It’s been less than a week since I debated with a pretty good hunter on the subject of the best hitch for securing panniers to a packhorse. It’s an age-old argument and ranks right up there with Ford vs. Chevy. I’ve learned to just let people tell me what is the best, and then use my tried-and-true basket hitch anyway.
I first learned this hitch from a “real” cowboy by the name of Bill Kelly. Bill was born and raised on a Wyoming ranch in the late 50’s and is still packing to this day. When a guy like that offers me advice, I listen. I’ve used the basket hitch since the early 90’s and can’t see a day when I’ll quit it. It’s particularly good for a guy less than six feet tall and who hunts alone a fair bit (that would be me on both accounts.)
Here is a 10-minute video on the basket hitch if you’d like to ever give it a try.
Good stuff Robby. I’ve had quite a bit of experience packing using decker saddles and manti tarps (we always used old wall tent canvas!) using mainly a “Crows Foot” for securing the packs… never packed using paniers before but I imagine it’s more simple if you’re only using your own gear and got it dialed in. When you got 5+ guests and unpredictable gear you end up with a lot of awkwardly shaped loads! Just what I was taught and learned on, anyway that you can get gear safely into the back country is a good way! Good video it’s not easy work packing animals for a trip!
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