Vintage Pack Saddle Back Enginneered In Pic + 12

[itchaguide]

I agree that many people tie on the rigging without a problem I just wanted to put it out there, lots of people have never seen it.. Oh and I also use a quick release knot on the latigos when I tie to the cinch ring.. I have never had one come loose on it's own and they are quick to loosen when you have a wreck..

I use the double cinches on my own outfits, two separate cinches offer more adjustments but I am lazy and the doubles are easier and I have never had one rub the elbows unlike doubles if not adjusted properly.

I guide in the exact area where Hobson and Panhandle Phillips ran cattle and I have spent time in the cabin they built on Itcha lake.. unbelievable country with some serious moose and Caribou as a added bonus, I love the area and it has given me a real appreciation for what those two Wyoming cowboys went through..

Thanks for the tip on Montana Pitch dressing I am going to give it a try.

Rod

Hey, Rod, your suggestions are certainly valid and based on alot of miles. I do know that it is possible to get a sore from that knot although many people put it up on the rigging ring without a problem. I have mostly used Deckers and the knot rides just below the board on the half breed so it's not a problem, but I do know guys who like the knot on the cinch ring anyway just because it's easier to get to. Anyway definitely something to think about. On which ring to hook the quarter strap into, I can see an argument either way depending on whats working for you. Some folks like it on the front to help keep it out of the elbows. The cinches in the photo of my pack saddle are actually joined together in the middle rather than two separate cinches, although sometimes its better to have them separate and further apart, particularly on some mules.

I really like the Montana Pitch blend dressing for moisture proofing leather. It's a combination of pine pitch, beeswax and mink oil. Especially good on things like hobbles that can really be exposed to alot of moisture.

BTW I've read all those Rich Hobson and Paul St Pierre books about your area and really developed a desire to see that country you're in. Chris

[dkimberley]

I offered this up over in the how to do it section, but since this is a thread on pack saddles I'll offer it here as well. I have a set of specifications from the USFS for the decker pack saddle. Glad to send them on to anyone who would like it. Just to add another bit to the knot issue. I tie a quick release cinch knot on the latigo at the rigging ring. If we are in a wreck, one jerk and the latigo is loose. We've never had on come loose inadvertanly. Obviously, packing is like many things. We all have our own way, based on ours or someone elses experiences. They all work and get the job done. It's one of the facets of packing I enjoy. I do have a friend who I pack with regularly that does just about everything different from the rest of us, from the way he rigs his sling ropes, to the way he puts up (or I should say doesn't put up) his saddles, to the (excessive) length of his lead ropes. I swear it's just to be contrary. Thats when it's a problem, as the rest of us pretty much are all on the same page. I've gotten to where I won't help him out if his mules step over a lead or get tangled in them. I am close to cutting them shorter. I would and just resplice them, but he has to be different there to. Uses the kernmantle type rope instead of the 3 twist poly that I use, no splices, AARGH.

Would be most interested in getting a copy of the USFS specs for the Decker. Please let me know if I can reimburse you for copy costs and shipping. If so, how much and how would you like me to get payment to you. Many thanks, Dick Kimberley - Rawhide and Iron - dick@kimberleysofsantafe.com

[Bat Masterson]

I have been an outfitter for 35 years, Before that I packed horses/mules for my dad for 20 years. I also do frequent guest lecturing on packing for the USFS and some of the colleges in the pacific northwest. A pack saddle can be your worst nightmare if improperly rigged and your best friend if it is right. I use Decker saddles exclusively and make and sell 25-30 deckers a year. I have never been a fan of sawbucks but have on occassion used them. The sawbuck on the roan is rigged correctly. The other needs a quarter strap from the breast collar to the top of the rigging ring. I would also add and agree with some of the other posts use, top quality harness leather, not skirting or tooling. The harness leather will be serviceable for a much longer period of time without weekly oiling. Another suggestion I would offer is always use a half breed. Many of the other parts of packing are very individualized anfdwhen it comes to packing, use of sling ropes, manties vs. alforkus bags, use what you are the most comfortable with and what works for you. If you are packing for guests on outfitted trip the two things they always remember is the food and the wrecks, happy trails. Bat

[DEADEYE]

BTT for any new info. I still can't find 2 inch pine