HBL

Pre-Trip Resource

Trip Checklists

Check off items as you pack — then print or save for the trail

Backpacker Checklist

For day hikes and multi-day backcountry trips with pack llamas

Packing Progress0 of 0 items
🦙Llama Equipment (Provided by HBL)Confirm at pickup
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Halter & lead rope for each llamaIncluded
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Pack saddle with pad(s)Included
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Panniers (pair per llama)Included
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Picket stake & picket lineIncluded
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Scale, brushes & llama feedIncluded
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Rain covers for panniersIncluded
🚛Vehicle & Transport
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Half-ton truck or larger with brake controllerRequired
F-150, Silverado 1500, Ram 1500 or equivalent
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7-pin trailer wiring harness confirmed working
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Trailhead directions confirmed with Kevin
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Lease agreement signedRequired
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50% deposit paid via Venmo @helenallamasRequired
🏕️Shelter & Sleep
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Tent or tarp shelter
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Sleeping bag (rated for expected temps)
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Sleeping pad or camp cotLlama luxury
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Camp chair or seat padLlama luxury
🍳Food & Cooking
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Meals planned and packed (llamas can carry fresh food!)Llama luxury
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Camp stove & fuel
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Cook kit (pot, pan, utensils)
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Bear canister or bear bagRequired in some areas
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Water filter or purification tablets
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Water bottles or hydration reservoir (enough for day 1)
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Trash bags (pack it out)
👕Clothing & Layering
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Moisture-wicking base layers
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Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down)
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Waterproof rain jacket & pants
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Hiking boots (broken in)
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Extra socks (wool recommended)
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Hat (sun + warm options)
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Gloves
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Gaiters (for wet/brushy terrain)
🗺️Navigation & Safety
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Topo maps of your route (paper backup)
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Compass
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GPS device or phone with offline maps
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Satellite communicator or PLBHighly recommended
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First aid kit
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Headlamp + extra batteries
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Multi-tool or knife
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Emergency whistle & fire starter
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Bear sprayRequired in grizzly country
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Wilderness permit (if required for your area)
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Kevin's emergency number saved: 801-372-0353
🧴Personal & Hygiene
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Sunscreen & lip balm
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Insect repellent
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Trowel & cat hole supplies (LNT)
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Biodegradable soap & hand sanitizer
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Personal medications
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Sunglasses

Hunter Checklist

For elk, deer and big game hunting trips with pack llamas in Montana

Packing Progress0 of 0 items
🦙Llama Equipment (Provided by HBL)Confirm at pickup
✓
Halter, lead rope & pack saddle per llamaIncluded
✓
Panniers, top load straps & rain coversIncluded
✓
Picket stake, picket line & 20-ft leadIncluded
✓
Scale, brush, feed & water containersIncluded
✓
Double-axle stock trailer (if needed)Included
📋Licenses, Permits & Admin
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Montana hunting licenseRequired
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Species-specific tag(s) (elk, deer, etc.)Required
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Wilderness / stock permit (if required)Check your area
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HBL Lease Agreement signedRequired
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50% deposit paid via Venmo @helenallamasRequired
✓
Llama handling clinic completed (first-timers)Required
🔫Firearms & Hunting Gear
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Rifle or bow (in hard case for transport)
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Ammunition (more than you think you need)
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Rifle scabbard or bow case for llama carryTop load system
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Binoculars & spotting scope
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Rangefinder
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Calls (elk bugle, cow call, deer grunt, etc.)
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Scent control clothing & spray
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Camo clothing appropriate for season
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Blaze orange (required during rifle season)
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Game camera(s)Optional
🥩Field Dressing & Pack-Out
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Sharp hunting knife + sharpener
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Bone saw or folding saw
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Game bags (enough for your target animal)Required — no uncovered meat
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Latex or nitrile gloves (multiple pairs)
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Paracord or rope for hanging meat
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Meat thermometer
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Extra panniers or meat bags for llama pack-outPlan 60–85 lbs per llama
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Tag(s) for carcass/meatRequired
🏕️Base Camp Gear
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Wall tent or quality backpacking tent
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Sleeping bag (rated to 0°F for Montana fall)
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Cot or sleeping padLlama luxury
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Camp stove or wood stove + fuel
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Fresh food for base campLlama luxury
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Water filter + water containers
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Lantern / camp lighting
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Bear spray (multiple cans for grizzly country)Required
🗺️Navigation & Safety
✓
Topo maps of hunting area (paper + digital)
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GPS device
✓
Satellite communicator (Garmin inReach, SPOT, etc.)Strongly recommended
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First aid kit (wilderness-rated)
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Headlamp + extra batteries (pre-dawn/post-dusk)
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Emergency fire starter & matches
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Kevin's emergency number saved: 801-372-0353
👕Clothing
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Merino wool base layers (top & bottom)
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Heavy insulated jacket for cold mornings
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Waterproof rain gear (jacket + pants)
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Quality hunting boots (waterproof, broken in)
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Wool or synthetic hunting socks (multiple pairs)
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Warm gloves + liner gloves
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Warm hat + balaclava
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Gaiters