Last Updated on September 1, 2020
Whether you are a weekend warrior or go on cross country trail rides, having the best saddle bags for horses is a must.
A high quality saddlebag will not only securely store your trail riding gear, it will be durable and stand up to the abuses of the ride.
Check the quick list below for links to customer reviews and prices for my best saddle bags for horses picks, or read on for the full review:
- TrailMax 500 Insulated Saddlebag
- Weaver Leather Chap Leather Saddle Bag
- Cashel Quality Deluxe Medium Horse Saddle Pommel Bag
- Weaver Leather Insulated Nylon Saddle Bag
- Tough 1 Printed Nylon Saddle Bag for Horses
- Weaver Leather Nylon Pommel Bag
- AJ Tack Nylon Horse Saddle Horn Bag
- Barn & Stable Trail Riding Saddle Bag
Like most horseback riding gear, saddle bags have seen improvements in recent years and now you can get a model that is certain to be what you are looking for. Whether it’s a traditional leather saddlebag or a modern synthetic saddle bag we have reviewed the top options on the market today.
Table of Contents
Best Saddlebags for Horse
TrailMax 500 Insulated Saddlebag
This is my favorite synthetic horseback riding saddlebag. Constructed of extremely strong 1680 denier ripstop nylon. The outer shell is waterproof and with a PVC coating. This saddle bag will withstand riding through rain and heavy cover. The seems are double stitched and very durable. One of the best benefits to going with a nylon saddlebag is that they are incredibly lightweight while not sacrificing storage capacity. There is a large primary compartment on each side that I stored food, clothing, and backup trail gear. There are straps that you can lash your rain gear or other extras to as well.
- Dimensions 10.5″ x 7.5″ x 5.5″
- 390 cubic inch capacity
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
- Durable ripstop nylon
Weaver Leather Chap Leather Saddle Bag
This is my pick for the best leather horse saddlebag. I am a huge fan of the classic look of a leather saddle bag and this one from Weaver Leather is more than just good looks. It is made of top grain chap leather and is stitched on the inside. This looks great, but more importantly helps prevent stitches from getting pulled out. Add on to that is the fact that this saddle bag is double stitched with a reinforcing internal nylon webbing. The hardware is an eye catching brass plated set as well. Not as roomy as the one above, it is still great for most rides including long weekends.
- Dimensions 11″ x 12″ x 4″
- Top grain chap leather
- Double stitched
- Brass plated hardware
Cashel Quality Deluxe Medium Horse Saddle Pommel Bag
This is an excellent compact nylon saddle bag for those who don’t need to carry a large load of food and gear. The main compartments are insulated and are perfect for keeping your beverages cold while on the trails. On top of the two bottle pockets this saddlebag has a camera and cell phone pocket. The hook and loop straps fit perfectly and securely on the pommel and it did not come off even when galloping.
- Dimensions 8″ x 8″ x 4.5″
- Insulated padded beverage pockets
- Cell phone pouch
- Securely fits over pommel
Weaver Leather Insulated Nylon Saddle Bag
While Weaver is best known for the leather goods, they make a pretty darn good nylon saddle bag as well. This is a great looking bag for those who want a traditional looking saddlebag without the weight of a leather model. This bag is insulated which is really a must for keeping food and drinks handy on the trail. The capacity is well suited for long day and weekend rides. Like with all Weaver bags, the hardware is quality and this is one durable saddlebag.
- Dimensions 9.75″ x 11.5″ x 4.5″
- Double stitched
- Lightweight
- Insulated
- Durable
Tough 1 Printed Nylon Saddle Bag for Horses
Tough 1 makes some great equine products and this nylon saddle bag is on that list. It has a unique look. The heavy duty nylon almost looks like tooled leather giving it a classic look with the benefits of nylon. The two large compartments have zippers so you can be sure nothing bounces out on the trail. It also has two insulated beverage pockets and a mesh pouch on the outside. This saddle bag utilizes adjustable straps for securing to the saddle. It isn’t my personal favorite system but it works well once you have the straps adjusted properly.
- Dimensions 13″ x 11″ 2″
- Insulated beverage pockets
- Zippered main compartments
- Heavy duty nylon
- Unique tooled look
Weaver Leather Nylon Pommel Bag
This pommel bag from Weaver Leather is perfect for short rides or those looking for the lightest saddle bag option. Like it’s bigger brother on the list, this bag is constructed of rip resistant nylon and fits securely to the pommel of your saddle. It is perfect for storing a drink or two and your cell phone or small gear. It is incredibly lightweight and durable making this one a keeper.
- Dimensions 6″ x 7.5″ x 2.5″
- Durable nylon construction
- Lightweight
- Fits securely
- Excellent value
AJ Tack Nylon Horse Saddle Horn Bag
I was pleasantly surprised with this lightweight nylon saddlebag. I had never tested an AJ Tack product and did not know what to expect. The 600 denier canvas nylon material is incredibly durable and can handle rides through heavy brush. The two large compartments are zipper shut and make sure your gear is where it needs to be when you need it. It also has a secure cell phone pocket. It secures to the back of the saddle with two D rings.
- Dimensions 8″ x 8″ x 3″
- Durable canvas nylon
- Zipper pockets
- Cell phone pocket
- Lightweight
Barn & Stable Trail Riding Saddle Bag
This is a great saddle bag for weekend trail riding trips. The two large compartments close with a zipper and there is a mesh pocket and 2 insulated water bottle holders. If you are into horse camping you’ll be please to find a bedroll strap as well. This nylon bag will work with both western and english saddles making it an all around great saddle bag option. Comes in orange, brown, and black.
- Dimensions 10.5″ x 8″ x 4″
- Durable 600d nylon
- Insulated beverage pockets
- Comes in orange, brown, and black
For more horse gear guides and tips read these articles:
- Make Sure You Know These Horse Camping Tips
- Brew great coffee even when out camping
- Improve your horse camping cooking with one of my favorite tripods
- Stay hydrated on the trails with a rugged and durable water canteen.
- Maintain a better saddle fit with one of the top reviewed saddle pads.
- Are you tired of poor performing fly spray? Here are the top rated repellents on the market
- What are the best horse bits on the market? Read the review to find out
- Are you looking for the best horse riding spurs? Check out the picks.
Conclusion
I go on numerous long trail rides a year on top of countless shorter rides and I never hit the road without a saddlebag or two. With the right gear you can make sure you have a safe and fun ride and a saddle bag makes that much easier. Let me know in the comments which is your favorite saddle bag.
Fred is the editor of Equine Ridge. He grew up raising horses and has been riding, training, and competing for almost four decades. Fred started out performing on the AQHA and PHBA circuits. Fred trained other competitors in English and Western riding disciplines and today offers free riding lessons to youth who would otherwise not be able to afford lessons. When not working with horses he can be found backpacking or trying to brew the perfect cup of coffee. Email Fred at fred@equineridge.com