What to use in place of saddlebags?

[Mandzanita]

I don't have a pair of saddle bags yet but I want to go out on a trail this weekend and explore. I would love to bring some water, snacks, camera, ect but I have no place to store everything and I wont be able to buy a pair by then. Anyone have ideas of what I could use short of a packpack to carry everything in?

[FrogInABlender]

I used to use one of these before I got saddle bags...

http://cdn.overstock.com/images/products/L10247197.jpg
They're pretty handy for a few small snacks, some water, and a place to keep your keys and cell phone. They have them at Wal-Mart and places like that. I'd swing mine around to my backside so it wasn't in the way if I needed to duck down low to avoid low-hanging branches.

Edited to say: These aren't as big and bulky as a full backpack, and you can swing them back around front while still in the saddle if you need access to something in it.

[offgridgirl]

Nothing wrong with a backpack!!:)

[Ix3Morgans]

I just ride with the backpack on me.
if you ride western you could hook the little top strap to your saddle horn.

[Equine_Woman]

Yeah I was going to suggest a back pack. You can tie it to your saddle or wear it. Nice thing bout a back pack is if (God forbid) you are thrown, your supplies go with you.

[Mandzanita]

Hmm...maybe I'll bring my back-pack then...wish it was a bit smaller. i used to have a mini one for snowboarding but I have no clue where it's been hiding :(

[WashingtonBay]

Any small pack or bag can be tied to a saddle if you put your mind to it. :)

[livaward]

When ever I used to ride.....for my drink I would use a crown royal bag......but any thing with a draw sting worked well for me......

[Mandzanita]

Thanks for all the suggestions! :) Maybe I'll have to look in my 80's gear for a fanny pack, lol ;) Biggs doesn't do well with things slapping up and down against him, especially if we are going faster than a walk. I tried attatching my camera bag to the saddle once and he was distracted and annoyed by it.

On the subject of saddlebags, what kind does everyone like/have?

[Turn and Burn]

My friend has a pair of horn bags, and they are really nice. They don't seem to flop like regular saddle bags. Here is a link http://www.horse.com/Western-Tack/Saddle-Bags/Pro-Craft-Nylon-Horn-Bag-HBT04.html

[medicine hat]

if you ride english they make pads with pockets. I don't know where on the web, I got mine at the tack shop, but it is nice & the pockets are in easy reach!

[42many]

I noticed when riding on longer trailrides that even my fairly small-sized backpack was uncomfortable at faster than a walk. If you plan to do any trot/canter stuff, I'd suggest trying to get something tied to your saddle.

[vicklynn]

I had one of the other horn bags listed. They are fine, but after buying one of these,
http://www.chicksaddlery.com/page/CDS/PROD/1060/WBH899 I got rid of the other one.
I like having my water container, soda, in that compartment. It is easier to use, and you can still load the other side up.

[AppyLady]

I wear a fishing vest when I ride. It carries my camera, snacks, chapstick, and other small items. I hang a water bottle (with Pepsi in it!) from the horn.

[Mandzanita]

Vick....oh I really like that one! I like that brown color too, it would match my seat color :) It looks perfect! Think I may just order that baby up. Thanks!

[rocknK]

Don't you have pockets??? If I'm only going out for an hour or two usually its just me & my horse. Drinks & snacks are left in the trailer.

[valleyrider]

I have a small back pack I tie to the horn. I can fit a few things I need in there. Hubby has the saddlebags on his horse when we are togeather. Turn and Burn I like those horn bags.