May
10
The Design of Good Saddlebags
∇ Category:Design | → |
As a saddle repairman, I have been asked to repair all kinds of saddle accessories as well, including saddlebags. I saw a lot of saddlebags in my shop. I also saw a lot of saddlebags on the trail. And I heard a lot of saddlebag complaints. Worse yet, I had to use these same saddlebags and experience the same frustrations as my customers because there weren’t any alternatives.
So What Makes a Good Saddlebag?
There are five points that I think are critical for good saddlebags:
- They have to fit the saddle. The saddlebag connector needs to be curved to fit snugly around the cantle. The saddlebags should not be so far apart that the bags no longer rest on the saddle skirts. The saddlebags cannot be too long or the weight will ride low on the animal and be uncomfortable. They can’t be too wide or the bags will irritate your horse or inhibit his movement.
- They have to stay put. So many times I would be riding down the trail and meet another rider with their saddlebags hanging off to one side. Or I would follow someone who was constantly reaching around to shift the bags back in place. And forget trotting or loping with these bags. They looked like a bird trying to take off. Worse than that, they would slap and bang against the horse’s flanks. At best, this is annoying, but with the wrong horse, it can be very dangerous. Good saddlebags will be able to be tied down with the saddle strings to keep the bags snugly behind the saddle. They should also have some way to secure the bottom of the bags so that you can trot or lope without the bags slapping.
- They have to be able to carry stuff. I have seen a lot of saddlebags with neat little pockets and features and what not, but when it came time to actually load up my gear to go for a ride, I couldn’t fit in what I needed to bring. Make sure the pockets are large enough for your gear.
- They have to be easy to handle and easy to access. How many times have you wanted something in your saddlebags while you are going down the trail? Nobody wants to stop and get off to get into their bags. Nor do you want a set of bags that is difficult to take off your saddle to carry into camp. Good saddlebags are designed to be easy on, easy off and easy to get into. Velcro closures allow easy access, but are not as secure as buckles and zippers and the Velcro can clog up and stop working. Buckles are classic, but time consuming to open and close. Zippers are the most secure closure.
- They can’t fail 10 miles from the trailhead. Classic leather saddlebags have always held up, but not everyone wants leather, especially if you are conscious about weight. But many of the saddlebags made from lightweight materials were not built well enough to last. Good saddlebags are built of material that can stand being scraped along rocks and trees. The zippers, buckles and straps should be durable. And the saddlebags should be reinforced at all stress points.
And they have to be good looking! But that’s just my personal opinion.
The importance of good gear
Nothing can ruin a perfectly good ride like gear that isn’t working properly. Customer complaints and input, as well as my own frustrations and experiences, are what led me to design and build the TrailMax System and what keeps me improving it all the time. So when shopping for saddlebags, remember to examine the features for access and gear storage, the fit on the horse and saddle and the construction for looks and durability.
Russ Barnett has ridden and packed extensively for over 20 years, primarily in the Bob Marshall Wilderness area. He is a Leave No Trace Master Instructor and has taught many packing courses at the local college. Russ is also the president of Outfitters Supply and more of his trail riding and horse packing tips can be found at http://www.OutfittersSupply.com
