Packing for a Dude ranch vacation can be difficult, especially if you have never been on a dude ranch vacation before.  In the article below by Top 50 Ranches you will find some great tips on what to pack and how to pack.  These tips will help ensure you have everything you need for your dude ranch vacation and are able to focus on all the fun!  Happy packing!

Kody Tesch

Dude Ranch Vacation Packing Tips

Dude ranch vacation packing can be a nightmare! Unsure of what – and what not – to throw in your suitcase when packing for your horseback riding holiday? Whether you’ve signed up for an overnight pack trip, a backcountry riding adventure, a luxury ranch-and-spa break or anything in between, we’ve got your packing predicaments covered…

Because you can’t take the entire contents of your wardrobe, here are the main things to consider when packing for your dude ranch vacation…

Footwear
- Go for low-heeled boots or suitable cowboy boots, if you have them. If you opt for the latter, bear in mind these could get scruffy on a working ranch vacation or if you travel in rainy season, so leave them at home if you don’t want them to get dirty. Backcountry riding? Lynn Minty from Beaumont High Country Experience in New Zealand advises: “Normal riding boots without a tread are not suitable for walking on hills and tussock grasslands – go for leather tramping boots with a small heel or comfortable footwear suitable for walking on uneven terrain.” Don’t forget non-riding footwear too – sneakers and/or a pair of flip flops always come in handy, and pack ‘dress’ shoes if your chosen ranch has formal dining.

Riding clothes
- Jeans will become your new best friend on your ranch vaca! Pack a couple of pairs for riding – those without an inside leg-seam offer best comfort. For beginner riders or those not used to spending long hours in the saddle, padded underwear, like those designed for cycling, are often a wise option! For hot climates go for vest tops and light, long-sleeve shirts to protect you from the sun. For cooler climates or if it’s likely to rain, be sure to pack plenty of layers, long-sleeve tops, a scarf and a warm coat. Many ranches supply rain slickers, but check with them before you go.

Hat -
Most ranches recommend wearing a hard hat and some even provide them, but if you have your own then take it, to ensure the best fit. Otherwise a brimmed hat or baseball cap will protect your head and face from the sun. If you do go for a cowboy hat, make sure it fits – it’s not a good look to have your hat fly off your head every time you move into a lope, and fellow guests won’t be too impressed at having to stop every five minutes while you retrieve it from a bush!

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