The Women’s Ultimate Packing List for a Dude Ranch: Summer into Fall Edition
Katie Binzer, founder of Hi Favorite, at Triangle X Ranch in Moose, WY.
Wrangler
Geometric Sherpa Trucker Jacket
Cozy sherpa warmth meets bold Western spirit in a statement jacket made for crisp mornings and effortless layering.
✓ Warm and comfortable
✓ Distinctive Western style
✓ Practical and versatile
Tecovas
The Annie Boots in Fawn Suede
Premium leather riding boots with a supportive heel and cushioned footbed for long days in and out of the saddle.
✓ Defined riding heel
✓ Cushioned footbed
✓ Classic Western styling
Ray Ban
Polarized Mirrored Aviator Sunglasses
A timeless icon, these babies combine legendary style with polarized clarity for every adventure under the sun.
✓ Reduced glare
✓ Lightweight comfort
✓ Wardrobe staple
Buff
Original EcoStretch Neck Gaiter
Wrap yourself in effortless protection—soft, versatile neckwear that moves with you and shields from the elements.
✓ Worn 12 ways
✓ UPF 50 protection
✓ Made from recycled materials
Ariat
Perfect Rise Jordyn Trouser Jeans
Adventure-ready and effortlessly stylish, these teal aviator sunglasses deliver all-day comfort and crystal-clear protection.
✓ Stay securely in place
✓ Polarized
✓ Lightweight performance
Stetson
Skyline 6X Felt Fur Cowboy Hat
An enduring symbol of Western heritage, the Stetson Skyline 6X blends timeless craftsmanship with refined style for every day.
✓ Built to last
✓ Timeless Western style
✓ All-day comfort
The List
Clothing
□ 3–4 Pairs of Riding Jeans
Jeans will likely become your everyday uniform. Choose high-quality denim with a little stretch and a high or mid-rise waist (my vote is HIGH) to stay comfortable in the saddle.
Look for:
Bootcut styles
Stretch denim
Minimal bulky seams
Avoid:
Skinny jeans
Fashion jeans with excessive distressing
□ 5–7 Moisture-Wicking Shirts
Lightweight performance shirts keep you cooler than heavy cotton and dry quickly after long rides.
Bring a mix of:
Long-sleeve sun shirts
Lightweight Western snap shirts
Comfortable T-shirts for evenings
□ 1-2 Long-Sleeve Lightweight Shirts (Sun Protection)
Button down options are amazing because you can adjust how much airflow you need. Sun protection without spraying yourself with sunscreen is also a serious plus.
□ Lightweight Jacket
Even in July, mornings at many Western ranches can start in the 40s or 50s before warming into the 70s, 80s, or even into the 90s.
A lightweight jacket is perfect for:
Early trail rides
Sunrise coffee
Evening campfires
□ Fleece or Sweatshirt
One cozy layer is plenty. Here is our favorite recommendation.
□ Casual Outfit for Dinner
Many dude ranches have:
Steak dinners
Dancing (Yes, even Square Dancing with a professional instructor)
Cookouts
Evening entertainment (think campfires with S’mores)
Nice jeans paired with a blouse or a casual Western dress work perfectly. I did witness a perfect denim jumpsuit that I will be buying for next year. To be continued…
□ 3-4 Sleepwear Sets
Choose something comfortable after long days outdoors. Be prepared for no A/C which means warm evenings and cool mornings.
□ 7-9 Sports Bras & Underwear
Pack enough undergarments for the week plus one extra day. Sports bras are another essential item on this trip for your own sanity. Even a slow walk on horseback requires some extra support. Also, keep in mind that laundry facilities are sometimes available but not always a guarantee that it is open for use when you have time to do it.
□ Rain Jacket / Poncho
This is one item I forgot which is something I would not recommend. IF it does rain, wet denim can be very painful, even for short distances. For you own peace of mind, bring one, please!
Footwear
I am going to include the word “comfortable” below because it is one thing that us ladies like to sometimes, begrudgingly disregard. We know better so I am just going to say it for a gentle reminder to not ignore. :)
□ Comfortable Cowboy Boots
This by far is your most important purchase. Investing in quality boots will not only make your trip more enjoyable, it will save you from unwanted and unnecessary foot pain down the road. Click here for our favorite pair.
Look for:
Real leather or high quality suede (suede seems risky but mine were great and held up really well!)
Cushioned insole & arch support
Riding heel: 1-2”
Broken in before your trip
□ Comfortable Walking Shoes
Perfect for:
Hiking trails
Exploring around the lodge
Travel days
□ Sandals or Slides
Great for relaxing after riding. These are a must for relaxing after a long day. Their lightweight design and small footprint in your suitcase make these a no brainer.
□ 8+ Pairs of Performance Riding Socks
Quality socks prevent blisters and help regulate temperature. Avoid thin cotton athletic socks if you'll be riding daily. You will need the height of your socks to be taller than where your boots hit your shin so you can avoid having unwanted rubbing on your legs.
Riding Essentials
□ Cowboy Hat and/or Ball Cap
A hat provides welcome shade from the summer sun.
If you don't own a cowboy hat, a baseball cap is perfectly acceptable at many ranches. See our FAQ section below for tips on how to pick the right hat. Click here for our favorite hat.
□ Riding Gloves
I did not have these and every day I wished I did! Our ranch sold these in their supply shop and I won’t make the same mistake next year of not giving in. Buying on day one…
Useful for:
Preventing blisters
Better grip
Warmth on cooler mornings
Sun protection
□ Neck Gaiter or Bandana
The protect you face from the sun, but mostly to keep dirt out of your mouth while riding. This is a real issue and you will thank me later when you see a dust cloud coming your way from the loping horses in front of you. Click here for our favorite.
□ Stampede Strap
This will be affixed to the inner lining of your cowboy hat to keep your hat on you and not spooking your horse if it does fly off.
□ Sunglasses with Croakies
Polarized lenses make bright Western landscapes more comfortable to enjoy. Croakies are also a must for similar reasons to the stampede strap… I also enjoy the laziness factor of just taking off my sunglasses and dropping them. Plus, I don’t have to think about the nose pads getting tangled in my hair on the top of my head every time I need to see something unpolarized. Click here for our favorite pair.
□ Western or Regular Leather Belt (optional)
You will see all shapes and sizes of belts and buckles on this trip. Go with what you feel comfortable wearing and that will make you feel confident in if you’re planning on tucking your shirts into your jeans. If not, just go untucked like me. However, I’m not going to lie that there were days I wished I had a belt. Next year…
Toiletries
Pack travel-size versions of your essentials and don’t forget:
□ SPF 50 sunscreen
□ SPF 50 sunscreen for face
□ Lip balm with SPF
□ Aloe gel for after sun care
□ Insect repellent
An absolute MUST, we even sprayed this all over our clothing. It does not have to be on your skin! Mosquitoes will bite you through your jeans…
□ Itch cream for insect bites
□ Facial moisturizer
□ Dry shampoo
□ Hair ties
□ Nasal rinse
You’ll see what I mean when you blow your nose after a full day of riding, especially if it is dry outside and lots of dust is flying around.
□Toothbrush / toothpaste
□Shampoo / conditioner
□ Hair brush / detangling spray
□ Soap / body wash
□ First aid basics
□ Pepto Bismol / Benadryl / Allergy medications
□ Contacts & supplies / glasses
Personal Items
□ Credit cards and cash (for tipping ranch staff)
□ Flight / Rental Car Confirmations (if applicable)
□ Health insurance card
□ National Park passes / reservations
□ Medications in original containers
□ Small Backpack or Crossbody Bag
Useful for carrying:
Water bottle
Camera/Phone
Jacket
Snacks
Perfect for:
Around the lodge
Dinner
Shopping in nearby towns
Compact and concise bag to place into your saddlebag while horseback riding
□ Reusable Water Bottle
Hydration is especially important in dry mountain climates. Also, altitude increases your body's need for fluids, even if you don't feel particularly sweaty. This is one of the reasons visitors to mountain destinations—including many dude ranches in Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, and Utah—can become dehydrated more quickly than they expect. Here are the main reasons why: you breathe faster, the air is much drier, you urinate more frequently and you may not notice you’re sweating when you actually are.
One important note: if you use a metal water bottle (Owala, Contigo, etc.), you will want to avoid using ice. The ice jiggles in the bottle and can startle your horse. If you use a foldable, rubber water bottle (not plastic), ice is OK.
□ Phone / Watch / Ring Chargers
□ Portable Phone Charger
You'll likely take more photos than expected. These are a life saver on any trip, especially when you are taking lots of videos and may need GPS assistance if you get lost…just sayin’.
Optional Items
Depending on the ranch:
Swimsuit
Rain jacket
Camera (if you need more than what your phone can give [rare] - optional)
Travel laundry bag (this is useful for clothes and boots covered in dirt!), or a trash bag will work just as well
Laundry detergent, dryer sheets and quarters for machines
Book and / or Kindle
Mahjong set
Needlepoint project
Deck of cards
What You Can Leave at Home
You don't need to overpack. Skip:
High heels
Expensive handbags
Fancy jewelry
Multiple dressy outfits
Hair styling tools you'll rarely use
Heavy makeup
Most ranches have a relaxed atmosphere where comfort and practicality are more important than dressing up.
Packing Tips
Break in your cowboy boots before your trip.
Dress in layers—temperatures can change significantly between morning and afternoon.
Pack light enough to leave room for souvenirs like hats, boots, or local artisan goods.
Check with your specific ranch to see if they provide helmets, rain gear, or riding chaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear hiking boots instead of cowboy boots?
The short answer is: it depends—but in most cases, cowboy boots are the better choice.
If you're planning to spend several days horseback riding at a dude ranch, a quality pair of cowboy boots is worth the investment. While hiking boots may seem like a practical alternative, they aren't designed for riding and can create both comfort and safety issues.
Why Cowboy Boots Are Recommended
Cowboy boots have been the standard footwear for horseback riding for generations because they're specifically designed for the job.
Their key features include:
A defined heel that helps keep your foot from sliding too far through the stirrup.
A smooth sole that allows your foot to move in and out of the stirrup more easily if you need to dismount quickly.
A tall leather shaft that protects your ankles from rubbing against stirrup leathers and saddle fenders.
A supportive fit that's comfortable for hours in the saddle.
Most guest ranches recommend—or even require—a boot with at least a 1-inch heel for riding.
The Problem with Hiking Boots
Hiking boots are designed for traction on trails, not horseback riding.
Many hiking boots have:
Thick, aggressive tread that can catch in a stirrup.
Little or no heel, allowing your foot to slide farther into the stirrup than intended.
Bulky soles that may not fit comfortably in some stirrups.
Waterproof membranes that can become hot during long summer rides.
For occasional horseback riding, these issues may not cause problems, but if you'll be riding several hours a day for multiple days, you'll likely notice the difference.
How do I choose the Right Cowboy Hat for a Dude Ranch?
A cowboy hat isn't just a Western fashion statement—it provides valuable protection from the sun and can make long days outdoors much more comfortable. Here's how to choose the right one for your trip.
Straw vs. Felt: Which Should You Choose?
Straw Hats (Best for Summer)
Lightweight and breathable
Keep your head cooler in warm weather
Ideal for July and August dude ranch vacations
Available in a variety of weaves and price points
Best for: Summer ranch vacations, hot climates, and first-time visitors.
Felt Hats (Best for Cooler Weather)
Warmer and more structured
Better for spring, fall, and winter
More resistant to wind and cooler temperatures
Typically more expensive than straw hats
Best for: Shoulder-season trips or if you'll be riding in cooler mountain weather.
Finding the Right Fit
A properly fitting hat should:
Sit comfortably about a finger's width above your eyebrows.
Feel snug without causing pressure points or headaches.
Stay in place when you bend over or encounter a light breeze.
Note: If you're between sizes, many hats include sizing inserts that can help achieve a more secure fit.
Don't Want a Cowboy Hat?
That's perfectly okay. Many dude ranches are relaxed about headwear.
Other great options include:
A wide-brim sun hat for excellent UV protection.
A baseball cap for casual rides and everyday activities.
A packable hiking hat if you're also planning to hike or explore nearby trails.
How many pairs of jeans should I pack?
Our recommendation of 4 pairs is due to not needing a new pair every single day while wanting a variety of options. Some people wear one pair the ENTIRE time. No. Don’t do that. Your clothes are going to get dirtier than you’re used to and that’s ok. Just remember to bring some laundry detergent and quarters in case you have to pay to use the machines.
Do I need chaps?
Need? No. Do they look cool? Yes. Are they awesome when it comes to keeping your legs safe from branches and preventing wear on your jeans? Yes. However, if you show up to a dude ranch with chaps…you better be a good rider and know your stuff.
Can beginners ride?
Absolutely. Most ranches will offer a beginner level “walking” lesson (also offered for people who just want a relaxing ride), then you progress up to a “trotting” lesson - then “loping” (if offered, some ranches do not offer this for safety reasons), “advanced,” etc.
Are leggings okay for horseback riding?
I can safely say “no.” For safety reasons, you most definitely want legit, denim jeans. There was no shortage of times when a broken branch would scrap across my leg and I’d think “Wow, I am so glad I have jeans on today…!” This decision will save you from a lot of pain, scars and being scolded from a wrangler or two.