Mostly, I spend 5 minutes throwing in whatever I think I might need, and
if it turns out that I left something behind... "oh well."
This is a lesson that was driven home to me when I was living in Russia.
A place where everything you "need" just isn't available (a place where
toilet paper is considered a luxury and isn't provided in the toilets
of the major international airport). At which time you learn how little you
really do "need."
In variably that means I end up stumbling around in the dark at my
campsight eating cold turkey and cheese, 'cuz I didn't remember to (or
bother to) pack a flashlight or a stove. Oh well.
With regards to packing your saddlebags, etc. getting ready for the
ride. This doesn't have to be done at base camp, the night before the
ride. It can be done before leaving home while watching TV...just be
sure it ends up in the truck before you leave.
And really...out on the trail I find I can get by with a Swiss Army
knife, a bandana, and some baling twine (assuming I haven't fogotten
something really important like the saddle, the bridle, or the halter).
The way to reduce the stress, worry, rushing about associated with
preparing to go on a ride is to learn to make do with whatever you
remembered to bring and then realize that whatever you brought...was
enough. After realizing this, the worry and stress disappear...you're
just no longer concerned.
My experience is (except when I didn't finish the Southern California
Extravaganza 100 because I "forgot" to bring any snow gear for a San Diego
ride in June) that problems, failures, and emergencies at endurance rides
rarely ever occur as a result of some"thing" that somebody forgot to
bring.
kat
Orange County, Calif.