and you get to be a part-owner/investor meaning the institution is working to make you money. What’s more, a credit union may be more apt to help you get out of debt (credit cards, loans, etc) while keeping more of your monthly income.

    Useful Resources:
    How to Find & Join a Credit Union
    Comparison: Credit Union Rates vs Bank Rates
    MSN Money: When Banks Turn Evil
    Wikipedia: Credit Unions
    Study: Online bill pay saves time & trees
    Cheap or Free Coin Counting Services in the U.S.
    The Dirty Dozen Credit Card Traps
    Prosper.com - Social Lending & Borrowing

  5. Conserve Energy

    Conserve EnergyIf you hadn’t already guessed, we love the outdoors… a lot. Lakes, rivers, streams, and mountains are all important parts of what we like to think of as our “playground.”Turning off a few lights, turning down the water heater & house thermostats a bit, and air drying clothes (especially in summer) are all win-win compromises: Not only will each save you a couple of bucks each month, but using less energy helps keep that “playground” of ours in great condition.

    Useful Resources:
    Consumer Reports: 20 Free Ways to Save Energy
    U.S. Dept of Energy: Use 75% Less Energy with Compact Fluorescents Bulbs
    Tricks for Cheaply Cooling Your Home in the Summer
    How to Build A Wind Generator for Almost Nothing: The Chispito Wind Generator
    EPA Report: Top 25 U.S. Companies Purchasing Green Energy
    Nanosolar’s PowerSheet Cells: Solar Electricity for $0.30 per Watt
    Google’s Cheaper Renewable Energy Initiative
    The Craziest Green Technologies

  6. Print Less Stuff

    Print Less StuffLet’s face it, printer ink costs more per mL than coffee, crude oil, or even human blood.

    On top of that, there are plenty of times when a “virtual” electronic copy of news or an e-mail will suffice, also saving you the cost of paper for printing.

    If you have a fax or copy machine, you’re well aware of the costs associated with both - without spending a dime, you can almost entirely cut out the costs of sending/printing faxes (long distance charges, fax ink/rollers, paper) or making paper copies (ink/toner/paper) by instead using a type of file called PDF (or “Portable Document Format”) which are like a virtual piece of paper. PDFcreator is free for personal & commercial use, contains no ads/viruses/spyware, and lets you easily create color or black-and-white PDF virtual print-outs from any program that would let you to print to a normal printer. Then you can attach the PDF to an e-mail or put it on a disc or portable USB drive to share with friends, student, relatives, or colleagues.
    Useful Resources:
    MailFreeOnline.com - Send faxes, e-mails, or text SMS for free (No sign-up required)
    Google Book Search: Read books online for free
    How to Stop Paper-Wasting Junk Faxes
    Flickr: Freely-Available Library of Congress Photos
    Google Office: Just like Microsoft Office® but for free, and usable from any Internet-connected computer

  7. Ride Your Horse to Work

    At least in Montana, it’s legal to ride a horse wherever you might ride a bike or car, and you’ll save on gasoline, vehicle maintenance, and even provide free fertilizer for many of the areas you travel through… with the exception of city areas, where you’re usually obligated to clean it up. It’s also wise to avoid riding into banks.

    Unfortunately, a supposed law obligating Montana business owners to provide a place to tie up, as well as feed and water your horse while you’re their patron, is nothing more than an urban (or at least rural) myth, so we suggest keeping a pair of hobbles in your saddle bag to ensure your horse won’t unpleasantly merge with automotive traffic.

    We’re also not sure of the legality behind taking your horse in a car, even if it is just to get a cheeseburger.

     

    Useful Resources:
    WikiEthica: Recreational Horseback Riding in Montana
    Montana Equine Laws
    Outfitters Supply: Horse Saddle Bags || Horse Hobbles || High-Line & Picket Kits || Feed Bags & Water Buckets

Printer-Friendly Version Printer-Friendly Version
Viewed 37,386 times.
Last Updated May 21, 2008 at 11:11 am

How Much Weight Can my Horse Carry?

Bonnie Shields & Outfitters Supply; Loading the MuleThis is the question we receive most often from our customers; unfortunately there is not a simple answer. As with people, some animals will be able to comfortably carry more weight than others and each animal needs to be evaluated individually. However, there are some guidelines to help determine how much weight is too much. The basic rule of thumb: 20% of the animal’s body weight, depending on all of the factors I’ve listed below.

Factors to consider

Always take the following into account when determining how much to weight you can load, whether it’s your trail horse, your pack horse, your saddle mule or your pack mule:

  1. The animal’s size and weight
  2. The animal’s current health (including the condition of their feet!)
  3. The animal’s conditioning and fitness level (including whether or not he’s well rested)
  4. The animal’s conformation (see more information on this subject below)
  5. The animal’s attitude (just like with teenagers, some just won’t WANT to carry as much)
  6. The animal’s age (too young is just as limiting as too old)
  7. The weight of the trail saddle or pack saddle, as well as how well it fits the horse or mule
  8. How well the saddle can distribute weight across the animal’s back (a pack saddle is designed to distribute more weight than a trail saddle, and a good, square skirted trail saddle will be much better than a small barrel saddle. We strongly advise you not to use a tree-less saddle)
  9. The rider’s weight
  10. Ability of the rider (a novice rider often throws the horse off balance without meaning to)
  11. Design of the packs or horse saddlebags (how do they attach? Are they stabilized at enough points?)
  12. Distance of the ride (don’t forget; you can always lesson the horse’s effort by walking part of the trail yourself)
  13. Type of terrain (obviously mountainous versus flat terrain is a major difference, but also consider whether or not the horse will be off-trail and stepping over trees, rocks, creeks, etc.)
  14. Altitude (ALWAYS allow your horse to acclimate to altitude change; just like us, they can suffer severe altitude sickness)
  15. Temperature and weather conditions

How well do you know your animal?

I cannot stress enough that you have to know your animal. You should re-evaluate for every trip at least the animal’s condition as well as the temperature, distance, altitude and terrain of your ride and base your load weight on those factors. If your animal is not up to the task you are asking of him, you may be endangering not only his life, but yours as well. And remember: even though they share a pasture and get the same amount of exercise, each animal is truly different. For example, I once owned a tough, raw-boned pack mule named Henry. Henry only weighed about 1100 pounds, but he could pack a 250 pound load for 15 miles in hot weather and dance the whole way. However, Daisy is pushing 35 and would be retired if she didn’t pitch such a fit when she gets left behind. Daisy’s loads typically weigh in at maybe 12-15% of her body weight. We all walk a little slower to accommodate her and I keep her in mind when deciding how far we’ll go each day.

Conformation

Conformation is often a factor in how well your loads ride. For example, the load on a low-withered animal will need to be packed carefully and evenly. Even a minor difference in weight or weight distribution from one side to the other can cause the saddle to constantly shift. At best, this is an inconvenience, as you will have to constantly stop and adjust your packs. At worst, the saddle could slip to the side completely and cause a wreck. As another example, a short-backed horse may not be able to carry heavily weighted large saddlebags as they may sit uncomfortably on the horse’s kidneys.

Rider’s Weight vs. Pack Weight

Additionally, it is important to remember that live weight (the rider) rides differently than dead weight (a pack load of any kind) and the 20% rule doesn’t necessarily apply to live weight. A rider can shift in the saddle to help compensate for rough terrain or can even get off and walk. A good rider is also easier for a horse to carry than an inexperienced one. An experienced rider in a well-fitting saddle on a well-conditioned horse might be fine on a long, tough ride, even if the combined weight of saddle and rider is more than 20% of the animal’s body weight.

Dead weight, on the other hand, cannot adjust to terrain changes and, therefore, must be carefully packed to stay in place regardless of conditions. Remember, gravity works. Once a pack begins to slide off to one side, it gravity will keep it going. This can upset your animal, cause soring or, even worse, a disastrous wreck.

Packing a load to ride well

Unfortunately, there are no hard and fast rules on how to pack a load. It depends upon what you are packing, your equipment, your animal and your experience level. However, there is one rule to always bear in mind…equal size, equal weight and equal weight distribution. If you follow this rule, you should generally have less trouble packing a load.

  • Equal size. It is much easier to balance a load that is the same size on each side. This is easy with panniers and saddlebags, which have a fixed size. It is more difficult with mantied loads. This is the main reason I recommend panniers to beginning packers.
  • Equal weight. Any kind of load should be balanced. If your panniers, saddlebags or horn bags do not weigh the same, you need to balance the lighter side by hanging something else off of that side such as your bow or rifle scabbard, pack saw, camp axe or extra water bottle.
  • Equal weight distribution. Try to pack each pannier, saddlebag or horn bag so that the weight is distributed evenly throughout. Do not pack all of the grain in the front of one pannier and your down sleeping bag in the back. Also, while most animals best carry weight high and close to their back, be careful not to make a load top heavy. Remember the top pack is meant for bulky, lightweight items.

Saddle Fit

Riding saddles and pack saddles need to fit well. A poor fitting saddle will not properly distribute weight across the horse’s back. If the fit is poor, it can cause sore muscles or even open wounds. Before loading any weight on your animal, be sure to double check the fit and condition of your saddle. If you run your hands between the saddle bars and the animal, you should not feel any significant gaps in contact - our rule of thumb is 85% even contact between the bars and the horse.

Sorry, No Simple Answer…

There is never a simple black & white answer to “How much weight can my horse carry?” The answer always has to be determined on an individual basis considering the factors mentioned above. As I said, most of these items are simply common sense, but so many of the horror stories that I have been told over the years could have easily been prevented if the people involved had just honestly and critically judged their animal’s strengths and weaknesses.

Printer-Friendly Version Printer-Friendly Version
Viewed 8,705 times.
Last Updated March 17, 2008 at 1:30 pm

Loading Your Saddlebags

Poorly designed and loaded horse saddlebagsFor years I have taught packing courses and stressed the principles of equal weight, equal size and equal weight distribution for balancing a pack load. If you stick to these rules, you can generally avoid most mishaps due to load failure. These principles apply to loading equestrian saddlebags and pommel or horn bags as well. Unlike a rider, saddlebags are dead weight and, therefore, cannot adjust themselves when slightly off balance. Obviously, the more weight you carry in your horse saddlebags the more important it is to balance them. I recommend weighing each side to ensure that they are within ounces of each other.Poorly loaded (and designed) saddlebags.

Weight is Carried Better in the Front
Horses carry weight better over the shoulders than behind the saddle, so whenever possible, you should load heavier items such as water, canned food, binoculars, etc. in your pommel or horn bags. Light, bulky items should be loaded in your saddlebags. I primarily fill my cantlebag with my rain coat and gloves as it is the best place to reach them while remaining in the saddle.

Offset Additional Items
Remember to pack your horn bags and saddlebags accordingly if you are packing a scabbard or pack saw. You need to offset the added weight of this item. I strap my rifle scabbard on the front right side of the saddle, then counter-balance it by loading the left side of my horn bag heavier or hanging my camp axe on the left.

Horse Conformation
Lastly, conformation can be a factor in how well your load rides. For instance, a low withered animal will need to be packed more carefully and more evenly as even a minor difference from one side to the other can cause the saddle to shift to the heavier side. This is irritating to both you and your mount as it will require regular adjustments all day unless you can make adjustments to your load to balance it better.

Common Sense
As with packing, successfully loading your saddlebags sometimes simply requires common sense. If you think carefully about what you are doing and watch your saddlebags and horn bags, you should quickly learn what works and what doesn’t on your horse. Remember to check your horse’s back for soreness after every long ride. If your horse is out of shape or you feel that the combined weight of you, your saddle and your packs are on the heavy side, then get off and walk once in a while. Your first concern should always be for your horse’s comfort and well-being.

Printer-Friendly Version Printer-Friendly Version
Viewed 32 times.
Last Updated March 17, 2008 at 11:03 am

Outfitters Supply to Exhibit at the Hoosier Horse Fair & Expo

Hoosier Horse Fair & ExpositionRuss and Kevin will be representing Outfitters Supply at the 2008 Hoosier Horse Fair and Expo April 4, 5 & 6. This year marks the 30th Celebration of the fair, held at the the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana. The booth will be stocked with all of our most popular trail riding and packing products, from trailMax saddlebags to picket kits. We invite you to pick up a catalog, browse our selection of wares, and spend a little time shooting the breeze while you’re waiting for a clinic or demonstration to begin. We will be located in the South Pavilion Annex (not far from the must-visit Chuck Wagon!). We hope to see you there!

The Fair & Expo is definitely going to be quite a production, with an impressive cast of clinicians, competitors, speakers and entertainers. As a matter of fact, if any of you would like to run the booth for us, we wouldn’t mind getting out to see the sights ourselves! There truly is something for everyone at this year’s event, including the kids, who can visit the Kid’s Corral to learn and play.

2008 Hoosier Horse Fair Clinicians

  • Linda Allen - Starting over Fences, Intermediate Horse & Rider, Polishing the Show Ring Performance, Impressing the Judge, Setting Better Courses
  • Jochen Hippenstiel - Dressage
  • Chris Jones - Western Pleasure; Prepare for the Show Season
  • Melissa Jones - Fashion Talk, Trail-Fun & Challenging, Showmanship at the Next Level
  • Andy Marcoux - Showcase of Carriages, Arena Driving Trail, Introduction to Carriage Driving, Driven Dressage Do-Over
  • Debbie Dunphy - Drill Team Advice
  • Curt Pate - The Troubled Horse, Colt Starting, Focus on the Future, Mechanical-less Head Set, Low Stress Horsemanship, Ranch Horse Skills, Pay Attention to Detail
  • Tammy Pate - Ranch Living, Horsemanship and Yoga, Effective Stockmanship
  • Rusty Rankin - Chuck Wagon Stories
  • Carter Riley - Horse Racing Experience
  • Karen Scholl - Safety From the Inside Out, Riding From the Ground, Bond with Your Horse, Training the Recreational Horse, Do it Yourself Problem Solving
  • Jim Keith - Hands-On Farriers Clinic
  • Nature’s Way - Large Animal Rescue
  • Dave Davis - Foundation Horsemanship, Freestyle Reining, Cowboy Church, Cowboy Dressage
  • Dr. Marty Langhofer - Equine Dentistry
  • Dr. Christine Marks, SMWC - Endurance Trail Riding, Checks & Balances on the Trail, Friendly Trail Equipment
  • Jeanie Curphy - The American Mustang, Selecting a Horse for Purchase, Proper Care of Your Horse
  • Diann Wellman - Equine Disaster Planning

Can’t Miss Special Events at the 2008 Hoosier Horse Fair & Expo

  • Kick-Off Trail Ride
  • Cowboy Mounted Shooters
  • Mid America Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team
  • Celebrity Cutting
  • The Tempel Lipizzans
  • Dunkin Acres Donkeys
  • WRCA Hoosier Ranch Rodeo
  • Parade of Stallions, Parade of Breeds
  • Draft Horse Hitch Exhibitions
  • Fashion Show
  • Draft Hitch Competition

Kid’s Corral

  • Indiana Junior Rodeo events
  • Learn how to make a lead rope
  • Pony rides
  • Arts & crafts
  • Giant rocking horses
  • Free face painting

Chuckwagon Q & A

  • Hoosier National Forest
  • Indiana Trail Riders Association
  • Department of Natural Resources
  • Hoosier Back Country Horsemen
Printer-Friendly Version Printer-Friendly Version
Viewed 243 times.
Last Updated March 14, 2008 at 10:57 am

TrailMAX Saddlebags Blog now on Technorati

TrailMAX is now on Technorati!TrailMAX Saddle Bags has proudly joined the Technorati blog syndication network, opening up our wide range of trail riding and backcountry horse/mule packing products to an even greater audience of equestrian enthusiasts, as well as delivering a wealth of useful tips & information regarding both recreational and commercial uses.It doesn’t take a horse’s hind leg to the forehead to see that Technorati is top-notch - On an average day, hundreds of content-filled posts from over 112 million blogs across the web, all focusing on various subjects, are delivered to the hungry minds of people all over the world.We think the folks at Technorati are mighty swell, and look forward to hearing from the growing base of TrailMAX Saddle Bags readers who stop in for a visit at our site daily!Visit TrailMAX Saddlebags’ Technorati Profile

Printer-Friendly Version Printer-Friendly Version
Viewed 452 times.
Last Updated March 27, 2008 at 8:18 am

“Hey, where’d you get that?” Our Top 20 Trail Riding & Packing Products, and Why People Love ‘Em

It’s said that necessity is the mother of all invention…

In our case, “necessity” means saddling up our horses, packing a week’s worth of supplies onto our mules, and heading down the trail on horseback, hoping it won’t be all too soon that we’re again looking at the trailhead.

Days spent beneath the clear blue skies of Northwestern Montana, traversing rocky trails and densely-wooded paths in pursuit of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and streams which form nature’s majesty, are long held to be the seldom-spoken pleasure of trail riders & packers alike. Then again, even a day of hail stones, biting wind and stubborn animals beats the heck out of sitting at the office shuffling papers.

And then there are the unexpected “surprises” that seem to come with every trip: No, not the satisfaction of catching a 15-pound trout to show off to the hungry bellies back at camp, or the exhilaration of sticking your head outside the tent to find a hungry 600-pound grizzly sow.

Rather, it’s the sound of panniers ripping open and half a week’s rations spilling down the 100-foot canyon wall, or the headrush after being bucked from your horse because she finally got tired of a lazy pair of rear saddlebags. (While we’re talking surprises, some of your buddies might even find themselves astonished by the words you’ll think up to describe such predicaments.) It’s times like these that make the paper-shuffle & chaos of modern life seem pretty good.

For whatever gets in the way of enjoying your backcountry horse packing or mule packing trip, chances are that we’ve been there… it’s from these many such varieties of “necessity” that TrailMAX engineered equestrian saddlebags, panniers, scabbards, and other packing equipment that’s lighter, tougher, stabler, roomier, and better-handling.

Here are 20 of our products (all available from OutfittersSupply.com) that our customers love, and passer-by on many backcountry journeys have stopped to ask “Hey, where’d you get that?”

  • #1. 500-Series Front Pocket

    $19.95 from OutfittersSupply.com : Item WTM502

    At the top of our list is the TrailMAX WTM501 Front Pocket, designed to strap securely to the saddle pommel and keep smaller items like keys, phones, cameras, or two-way radios nearby & easy to access.

    Loved by…

    Daytime trail riders, park rangers, teenagers, game wardens, and everyday heroes.

    Loved because…

    It’s ideal for short trail rides where carrying a lot of gear isn’t necessary. It’s also stylish, and a heck of a lot quicker to pack than a pair of full-size pommel bags! Keeping the camera nearby for a sudden photo opportunity or having your cell phone or radio handy in case of emergency just makes sense.

  • #2. In-line Highline Swivel

    $13.95 from OutfittersSupply.com : Item WPH109

    Like most of our TrailMAX products, creation of the in-line swivel came from often wondering why nobody had done it before - as we found out, a lot of other people felt the same way after watching their pack animals twist or unravel lead ropes while tied to a highline.

    Loved by…

    Overnight packers and trail riders, park rangers, game wardens, horses and mules. Also, it comes in handy at shows and rodeos where you can highline your horses between two trailers to allow them to lie down at night.

    Loved because…

    It’s not just easier than tieing a Dutchmen’s Knot, but far better than tieing your horses or mules up on a hitch rail, or worse, a tree - the swivel allows animals to walk around, lie down, and even roll if they like, and at $13.95 each (from OutfittersSupply.com) or $96.95 for a complete highline kit with 4 of them (also from OutfittersSupply.com) it’s not terribly costly to replace your current system, and worth every penny for all the frustration you’ll save.

  • #3. 500-Series Back Saddle Pockets

    $49.95 from OutfittersSupply.com : Item WTM501

    For those single-day rides when larger-capacity saddlebags just aren’t necessary, TrailMAX’s 500-Series Back Saddle Pockets are ideal. Despite being mid-sized saddlebags, each main pocket offers a spacious 180 in3 (approx. 3/4 gallon) of room, perfect for packing tools, emergency kits, meals, spare clothes, or a cool bottle of champagne to share with your sweetheart beneath the stars. (You may want to let the champagne settle a bit after the ride, unless you find black eyes romantic, or just have a hankerin’ to unpack your medical kit from the other saddlebag… don’t say we didn’t warn you.) A front pouch on each pocket adds 60 in3 (approx. 1/4 gallon) more storage space, and includes an inner mesh-net for securing smaller items. One more smaller pouch on each pocket’s side adds another 15 in3 of room, an excellent place for cell phones or utility knives.

    Loved by…

    Daytime trail riders, park rangers, trail & fence builders, mothers, game wardens, everyday heroes, and cowboy romantics.

    Loved because…

    They’re stylish, mount quickly, store plenty of stuff, and are just the right size for short rides… did we mention waterproof? Tough 1,680-denier Nylon and sealed zippers keep moisture out (or in, if you happen to be packing iced goods) so your stuff stays dry.

  • #4. Neoprene Hobbles

    $28 to $44 from OutfittersSupply.com : Items WPH122, WPH123, WPH151

    Simply enough, if you have horses or mules that suffer from chafing/soring with traditional hobbles, TrailMAX’s soft & pliable Neoprene hobbles are the solution, virtually eliminating the problem, yet keeping a firm hold. If your horse has learned to bunny-hop their way out of camp, TrailMAX even makes a 3-leg hobble that will keep it from getting very far. We also sell a lot of these to horse and mule owners who need to curb overnight pawing. As always, we urge you to Leave No Trace when camping.

    Loved by…

    Horses & mules with sensitive skin, and the veterinarians that recommend neoprene hobbles to prevent infections brought on by chafing/soring. (Also anyone who’s ever spent a lot of time & energy having to chase down a horse that came loose from its tie rail!)

    Loved because…

    The tough 1,680-denier Nylon makes them tough, firm, water-resistant & stylish on the outside, while their soft neoprene pads make them comfortable & non-abrasive on the inside. They’re also highly cost-effective when compared to latigo leather hobbles.

  • #5. Complete Original Saddlebag System

    $119.90 from OutfittersSupply.com : Item WTM200

    Featuring two substantially more spacious 800in3 rear saddlebags, a detachable 1750in3 cantlebag with compression straps to keep loads from shifting, and two 350in3 Insulined horn bags (compatible with western and endurance saddles) TrailMAX’s Original Saddlebag System is a complete equestrian saddlebag system designed around the many essential items packers require for overnight trips or extended journeys. The same double-stiched 1,000 denier Nylon used for other TrailMAX products makes the system exceptionally lightweight, water resistant, and highly durable, with multiple webbed reinforcements on all seams & stress points.

    Loved by…

    Overnight packers, trail & fence builders, game wardens, park rangers, journey riders, and Bernice Ende.

    Loved because…

    Even with just over 4000 cubic inches (relatively 17.5 gallons) of overall storage space, TrailMAX’s Original Saddlebag System doesn’t add a lot of width or ride down on your horse’s flanks, and is a bargain at $120.00 when compared to other similar products. It’s also available in 6 appealing colors, to match up with your unit/squad or stand out from the landscape. It’s best feature after a long ride? It’s machine washable.

  • #6. Oversize 32-Gallon Canvas & Vinyl Panniers

    $269.95 from OutfittersSupply.com : Item WPA133

    7,635 in3 (relatively 33 gallons) of open storage space constructed from 18oz canvas duck, inner-lined with 18oz vinyl-coated nylon, all weighing in at less than 20 pounds, and battened down by three double-ply adjustable Nylon straps. We call it “oversized,” but you might just call it about darned time. These easily fit a 70-quart cooler or Rubbermaid bin. On behalf of your animals, please use caution if filling these with two coolers full of ice and beverages; only pack as much weight as your animal can safely carry. As with all TrailMAX products, multiple webbed reinforcements on all seams & stress points make these exceptionally strong, and incredibly durable.

    Loved by…

    Horse and Mule packers, and hunters

    Loved because…

    A cooler filled with fresh food & beverages is always received well in camp at the end of a long day, and heavy 1/4” triple-layer Nylon straps with steel buckles keep the entire pannier well-secured to your Decker or Sawbuck pack saddle. Also, for you hunters, you can easily pack out half an elk or a deer, then rinse the panniers out in minutes.

  • #7. Complete Pack-A-Saddle System

    $339.95 from OutfittersSupply.com : Item WPA145

    True to it’s name, the TrailMAX Pack-A-Saddle System can make use of conventional Decker/Sawbuck pack trees, or just a plain ol’ Western saddle, fitting up to 5000 in3 (relatively 21½ gallons) in each pannier, and just over 6000 in3 (relatively 26 gallons) into the top pack. (2365 in3 for each side section, and 1300 in3 in the narrow mid-section.)

    Loved by…

    Overnight packers, hikers wanting to have their horse carry the gear, and anyone without knotting experience that has an extra horse & Western saddle.

    Loved because…

    According to many customers over the years, this has been one of the absolute best gifts for trail riders because it opens the world of backcountry packing to anyone with an extra horse and Western saddle; No pack trees or knotting experience required. Just 3 quick & easy steps, and you’re off - and it’s designed not to put any unusual stress or wear on your saddle. Once you’ve made camp, you have a free horse and saddle for day rides.

  • #8. Pommel Pocket

    $12.95 from OutfittersSupply.com : Item WTM170

    It’s such a simple design, we can’t believe we didn’t come up with it earlier! Just the right size to keep your keys, cell phone and snack easily at hand. Double-stitched, inner-coated 1,000 denier Nylon bag is available in 6 different colors and works beautifully with the TrailMax Original or Junior Horn bags.

    Loved by…

    Daytime trail riders, park rangers, parents, kids, barrel racers, team penners, really, anyone with a horse, saddle and a set of car keys.

    Loved because…

    Simple and thrifty, it’s still a great place to keep your keys, wallet, small camera, phone, two-way radio… need we say more?

  • #9. 500-Series Water Pocket

    $26.50 from OutfittersSupply.com : Item WTM503

    Waterproof fabric, weather tight zippers, a high-density polycarbonate water bottle that won’t alter the taste of your water, insulation to keep your beverage cold, an exterior pocket large enough to hold your keys and a cell phone or two way radio, a strap that can go from your shoulder to your saddle to your belt… Wow! Who knew so many good things could come in such a small package!

    Loved by…

    Anyone who drinks water, iced tea, lemonade…

    Loved because…

    Did you read the summary?

  • #10. Cell Phone Holder

    $9.95 from OutfittersSupply.com : Item WTM290

    A chromed-steel scissor snap secures the TrailMAX Cell Phone Holder to belt loops, D-rings, sewn-in lanyards, saddlebags, and many other places where it’d be convenient to have your cell phone handy. Made of the same durable double-stitched 1,000-denier Nylon as other TrailMAX products, even similarly-sized items like utility knives & two-way radios fit inside.

    Loved by…

    Daytime trail riders, overnight packers, contractors, trail & fence builders, park rangers, and everyday heroes.

    Loved because…

    It’s simple, inexpensive, modestly sized, available in 4 appealing colors, and suits a variety of purposes.

  • #11. Knot Playing Cards

    $8.95 from OutfittersSupply.com : Item WCA127

    Though a seemingly odd addition to our list, Knot Playing Cards are a great way to learn the various knots often used to secure saddlebags & panniers in backcountry packing, or tying your pack animals up to a highline. They’re also a fun way to fill those hours after the sun goes down until bedtime; they’re a true deck of cards.

    Loved by…

    Daytime trail riders, overnight packers, boy scouts, girl scouts & pack leaders, and anyone who’s constantly having to tie knots for their packing buddies because they’re too lazy to learn.

    Loved because…

    When a game of poker can be fun and educational, how can you go wrong?

  • #12. Economy Hornbags/Saddlebags

    Under $30 from OutfittersSupply.com : Items WRB225 & WRB250

    Backcountry horse & mule packing should be available to anyone; this philosophy was especially important, along with focusing on the 8 keys to better equestrian saddlebags, while working on TrailMAX’s economy hornbag & saddlebag pairs. Even with the economy price, both items include foam Insuliners, and feature the same double-stitched, inner-coated 1,000 denier Nylon found on our other TrailMAX products that makes them extremely durable & weather-resistant. Each saddlebag offers 127.5 in3 of storage space, and each hornbag offers 140 in3.

    Loved by…

    Beginning and/or budget-conscious trail riders.

    Loved because…

    They’re both modest pairs of bags that don’t skimp on quality, and are available in either brown or forest green colors.

  • #13. Packer’s Scales

    $32 to $35 from OutfittersSupply.com : Items WPA212 & WPA213

    We can’t stress enough the importance of evenly-weighted panniers & bags. Loads that shift or are unbalanced will get in the way of the animal’s natural movement, causing them to use more energy to stay righted, and often making them tired or even dangerously irritable. Along with using well-engineered saddlebags, keeping a packer’s scale handy enables you to prevent the woes of improper loading. OutfittersSupply.com stocks the 0-55 lb packers scale for just $31.95, and a larger-capacity 20-100 lb packers scale for only $34.95.

    Loved by…

    Overnight packers, trail & fence builders, and the pack mules & horses that carry their stuff.

    Loved because…

    Dealing with an over-loaded or unbalanced mule just might make your mother-in-law seem mighty pleasant by contrast.

  • #14. Guardian Rifle Scabbard

    $99.95 from OutfittersSupply.com : Items WSC137

    A clean, dry, secure, and well-protected rifle is the only one that’s useful to you - for just under $100, TrailMAX’s Guardian Rifle Scabbard enables you to quickly & easily remove or holster up to a 30″-barrel rifle while riding horseback or ATV, even with a 56mm (or smaller) scope, and delivers exceptional water-tightness & durability because it’s made using TrailMAX’s double-stitched, inner-coated 1,000 denier Nylon, with waterproof high-density foam encasing all around the rifle compartment for an added degree of protection.

    Loved by…

    Horseback hunters, ATV hunters, game wardens, and competitive mounted rifle shooters. (As an important note, Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association members are required to use a leather scabbard for official CMSA events - OutfittersSupply.com manufactures such a contoured leather scabbard that is 2008 CMSA Rulebook compliant and 100% made-in-the-USA, right here in our leather shop in Columbia Falls, Montana.)

    Loved because…

    This scabbard keeps your rifle ready at a moment’s notice, without compromising your scope or the condition of your rifle - Perfect for that 8-point bull elk or buck that…

  • #15. 7-Tube Revolving Forged Steel Leather Punch

    $80 from OutfittersSupply.com : Item WLF155

    Whatever the material you need to put a hole in, this is the professional’s hole punch, often touted as “The best revolving punch made.” Made entirely from a highly-polished, super-hardened forged steel that’s durable and easy to grip, it offers quick punch selection using grooved slots that perfectly align each tube with the anvil below.

    Loved by…

    Saddle and tack owners, ranchers, coaches, and anyone with some do-it-yourself leather repair/modification in mind.

    Loved because…

    This is your grandfather’s hole punch, made rotary for quickly changing punch sizes, with the same (if not better) strength & durability that people have come to know C.S. Osborne & Co for since 1826.

  • #16. Decker Pack Saddle Tree

    $170 from OutfittersSupply.com : Item WPS170

    We like to say “Years of design and testing” when describing these, mainly because it’s easier to write out than “Years of backcountry packing equipment catastrophes & disappointments.” Like other TrailMAX products, our Decker Pack Trees were engineered to fix/resist the fitting, corroding, breaking, and warping problems we’ve experienced with other brands, yet maintain the O.P Robinette style, fit both horses and mules comfortably, and still endure a lifetime of hard packing. 3/4” Duplex-grade Stainless Steel arches lend unsurpassed support strength to panniered or mantied/hooked loads, and are secured to virtually indestructible high-strength polymer bars using permanent, pre-molded stainless steel sockets & buttonhead screws. Each bar is also textured on the bottom to prevent slipping on the animal’s back.

    Loved by…

    Recreational packers, outfitters, hunters, overnight trail riders, Backcountry Horsemen, and trail & fence builders.

    Loved because…

    Pack trees are the keystone of backcountry packing’s foundation - While the ‘Sawbuck’ variety are often considered to be lighter and more traditional, TrailMAX Decker Pack Trees can carry substantially heavier loads, prevent chafing/soring of the animal and distribute loads more evenly when used with a half-breed, offer more widely-positionable rigging & cinching, and won’t break or splinter should the animal roll on them.

  • #17. Decker Not-A-Knot Packing System

    $1,165 from OutfittersSupply.com : Item WNK150

    A full-fledged pack saddle system that includes all the essentials and is ready in 4 easy steps, TrailMAX’s “Not-A-Knot” System is another innovation that opens the world of backcountry packing to those unfamiliar with knots, offering substantially more volume & weight capacity than our “Pack-A-Saddle” system because it includes a Decker Pack Tree (either Classic or Modified-Arch). Even veteran horse & mule packers will appreciate the speed at which they can hang panniers & a top pack to get on the trail and go.

    Loved by…

    Recreational horse and mule packers, overnight trail riders, trail crews, game wardens, and aspiring packers looking for a quick & straight-forward way to pack larger loads.

    Loved because…

    It’s just 4 easy steps, no knotting experience required, and includes the “whole sha-bang” package for one price, enabling just about anyone to pack larger loads with the same reliability & security as the ever-trusted “diamond hitch” knot. (Keep in mind, it’s never too late nor too complicated to learn the many useful knots!)

  • #18. HorsePac Panniers

    $299.95 from OutfittersSupply.com : Item WPA120

    TrailMAX’s “double-duty” HorsePac Panniers were developed to offer a secure 4050in3 (relatively 17½ gallons) weather-resistant, vermin-proof, virtually-indestructible container with contoured sides to prevent chafing/soring of the pack animal’s sides. Once at camp, they can become a waist-height 2′ x 2′ non-slip table (using the optional HorsePac leg kit) that’s perfect for cooking, eating, writing, drawing, cleaning & drying equipment, or anything else where a camp table would be practical. We’ve also found that it makes an outstanding step stool for hanging food or tying-off your highline.

    Loved by…

    Recreational packers, outfitters, overnight trail riders, National Park employees, and anyone who needs an easy to pack pannier that will last a lifetime.

    Loved because…

    They’re easy to load onto a Decker or Sawbuck pack saddle, and weather, varmints and dust are kept out of your supplies.

  • #19. Top Packs (Decker & Sawbuck Styles)

    $89.95 from OutfittersSupply.com : Items WPA150 & WPA151

    When packing on a Decker or Sawbuck, it is pretty common to lay your ‘duffle’ items such as lightweight tent, sleeping bags and clothing across the top of your panniers. Once the items are perfectly organized, they need to be covered by a tarp or manty cover and secured with a diamond hitch. OR, you can take all those items, place them into a top pack, and not worry about knots, hitches, or losing your sleeping bag.

    Loved by…

    Horse and mule packers, outfitters, hunters, overnight horse groups, dude ranches and backcountry horsemen & women.

    Loved because…

    The Outfitters Supply top packs are large enough to hold your soft goods, but not so large that they do not fit easily across the tops of most panniers. The top is lined to protect your gear from rainfall, and the straps adjust to attach to most brands of panniers

  • #20. Collapsible Water Trough/Camp Sink

    $29.95 from OutfittersSupply.com : Item WPH162

    The is one of the most versatile items you can carry. It collapses down to almost nothing, so you can pack it when space is limited. It holds enough water for a few horses and mules to drink from, and makes an excellent sink for washing dishes.

    Loved by…

    Backcountry Horsemen, recreational trail riders, horse and mule packers, rodeo and show contestants and camp cooks (when it’s not their job to wash dishes).

    Loved because…

    The vinyl is extremely durable, and the bottom is even thicker and more abrasion-resistant. The flexible top ring will keep the bucket open for easy use.

Printer-Friendly Version Printer-Friendly Version
Viewed 2,191 times.
Last Updated March 17, 2008 at 8:44 am

8 Keys to Better Equestrian Saddlebags

For more than a decade, TrailMAX owner Russ Barnett has successfully lead pack trains through the Western United States backcountry, encountering all manner of territory, weather, and obstacles, putting both his equipment & animals to the test.

Barnett knows horse & mule packing from both recreation and labor perspectives, and has been there to experience the consequences of equipment that’s improperly or poorly made, or not designed for weather.

After years of listening to woeful saddlebag tales, repairing horse saddlebags that were old & worn but to which there was no alternative, and using those same saddlebags that came with the same frustrations, Barnett collected his thoughts and began planning to make better equestrian saddlebags that fixed the problems common in typical western saddlebags.

8 key points were the focus of Barnett’s planning & design process:

  1. TrailMAX Saddlebags will fit the saddle.

    Horse saddlebags should never be so far apart that they’re not resting on the saddle skirt, or so long/wide that the weight of the bags is carried uncomfortably for the animal. TrailMAX bags are engineered to fit like custom saddlebags, with a curved connector that fits snugly around the cantle.

  2. TrailMAX Saddlebags will stay put.

    Just like the safety & gas mileage of your truck depend upon the tires being filled evenly & with the right amount of air, having saddlebags that don’t slide around or slump to one side will keep your pack animal from using more energy than usual, or becoming dangerously irritable from bags slapping & banging against their flanks. TrailMAX saddlebags are designed for riding, loping, or galloping, and stay in place with no need to adjust to stop and dismount to access packed items.

  3. TrailMAX Saddlebags will securely carry your stuff.

    Saddlebags with nifty pockets and special holsters are great, except for when your must-have items can’t fit into them. TrailMAX’s equestrian saddlebags are designed around the many essentials packers require, such as clothing, sleeping bags, highlines, cooking supplies, repair & medical kits, and even small stoves, so you’re not forced to leave anything to chance by leaving vital gear behind. Insuliners are included to protect & insulate loads from the outer environment.

  4. TrailMAX Saddlebags will be easy to handle.

    Simply enough, saddlebags should be easy on, easy off, and easy to get into. TrailMAX saddlebags mount to the saddle quickly & easily using secure brass double-grommets, with compression straps to ensure loads won’t shift while riding, or to optionally pack along bedrolls or other items. Top cantlebags are detachable for carrying supplies into camp, and hook back on in a matter of seconds when it’s time to ride again.

  5. TrailMAX Saddlebags will be easy to access.

    Having essentials packed doesn’t mean much if they’re not accessible while riding, and for most packers, there’s a constant need to quickly grab something from their saddlebags. TrailMAX’s saddlebags ride close by on the skirt of the saddle and not down on the horses flank, and feature large, smooth-gliding zippers, each with their own leather lanyard for easy opening/closing, even with thick gloves on.

  6. TrailMAX Saddlebags won’t fail 10 miles from the trailhead.

    Traditional leather saddlebags seem to hold up forever, but for the weight-conscious, many saddlebags built with lightweight materials just aren’t made to last, bursting under heavy loads or tearing after scraping against rocks or trees. TrailMAX specifically engineers saddlebags for rough conditions, using double-stitched 1,000-denier or 1,680-denier Nylon and reinforcing seams multiple times along all stress points.

  7. TrailMAX Saddlebags won’t give-in during bad weather.

    Hard rain, sleet, or snow, TrailMAX saddlebags are highly resistant to poor weather conditions. The 1,000-denier and 1,680-denier Nylon and inner coating repel water & snow, with material “lips”above each zipper to keep moisture from seeping in, and internal foam Insuliners to provide an added layer of protection.

  8. TrailMAX Saddlebags won’t add a lot of width or weight.

    Too much width or length is an unneeded burden on the trail - bags that are too wide interfere with the horse’s natural movement, and bags that are too long force the load to ride uncomfortably on the animal. The TrailMAX saddlebag systems effectively address these issues by keeping evenly-weighed loads centered on the horse, staying put and riding high against the saddle skirt.

Printer-Friendly Version Printer-Friendly Version
Viewed 11 times.
Last Updated March 23, 2008 at 8:20 am