Casey Hufstader is the owner and operator of CH Packstring. As a 5th generation Oregon Territory packer, Casey offers extensive experience in navigating Oregon’s wild back country. He was lead on his first pack trip at the age of 6 months old, travelling in a pack box! He has grown up learning the packing trade from his family and began leading strings of mules into the wilderness at the age of 5. 

Casey took over the CH Packstring family business in 2016 and has enjoyed carrying on the family legacy. He has explored much of the Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Montana and Northern California on the back of a mule making his knowledge of the back country uniquely extensive. 

In his travels he has developed a deep love and appreciation for the wilderness and the truly breathtaking moments experienced while riding down the trail. He has a special place in his heart for sharing those experiences with others and wanting to expose fellow lovers of the wilderness to seeing the backcountry through packing. 

Casey has over 30 years of experience leading packstring’s through the Oregon backcountry. He is a contracted packer for the US Forest Service in addition to being a CHA Certified Horseman for pack and trail. He is a master instructor of Leave no Trace and Light on the Land and integrates those practices into his packing trips. He is a Mule trainer and international clinician making him uniquely qualified to guide and care for his Mules. He is a part of the emergency response for fire support and special wilderness projects for Deschutes County, meaning that he is often on the front lines helping to combat wildfires. He is also the current National Director for Back Country Horseman of Oregon and the past President of Back Country Horseman of Oregon.