So you’ve booked your first dude ranch vacation? Well, yee-haw! You’ve made a wise choice.
Now you might be wondering what to pack. You’ll be spending time a lot of time outdoors, so layering is important. Here’s a list of things that you might want to bring with you:
Hat: Cowboy hats aren’t cliche. They’re practical! Just be sure that you bring one with a stampede string (a strap that ties around the hat and under your chin). The stampede string keeps the hat on your head while you ride. And the hat, of course, keeps the sun and wind out of your face.
Boots: Boots are best for riding horses. Boots with a slight heel are the safest. They keep your feet from sliding through the stirrups. If you’re buying a new pair of boots for the trip, you’ll want to wear them before you go to break them in a bit.
Long Pants & Long Sleeves: Packing long pants and long-sleeved shirts will keeping your legs and arms covered while you ride. This provides some protection should your horse brush up again something on the trail. Plus, it provides sun and wind protection, too.
Casual Clothes: Pack casual items for other activities on the ranch. T-shirts, shorts, and jeans are acceptable attire around the ranch.
[ Related: What’s a Dude Ranch Vacation? ]
Western Wear: Mealtimes aren’t formal, but if you feel like dressing up a bit throw on some western attire like a button up shirt with pearl snaps.
Swimwear: Some ranches have pools and hot tubs, so pack accordingly. Others have water activities, like rafting, so you may want to bring along some quick-dry clothing items.
Jacket & Beanie: The mornings and evenings can be cool. Be sure to have a jacket with you, and a beanie is recommended, too.
[ Related: 8 Things That Totally Surprised Me About a Dude Ranch Vacation ]
Toiletries: Many ranches are located in remote areas and there may not be a store nearby so bring what you need with you.
Sunglasses: Not only do they help keep the sun out of your eyes, but also dirt that might get kicked up on the trail.
Flashlight or Headlamp: It can get very dark on the ranch. As you walk back to your cabin from dinner you may want to have a flashlight or headlamp to help light the way home.
Refillable Water Bottle: You’ll probably want to take some water out during your rides and activities, especially on those warm summer days. The dude ranches we visited had water bottle holders that attached to the saddles. I’d recommend a water bottle that doesn’t require the removal of a cap. That can be hard to do while horseback riding.
