Horse Saddle Bags

Which saddle bags are suitable for horse trekking?

There are a variety of ways to attach your luggage to the saddle during a trek. Which saddle bags are right for you and your horse depends on the type of trek and the amount of luggage you need. How long is the trek? Are you riding alone or in a group where you can share the equipment you need? Will you be staying in accommodation or will you also need a tent, sleeping mat etc.? What is the supply situation on your route?
Before you buy saddle bags for your trek, you should make a packing list with the things you need. You can then browse our online shop to see which saddle bags are best suited to your needs.
The classic saddle bags designs are cantle saddle bags, which lie behind the saddle cantle, pommel saddle bags, which are available for western saddles with a horn, as well as standard saddles, and large rear saddle bags, which can sometimes hold the most volume.

When buying saddle bags for horse trekking, you should pay attention to the following five criteria:

1. The saddle bags must be compatible with your saddle. Are there appropriate fastening options on the saddle?
2. The saddle bags must be fastened in such a way that they do not rest on the horse, but on the saddle or on a sufficiently padded saddle pad, so that no chafing or pressure points occur.
3. The saddle bags must not put pressure on the spine.
4. The saddle bags should offer sufficient fastening options so that they are secure even at faster gaits.
5. The saddle bags should, of course, offer appropriate stowage options for your planned luggage. With compartment systems on the inside or additional small compartments for stowing small items, you can keep track of the contents.

How are the saddle bags attached to the saddle?

Saddle bags must be attached to the saddle in such a way that they do not cause chafing or pressure points, especially around the sensitive spine. Therefore, on the one hand you should make sure that the saddle bags rest on the saddle as much as possible or that the saddle pad offers sufficient space and padding so that the bags do not rest directly on the horse. On the other hand, you should make sure that the saddle bags are fastened properly so that they do not shift even during faster gaits. On specialist horse trekking saddles, but also on Western saddles, there are usually enough eyelets to securely fasten the saddle bags with the help of packing straps or leather cords. On a Western saddle, the horn also offers the possibility of easily accommodating front bags. In order to prevent hanging luggage items, such as rear or front saddle bags, from moving around during the trek, they are also attached to the girth.