How to Pack a Mule
Before you and your group get started packing your mules for the trip, let a pack mule expert check the physical health, saddles and shoes of all the animals. You should also have a trail expert okay your trail choices or even lead your group on the trail. Finally, every beginner in your group should take lessons in packing and riding mules to ensure a perfect trip for all the humans and animals involved.
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Instructions
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Choose a pannier packing system that holds 150 or more pounds worth of equipment, with 3 detachable containers. Attach a pannier hanger to your western riding saddle or hanger conversion straps to your pack saddle, following the manufacturer's instructions. Weigh and pack the load for one container at a time by using a sturdy scale. Load a total of 150 lbs. of equipment, according to your pack mule expert's advice.
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Weigh and pack half of each mule's 50 lbs.of feed in two heavy-duty bags and place 1 bag in each of the twin pannier containers. Weigh and pack 25 lbs. of equipment such as pots, pans, food and water in each of the twin pannier containers. Place one of the 50-lb.containers on each side of your mule's saddle, attaching it to the hanger or straps following the manufacturer's instructions. Use mule feed from alternate panniers each day so that the panniers will continue to weigh roughly the same.
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Weigh and pack 50 lbs.of the remaining equipment, such as bed rolls, tents and poles, and a small stove in the flexible top pack for the pannier. Add water bottles, snacks and maps to insulated pouches on the ends of the pannier. Place the 50-lb.flexible container on top of your mule's saddle, attaching it to the twin side panniers following the manufacturer's instructions.
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Tips & Warnings
The pack a mule carries should never weigh more than 20 percent of the animal’s body weight--150 lbs. is the right amount of weight for an average-size mule.
Twin panniers can help pack animals carry heavy burdens by distributing the weight evenly on either side of the animal's saddle.
References
- Photo Credit Government Mule image by Lee O'Dell from Fotolia.com
