The packsaddle is a type of wooden saddle that was placed on the backs of pack animals (mainly donkeys and mules), with or without a cushion, for the transport of various types of goods.
It was generally made up of two saddle trees (2 curved pieces of wood or 2 pairs of wood placed vertically and crossed in a V shape) on which wooden slats were fixed, giving the packsaddle its characteristic vaulted shape and ensuring its sturdiness.
Depending on the load that needed to be transported, different methods were used to secure the goods on the pack saddle. For the transport of wood and hay, the ropes (generally made of hemp) and hooks were used, while for the transport of flour or similar goods, sacks, saddlebags or baskets were used.
The packsaddle for the transport of manure was generally equipped with two lateral baskets with a movable bottom, so as to facilitate its distribution in the fields.