Saddle Bags & Pack Panniers

You'll find a huge array of horse packing bags here at Smith & Edwards, and most of these we design and make ourselves, here in our tack workshop! A lot of these are designed by our own guys and gals who go out and bring back ideas that they'd like for their next trip to the Uintas, our local range of the Rocky Mountains. Or what would have been handy on the big elk trip.

We update our bag designs every so often because we get better ideas on how to hide seams or reinforce construction. We favor the "ironweave" nylon material: it's much stronger than canvas, and it won't mildew or rot. Plus, you can just hose it out after your trip and let it air dry. See the comparison below:

Tip: Using Ironcloth vs Canvas for trail riding & packing

When you're choosing pack bags, should you get canvas or ironcloth? Both work well and have their place. Here's a quick comparison: 

Canvas Pros: Traditional Can be waterproofed (so canvas is great for manties) Can fold up real compact Cons:  Has to be thoroughly washed and dried to avoid mildew & rot (& smell!)

Ironcloth, also called ironweave or bearcloth Pros: Won't get moldy or mildew Tear-resistant If you're packing while hunting, you clean off blood & dirt just by hosing it down (These reasons are why we use a lot of ironcloth in the pack bags we make!) Cons: Not waterproof