How many goats do you need?

[Sunshinegoatherd]

Hi all! 
I recently saw a hiker packing with just one goat- used kind of like you would a donkey, they didn’t need more then one animal to carry what they needed. 
I mostly have experience with dairy goats but would like to start packing.
I’ve always thought of them as herd animals and always been told they don’t like to be alone, but it got me thinking because they bond strongly with people, would it be okay to just use one? I hike with my dog and can imagine the ease of adding just one animal to the van. 
What are your thoughts? Has anyone else packed with just one goat?

[Nanno]

I have packed with just one goat, but I don't recommend keeping just one goat at home. They crave a buddy, and if they don't have a goat buddy then YOU have to be their constant companion. A dog won't do. Goats rarely bond with dogs. They also need someone to butt heads with and they tend to get frustrated if they don't have another goat buddy to play goat games with. Other species don't appreciate the head-butting games, and goats truly need that outlet to have a healthy social life. Without another goat they tend to head-butt things they shouldn't, like fences, gates, trees, feeders, animals that don't like it, and sometimes even people. Two goats isn't much more work on the trail than one. However, you can also take your goats out in turns. Goats can learn to leave their buddies, and as long as you drive away from home (rather than trying to lead him away from home), he'll look to you as his companion in an unfamiliar place. We often hike with just one goat. My husband doesn't like to manage two, so he'll pick one of his goats to take hiking with him, and it works just fine. There might be a little bit of nervous noise-making the first couple of times, especially when they're young, but they quickly learn to rely on their human instead of a goat buddy.

Best of luck! I hope you are able to start having goat packing adventures soon!