Hard vs. Soft Saddles

[ReddingJohn]

I have the Sopris soft saddle and I really like it, but I will say up front that I'm not a serious goatpacker and have not used it for anything super heavy on a long day (or week) of hiking. I believe Clay Zimmerman of High Uinta Pack Goats uses both types of saddles and would probably be able to give you a good comparison. His nickname here is The Goat Whisperer, but he's not been on too often. Your best bet might be to either email him or call him on the phone using the contact information on his website: http://www.highuintapackgoats.com/

One nice thing about the soft pack is that it will fit a wide variety of backs so you don't have to replace your packsaddle if you get a wider or narrower goat.

Thank you Nanno,
If getting a rigid saddle, are the common wood cross bucks as good as any? Now wanting to waste money on high tech aluminum and composite if not needed.