What to Bring

Horseback riding experience is not necessary. Everything needed will be provided except the following personal items, which should be packed in a soft duffle bag and not exceed 30 pounds in weight.

Real West Horseback Vacations: All bedding is provided.
Walking on Water

The following outlines the items you Need to bring with you. It is essential that our guests be prepared for all kinds of mountain weather. We have had many years of experience dealing with Mother Nature, so please take our list to heart.

Mother Nature can be very unpredictable up in the mountains, so our guests need to be prepared for all four seasons while on their trip. Clothing that is easily layered is best. You can always remove clothing if necessary, but you can’t put it on if you do not have it. Also, bring your most comfortable gear – this is not the time to break in new boots, shoes or a new hat.

Average Temperatures
Month High Low
June 19C/65F 5C/41F
July 22C/71F 7C/45F
August 22C/71F 7C/45F
September 16C/60F 3C/38F

These are average temperatures. Temperatures will drop at higher elevations.

When packing your gear please keep in mind it is being packed in and out on horseback and the comfort of our horses is very important to us. By following the guidelines you can help us ensure that.

You must pack your gear in a soft-sided, cloth or nylon bag. It cannot have any hard edges, wheels or frames. Your gear is restricted to a total maximum weight of 30lbs (sleeping bag, pad and your duffle). It is a good idea to line your duffle bag with a garbage bag for waterproofing. You may pack your sleeping bag and mattress separate from your other gear. Your coat, rain gear, hat and gloves are to be left out of your duffle to have with you for your ride. Saddle bags are provided on the horse for these. These items are not included in the 30lb weight restriction. We reserve the right to limit the amount of weight in the saddle bags. Fanny packs (a small pack that ties around the waist) is allowed. We ask that you do not bring Daypacks, Backpacks or other packs as they are hard on your back and hard on the horses back and do not tie properly to the saddle.

6 day Backcountry Trip: The length and type of trip (Real West or Backcountry Trip) will alter what you need to bring.
The following are essential items to bring with you:

  1. A warm sleeping bag – we recommend a bag rated to -15 degrees celsius and a flannel sheet to put inside the bag, as well as a small pillow.
  2. A Mattress – a foam or self-inflated mattress works best to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.
  3. A warm coat – this is essential to ward off chilly nights or those windy days. It is also important to bring a warm sweater or fleece jacket.Packing Up
  4. Rain gear – a rain coat and rain pants work best, also coverings for your hat and boots if possible. No ponchos please as they flap around in the wind and may spook the horses. If you have one we recommend oilskin slickers.
  5. Shirts – 2 sweatshirts, 1 long sleeved shirt (turtleneck if you prefer) and 2 t-shirts
  6. Jeans – we suggest one pair for riding in over the six days and one pair for wearing on camp nights. Also important is a pair of long underwear for chilly days or nights.
  7. Riding boots – a boot with a heel that can easily slip in and out of the stirrups. Alternatives would be a narrow style hiking boot or solid sneaker. For safety reasons, clunky hiking boots are not recommended. Plastic bags inside your boots will keep your feet dry on rainy days.
  8. Sneakers – or an extra pair of comfortable shoes for wearing in camp.
  9. Toiletries – towel, facecloth, biodegradable shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, disposable razor etc. WE SUPPLY TOILET PAPER AND HAND SOAP AT ALL OF THE CAMPS.
  10. Flashlight – remember to check your batteries
  11. Hat – a cowboy hat offers the most protection, but baseball caps or canvas–type hats work just as well. Whatever you bring make sure that it fits snuggly and ties on so the wind will not blow it off.
  12. Gloves – lined leather or suede gloves provide protection from the elements and a sure grip on your reins.
  13. Sunscreen – sunglasses and mosquito repellent.
  14. A Camera – don’t forget extra film. For digital cameras, bring extra memory cards and batteries.
  15. Liquor – though we do not supply liquor you are welcome to bring it along. Please make sure it is in a plastic bottle, wrapped well and placed in the middle of your duffle. Please pack canned beer only and separate from you duffle. You must also bring your own mix. Also remember that liquor is included in your 30lb weight limit.
  16. Cellular phones – some cell phones will work at Real West Cabin Vacations, but they will not work on any of our backcountry trips. Please leave them behind.
  17. Water Bottle – for refreshments while you are riding.
  18. Fishing gear – collapsible rods only

Longer trips will need additional clothing (changes for every 3 days). You just need to bring a few personal necessities, a healthy appetite and a love for the greatest display of nature you will ever see!!!