Packin’ In
On Mules and Horses
For those who yearn to pack in the wilderness country of the West, either on their own mules and horses or those of a professional packer, here is a book that takes the mystery out of back country pack string travel. By teaching you the tricks of the trade, professional outfitter Smoke Elser show how your trip will be easier and more enjoyable by knowing more about the animals used and why and how they carry their loads as they do. Whether you’re an expert or a dude, Smoke’s packing system will get you into and out of the back country safely and efficiently. Best of all, you will start to become self-sufficient and resourceful, important aspects of any wilderness travel. The book is laced with instructional photographs and sketches, presented in an open, attractive format.
The Packer’s Field Manual
The Packer’s Field Manual Featuring the decker pack saddle. By Bob Hoverson. With photographic illustrations by Roger Inghram. The Packer’s Field Manual is a big 192-page book in 6×9-inch format for ease in taking it into the field. Written by the recognized “top expert” in the country on packing on mules or horses with a Decker Pack Saddle, this book is intended to provide “state of the art” basic instruction on the subject. From the selection of pack stock on to the basics of Decker saddles, pads and tack, author Bob Hoverson takes you through the entire packing process step-by-step- using text and photographs to show process. He also covers, chapter-by-chapter, the various hitches used in Decker packing, ropes, knots and splicing, caring for your tack, and other useful information on such subjects as feeding, shoeing, vaccinations and worming, dental care, stock first aid, and dealing with brand and health inspections. Hoverson also covers in detail one of his favorite subjects- the use of equipment and techniques so the wilderness horse traveler will leave only tracks and make low impact on the land. 186 black & white photographs, numerous illustrations.
HORSES, HITCHES & ROCKY TRAILS
Written in the language of the West, this is a complete and often humorous presentation of packing horses into the wilderness. Amplified by the beautiful, often witty drawings, Back includes step-by-step instructions on preparing for wilderness trips and also how to cope with the elements. Learn from and enjoy some tried and true Old West tips: What makes a camp good?; Packing saddles, rope tying and repairs; Equipment and making camp; Getting along in the wilderness. Horses, Hitches, and Rocky Trails is for both the amateur preparing for the wilderness for the first time and the professional packer looking for some new tips.
