The kit checklist – what do I take with me on the horse trek?
The route has been planned down to the last detail, rider and horse are in top condition for the adventure – the last step in preparing for the horse trek is packing.
What do I take with me on a horse trek? Depending on the design of the route, the required luggage can look quite different and depends on many questions such as
… how long are you on the road?
… what is the supply infrastructure like on the way?
… what are the conditions (weather, terrain)?
… how and where do you spend the night?
… how are the horses accommodated and cared for?
… is there a team that transports heavy luggage from place to place by car?
…and much more.
Once the questions have been clarified through appropriate preparation of the horse trek, it is time to compile the kit checklist, which should go hand in hand with calculations of how much luggage can be taken along and how the weight should be distributed on the saddle.
The kit checklist – what do I take with me on the horse trek?
There is no universal kit checklist. The diversity of trekking is vast (length of the tour, supply infrastructure, overnight accommodation, luggage transportation by pack, etc.).
The following list is only a collection of recommendations that might be useful on a trek. It is neither complete nor specifically tailored to your individual trek.
Clothing for riders
- Clothing depending on the duration of the ride and the season
- Rain coat or poncho
- If necessary, a change of shoes
- Sun/rain hat (always wear a riding hat on the horse)
Tips:
- „As much as necessary! As little as possible!“
- The layering system is practical and saves valuable space in your luggage
- Clothing made of natural fibres such as merino wool is anti-odour and anti-bacterial and can therefore be worn for several days.
- Consider special circumstances, e.g. think of insect repellent during insect season
Provisions for riders
- Cooking set (e.g. camping stove with gas cartridge, etc.)
- Crockery & cutlery (made of aluminium)
- Washing-up liquid and sponge
- Ready meals
- Hot instant drinks
- Snacks
- Water
Tips:
- Instead of 1.5 litre bottles, take three 0.5 litre bottles with you for better weight distribution in the saddlebags.
- Don’t get on the horse hungry
- Break snacks: carbohydrates, fat and protein (sandwiches, eggs, bananas, dried fruit, nuts, energy bars, vegetables, fruit).
- For tours lasting several days without a stop: MREs (meals, ready-to-eat) are space-saving and have a high nutritional value.
Hygiene for riders
- Hygiene items (shower gel, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, detergent if necessary)
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen if necessary
- Wound cream (multifunctional, also for chapped lips etc.)
- Handkerchiefs/tissues
- Toilet paper
- Light towel
Tips:
- Put washing products in small travel bottles or buy travel sizes.
- Combination products save space (all-in-one shower gel & shampoo, insect repellent for both horse and rider)
- Outdoor towels made of microfibre are quick-drying and lightweight
- Pay attention to biodegradability of products when washing in nature
Overnight stay for riders
- Sleeping bag
- Camping mat
- Tent if necessary (incl. fixing tools!)
Tips:
- Spread out the sleeping bag a few hours before going to bed, otherwise the full heat output cannot be achieved.
- Equipment should be tested beforehand, especially practising pitching the tent.
Ready for your next horse trekking adventure?
Kit checklist for downloading Most people will be travelling in a group on a horse trek. Especially on multi-day tours where the luggage has to be carried on the horse, you should agree in advance within the group on who will take what with them, so that weight can be economised here too.Supplies for horses
Tips:
Technology & Navigation
Tips:
Tools & useful equipment
Emergency
Documents
One for all – all for one