Master the Art of Hunting in Alaska: Essential Gear Guide

A tarp, derived from the Spanish word “manta,” meaning ‘blanket,’ serves as a versatile tool for the hunting horseman. Traditionally, it is utilized in two primary ways:

1. The tarp is draped over a packed load, consisting of panniers or panyards hung on a pack saddle. Securing the tarp involves using a hitch with a lash rope.

2. The tarp is tightly wrapped around gear and held in place by half hitching with a cargo rope, referred to as a “manti load.” This load is then secured to a pack saddle using a sling rope.

Historically, variations of these methods were associated with specific pack saddles. A tarp would typically be draped using a Sawbuck, while a manti load was designed for use with a Decker. Over time, innovations such as saddle panniers and modified Deckers have emerged, allowing for greater versatility. Consequently, it is common to see a manti tarp employed across different pack saddles.

Materials

Tarps come in various sizes and materials, with traditional dimensions ranging from 5 x 7 feet to 8 x 8 feet. Materials include cordura nylon, heavy 18oz cotton canvas, and modern synthetic options.

Choosing the right size and material depends on numerous factors, including terrain, frequency of use, expected weather conditions, size of stock, and the type of material being packed. Consider the following scenarios:

• The durability and weight of an 18oz canvas may not be advantageous for someone packing through unobstructed valleys.
• A coastal packer facing persistent marine layers may benefit most from a synthetic material that is completely non-permeable.
• Using a non-breathable synthetic tarp for packing meat could lead to spoilage.
• The pliability of heavy canvas can become problematic in moist and freezing conditions.

Ultimately, the specifics of each hunting scenario and individual setup will dictate the best choice for the hunter.

Building a Manti Load

For even experienced horsemen, the sight of canvas-covered gear secured by various ropes can seem daunting. However, with foundational knowledge and practice, constructing a manti load can become second nature.

Steps to build a Manti load:

1. Spread the manti flat on the ground, forming a diamond shape with one diagonal point facing you.
2. Place gear in the center of the tarp, aligned with the diagonal point facing you.
3. Fold the bottom corner over the load, pulling taut to secure the canvas around the gear.
4. Fold the right corner across the load to the left side, maintaining tension.
5. Fold the left corner across to the right side, leaving only the top diagonal portion unsecured.
6. Fold the top diagonal down toward the bottom of the load, approximately ⅓ to ½ of the way down. This portion acts as a rain fly.

Your gear is now wrapped and ready to be secured with cargo rope:

1. Loop the cargo rope around the top third of the wrapped gear, pulling tight at the front.
2. Tie a Packer’s Knot.
3. Half hitch the Packer’s Knot to lock it in place.
4. Half hitch the entire load 2-3 times, spacing the hitches evenly.
5. Run the tail of the rope around the back of the load, returning to the initial Packer’s Knot.
6. Run the tail through the loop of the locked knot, pull tight, and secure with another Packer’s Knot, locked with a half hitch.
7. Secure any excess rope to the load as desired.

This guide aims to assist hunters in transforming loose gear into secure loads. Best of luck!

Terms + Tips:

Pannier / Panyard: A bag or box hung on both sides of a pack saddle to carry gear, available in various dimensions and materials.

Lash / Lash Rope: A canvas girth piece with a hook attached to a rope used for building hitches, commonly associated with panniers and top loads.

Manti / Manty / Mantie: A tarp used in various ways to protect gear and a pack saddle from the elements.

Sling Rope: Rope attached to each side of a Decker pack saddle, used to secure a manti load.

Manti Rope / Cargo Rope: Rope used to secure gear wrapped in a tarp.

Hitch: A method of tying ropes to secure packed gear to stock, with specific hitches used based on material, size, terrain, and the expertise of the horseman (e.g., Diamond, Double Diamond, Box).

Decker: The Decker Pack Saddle features two metal arches with rope secured to each side, designed for hauling awkward or heavy loads in mountainous terrain.

Sawbuck / Crossbuck: The Sawbuck Pack Saddle consists of two wooden “crosses” from which pannier loads are hung, a design used for centuries.