Here are some picture of them with with two 4Qt square buckets in each side. We are slowly increasing weight with them to help all of us get in shape. Each pannier has an open top and there is a strap to go across between the two to strap anything to the top for a top load.
We worked with the boys today on some pack training and gave one a much needed haircut. He did good for his first, and my first, time. We are continuing to add more weight in the packs and walking through trees and overs obstacles. I put a few pics here but more in the attached folder. 
I’m expecting these guys will probably do 60-70 lbs each for the most part. They are a little on the smaller side so not as much weight but still less for me to carry.
That would be a big help. What's their temperament like?
They are all great. The one we have a haircut to today is only two so he still has his moments of testing every else (including us)! The others are pretty laid back. Each one has their own personality. I grew up with horses (never packed with them though), and so far these guys are much more laid back.
I picked up the buckets later as an add on for me. I saw a lot of other people using that idea and ran with that. So far I like it with the buckets, but it’s easy to go without them too. Like you said, so many ways to go, no wrong choice just different options.
Yes those buckets would make for really good protection from hitting trees on trailside. I use small stout boxes from the meat section of a grocery store for protection of eggs and bread /potato chip loads. The buckets would be even more smash-proof but not as easy to reduce when no longer needed. I use my empty boxes for fire starter soon as their cargo is diminished. Stout square buckets would be handy for other camp duties though.
We really just bought them for the same thing. For us to use camping and hunting. With all the interest we looked into having a little side business (mainly for the kids as an FFA project). The kids love it and we are all having fun, which is what it’s all about!!
There are some small holes, to allow draining. We can add some “rain flys” if needed.
Starting to learn and look around for pack llamas myself. For the same reasons as you hunting/hiking trips and kids show at ffa. What have you seen as pros and cons of having them so far? Would be interested in what the biggest learning curves or struggles were if any. Thanks enjoyed looking through the posts and pictures only peaked my interest.
The learning has never stopped! We continue to learn every day with these guys and gals. We do not have any shows for our kids, but they still use the projects for their SAE (using all the hours they work, we just got a permit to lead hikes in the Medicine Bow National Forest over the summer). Probably the biggest thing we learned is how easy going the llamas are. It’s been a learning g curve, but a fun one. Feel free to reach out and I will share anything I can. (DM me and I’ll share my email if you want).
