Safely securing pack animals during rest stops, camp, and grazing periods requires methods that keep the animals contained without risking injury from entanglement, broken equipment, or panic. The most important principle of tying pack animals is that a tied animal that panics and pulls back hard enough to break free or fall is a serious danger to itself and anyone nearby.
High-lining is the preferred method for keeping pack animals in camp overnight and during extended stops — a rope stretched between two trees at approximately the height of the horses' backs, with each animal tied to the highline via a short lead of appropriate length. The highline keeps animals separated enough to prevent fighting, allows each animal some freedom to move, and prevents the grazing pressure of staked animals.
On the trail during short stops, animals may be tied to trees with a quick-release knot at eye height or held by the lead rider. Tying to small trees, fencing, or anything that could be pulled loose should be avoided. Animals should never be tied with the pack saddle and full load for extended periods — the load should be removed for any stop longer than 30 to 40 minutes to give the animal's back a rest.