How much experience is needed with llamas to hike with a llama, on one's own?

Yes.

Lots of farms rent llamas. Most require at minimum a 1/2 day "orientation" course in how to handle a llama. This includes things like the care and feeding of the animal, as well as how to pack the animal properly to keep the load manageable and balanced. An overnight with a handler would be more than sufficient to give you the skills you need.

Llamas are more suited for 'novice' packers than a horse. Mostly, if a llama does get a wild hair and freak out, it won't kill you (but it still might run off with your tent.)

IS llama packing "too good to be true"?

Pros:

• less weight on your back
• another "fun" dynamic on the trip (llamas can be quite personable)
• low impact (compared to horses as pack animals): toes diffuse the weight rather than dig into the soil like horseshoes. Llamas are browsers, nibbling lots of plants rather than eating one patch down to the ground. Llama pellets tend to be less offensive to hikers than horse apples.

Cons:

• You have something else to take care of during your trip (hassle)
• Llamas can be stubborn, and just sit in the middle of the trail far from your destination (kushing) - good luck getting them up again (a lot of this depends on the training they've received)
• They can go many places, but can't go everywhere, limiting your route options
• Many horses freak out if they meet a llama, and can cause wreaks in heavy horse-use areas where llamas are unfamiliar
• Transporting the llama requires a trailer or an additional fee from the renter

posted about 9 years ago

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