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

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?

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TWIN OAKS Lightweight Trekking Tent Yellowstone - 160031 50 %

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Lightweight Trekking Tent Yellowstone

£179.00

£89.50

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TWIN OAKS Lightweight Summer Sleeping Bag Utah - 160030 40 %

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TWIN OAKS Foldable Bucket Supply - 160016

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TWIN OAKS Drinking Bottle Fernweh - 160026

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TWIN OAKS Enamel Mug Camping - 160028

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TWIN OAKS Cutlery Set Nature - 160036

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Supplies for horses

Tips:
  • Focus on the basics
  • Take equipment that can serve several functions (rope that is suitable for both leading and tying, bowl that is suitable for both watering the horse and rinsing off crockery)
  • Find out exactly what the provisions are at the stop-off points.

Technology & Navigation

Tips:
  • Technology makes things easier, but you should not rely on it exclusively (a hiking map and a compass for orientation should be taken along for emergencies, and you should practise using them beforehand).
  • You do not have network reception everywhere. If necessary, take mobile phones with different network providers.

Tools & useful equipment

  • Windproof lighter
  • Pocket knife
  • Sewing kit
  • Cable ties
  • Duct tape
  • Scissors
  • Plastic garbage bags (e.g. for collecting horse droppings in towns)
  • Adequate rain cover for saddle and luggage
  • Long rope
  • Snap hook (for fastening)

Emergency

Documents

  • Wallet (ID, cash, debit card, etc.)
  • Horse passport
  • Vaccination certificate
  • Medical card (especially in case of previous illnesses)
  • List of important contacts (addresses & telephone numbers of trekking destinations, emergency contacts, etc.)

Kit checklist for downloading

One for all – all for one

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.