Pack Llamas On The Trail

Packing with llamas is a very special experience.  Besides taking the load off your back they are unique trail companions.  They often spot wildlife and other backcountry travelers before you do.  They often give vocal comments on trails conditions or their opinions about when it's time to take a break. The way they negotiate obstacles is a marvel and is a true testament to their athleticism.

More than one llama may be tied together to form a llama pack string.  Llamas follow one another quite naturally, and quickly learn to "line out" as they proceed up the trail.  The most common method of combining llamas together to form a pack string is to fasten the lead rope of the trailing llama to the saddle of the llama in front of them.  Safety dictates that the attachment should be with a quick release snap or quick release knot to allow the lead rope to break away should trouble arise.  Leading a string of llamas requires you to pay extra attention.  You should look back frequently to check on them and take care when negotiating obstacles.

While they may drink from streams along the trail, llamas may also completely abstain from drinking during the hike to camp.  In either case they should be offered water in the evening after their ration of llama pellets and again in the morning.

When possible llamas should be picketed within sight of camp, away from small trees and potentially poisonous plants.  Because llamas often choose the dampest areas in which to make their dung piles they should not be picketed too close to streams, lakes, springs.  Asa safety measure, many packers attach the picket line to the stake with a piece of rubber bungie cord.  This acts as a shock absorber in case the llama spooks and runs abruptly to the end of its rope.  On layover days, the llamas picket sites should be moved morning and night to minimize grazing impact.

Llama padded feet, virtually weed free poop, and light browsing habits have a lower impact on the land than horses, mules and donkeys.  In keeping with this principle, llama packers should make a special effort to practice "leave no trace" camping and leave as little evidence of their visit as possible.

Special considerations should be made when llama packers meet horses and mules on the trail.  These animals may become nervous or excited at their first sight of a llama with a loaded pack.  Llamas are more maneuverable animals than horses and mules and should give right of way to riders and their pack stock by stepping off the trail several yards to allow them to pass easily.  Sometimes, this means going. back down the trail a ways to a wider area.  And when possible, getting off below the trail is preferable to above.  It's helpful for llama packers to give a bit of warning to riders they see approaching, letting them know that they're traveling with llamas and that they'll get off the trail at the first opportunity.  A friendly greeting goes a long way toward promoting good will, reassuring the horses and mules, and seeing that all parties have a safe and pleasant encounter.

Llamas are not mainstream pack animals and are becoming a more popular choice to pack into the backcountry.  Many people have never seen a llama on the trail, and when llama packers meet hikers and riders they are presented with an opportunity to introduce others to the pleasures of traveling with llamas.  A bit of time spent answering questions about how much they can pack and where they come from can increase good will and acceptance of these amazing creatures.

Packing with llamas can be habit forming; you may never want to carry a backpack again!   

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