Pack station
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A pack station is the base of operations for one who transports freight via pack animals (this person is called an outfitter). Outfitters are located in wilderness areas or at urban interfaces where there are no roads available for motor vehicles. The station facilitates the transition from mechanized transportation to pack animals, and necessarily includes a corral for the animals, a barn or other structure to house feed and tack, and a loading dock or shelter for the items to be transported. Typically there is also a business office on site. The term "pack station" is most often used in California. An outfitter's facility in other parts of the U.S. is commonly called an "end-of-the-road camp".
[edit] How Packing Works
Most outfitters today are only used for recreation activities such as camping trips and hunting expeditions. A few outfitters remain that pack construction materials and trail tools, etc. In either case, the process and techniques used are the same as they've ever been. Customers arrange for a meeting time or a delivery time and drop their goods and supplies at the pack station. Packing services are charged by the pound or by the animal, typically with a minimum price depending on the distance from the pack station. Everything is weighed, sorted for each animal, then split 50/50 to get a balanced load; an unbalanced load will cause the saddle to slide to the heavy side, inviting disaster. The average mule can carry 300lbs. A mammoth donkey will take up to 200lbs. and the standard donkey limit is 125lbs.
[edit] Permits
Outfitters generally operate within the boundaries of public land and are required to maintain an outfitters permit. USDA Forest Service calls this a special-use permit. A separate permit is required if the pack station or wilderness "caches" are located on public land.
