Day Ride Packing List

When I’m riding solo, trail safety is an even more important consideration than usual. Going out prepared and packing adequately is the first step I take before I set off for an all-day conditioning ride. Here’s what I like to to take along.

My typical gear strapped on- lightweight & not too bulky.

Saddlebags:

For 8-20+ mile training rides, my saddlebags of choice are pommel bags made by Horse Bums. I prefer these bags for days when I’m doing a lot of speed work because they are lightweight and have many attachment points to my saddle to minimize bouncing. There’s a huge variety of saddlebags out there, and just like backpacks, they’re a personal preference. I’d recommend looking at your options and choosing based on what kind of saddle you are using and what you plan on carrying in them. I also like my saddlebags made by Tucker Saddlery for longer trips where I need to carry more with me. Some other brands to check out are True Grit Endurance Outfitters, Stowaway Saddle Packs, and Broke Supply Company.

Horse Health:

If I’m out riding anywhere even somewhat remote, I always bring basic equine vet supplies with me, particularly gauze and a roll of vet wrap. These can serve many purposes, but have come in handy to keep cuts and scrapes clean until I can get back to the trailhead and dress them properly. As an endurance rider, I am accustomed to carrying oral equine electrolytes for strenuous rides where my horse is sweating hard, but I also like to keep a tube in my bags for all of my longer rides just in case my horse needs supplementation if they exert themselves more than I expected. Additionally, I carry an equine anti-inflammatory drug (either Banamine or Bute) as another emergency precaution on the chance that my horse was to get injured and need painkillers in order to get back to the trailer. 

Horse &Tack Maintenance:

Hoof protection of some sort is a must in most of the areas I ride. I always carry a spare hoof boot in case my horse loses a shoe on trail. A hoof pick is useful for the occasional pieces of gravel that are the perfect size to get lodged in my horse’s hooves. For on-trail tack repairs, I bring along some baling twine and a small card of duct tape, which can also be used to help dress wounds. My last piece of gear in this category is actually a small collapsible water bowl meant for dogs, which I use as an ultralight water scoop to help cool off my horse on hot days. I prefer a scoop to a sponge which is not very pleasant to have bouncing around on your saddle all day. 

Human Safety Gear:

For my own safety, the most useful tool I bring on every solo ride in more remote areas is my Garmin InReach 67i, which is a combined satellite communication and GPS device. This piece of tech packs on a ton of features, including an emergency SOS button. My favorite app for long rides when I’m out of service is the check in messaging feature, which lets me send unlimited pre-written messages alongside my GPS coordinates to my emergency contacts to let them know when I start/end my ride and if I’m just checking in throughout the day. Having some sort of off-grid communication device is an absolute essential in my opinion if you spend much time alone and out of service while doing a potentially dangerous activity like riding. Note: always carry your GPS device, cell phone, vehicle keys, and any other absolute essentials on your body when you are riding! On the chance you get separated from your horse, you don’t want these items stuck in your saddlebags. 

Alongside my InReach, I carry a leatherman multi-tool knife which would allow me to cut away tack in some sort of wreck scenario or use the pliers to help pull off a dislodged horse shoe. Just as I carry horse first aid essentials, my human first aid kit is also stocked. I like this one from HART because it came pre-filled with room to add other medications and supplies as needed.

This is the same kit I use for backpacking so some of these supplies aren't strictly needed for riding.

Here’s what I like to keep stocked specifically for riding: 

• Various bandages & gauze

• Alcohol wipes

• Tecnu wipe for poison oak

• Tweezers

• Ibuprofen, Benadryl, Tums, & Imodium

Human Comfort Gear:

These items are less essential, but still super helpful for a long day spent in the saddle. I carry a small stick of sunscreen which I try to reapply to my face as often as I can remember. I also like to pack some sort of chapstick and like those which can also serve as a whole body moisturizer for general dry skin. Particularly when I’m riding fast for long distances I struggle with some chafing, and finding Squirrel’s Nut Butter all-purpose salve has been a game changer in that department. If I’m not already wearing one, I like to have a buff/neck gaiter to protect my mouth and nose from dust, my favorite is made by Skida. Depending upon the ride, I’ve also started bringing along my Kula antimicrobial pee cloth, (yes, you read that right, pee cloth) because nobody likes to drip dry if they can help it!

Water Reservoir:

This is another item that varies for me depending upon the ride. For shorter days, I can carry my Nalgene bottle in my saddlebags, but for longer rides I like to wear my hydration running vest which is another good place to stash gear. Camelback style reservoirs are convenient, but lately I’ve been liking my collapsible water flasks from Salomon, which are much easier to clean.

Snacks:

Last, but not least! It's key to keep yourself fueled when you're out riding to stay sharp for your horse. I usually go for snacks that are filling and don’t melt on hot days. Some of my go to’s are granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, crackers, jerky, etc… Essentially, the same kinds of provisions you’d take for a long hike. 

Some of my current faves!

While this list might seem excessive to some, I love knowing that I’m prepared when I’m riding alone if I was to have an accident or encounter someone else on trail who needs help. Figuring out what supplies work best for you is also a good exercise to prepare for bigger trips into the backcountry. Did I forget any essentials you like to bring? Shoot me an email at rideroutsideinfo@gmail.com