Living out of saddle bags and panniers. Part 1 - Grit, Grace, and the gear that gets you there.

For the wild hearted women.

   As a 22 year old woman who spends all of my time in the saddle, riding through the wilderness with everything I need to survive packed on a mule, I sure have learned some shit when it comes to living on the go. No home, no service, no real plan—just the trail, a pack string , and a whole lot of hard-earned lessons. If there’s only one thing I’ve learned, it’s that this lifestyle doesn’t hand out comfort, but it damn sure gives you freedom. There’s something strangely holy about living off grid. You learn to hold everything you own in panniers — strapped down, tied tight, and weather-worn. You trade comfort for instinct and certainty for wide open spaces. But this life—the one where your bed is wherever you stop, and your kitchen fits in a set of boxes—isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s for the brave. The curious. The ones who hear “you’re crazy” and think: Good. But let’s be real, it’s not all romantic sunsets and campfire coffee. I’ve learned that the hard way. So here is my advice and the start of a real guide, from someone who's learned through wet boots, broken gear, and spent my nights restless in rocky, mountain-top meadows. 

   First and foremost, always keep this in mind when choosing which items you want to make space for in your duffle:

Double-duty items are gold. A wool blanket can be your sleeping pad, saddle pad, or something to sit on at lunch. A tin cup becomes your coffee mug, soup bowl, and water scoop. Choose gear that can work overtime.

Organize your bags with intention. Keep essentials like a headlamp, knife, fire starter, and snacks where you can grab them without unpacking everything.

Always plan for the unexpected. Bring an extra layer, an extra pair of socks, and something to fix gear with. You’ll thank yourself when the weather turns or something breaks miles from camp.

Don’t forget your personal rituals. Whether it’s instant coffee, a favorite snack, a tiny journal, or a deck of cards—those little pieces of routine can keep your spirits up on long, rough days. Mental comfort is just as important as physical comfort.

Leave room for growth. Not just in your saddle bags, but in your mindset. Every trip teaches you something. Some items you’ll never pack again. Others will become non-negotiables. Let yourself evolve with the trail.


   Now for the good stuff. Let’s start with the basics… this lists can be used for the pack trip guests, beginner packers, or just a girl looking for some advice for what to bring on a trail ride or camping trip.


Saddle bag essentials

Things to have on your saddle no matter what.

  • Two water bottles - One with a filter (Life Straw makes a great one). One normal water bottle (can hold more than just water-coffee, electrolytes, whiskey). Put one in each side of your saddle bags.

  • Rain gear - Tied to the back of your saddle

  • Sunglasses

  • Headlamp!!

  • Chapstick

  • Sunscreen

  • Bugspray

  • First aid kit

  • Baby wipes - for dust & bathroom breaks.

Things to also have as a guide or packer.

  • Hoof pick

  • Bailing twine – Fixes everything. Use it for gear, breakaway, tarp tie-downs, you name it.

  • Paracord – Lightweight, strong, and endlessly useful for repairs or makeshift anything.

  • Small water proof note book & pen - Notes, mileage, stock info, weather logs, or just thoughts you don’t want to forget.

  • Gloves – For handling rope, clearing trail, and saving your hands day after day.


Clothing

When it comes to fashion on the trail, you can pack for function in a fashionable way. Choose layers you can move in, live in, and trust in bad weather. Merino wool, down, and a good shell will get you farther than anything that just looks cute. That said, don’t be afraid to pack something that makes you feel like you—even if it’s just a bandana you like or your favorite belt. It matters.

  • Merino wool base layers - Light, breathable, and anti-stink. Worth the price. Can be used as your pjs.

  • Thick, tall socks - Bring one pair to wear, one to dry. If you have the space bring a pair to sleep in.

  • A weatherproof shell - Jacket and pants. Rain is less romantic when you’re soaked for hours. Bring rain boots if you have the space!!

  • One warm thing - A down vest or thermal fleece. Nights get cold.

  • A wild rag - Endless uses: scarf for warmth or dust, towel, blanket, sunshade, sling.

  • Good riding boots - Water proof leather with rubber grippy bottom and heel.

  • Riding jeans - Well fitted. Nothing baggy. Longer than you think they should be. Bring a second pair (if you have space) just in case yours get wet.

  • Underwear - Have a pair for everyday.

  • Tight tank top - I wear this under all of my pearls snaps when it’s hot.

  • Sports bra - If you wear a bra…

  • Pearl snap shirt

  • Good belt

  • Camp shoe - Something easy to put on & water friendly.

  • Cowboy hat - Must fit well.

  • Sunglasses

  • Gloves

  • Chinks/ Chaps - More of a recommendation that an essential.

More you can bring if needed

  • Bathing suit

  • Camp clothes - Something to throw on for a hike or walk

  • Hiking boots

Hygiene

Staying clean as a girl on the go. Add whatever else you need, but here are my trail essentials.

  • Tooth brush & tooth paste

  • Deodorant - If you use deodorant, bring it.

  • Baby wipes - Trust me, this will be your best friend in the backcountry. Body wash, face wash, even tp.

  • Lotion/Moisturizer - Unscented. Somthing you can use all over.

  • Chapstick

  • Menstrual Cup - This is the easiest, most bear friendly way to take care of your period on the trail.

  • Sunscreen

  • Bugspray

  • Ibuprofen/Advil

  • Bar of soap - when you go on a multi day trip

  • Extra hair ties

  • Hair brush

For the Soul

  • A tiny notebook & pen – Write it all down. You’ll want to remember.

  • Entertainment - A book, cards, or a small game

  • One luxury item – Lip balm, a good tea bag, eyeliner, a harmonica. Whatever keeps you human.


   Now we’re getting into the thick of it. Planning a pack trip isn’t just a casual getaway—it’s a full-on expedition. An expedition where everything you need to survive, is on the back of a mule. It’s part strategy, part intuition, and part acceptance that not everything will go to plan.

Start with the basics:

How long will you be out?

Where are you going?

What terrain and weather should you expect?

Who and what are you responsible for—stock, clients, yourself?

Then work backward.

Every item should earn its place.

If it doesn’t serve a clear purpose—or better yet, multiple purposes—it stays home. Prioritize weight, size, and usefulness. Your gear needs to work, not just look good in camp. Think through your days: waking up, wrangling, cooking, riding, setting camp, sleeping—and ask yourself what you’ll need then, not what sounds good now. 

   Plan with room for chaos. The best pack trips I’ve been on didn’t go exactly how I mapped them. But I had the tools and mindset to adjust when things went sideways. You don’t need a rigid itinerary—you need a solid system, a flexible plan, and the grit to ride it out when the weather turns, the gear breaks, or the trail disappears under snow. Planning a pack trip isn’t about perfection. It’s about preparation. In the wilderness, the trail won’t wait for you to figure it out.

   When you start to feel like you’re forgetting something, break it down like this:

I like to think of packing like building a house. Go room by room. Start with the bedroom—that’s your sleep system. Bed and closet become your sleeping bag, tent, pillow, and duffel of clothes.

Then the bathroom—that’s your hygiene setup. Toilet, sink, and shower turn into your shovel, toilet paper, and baby wipes. Keep going. Kitchen? That’s your stove, fire starter, pot, utensils, and food.Living room? Maybe that’s your book, your camp chair, your “feel human again” item. Breaking it down this way keeps it simple—and makes sure you don’t end up in the woods with a toothbrush and no tent. Bring extra—of the right things. One backup headlamp? Smart. Three changes of outfits? Probably not.

Extra bailing twine? Always. A luxury item you’ll thank yourself for? Hell yes.

Essentials

  • Water purification system – A filter bottle or tablets. Trust me on this.

  • Headlamp with extra batteries – Hands-free light at night is a must.

  • Pocket knife or multitool – You’ll use it daily.

  • Lighter, matches, and firestarter – Always have at least two ways to make fire.

  • Mini med kit – Bandaids, ibuprofen, antiseptic, tweezers, and something for blisters.

  • Solar charger or power bank – Because the trail doesn’t have outlets.

  • First aid kit - customized for trail injuries + stock needs

  • Duct tape or repair tape

  • Extra cordage (paracord or twine)

  • Axe

Packer/Guide Essentials

Always on your body:

These are your non-negotiables—items you should have on you at all times. Not in your bags. Not on your mule. On you.

  • Lighter – Fire means warmth, food, light, and sometimes life. Always carry at least one.

  • Chapstick – Windburn, sun, altitude—it hits fast out there. Keep your lips protected.

  • InReach or Satellite Communicator – Your lifeline. Especially when you’re solo or deep in.

  • Leatherman or Multitool – Because something always breaks or needs cutting.

  • Sharp knife – For rope, meat, safety, or unexpected emergencies. Keep it clean, keep it sharp.

  • Sidearm & bear spray – Protection matters. Not just from wildlife, but in case things go sideways or your stock needs mercy.

On or near your saddle:

These tools should be strapped to your saddle or within reach at camp. They’re not for every hour—but when you need them, you really need them.

  • Fire starter – My go-to is cotton balls soaked in Vaseline. Lightweight, cheap, and works wet.

  • Hand saw – For clearing trail, cutting wood, or fast fixes. Compact and reliable.

  • Axe or hatchet – For splitting wood, driving in stakes, or emergencies. Keep it sheathed.

  • Shovel – A multi-use tool: digging catholes, clearing rocks for tent sites, or putting out fires.

Camping gear essentials

Everything BUT the cooking gear…

  • Waterproof duffle bag - You will thank me when your gear comes out of wet panniers, still dry.

  • All season tent

  • 0 degree sleeping bag

  • Comfortable sleeping pad - One that rolls down small.

  • Blow up pillow - That rolls down small

  • Camp chair - Something light and easy to pack, crazy creeks are great.

  • Tarps - Having an extra is great for a rain fly, but use your mannies to your advantage!

  • Tp!

  • Tent stakes + mallet (or rock hammer)

Other items you can bring if you have the space

  • Camp lamp

  • Towel

  • Extra blanket

Horse Gear

Tack

  • Riding saddle

  • Breast collar + cinches

  • Bridle

  • Saddle pads

  • Pack saddle (sawbuck or Decker)

  • Pack pads

  • Cinches + britchen + breast collar

  • Mannys & panniers

  • Lash ropes + extra

More

  • Spare halter/lead rope – Because something always snaps at the worst time.

  • Highline kit or hobble gear – Should be ready to set up before you unpack camp.

  • Bells - For your stock at night.

  • Scale - For weighing loads evenly.

  • Grain or feed 

  • Grain bags

  • Grooming - hoof pick, brushes

  • Horse first aid - Bute, Bantimine, fly spray, vet wrap, etc.

  • Shoe kit - extra nails,

 

   Trip prep starts long before the first hoof hits dirt. It’s early mornings loading grain, checking gear, laying out ropes, and making sure nothing’s missing—not just for you, but for everyone else depending on you. You check your saddles, your cinches, your packs. You count the mules twice and still wonder if you forgot something. You plan for weather, water, weight—and the one thing that’ll probably still go wrong. It’s not glamorous. It’s not always fun. But it’s the backbone of a smooth trip. Because when you’re ten miles deep, there’s no turning back for forgotten twine or a busted buckle. Out there, the little things matter. And trip prep? That’s where you catch ’em.

   This life ain’t easy—as you can see. There’s a lot to carry, and a hell of a lot to learn. But you never stop learning. No matter how many miles you’ve ridden, how many trips you’ve packed, or how many storms you’ve ridden out, the wilderness has a way of teaching you something new every single time. But I’ll say this: there’s something rare and powerful about a woman who chooses to live her life out of saddle bags and panniers. Who trades walls for wild country and showers for starlight. Who carries the weight, takes the lead, and still finds the grace to stop and watch the sun rise over a ridgeline. If you’ve made it this far—you’ve got the heart for it.And I could go on about this life for days… and I will.


   Now that we’ve covered the grit, grace, and gear that gets you there, it’s time to talk about something just as essential: eating on the trail—cooking with nothing but a Jetboil and nerve.

Because packing a kitchen that fits in a pair of panniers is its own kind of art. One that’ll make or break your energy, your morale, and let’s be honest—your whole damn mood.

   In Part Two, I’ll walk you through how I plan food for multi-day trips, my go-to packable meals, how I store everything bear-safe, and the little comforts I never leave camp without. And of course, we’ll cover more pro tips on packing for the trail: fall vs. summer, most commonly asked questions, and what it really takes to become a packer.

   So tighten those cinches, double-check your load, and meet me in Part Two— we’ve got a camp kitchen to build.

Living out of saddle bags and panniers. Part 1 - Grit, Grace, and the gear that gets you there.
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