Which Panniers Should I Use on My Pack Saddle?

So you are ready to start packing. You've got your pack horse or pack mule. You have chosen a Decker Pack Saddle or a Sawbuck Pack Saddle. You have chosen your pack pad. Now it is time to choose the panniers. But which ones? Below I have outlined some options and have also let you know what I like to use when I go on a horse pack trip.

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Types of Pack Panniers

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There are several styles of pack saddle panniers (or saddle packs, as I have sometimes heard them called) which can be quickly grouped as either hard panniers or soft panniers. Hard panniers, as the name suggested, are a box type carrier made from a solid material like wood, aluminum or molded plastic. Soft panniers are more of a bag style made from materials such as canvas, leather, vinyl, etc.

Hard Panniers

Each material used in hard panniers has its pros and cons.

Wood is solid and strong, but heavy. Wooden pack boxes are usually mantied. Also wood is porous and can take on water and may shatter more easily in a wreck than other types of hard panniers. Aluminum panniers are lighter weight, but are also noisy and dent easily when banged against trees and rocks. Once dented, it can be difficult to reshape them back to their original form, which can prohibit your lid from fitting correctly again. Molded plastics are lightweight, but tough and can be shaped to fit the animal's body. They seem to survive wrecks as well, if not better, than the other types of materials. These panniers are strong enough to be used as a step stool or seat in camp and some models are designed to convert to a table or flat work surface. I personally prefer hard panniers made from molded plastic.
Molded plastic hard panniers

There are three types of molded plastic hard panniers: horse shaped, box shaped and bear resistant.
Horse-shaped pack boxes, like Ralide-West HorsePacs, are curved in the back to follow the shape of your pack animal's ribs. These panniers hang straighter on the animal and, therefore, provide you with a slightly narrower load and a flatter shelf for your top pack. However, the curved shape of these boxes affects the amount and shape of the packing space available inside the pannier. You have to work around the curve and large, square items may not fit as well in these pack boxes. Box-shaped panniers, on the other hand, like Ralide-West ProPacs, are rectangular in shape, which can simplify packing your gear on a horse pack trip. These panniers are large enough for a smaller wall tent stove like the Riley Side Kick. However, the rectangular shape does not lay flat against the animal, so your pack load is a little wider going down the trail and the pack boxes ride at more of an angle. This means the tops of the boxes will not be as flat, but your top pack will still ride just fine. Bear Resistant Panniers (sometimes known as Bear "Proof" Panniers, although this is misleading) are designed with lids that are inset and screwed down to keep bears from being able to pry the lid off. These panniers are often required by the Forest Service in areas with high bear populations to prevent bears from getting into human food and becoming habituated and a nuisance or danger to humans. If you travel through or camp in these areas without bear resistant panniers, you will need to hang your food to prevent bears from getting into it (100 feet from the tent, about 15 high between two trees). These panniers are often horse-shaped and, therefore, ride well.
Soft Panniers

Soft panniers are lighter weight and flexible and can, therefore, be useful for the odd shaped loads you might have on your horse pack trip. To protect fragile items from bumps, you can add a pannier insert, like the Ralide-West PolyPac Insert, to many types of soft panniers. Pannier inserts also provide a stable platform for using a top pack.

Soft panniers are available in several styles and materials:

Probably the most classic soft pannier is one made from canvas and leather. These panniers look great going down the trail, but the leather on them requires more care and makes them non-machine washable. If the pack bag has leather ends, it may have more stability and offer more protection than one without, but once again, a pannier insert is the best way to get structure and protection for your contents. Canvas Panniers also offer you a traditional look for an economical price. They also have the added benefit of being machine washable. These soft saddle packs are also generally sized for use with the PolyPro Pannier Inserts to give them stability and protect your contents. Oversized panniers. We had many requests for a pannier that could carry a big cooler, so we designed the TrailMax Oversized Canvas and Vinyl Panniers. These soft pack panniers are canvas on the outside and vinyl on the inside. These panniers are perfect for coolers up to about 70-quarts or your large duffel loads like camp furniture, tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads. Because of the vinyl lining and soft shape, they also make terrific meat bags and are completely machine washable. These panniers offer a lot of room, so be careful not to overload them. And realize that you will be wider than normal going down the trail. Soft panniers may also be available in Cordura-type nylon, like in our Pack-A-Saddle Saddle Panniers. Cordura is lightweight, durable, economical and easy to care for. The Pack-A-Saddle is a complete pack system that includes panniers, pannier inserts and top pack. It is also convertible so that you can use it on your pack saddle or convert it to use on your riding saddle. When using it on your riding saddle, like all saddle panniers, you can also roll them up and tie them on behind your saddle so you can ride in and walk a load out. Iron Cloth Pack Bags, or Utah-Style Pack Bags as they are sometimes called, are great for packing meat out. They are made from ballistic material, a type of heavy-duty woven fabric that is breathable and washable. Their unique shape (tall and wide, but not very deep) and design (no lid) makes them well suited for this type of load but not many other pack loads.
Which panniers do I use?

When I go on a pack trip, I typically pack 2-3 mules. I will pack 1-2 mules with HorsePac panniers or ProPac panniers with my kitchen gear and food. I then use top packs for my duffel type gear. The other pack mule is packed with a mantied load because manties are flexible for large, odd-shaped items and are very handy to have around camp. When I hunt, I use a set of the Oversized Canvas and Vinyl panniers. They are perfect for packing out elk quarters.

So to choose pack panniers, I suggest that you assess the gear you want to pack in, your animals, the terrain you will be packing in and through, etc. Then, based on the pros and cons from above, choose the panniers that best fit your needs and will make your next horse pack trip the most enjoyable.

Which Panniers Should I Use on My Pack Saddle?

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Baby Safety In The Nursery And In The Home

Baby safety in the nursery is paramount and should always be your first concern when designing you baby's nursery, as indeed it should be, around the house.

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You might look around your house and think that is a safe place, but put a baby or toddler in there and you eyes will be opened.

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The problem is that babies and toddlers have no sense of danger and this is what makes everyday items, a possible threat to their safety.

Baby safety and child safety is really a matter of common sense and vigilance and the use of good recommended baby safety equipment.

Just to keep you on your toes, be aware, that

'What They Couldn't Do Yesterday They Might Be Able To Do Today'

The nursery is the room in which both you and baby will spend a huge amount of time, by adopting good baby safety practices, before your baby is born, you can create a safe environment in which you can relax and watch your baby play, rest and grow throughout their infancy.

When creating your nursery plan, make sure not to place any furniture near the window, as your child grows they might use items around the room as ladders to look out of the window, and what you think might happen next. It's worth spending some time rearranging the room now, rather than after an accident.

Your baby's cot is where he will initially spend most of his time, especially in those first few months.

When choosing a cot for your baby's nursery it is always preferable to buy a new one so that you can be sure it is equipped with the latest safety features, however this is not always practical. It's important that if you do have to get a second-hand cot, that its inspected thoroughly for wear and tear of fixtures and fastenings.

Although a second-hand cot may pass the baby safety test, please buy a brand new mattress for your baby.

Mattresses should be firm and fit snugly with less than the width of two fingers between the inner edge of the cot and the side of the mattress.

Don't allow pets in the room where your baby is sleeping. Sleeping babies in cots are lovely warm places for dogs and cats to sleep too. You don't want your baby smothered or scratched by the family pet.

Don't overdress your baby in bed either, newborns can't regulate their temperature and are vulnerable to overheating.

When placing your baby in their cot they should be placed on their backs (unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare professionals). You should ensure that their feet are placed near the bottom of the cot with the sheet tucked under the mattress, this will prevent your baby from wriggling under the covers.

Bumper pads can be secured, around the sides of the cot to protect your baby and prevent them from reaching through the bars. When your baby is able to stand, the bumper pads should be removed, so that they can't be used as a step to help him climb out of the cot.

Pillows, soft toys and comforters should also be removed from the cot before you put your baby down to nap.

Hanging mobiles should be out of your baby's reach and those that fit to the side of the cot must be firmly and tightly secured.

Installing a functioning smoke alarm in your baby's nursery or right outside the room, will give you peace of mind when you leave him to sleep.

If you are using a changing table, always fix your baby securely with the changing table's safety straps, they are there for a reason.

Curtains and blinds cords are a common cause of injury and any long cords used to draw curtains should not form loops, and should be tied well out of your baby's reach.

Cupboards and wardrobes doors are also possible hazards and there are many safety mechanisms to stop children from injuring themselves with them.

Get socket safety plugs for all accessible sockets in the nursery and around your home, as your baby will curiously try to stick his fingers in, then he will have a shock.

But of course you'll will need plenty of good safety tips for around the home as they become more mobile.

Baby Safety In The Nursery And In The Home

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How to Keep Rug Flat and From Slipping on Carpet

A rug used on carpet can slip and become wrinkled. No-Muv carpet pad is truly the only rug pad that will prevent a rug on carpet from slipping and keep it flat and wrinkle free. No-Muv is specifically designed for use on top if carpet.

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There are pads available that claim to keep rugs flat on carpet. These rug pads are usually very thin and sticky. The problem with these sticky pads is that they do not work, particularly when the rug is walked on or has furniture on it. A rug needs a substantial foundation under it in order for it to resist pressure and stay flat on carpet. No-Muv is the only rug pad that is 1/4 of an inch thick and dense enough to resist the pressure found with the weight of furniture and foot steps.

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I am always asked by people on how to keep their rug flat on carpet. I have seen enough rooms where the rug is wrinkled and bunching up. This wrinkling poses a few problems. First, the rug does not look good if it is not flat. Second, when the wrinkled areas are walked on, this causes premature and uneven wear to those areas of the rug, hence reducing the value and life span. Lastly, when the rug is not flat, it can cause a trip hazard and injury.

I have tried the sticky pads and the double-sided tape only for them not to work. These types of sticky pads are not heavy and solid enough to resist the pressure of foot steps and furniture pushing down into the carpet. There truly needs to be a solid pad underneath. No-Muv is proven to work and truly does. While No-Muv may be more expensive than any other rug on carpet pad, it is a small price to pay to prevent damage to your rug and to prevent harm from tripping over the wrinkles in the rug.

How to Keep Rug Flat and From Slipping on Carpet

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Cleaning Hardwood Floors

To keep you hardwood floors looking their best, regular attention is the key. With the proper care and maintenance, you can keep your hardwood floors looking new for many years and they will last a lifetime.

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Best way to clean hardwood floors

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The best way to clean a hardwood floor depends on the type of finish. Surface finishes are found on pre-finished floors and are mostly polyurethane. They usually have a glossy appearance. They are easy to care for and maintain; simply sweep, vacuum and mop. Penetrating seals such as oils and waxes have a satin or matte finish. Strip the wax and apply a fresh coat once or twice a year. This type of hardwood floor should not be damp mopped because the water will penetrate the wood.

Sweep high traffic areas on a daily basis, and vacuum and mop weekly. When sweeping, use a broom with fine, exploded ends to trap dust and grit effectively. To minimize the amount of dirt brought inside, place door mats at each entrance.

Vacuum your hardwood floor regularly to remove dirt as this will scratch and dull the surface. Use a lightweight vacuum cleaner with a soft brush on the head so it doesn't scratch the floor. Follow with a microfibre dust mop to trap fine dust particles.

Next, use a damp, not wet, mop with a pH neutral floor cleaner specifically formulated for wood floors to remove dust and grime. Vinegar is also an effective and safe floor cleaner (see section on using vinegar below). Wring the mop out completely and mop in the direction of the wood grain. When the water gets dirty, replace with a fresh batch of cleaning solution. When finished, go back over with clean water to rinse. Do not use straight ammonia, liquid detergents or abrasive cleaners as they can dull or strip the finish and discolour the wood. Do not damp mop waxed floors. Just sweep and vacuum regularly.

Wipe up any food or liquid spills immediately with a damp cloth, then dry with a clean towel. Water and other liquids are one of the floors worst enemies as they can damage the finish and seep in between the floorboards causing warping. Consider placing mats on areas where water may be splashed, such as at the kitchen sink.

Caring for hardwood floors

Hardwood floors are easily gouged and scratched so take preventative steps to protect your hardwood floor. Use felt pads under furniture legs and feet and take care when moving furniture. Remove shoes before walking on the floor to prevent heel and scuff marks.

Regular vacuuming will keep your floor free of dirt and grit that can scratch the surface. Sunlight can cause excessive discoloration so protect the floor from sunlight by closing blinds or drapes. Some discoloration may be unavoidable, so rotating furniture and rugs will also help ensure that any UV exposure is even across the floor.

When placing rugs on your hardwood floor, be cautious. Rug dyes have been known to stain floors, and plastic backings may affect the wood finish.

Clean hardwood floors with vinegar

Using vinegar to clean hardwood floors is a cheap, environmentally friendly solution to keep your hardwood floor looking good. Mix ½ cup of vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water. Dip a cotton cloth into the solution and wring thoroughly. Work on one small area at a time, immediately buffing dry with a clean cloth.

Vinegar is excellent for cutting grease, removing odors, mildew, most stains and wax buildup. It will also neutralize alkaline stains such as those from hard water.

Cleaning Hardwood Floors

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Cane Furniture - Elegant and Durable

Cane furniture is a very popular style of furniture for placing on a front porch or sun room. There are also styles used for setting in the living room. These are more common in households where there isn't a lot of rough activity or animals to tear up the cane structures. Since this type of furniture is created from a material that is thin, it is torn easily. Wicker furniture is made from the cane of rattan stalks, but it is also combined with some plastic fibers. Although it is a very light type of material, cane is sturdy enough for making furniture out of.

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When people describe furniture made of cane, they often are referring to wicker. It is common for bamboo furniture to also be labeled as cane instead. Bamboo has a much larger stalk than the rattan cane used for furniture, so it is more commonly used for the construction of homes and similar large structures.

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Wicker furniture was typical in ancient Egyptian times. There are even some antique wicker furniture pieces that are highly desired by collectors from all over.

For people who love the beauty of cane, but want to have something a bit more durable, furniture made from plastic or resin can be purchased. The appearance of cane usage for these furniture items still provides a beautiful piece of furniture, without the worry that weathering will damage each piece. These require a lot less maintenance than actual furniture from woven cane. Deciding to purchase an actual piece of rattan furniture means that it will need to be placed in an area where damage won't occur.

Creating furniture seats from woven cane products is known as caning. This involves weaving the fibers together to form a flat, fibrous sheet that can be placed in the seat area of a chair. Some rattan vines used for caning can be about 500 feet long.

Caning used to be a common art among chair makers, but it isn't seen used that often on everyday chairs. Most seats for chairs are constructed from slabs of wood instead of being woven from cane.

Typical furniture styles created with cane include wide sofas with high backs, tall chairs that are either very wide or extremely narrow, and long low tables for setting in front of the sofa and chairs. Some furniture sets also come with ottomans for resting feet on. There tends to be a tropical feel to these pieces of furniture. Many are lined with numerous cushions or overstuffed pads of some sort. These additions to sofas and chairs make them quite a bit more comfortable for lounging in.

Depending on what type of cane furniture it is, each piece can run from around 30 dollars into the thousands of dollars. Wicker furniture is often the cheapest form created from a cane product. There are chairs that only have the seat made from cane woven together, but the type of wood the cane is combined with will usually determine how high the price is. Overall, this type of furniture has a very elegant feel to it.

Cane Furniture - Elegant and Durable

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How To Stop Your Cat Scratching And Ruining Your Furniture

It's natural for cats to scratch but often it destroys your good furniture. Thankfully there are some things that you can do to relieve the problem.

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Many people watch in sadness as their cat destroys virtually everything that he can get his claws into. You can improve this behavior. To do so, you need to know why he is doing what he is doing.

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Cats were hunters. They needed those sharp teeth to help them to climb trees and to leap down on their prey. Although your cat is not likely to be pouncing on their dinner anymore, they still instinctively need to sharpen their claws and that is exactly what they are doing on your furniture. The scratching that they do is a way of trimming their nails and it removes the old outer part of the claws. Another reason they are ruining your home is because they know it to be their territory. They release a scent from special glands in their paws which helps them mark the area as theirs. They also do it because they are working the kinks out of their body as well as burning some energy.

Before you head off to have him de clawed, you may want to try out some of the alternative methods of preventing the scratching.

One way is to provide them with scratching pads or posts. There are a wide variety of them available including those that are part of a cat condo. You can even make your own by using two foot high section of a four by four, two foot by two foot piece of heavy plywood and a carpet remnant. When you have one of these, take it and put it right next to his favorite piece of furniture to destroy. Then, gradually move it away from the furniture as he gets accustomed to it.

You can also use a pet repellant spray such as Bitter Apple on the furniture that the pet is clawing at. Take the time to test the spray on a non visible area of the furniture before using it though. Or if you do not want to spray the furniture, then cover the material with aluminum foil or tape that is placed sticky side up. The cat will not like the material and will turn to the scratching post instead.

Some cats just can't seem to stop. For these, de-clawing becomes the best option. If your cat stays indoors, you can have their claws removed. There are some risks involved and the procedure can be painful for him. Those who would like to avoid this like to use nail caps instead. These are applied as false nails would be to the cat's nail.

If your cat is a scratcher, do what you can to stop him before you have him de-clawed. If this becomes the best option though, it may be better than having your furniture torn up!

I hope that some of these simple tips help you save your furniture from cat attack without stopping you cat from enjoying life.

How To Stop Your Cat Scratching And Ruining Your Furniture

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Sofa Furniture, Choose it Stylish and Durable

There is no denying that sofa is probably the most important piece of furniture in any household and as a result, it has the greatest range of styles and qualities available for purchase.

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As there are many styles, it may actually be easier to first categorize them into either sectional or sleeper types which could be further divided by using the styles of their backs which normally done in four styles: tight back, attached pillow back, loose pillow back and multi pillow back.

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Tight back sofas have a very firm seat and one must sit upright as they don't have supporting pillow. It is suitable for people who do not have much time as the fabric normally used for this type of sofas is very easy to clean and additionally, there are no pillows to straighten.

Attached pillow back sofas have softer seats and backs because the filled pillows are sewn into the backs of the sofas to prevent them to move around. However, as the pillows are permanently attached, it is more difficult to clean and 'hide' if they got stained.

Sofas that have loose pillow backs have the same number of seat and back cushions. The back cushions are normally reversible and can be unzipped for re-stuffing and cleaning purposes. The comfort of this type of sofas depends on the quality and firmness of the stuffing of the seat and back cushions as well as the depth of the sofa itself.

Multi pillow back sofas are also referred as scatter back sofas and they have a larger number of back pillows than seat pillows, which can be casually scattered all over the sofas to create a casual looks. This type of sofas is usually more comfortable as the size of the sofas tend to be larger and deeper than other types.

Furthermore, they can also be classified by the types of skirts (dressmaker or boxpleat), arms (roll arm, Charles of London and tuxedo arm), and base treatments (upholstered foot and plinth base).

Choosing the right type of sofa according to your lifestyle is highly advisable to get the maximum comfort out of it. For example, if the owner likes to lie down near the sofa, then it makes more sense to choose a sofa with arms that have lower pads than a high tuxedo arm.

Fabric of the sofa also plays a very important role, not only it must have a pleasant color and pattern, it must also be durable and easy to clean, as the cost of replacement in case of accidental damages could come close to a whole new sofa.

Sofa Furniture, Choose it Stylish and Durable

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