Since horses were first domesticated they have tirelessly carried us humans and our endless possessions around. When a horse is carrying this extra weight it needs to be well balanced and evenly distributed over the horses' back. Whether you enjoy light hacking or going off overnight on the trail, the equipment you're carrying needs to stay safe and secure when you're riding. Using a saddle bag is the best way to carry gear on rides, and by following this guide, you’ll be sure to find the best horse saddle bags for your needs.
How Does a Saddle Bag for Horses Work?
A horse saddle bag is designed to fit on your horse's saddle. They are attached by metal “D” rings on English type saddles or by using leather ties or straps on western saddles. A good horse saddle carry bag should sit low and neatly out of the way so that it doesn't interfere with you or your horse's riding actions. Equestrian packs are different from other bags because they're designed to distribute the load evenly over your horses' back. Using a saddle bag is the best way to keep your camping hardware safe and secure when you're riding. A good pack will have closed pockets to make sure that your things stay safe when you're on the move.
Different Types of Saddle Bag
There are so many different types of saddle bags on the market and every one is designed with a specific purposes in mind. They come in a large range of natural and synthetic materials such as leather, cotton and Nylon. Below we’ve listed the most common types of saddle bags that you'll find on the market.
Pommel Bags/Wither Bags
Bags that sit on the front of the saddle are known as pommel bags, horn bags or wither bags. These bags are useful for carrying things that you may need quick access to when you're riding such as your cell phone or drinking water. Because pommel or wither bags sit on the front of the saddle you can easily reach inside to take out what you need. They usually attach to the horn of western saddles or the pommel of English saddles.
Cantle Bag
Loading at the back of the saddle is the traditional western way for a horse to carry packs. A cantle bag will distribute the weight evenly, either side of your horse's spine and will be supported by it's hips. Cantle bags are better for carrying larger items when you’re on the trail such as blankets and things that you don’t have to have quick access to.
Specific Item Carriers
If you like to ride light, or you're only riding for a short amount of time then you might want to choose a specific item carrier instead of a large bag. You can find carriers for individual accessories such as your cell phone, your water bottle, your first aid kit, and other essential items. These smaller carriers can also be used alongside larger saddle bags.
In Pad Pouches
This type of saddle bag can be found built into a saddle pad. It’s like a small pocket that has a secure fastening. In pad pouches work better with the shorter shape of English saddles.
Insulated Horse Saddle Bags
A lot of modern bags now come with insulated pockets which are great for carrying your lunch or keeping water fresh and cool. For extra hot climates look for a cooler type saddle bag that you can add freezer blocks to for extra chilling power.
How to Choose the Best Saddle Bag
Saddle bags come in a range of different styles of materials and choosing one will ultimately depend on your style and riding requirements. Below we've listed the most important things to consider when you're making your choice.
Materials
If you want a traditional look then a leather saddle bag is the one to choose. Not only does a leather saddle bag look great, it'll keep it's shape and can last a lifetime. Leather saddle bags are resistant to the elements, however, they require special maintenance and can be quite heavy.
Australian waxed oil skin bags are a popular choice because they're lightweight and highly weatherproof. They're a bit more expensive and have to be re-proofed occasionally but they're highly durable and look very smart and elegant.
The lightest weighing saddle bags are made from materials such as cotton, canvas, nylon or synthetic. These came in a range of colors and patterns and are cheaper to buy and easier to maintain, but are generally less durable and weather resistant than leather or oil skin.
Ride Duration
If you're going out for a week of trail riding then naturally you're going to need to stock up and carry more gear than if you're only venturing out for a few hours. For carrying lots of equipment choose larger size trail riding saddle bags for carrying lots of supplies. If you only ever ride for short periods then choose a smaller bag for carrying your bare essentials.
Climate
If you live in a hot climate then it's a sign that you should go for the lightest types of bags. If rain isn't very common then you don't need waterproof bags, choose UV protective materials instead. In colder climates, chances are that you'll need more equipment like extra clothes. Look for extra space as well as weatherproof materials if you live in a colder climate.
Your Saddle Type
You must choose an equestrian saddle bag that's suited to the make of your saddle, get a western saddle bag for a western saddle for example. This is important so that the bag can be attached securely to the saddle, and also so that the bag compliments your saddle's shape. A lot of bags these days are pretty versatile and can be fitted on all types of English and endurance saddles but make sure you check that a bag is compatible with your saddle before buying.
How to Pack an Equine Saddle Bag
There are two main things to consider when loading up your saddle bag. Firstly, the bag has to be a good fit and well balanced for your horse. This is why it’s important to pack the bag with even weight on each side. This will stop your saddle from slipping and will also prevent extra strain and imbalance on your horse's stride. Make sure that the bag sits well and is securely fitted to the saddle. A poorly fitting saddle bag will not only affect your horse's comfort and performance if it bounces around too much it can also damage your gear.
How to Take Care of A Saddle Bag
Each saddle bag will come with its own set of cleaning and care instructions.
Leather saddle bags need the most care and maintenance. A leather saddle bag requires regular cleaning and conditioning with a special leather soap.
Oils skin saddle bags are made from canvas that's coated in wax. This means that they're easy to wipe down with a damp cloth and resistant to stains. Eventually, the wax will start to wear off an oil skin bag which means you will have to re-proof it with a special wax.
Saddle bags made from cotton, canvas or nylon are the easiest types of bags to take care of. Most of them can be washed in a machine and they dry very easily. When you're cleaning your bags it's a good idea to have a check for any damage or tears. Before you wash your saddle bag be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions.
Introducing A Horse to Saddle Bags
Like with all new items of tack or clothing, it's best to introduce your horse slowly to the saddle bag. Because horses are used to having things on their backs, introducing a saddle bag shouldn't be much of a problem. It's always better to err on the side of caution anyhow, starting with empty bags first. Let your horse smell the bag first and then place it on slowly. When the bag is attached, walk around with your horse so that it becomes accustomed to the new sensations. If your horse seems comfortable then you're ready to continue with your bags loaded.
Reviews of Five of the Best Saddle Bags
To help you in your search for the perfect saddle bag, we've reviewed five of our favorites below.
1. Weaver Leather Trail Gear Saddle Bag
This premium riding pack from Weaver Leather has the space to hold everything you need when you're out trail riding. One side of the bag is insulated, perfect for carrying food and drink. On the other side, you'll find plenty of small compartments for safe, organized storage. The bag is made from a coated polyester material making it weather-resistant and highly durable. It has a highly adjustable fit and is available in several colors and patterns.
2. Trail Max Original Pommel Pocket
Trail Max has a great reputation when it comes to producing quality products. This Pommel Pocket is perfect for carrying small necessities such as your cell phone when you're out on the trail. This pommel bag is highly durable being made with water and UV resistant PVC/Polyester mixed material. It has reinforced material on stress points and it can be washed in the machine many times over. The unique Trail Max design means that it can be used alongside other Trail Max bags and it comes in a range of attractive colors.
3. Tough 1 Nylon Water Bottle/Gear Saddle Bag
This is a very versatile saddle pack from Tough 1 designed to sit behind the cantle. It has two insulated water bottle holders that are separated from the two large bags. For extra secure storage space, there's a mesh holder on the outside of each bag. The heavy denier Nylon makes this bag very durable and hardwearing. It comes in pink, purple or blue and fits easily to both English and western saddles.
4. Weaver Leather Trail Gear Water Bottle Holder
This bottle holder from Weaver Leather is perfect for those who like to travel light. The water pouch is elasticated at the top for extra security and there's also a small additional pocket for holding keys or a cellphone. It has a hook and loop closure for easy access and it comes in several colors so you'll be sure to find the perfect one. Weaver Leather has a solid reputation when it comes to quality horse wear.
5. Cashel Deluxe Insulated Pommel Bag
This is a versatile pommel bag from Cashel designed to be used on saddles with or without a horn. It has multiple pockets and compartments for keeping your vital supplies safe and secure on the trail. It's secured to the front of your saddle with unique hook and loop straps. The pockets are insulated and can hold two water bottles on one side with lots of storage space on the other. This riding pack has a great balanced fit that won't interfere with your riding.
Our Top Pick
The Trail Gear Bag from Weaver Leather excels in quality and durability and is sure to last you a long time. It's versatile in its design and there's space for everything you need when you're out on the trail. This is a versatile and adaptable pack that's sure to satisfy all of your storage needs. You can't go wrong by investing in the Weaver Leather brand, it's great value and one of the best deals on the market.
Conclusion
There are so many saddle bags on the market that it can be hard to choose the right one. Just like a set of luggage, you might need several different sizes of bags to suit your different riding needs. Always choose high-quality saddle bags for maximum safety and comfort. By using only the best horse saddle bags, you'll help your equine friend to carry you and your trail gear comfortably and securely in any riding situation. By following this guide, you'll be tooled up and ready to go in no time at all.
