A spur-of-the-moment decision to go is often enough to carry a horseman out on a simple trail ride, but a pack trip calls for much more planning. Montana guides Kipp Saile and Kail Mantle offer tips on how to prep for a safe and unforgettable backcountry adventure.
The wilderness has a magnetic effect on most of us. Fishermen dream of setting out for an alpine stream, where naive trout line up for their turn on a hook. Hunters imagine themselves in splendid isolation, stalking elusive game through rugged country. Photography buffs aspire to document hidden canyons and valleys. And plenty of riders yearn to explore the wilderness on horseback, with a string of pack animals in tow.
If a pack-trip fantasy is to become reality, though, you need a plan, and a detailed one at that, given the logistics of taking saddle stock, pack stock, people and gear into the wild for days on end.
Here, veteran guides Kipp Saile of Rockin' HK Outfitters, based in Montana's Paradise Valley, and Kail Mantle, of Montana Horses, a Three Forks-based supplier of pack and saddle stock, share their insight on how to plan a successful, safe and satisfying pack-trip adventure.
1) Pick a Destination
When choosing a dream destination, you need look no farther than Uncle Sam's backyard. Covering millions of acres of public land, U.S. national parks (nps.gov) and national forests (fs.fed.us) offer plenty of ground to explore. When researching a particular locale, pay close attention to park and forest regulations, as rules and fees vary by location.
2) Learn the Rules
"National forests and parks offer the same opportunities for getting into the backcountry," Saile explains, "but there are a couple of differences to keep in mind."
For instance, in national parks, packers must buy overnight permits and make camp in designated campsites, which must be reserved ahead of time (recreation.gov).
National forests, in comparison, don't require backcountry permits-although some require day-use fees-and packers are often allowed to make camp wherever they see fit. Because reservations are not required, forest campsites are first-come, first-served.
3) Hold Your Horses
"The Park Service prefers that animals roam when they graze so that they don't overly impact one area," Saile says. "The Forest Service, on the other hand, allows you to tie a horse ...
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