Welder Outfitting Services
Welder Ranch, CO

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST

& TIPS

    Since we will be packing you in on horseback, we ask that you do not over pack.  You will be allowed one pack horse per person.  This means you can bring about 150 pounds per person (that is a lot of stuff!).  A duffel bag no larger than an army type will be plenty for your gear.  Limit the weight of your packs to no more than 40 pounds each.  If your bag is not waterproof, we suggest that you line your bag with a trash bag before putting anything in it.  Put your sleeping bag inside of a trash bag also.  It's no fun arriving at camp with wet gear. When you pack your coolers, use no more than 48 quart size, again not more than 40 pounds each. Please do not pack ice or water.

    We have found that the crates that you can pick up at Wal-Mart fit into the panniers very well if they are placed top to top and held together with cable ties.  You can pack all kinds of gear this way and it's a great way to keep from squashing your bread!  Base camp clients will be provided with all the basics needed (See Base Camp Services). For drop camps, don't forget you will need to bring all your own cooking utensils.  Drop camps are for those who are completely bringing all their own gear. 

     Packing food for base or drop camps:  When you are planning your menu, try to freeze as many pre-prepared items as possible.  For instance, if you are going to have spaghetti as a meal, prepare your sauce at home and freeze it flat in 2 ziploc bags.  When you are ready to pack your coolers, your pre-made items can be placed into your coolers like envelopes.  You can do the same with meats, stew, or just about any kind of food you want.  When they are all frozen, it helps to keep the rest of your food frozen.

     Try to stay away from canned goods; they are heavy and will only limit the amount of gear you can bring.  We prefer that you bring as much of your food dry as possible.  Mixes can be pre-measured and stored in ziploc baggies - when you're ready to use, just add water to the baggie and squish to mix.  If we feel you have over-packed, don't be surprised to find some of your gear left behind.  We are trying to strongly discourage you from bringing too much stuff.  If you feel you really need it, extra pack horses are $100 each per day.

     Hunters in base and drop camps:  We will be checking on you every other day and pack your game out for you.  We will pack your game from the point of kill provided it is accessible by horse.  If it isn't, you must get your game somewhere we can get a horse.  Please have your game ready to pack by quartering the animal. Game processing is available in town for about $150.  Guided hunters will have full game preparation and pack out service. 

     All clients will be provided with top-notch horses.  Guided pack trip participants will be additionally provided with expert guides, all of your meals, a comfortable tent with cots and pads, and a great time out in the wilderness.

     Sunburn
     The sun can be intense at  high altitudes, with a much higher chance of sunburn.  Sunscreen of SPF15 or higher is recommended to guard against damage to the skin.  Lip balm with sunscreen is a must.  Sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat will also help to protect eyes and head from intense sun radiation.

     High Altitude Sickness
     You can help protect yourself form high altitude sickness by resting frequently (especially the first days of your trip), drinking lots of water, eating normally and limiting alcohol intake.  In many cases, drinking more water than you think you need, especially at the first signs of a headache, can thwart the more uncomfortable symptoms.  (See also Safety)