How to Load Hay Bales on a Mule for Packing the Easiest and Fastest Way

I'm about working smarter not harder. I show you the easiest way to pack hay bales for feeding your stock in the hills. I have made pack bags that fit my bales perfectly and they work for hay, meat, gear, or whatever you want. Much simpler and faster that slinging with just a rope. Not that a rope won't work, because, I've done it that way too, but this is the easiest way I have found to haul loads.

[@alberta1980]

You should start manufacturing those square bale socks and them bags. I’ll buy a set. With that setup you can set up camp anywhere that has a little creek or spring and don’t have to worry about feed. And mules eat a fraction of my big draft cross horses. Two squares will go several days for two or three mules.

[@donkrider9666]

I do sell em, if you’re interested I’ve got some really good waterproof fabric right now.

[@alberta1980]

I love it. Go in heavy with hay, come out heavy with elk. Nice thing about hay is it’s cheap and you can leave it behind for the elk. Don’t have to pack it back out.

[@MarkJLarsonOutdoors]

Great job! Thank you for sharing my friend!

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Panniers are handy. I've never liked them very much though. It seems that they either ride too low, or too high. They are great for lots of things though. One thing I really like about them , is that if they do lean off to one side, it's east to add an Idaho Load Leveler (Rock) to fix it! Hard to do that with a manty. Great video! You have a nice looking herd there.

[@idahomountainbuilt]

It helps having the ability to build anything i want exactly how i want. 40 years of doing it you eventually get it right.

[@billmillsaps4431]

Ok so I take it you’re using 2 ropes and how long do you prefer the ropes to be and what exactly do you use for your bale socks?

[@idahomountainbuilt]

Sorry so slow, I used on these a lighter weight sail cloth that’s waterproof. I also use a lighter weight cordura say 400-500 denier. When i get home I’ll measure my favorite ropes, i have several lengths that i use

[@fireguy7004]

Where the heck were you 20 years ago when I started packing? I remember years before hat watching an outfitter come by with 11 mules all loaded with ay and wondering how the heck do you do that by yourself.??

[@idahomountainbuilt]

I was doing it 20 years ago too but prior to this social media internet world 😜

[@fireguy7004]

@@idahomountainbuilt Love your problem solving!

[@alberta1980]

Square bales don’t ride well in a barrel hitch. Basket is the best way to go for those squares.

[@chslts]

No lash cinch to hold em down?

[@idahomountainbuilt]

No the basket cinch i put on to hold them solid is all thats needed