People have asked me whether I use special gear on my Ride Across America.  I don’t use “special” gear, but I use the best gear I can afford.  I have no arrangement or agreement with any of the retailers or manufacturers below, and I have never received discounts or compensation for endorsing their products.  In fact, I didn’t tell them I was endorsing their products.

Double H Western Wear in Salem, Oregon is my source for boots, clothing and hats.  I’ve shopped there since the 1980s and have purchased 6 or 7 hats there over the past 25 years, most recently a 20X Stetson.   It is also my source for clothing and equipment required for the Oregon Mounted Governor’s Guard.  The manager, Jeff Hutchison, is very knowledgeable and helpful, and a great guy.

I use Filson clothing whenever I can.   All their clothing is made in Seattle, Washington.  Their products wear like iron and have a lifetime warranty.  I have Filson tin cloth, shelter cloth (akin to oilskin), and wool jackets  and a wool vest. I also have a couple Filson hats I wear in the rain.   Its not cheap, but its the best on the planet.

I use Weaver Leather and Buckaroo Leather Products for tack.  All their leather products are made in America.  I’ve never had to replace even one piece of leather equipment on the trail or around home, and I like who Weaver Leather sponsors– Justin Dunn and Stacy Westfall.

For pack equipment, I use Outfitters Supply from Montana.  Their bags and tack are well-designed, fairly priced and made in America.  And they are very helpful when I call with questions about their products.

My saddle pads are from Diamond Wool Pad Company.  Made in Rhode Island, excellent quality and reasonably priced.  I have three of them and rotate them whenever I can while on the trail.

I use a Justin Dunn (from Weaver) side-pull bridle on the trail.  My horses are well-trained in the bit,  but when riding 7 to 9 hours a day, 5 or 6 days a week, it just seems better (and kinder) to not use a bit.  Before I began using a side-pull in 2018, I used a mechanical hackamore.  Side-pull bridles are much better for my purposes, however.

I use Don Orrell 3″ red elm angled roper stirrups on the saddle I use on the trail.  They are really good looking and light weight.  The angle of the tread reduces strain on my ankles, knees and hips.   Its absolutely amazing how well angled stirrups work.

I use Cashel horn bags and saddle bags.   I looked at all the various bags from  manufacturers on the market, and the design of the Cashel bags was the best for my purposes.  I have the small and medium sizes (rather than large sizes) due to weight concerns.

I like tradition.  I wear only Stetson felt hats almost all year ’round.