What Humans Need to Know to Pack with Llamas. Using an animal to pack in your gear requires knowing what the animal is supposed to do, but how well they do their job can have a lot to do with how well you do your part. The llama depends on you to make sure that the saddle fits correctly and that the load is balanced and secure. He or she is carrying the load to relieve yours, so you need to call rest stops on their behalf and set a reasonable pace. Toenails need to be appropriately trimmed and wool sheared; even with short wool, you need to recognize the early signs of heat stress. How much can they carry? Is a llama that doesn't drink from a stream just not thirsty? What supplies do you put in a llama First Aid Kit and how do you use them? How do you cross water safely with a llama in tow? How do you "leave no trace" packing with llamas? How do you select a llama for packing? How do you train them to do the things pack llamas need to be able to do? We'll answer these and many other questions so you can be relatively assured of a good trip with a great, willing trail buddy who likes going out as much as you do.