How to Prepare for Your First Wilderness Pack Trip in Montana

There’s nothing quite like leaving the road behind and heading into the Montana backcountry on horseback. A wilderness pack trip is more than a ride. It’s an experience that puts you deep in the wild, where the sky opens up, the campfire becomes your evening light, and every hoofbeat brings you further away from everyday noise.

At Specimen Creek Outfitters, we guide folks into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness the same way it’s been done for generations. These are true Montana adventures, and if you’re joining us for the first time, here’s what to expect and how to get ready.

Know What You're Signing Up For

A pack trip isn’t a quick loop around a pasture. We’re talking about riding into high country, camping out in tents, and relying on good horses and experienced guides to get you there and back. The terrain can be steep, the weather unpredictable, and the reward is the kind of peace you only find off the grid.

You don’t need to be a cowboy or survival expert. You just need to be ready to unplug, follow the lead of your guide, and respect the land and the animals that call it home.

Get Comfortable with Your Gear

We’ll provide the essentials. That includes horses, saddles, pack mules, tents, and meals. What you bring is up to you, but there are a few must-haves.

Start with layers. Montana’s weather can swing from sun to snow in a day. A good base layer, warm jacket, rain gear, and a wide-brim hat will go a long way. You’ll want durable pants, preferably not jeans, and broken-in boots with a heel. Bring gloves for riding and a headlamp for camp.

Pack light but pack smart. You don’t need a fresh outfit for each day. Focus on staying warm, dry, and protected from the elements. Your guide will go over the gear list with you before the trip to make sure you're set.

Prepare to Ride, Not Just Camp

This isn’t a walking trip with horses along for show. You’ll be riding most of the day. If you’re not used to being in the saddle, start stretching your hips and legs a few weeks before the trip. If possible, get on a horse ahead of time just to get your balance and feel for the motion.

Our horses are mountain-tough and trained for the trail. They know the job and are picked to match your ability level. We’ll make sure you’re paired with one that suits your experience, and we’ll teach you everything you need to know to ride safely and confidently.

Trust the Mules and the Mountain

One of the most underrated parts of a pack trip is watching a good string of mules work. They carry your gear, food, tents, and supplies over terrain most vehicles wouldn’t dare cross. Our pack animals are seasoned veterans. They know the rhythm of the trail and follow the lead of our wranglers without fuss.

When you're deep in the backcountry, things slow down. You’ll ride through lodgepole forests, cross creeks, climb ridgelines, and bed down near alpine lakes. This is big country, and it demands patience and respect. Weather changes, trails shift, and wildlife shows up when it wants. That’s part of the experience.

Meals That Stick to Your Ribs

Nobody goes hungry on a pack trip. You’ll be amazed at what our guides can cook up on a campfire. Expect hearty breakfasts, trail lunches, and hot dinners that fill you up after a day in the saddle. Coffee starts brewing before sunrise, and meals are shared around the fire with stories, laughter, and maybe a few songs if the mood strikes.

If you have dietary needs, just let us know ahead of time. We’ll do everything we can to accommodate and still keep you fueled up for long days on the trail.

Embrace the Simplicity

Once you’re out there, you’ll notice the quiet. No phones. No buzz of traffic. Just wind through the trees, the snort of a horse, and the crackle of the fire. Some folks come for the adventure. Others come for the stillness. Everyone leaves feeling like they found something real.

Evenings are spent under canvas tents or out under the stars, depending on your preference. Some trips include wall tents with wood stoves. Others are lighter setups deep in the wilderness. Either way, you’ll sleep well after a full day of riding.

Leave No Trace, Take Everything In

We ride by a simple code. Respect the land, the wildlife, and each other. Our guides are trained to follow Leave No Trace practices, and we expect guests to do the same. We clean up every camp, pack out what we bring in, and avoid disturbing wildlife.

That ethic is part of what makes these trips so powerful. You’ll return with a new appreciation for nature and what it means to travel through it without changing it.

Choosing the Right Trip Length

Not everyone wants to be out for a week. Some guests are better suited for a two-day introduction. Others want the full experience of a five or seven-day ride. Let us know what you’re after, and we’ll guide you toward the right trip for your group.

We’ll match the terrain, duration, and pace to your skill level. Whether you want to fish remote streams, explore high meadows, or just ride until the trail disappears into the trees, we’ll build the experience around you.

Booking with Specimen Creek Outfitters

When you book a pack trip with us, you’re not signing up for a tour. You’re riding with a team that was born into this way of life. We’ve scouted these trails for decades and guided folks from all walks of life into the kind of wilderness that makes you feel small in the best way.

We’ll be with you from the first phone call to the last mile back to the trailhead. Our goal is to make sure you feel confident, comfortable, and connected to the land by the time you head home.

Ready to Ride?

A Montana pack trip is something most folks only dream of. If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably ready to trade the familiar for the wild. Let us help you make that happen.

Reach out, ask your questions, and we’ll help you plan an experience that fits you just right. When the fire’s going, the horses are tied, and the sun starts to set over the ridgeline, you’ll understand why we’ve dedicated our lives to this.