They receive comfort knowing that the inquisitive stare of a llama will soon fluster a predator. They appreciate the opportunity this animal gives them to explore and find the hidden beauties of our land, the opportunity to escape with friends from hectic working hours, to find quiet moments to share the more valuable things in life. The most notable advantage of llamas as packers is their low environmental impact. Their soft padded feet may actually damage the trail less than the average hiker. They are much smaller than most equine pack stock with the average pack llama weighing between 300 and 400 pounds.
Llamas require much less to drink than most pack stock.
They are members of the camel family and obtain much of their water needs from what they eat. Llamas are natural browsers, meaning that as they graze they are taking a bit here and there and leave little trace of their passing. Llamas have been studied and found to be highly resistant to major livestock diseases. There are no cases where a llama has been suspect in the transmission of any livestock disease to other livestock or wildlife. Since llamas are relatively new on the North American hiking scene, owners must become educated as to their care and handling on the trail.