TWO OLD SADDLE TRAMPS
Decades of rides, distilled.
Pack for cold mornings, hot afternoons, dust, and the occasional spring shower. The crew hauls your gear camp-to-camp; you ride with whatever fits in your saddlebag.
First-year riders especially: bring more layers than you think you need, and don’t forget the dress clothes for El Presidente’s Party and the Picture Party.
Renting? Skip this part.
Rental horses come with full tack. This list is only for the few riders who bring their own horse.
- Halter with lead
- Saddle with breast collar and back cinch (Tapaderos optional)
- Saddle pad and blanket
- Sheepskin cinch cover
- Bridle and a spare set of reins
What rides with you.
Everyone, rented horse or not.
- Spurs (optional)
- Chaps
- Rain slicker or poncho, hat cover
- Lightweight leather gloves
- Thongs and extra leather
- Saddlebags or pack
- Hoof pick
- First-aid saddle kit
- Hole punch
- Cowboy pliers or Leatherman
- Knife (pocket or sheath)
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- Canteen or water bottles
- Small waterproof tarp
Five days, all weather.
Layer for cold mornings and warm afternoons. Dress clothes for the El Presidente Party and the Picture Party.
- 3–4 pairs of comfortable jeans
- Light jacket
- Cowboy boots
- Camp moccasins
- Long-sleeve shirts (Brushpoppers recommended)
- T-shirts
- Sweater
- Knee-high socks
- Belt(s)
- Underwear
- Silk long johns
- Bandannas / scarves
- Scarf slide and/or bolo tie
- Cowboy hat (straw recommended)
- Watch cap or stocking cap
- Baseball cap(s)
- Shorts
- Sneakers and socks
- Dress clothes for El Presidente Party and Picture Party
Camp comforts.
- Camera
- Floor mat or carpet scrap
- Boot jack
- Stampede strap for cowboy hat
- Sunglasses
- Reading glasses
- Nail clippers and file
- Chapstick
- Sunblock
- Baby powder
- Handi-wipes
- Toiletry kit
- Soap
- Razor and shaving cream
- After-shave
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hairbrush and comb
- Washcloth and 2 towels
- First-aid kit with band-aids
- Laundry bag
- Prescription medicines
- Books and magazines
- Flashlight
Four nights under the stars.
Nights run cold in the high desert. Pack warmer than you think.
- Warm sleeping bag (canvas-wrapped cowboy bedroll recommended)
- 3" or thicker foam mattress, or inflatable mattress
- Pillow
- Ear plugs
To carry it all.
The support crew hauls every rider’s gear camp-to-camp. One sturdy duffel or trunk per rider.
- Heavy-duty duffel bag, or a camp locker / trunk