What is a Pack Goat?

A pack goat is a companion animal used to carry loads for humans; they are often used to transport gear on wilderness trips. Castrated males from the larger breeds are typically ideal for this purpose. A healthy pack goat can carry about 25 percent of its own weight and has a low impact on the environment as it travels through. Pack goats are inexpensive to care for and easy to train as long as they are exposed to humans from a young age.

Animals have been used as beasts of burden throughout history, and goats have been domesticated by humans for thousands of years. Goats are said to be ideal pack animals because they are friendly, hard working, loyal, and they enjoy human companionship. Since many breeds are native to mountainous areas, they are adapted to rough terrain, making them well suited to navigating wilderness. They are nimble, sure footed, and able to carry a moderate load, thereby allowing their human companions to travel more easily.

When selecting a pack goat, a castrated male, also known as a wether, from a large dairy breed is often the best choice. A female can also make a good pack goat; since females are usually smaller, they can't carry as much weight as a male, however. Some owners feel that a female's ability to provide fresh milk on the trail makes up for the smaller load-carrying ability. It is also extremely important for the goat to be friendly and alert with a good disposition.

A typical adult pack goat can carry at least 25 percent of its own weight. Once they have been trained and conditioned, many pack goats can carry as much as 35 percent of their own body weight without a problem. Loads are carried in special packs strapped to the goat's back that are designed to distribute the weight evenly. Pack goats tend to graze and nibble vegetation as they travel, minimizing the impact on the environment since they don't take a lot of food from any one spot. Another benefit of their eating habits is that it is unnecessary to pack and carry food for them.

According to pack goat enthusiasts, the goats cost very little to maintain, needing only a modest shelter, water, food, and companionship. It is recommended to own at least two goats since they are very social animals and need company. They should be exposed to human contact from birth, also called imprinting, so they are able to bond well with their owners. Owners should spend a lot of time with their pack goats, thereby ensuring that they are well trained before taking them out into the wilderness.

A pack goat is a goat that is trained to carry supplies on its back for hiking or camping trips. They are valued for their ability to navigate difficult terrain, their friendly nature, and their capacity to carry a significant amount of weight relative to their size—often up to 25-30% of their body weight according to pack goat enthusiasts.

Typically, a pack goat can safely carry around 25-30% of its body weight. For an average adult goat weighing about 200 pounds, this means it can carry 50-60 pounds. However, the load must be balanced and the goat should be conditioned and trained properly to handle this weight over varying terrains.

Larger breeds such as Alpine, Saanen, Toggenburg, and Oberhasli are often preferred for packing due to their size, strength, and endurance. These breeds are also known for their good temperaments and trainability, which are crucial traits for a pack goat.

Training a pack goat involves a gradual process of acclimatization to wearing a pack and carrying weight. It starts with basic obedience training and socialization, then progresses to short hikes with an empty pack, and eventually to longer treks with increased weight as the goat builds strength and stamina.

Goats can start training as kids to get used to a pack and harness, but they should not carry significant weight until they are at least 1 year old. Full pack loads should only be introduced when a goat is mature and fully grown, typically around 2 to 3 years of age, to prevent injury and ensure proper development.

Pack goats offer several advantages over other pack animals. They are smaller and more agile, able to navigate narrow trails and rocky terrain. Goats are also browsers by nature, which means they can forage for food along the way, reducing the need to carry feed. Additionally, they have a calm demeanor and can form strong bonds with their handlers.