Packing Your Covered Wagon
Little House Crafts & Activities

Pioneers traveling by covered wagon had to be very careful of their wagon's weight. Even a few pounds heavier could mean the trip would be much more difficult for the oxen or horses. This is why the men and women would walk beside the wagon instead of inside it.

The typical journey by covered wagon was five months long, and they would need to pack enough supplies and equipment for the entire five months.

Below are the supplies that a typical Pioneer family traveling west across the United States might take on their covered wagon journey.  Pretend you are a pioneer planning your long journey to the frontier. Make a list of what you would take in your covered wagon, keeping in mind that the wagon will carry only 2,000 pounds before the weight becomes too much. When you are done, compare your list with friends.

Be sure to pack enough food for each person in your family. Click here to see the recommendations of food for each person, then see how much weight you have left for everything else!