Packsaddle for Donkey

I’ll do same things too !

If you used a crossbuck tree I would borrow one already made as there are some differences in thickness that mold to body to help keep the front end centered on the withers. When it comes to quality packsaddles it’s all about the tree. Decker-style is great as long as there is some type of tree. Otherwise it’s just a chunk of canvas with planks and iron hoops to hang panniers on. The best I’ve ever worked with we’re the Martin saddles made in the town I grew up in. Huge loads and comfortable pack horses. Good going, just keep tinkering with tree & rigging until its a perfect fit and can handle a load.

Now that I noticed your pic, Grey’s observation is correct. In addition… make the side “planks” on your tree 3-4″ longer, round the corners, and ideally use 2X stock which you can mold with a round rasp to match contours of the burro’s withers and back better. Rigging the tree so it doesn’t ride too far forward and tip, as Grey pointed out, is going to be a bit more of a project. Packsaddles, because they carry a “dead”weight” load, require a breast strap, a britchen and a belly band in addition to the cinch. Also, balancing your panniers/load by weight is critical otherwise your load is going to be constantly side slipping. Lashing that load with a squaw, box, double or triple diamond hitch is also highly desired. A lash rope is usually 25-30″ long and has a special “lash cinch” which has a hook on one end. Have fun & tinker while always making sure you’re partner is comfortable with the rigging and not getting sore.

Keeping the load balanced is a constant. I can’t even begin to imagine how many rocks are at trailheads that started at the other end and have probably made several round trips in order to balance panniers on packstrings. I’ve definitely transported my share :rolleyes: