Trail riding saddle bags make room for water, snacks and small supplies without filling your jacket pockets. Compare paired saddle bags, pommel bags and cantle bags around what you pack, where you want access and how they attach to your saddle, with room for an extra layer on cool fall outings.

Start with your usual ride and the gear you bring along. A short loop may call for a simple pouch, while a day on the trail can mean packing lunch, water and rain gear. Pommel and horn bags put storage toward the front of the saddle; cantle bags sit behind the seat, and paired saddle bags provide compartments on either side. Compare pocket openings and closures as well as the overall layout. Separate compartments can help organize snacks, keys and small trail supplies, while bottle holders and outer straps offer other packing options. Check the bag's mounting instructions against your saddle's attachment points rather than assuming every design fits the same way. For cool or wet outings, look beyond the fabric name and check the details of the whole bag. Water-resistant material, covered openings and zipper construction are worth comparing, but water resistance isn't the same as waterproof protection. Pack moisture-sensitive belongings in a separate waterproof pouch if needed. Insulated compartments may be worth considering for lunch and drinks, while padding and interior dividers offer different ways to organize the load. Reflective trim is another feature to look for if it's on your checklist, not something to assume every trail bag includes. Round out your packing plan with our fall trail-riding gear for horse and rider.

Best Of FAQ

Related Pages

Back to top