Saddle Bags

Outfitters Supply's TrailMax Saddle Bag System, made from 1,000-denier Cordura nylon, includes two hanging cantle bags with a removable top piece and two horn bags. Right: Professional's Choice saddlebags are made from insulated neoprene.

Saddlebags. What would we do without them? They hold our every necessity - or at least all that stuff we need when we're on the trail. From traditional to high-tech, today's saddlebags come in a vast array of sizes, shapes, colors, and materials. They're designed to hold everything from sponges to sandwiches, and to fit on just about every part of the saddle. For more information check out Trail Ridiing: A complete Guide-www.howellbookhouse.com.

If you're like most trail riders, you want to carry the maximum amount of gear with the least amount of bulk and weight to enhance your horse's comfort. Our saddlebag shopping guide can help you find the right saddlebag for your situation, whether you're going on a short, casual ride or multi-day trek. You'll find a bag to fit your saddle, whether you ride in a Western, trail/endurance, Australian stock, or English model.

Saddlebag Types
First, consider the type of saddlebag (or bags) you need, based on what you plan to carry with you on the trail, and your saddle type. Here's a rundown.

Pommel/wither bags. Pommel bags slide over the saddle horn or clip onto front D-rings, and are designed for easy reach. You don't have to turn around to retrieve items from a pommel bag, because it's right in front of you. This means you can take a swig of water or grab your camera without taking your eyes off the trail, risking your balance, or losing control of your horse. The same front-of-saddle principle applies to wither bags, which attach to the girth billet and breastplate.

Cantle bags. Cantle bags are the traditional pouches used for centuries by equestrians. These bags rest over the back of the saddle and are often large enough to contain first-aid kits, sandwiches, ponchos, and all kinds of other items. They're recommended for items you'll use primarily when you dismount to take a break. But watch how much weight you pack behind the saddle, over your horse's kidneys. (For details, see "Using Your Saddlebags" on page 76.)

Cantle bags can be attached in a variety of ways, including clipping or snapping onto D-rings or tied with saddle strings. They come in traditional bag styles that lie on either side of the horse or elongated pouch styles that rest across the back of the saddle.

In-pad pouches. Designed primarily for use with English saddles, these saddlebags are actually pouches that are built into the saddle pad. They usually seal closed with hook-and-loop fasteners and hang from the pad's sides, toward the back, where a cantle bag would normally go.