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Techniques and Equipment for Wilderness Travel with Stock
Like other stock users, llama users should make sure all pack equipment is in good repair. If a frame pack saddle is used, it should adequately clear the animal’s spine. If a soft pack is used, no heavy items should be placed directly over the animal’s spine.
A llama wearing a soft pack.
Whatever type of pack saddle is used, each pack should be checked to make sure that no part of the saddle digs into the llama’s back or causes rubbing or soreness.
Llama users should use lightweight gear and limit pack weights. A good guideline for pack load weights is 25 to 30 percent of the llama’s weight.
Like other stock, llamas may need processed supplemental feed. About 1 pound (.45 kilogram) of feed per day for each llama is usually sufficient when good grazing opportunities are available. More feed should be packed when grazing is scarce.
Horses and mules may become nervous or excited when they encounter a llama. Horses react to the smell of the llama more than to the sight of it and they may be reluctant to pass llamas due to the odor. Many stock users put horses, mules, and llamas together for a few days to get them used to each other.
Llamas approaching horses on the trail.
Because they are more maneuverable, llamas should yield the right-of-way to horses and mules. Llama users and their animals should step off the trail several yards downhill, if possible, to allow the horses and mules room to pass easily. When traveling on switchbacks and steep trails with limited visibility, llama users should travel slowly and be cautious of approaching horses or mules.
Llamas should be allowed ample opportunities to rest along the trail. They should be moved well off the trail during rest stops so they aren’t right on the trail when horse or mule groups come by.
Llamas and hikers taking a break on the trail.
Standing in water will often cause an animal to relieve itself, so it is best to move llamas rapidly through any stream crossing. When possible, llamas should be picketed or contained well off the trail but within sight of camp. Be sure to keep them away from small trees and any potentially poisonous plants. As a safety measure, many people attach the picket line to a stake or “highline” with a piece of rubber or bungie cord. This acts as a shock absorber in case the llama spooks or runs abruptly to the end of its rope.
Llama contained well off the trail, away from small
trees and poisonous plants, and within sight of camp.
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