It would be advisable to contact someone who has recent knowledge of the area or the land manager's office when planning a trip. The availability of horse feed and condition of the trails must be considered it may be necessary to pack in weed seed free horse feed, especially in alpine areas. Dead wood for fires can be scarce in high country. A gas stove may be required for cooking. In country new to you, a topographic map and the ability to read it are vital. A compass should also be included in your gear. There are many excellent books available on both map reading and compass use. The USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region puts out an excellent document, Recreation Aid No. 2, 'Map and Compass."
It is important to always carry a good knife, a flashlight, and fire starting material whether you are out for one day or many. Always be prepared for cold, wet weather. On pack trips an ax, a shovel, and a water container are useful and may be required in some areas. A saw may be necessary if larger blowdowns are expected. Finally, carry good first aid kits for both horse and rider.
In organizing your trip, plan to take the minimum number of stock needed to make your trip successful. We must use minimum impact techniques or we, will be regulated out of the backcountry. The least number of animals cause less impact on the land. There is a great variety of lightweight camp, cooking and sleeping gear available. The right selections will reduce weight and bulkiness. In Wilderness, parks, etc., it is advisable to check with administrative agencies to learn of any limitation on stock numbers. As a guide, one pack animal per two persons is sufficient. Naturally you must consider the length of the trip and forage availability.