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

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

Last updated March 17, 2008 at 8:44 am - Viewed 2,191 times. Related Keywords: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,  

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.

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