BWCA Sleds... Boundary Waters Winter Camping and Activities
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Minnesotian
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12/19/2012 04:02PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)

We use a cheap, Menards sled that has been modified a bit. It does the job for now, but we are planning on making a true toboggan someday.
 
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TuscaroraBorealis
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12/19/2012 04:04PM  
I've recently finished building my own toboggan & am anxious to see how it will perform with a load.







The test run went well! :)



They don't do so well in tight quarters but, as you mentioned, I like the amount on gear that these suckers can haul. Besides most of my travel is across the open expanse of lakes, (where they excel.) So the trade off is worth it IMHO.
tonyyarusso
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12/19/2012 04:45PM  
The pulks look awesome, but boy are they spendy... Pondering options currently myself - preferably doing dual-duty for ice fishing (primary) and camping (secondary). I tried a regular kids' sled last year, and they tipped over ALL THE TIME. Absolutely maddening. The Otter sleds look nice, but also aren't particularly cheap (although way less than the nice pulks).
inspector13
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12/19/2012 05:16PM  

I use a sled, but it wasn’t very cheap. It is the kind you use to haul game, and I found it in the hunting section at Mills Fleet Farm. It works for me.

McVacek
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12/19/2012 09:22PM  
We built our own toboggans last year. We love the amount of gear we can haul. The slid on the ice/snow wonderfully and we very controllable using the arrest ropes.
catfish72
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12/19/2012 11:44PM  
I use a toboggan style sled. It has made my winter camping life far better than when I used to use a icefishing sled. It pulls like a dream in most situations. I had some issues with "side slide" until I added 2 short finns mid way down the sled to keep it from sliding of the trail when it slopes one way or another. It also helps it track better when going down hill. The only draw back is that I tend to think I can bring everything but the kitchen sink. So I tend to over load it sometimes.
tonyyarusso
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12/20/2012 10:42AM  
quote Arceneaux: "I used to haul in the otter sled a few years back - it worked when there wasn't much snow on the ice - but if you have some snow to pull it through they are a beast, just too darn wide"

What size Otter did you have? I was thinking the 55" x 27". The bigger ones obviously are too wide, but I was hoping that one wouldn't be too bad. I've also been looking into making add-on stuff to convert it to a "Smitty sled" (see iceshanty.com) when the snow is deeper.
ArrowheadPaddler
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12/21/2012 06:31AM  
I started using a 6' wooden sliding toboggan I bought at the local hardware store for about $80. It worked great but wasn't made for hard trail work, as the some staples (shouldn't be in a trail toboggan) and screws started pulling out. I also broke part of a plank.

Last year I made a black plastic version similar to one other board members displayed, when a friend had an extra blank sheet he parted with for free. It is heavier than than the wooden toboggan, but pulls very easily after I waxed the bottom. Before I waxed it, it felt like a tremendous amount of static electricity was building as the toboggan slid over the snow.

quote Arceneaux: "Adding to that I've seen the struggles with trying to turn a loaded toboggan in tight places - anyone have ways to deal with that? For now I'm just planning on sticking to the sled but perhaps adding a rigid pulling system."


As far as turning a toboggan in tight places, I use a long pull rope and turn around to face the toboggan and pull with my hands and arms. You have a lot more control of where the toboggan ends up. If on a packed trail, I think a rigid system would work much better with skis.
marsonite
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12/21/2012 07:01PM  
IMO opinion sleds and toboggans should be flexible so they follow the trail, especially on portages. Many of the higher end plastic sled are too stiff and don't track well. They are fine behind a snowmobile with a rigid hitch but if pulled by a rope or the like they won't track very well.

I went winter camping with a buddy once, and he was quite proud of his expensive plastic sled, but it was as stiff as an new boot and was always spearing off of the trail. My cheapo plastic sled tracked just fine. I haven't tried one of the plastic toboggans people are making, but I bet they are pretty slick.

The same principal is applied to cross country skis. Track skis have flexible tips and are designed to stay in the tracks. Skating skis have stiff tips so they go whichever way they are pointed.
motdur
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12/21/2012 07:43PM  
This is the sled our group has been using for years. No complaints.
mnpat
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12/24/2012 01:31AM  
Motdur thats the sled I prefer also. It does have one flaw thats easily fixed. The sides hang down way to far and need to be trimmed for extra clearance. The sled is just the right size and stable. I can haul all my gear including a hot tent, heater, and auger etc....

I have hundreds of miles on one with no issues.
12/24/2012 08:45AM  
Hey you got my sled there,the orange one. They have worked great for me. Now they even come in lime green or black.
I see a picture of the use of another plastic sled bought at fleet that is too short and narrow,it will tip over constantly. Nothing worse than when it is -20 degrees F. and your waiting and standing around for your partner to tip his sled back over or you have to unbuckle your harness and take off your skis to tip your sled back up on a trail.
Another thing get your heavy items down low.
I see some of these nice looking homemade toboggans and have one question,does the longer length eliminate much of the tipping over problems?
TuscaroraBorealis
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12/24/2012 10:02AM  
quote PINETREE: "I see some of these nice looking homemade toboggans and have one question,does the longer length eliminate much of the tipping over problems?"


I think you've already answered your own question?

Keeping heavier items packed as low as possible is certainly the #1 strategy to avoid tip overs, regardless what type of sled/toboggan you use.

I'll add that the extra length on my toboggan helps make that objective easier to achieve. Not trying to say because someone doesn't use this method they're wrong, this is just what I've found works best for me. Of course the drawback of a longer sled is the loss of maneuverability (tight turns). But, the majority of my trekking has been across lakes where this issue doesn't come into play.
mnpat
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12/25/2012 12:19PM  
I see people using 10' toboggans and my question is how do you transport them in your vehicle? Do they fold up ?

Also what the heck do you bring that you need a 10' toboggan. I fit all my gear into my hockey bag except for an auger and my food beverages for the trip in.


I am thinking of trying one I just don't see any advantages.

Anyone have poles attached and ski with them or is it mainly for snowshoeing?
12/25/2012 12:44PM  
I think a advantage of the long toboggan is you can keep your equipment spread out and low. I use the above orange sleds about 6 feet and it works good most of the time.
TuscaroraBorealis
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12/25/2012 03:43PM  
quote mnpat: "I see people using 10' toboggans and my question is how do you transport them in your vehicle? Do they fold up ?


Also what the heck do you bring that you need a 10' toboggan. I fit all my gear into my hockey bag except for an auger and my food beverages for the trip in.



I am thinking of trying one I just don't see any advantages.


Anyone have poles attached and ski with them or is it mainly for snowshoeing?
"


Actually they can be a very compact for transportation. Dependent on what type of plastic is used - They can just be rolled up if needed. (Probably about the size of a basketball)

As PINETREE noted - it's much easier to keep things spread out & low with a longer sled. Just because a sled is a certain length doesn't mean you have to use all available space. (I know I usually don't) But, it is a great luxury to have if/when you may need it. Really the only discernible disadvantage of longer toboggans is maneuverability. I mostly travel across lakes & portage trails, so hairpin cornering isn't something I'm too concerned about.

Not trying to say this is the only way to do things. But, it works for me.

EDIT: While my toboggan is a total of 10 feet in length, approximately 2 of those are used up on the front curl.

Arlo Pankook
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12/25/2012 05:03PM  
quote motdur: " This is the sled our group has been using for years. No complaints. "


+1 We have four of these and I wouldn't trade them for anything. Ours are modified with PVC arms and cordage woven into the side rails for attaching bungee. Lay a tarp on it, load it up and bungee down. You can't have too many bungee's Imo. I have rented the expensive fiberglass and canvas pulks from Piragis and was not impressed. Terrible on a side-hill.
12/25/2012 05:33PM  
quote Arlo Pankook: "
quote motdur: " This is the sled our group has been using for years. No complaints. "



+1 We have four of these and I wouldn't trade them for anything. Ours are modified with PVC arms and cordage woven into the side rails for attaching bungee. Lay a tarp on it, load it up and bungee down. You can't have too many bungee's Imo. I have rented the expensive fiberglass and canvas pulks from Piragis and was not impressed. Terrible on a side-hill."


I have your setup with aluminum poles. I would worry about breakage of pvc poles,especially if 20 degrees below zero.
tonyyarusso
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12/25/2012 06:57PM  
Those of you with poles - how do you fit them in the car? Are they one piece, or do they break down somehow?
TuscaroraBorealis
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12/25/2012 07:12PM  
quote Arlo Pankook: "I have rented the expensive fiberglass and canvas pulks from Piragis and was not impressed. Terrible on a side-hill."


Not saying they aren't.....

But, are you speaking of getting across a trail running in an east/west direction while the hill actually runs in a north/south direction? If so, what have you found (sled/toboggan wise)that actually does work in a convenient manner that doesn't adversely affect the straight forward pull? Or, am I misinterpreting side-hill????
mnpat
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12/25/2012 09:12PM  
quote tonyyarusso: "Those of you with poles - how do you fit them in the car? Are they one piece, or do they break down somehow?"


They are only 6' long so no problems fitting them in any vehicle. I have seen 2 piece poles and have made a set just don't see the need.
mnpat
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12/25/2012 09:16PM  
quote
I have your setup with aluminum poles. I would worry about breakage of pvc poles,especially if 20 degrees below zero."


If I had aluminum poles I would worry about breakage at any temp not to mention personal injury. I would have to believe you are using ski poles for your pulk that are not 100% aluminum I hope.
12/26/2012 07:08AM  
quote mnpat: "
quote
I have your setup with aluminum poles. I would worry about breakage of pvc poles,especially if 20 degrees below zero."



If I had aluminum poles I would worry about breakage at any temp not to mention personal injury. I would have to believe you are using ski poles for your pulk that are not 100% aluminum I hope."


No,their aluminum, they were bought in a hardware store and have used for 25 years,still going strong. Got bent slightly when wrapped around a tree going sideways on a hill. I would have to go out and measure them,but I will say 3/4 inch in diameter. Just guessing again,they are about 7 feet in length. I have caps or tape on the end.

Whatever works for you is great. I see many sled designs,harnesses etc.

I wonder what they used on those Artic expeditions for poles,probably some high tech fiber pole?
Arlo Pankook
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12/26/2012 06:46PM  
quote PINETREE: "
quote Arlo Pankook: "
quote motdur: " This is the sled our group has been using for years. No complaints. "




+1 We have four of these and I wouldn't trade them for anything. Ours are modified with PVC arms and cordage woven into the side rails for attaching bungee. Lay a tarp on it, load it up and bungee down. You can't have too many bungee's Imo. I have rented the expensive fiberglass and canvas pulks from Piragis and was not impressed. Terrible on a side-hill."



I have your setup with aluminum poles. I would worry about breakage of pvc poles,especially if 20 degrees below zero."


Forgot to mention...I had this problem with white pvc and switched to the grey electrical stuff. It handles the cold much better.
Arlo Pankook
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12/26/2012 06:48PM  
quote TuscaroraBorealis: "
quote Arlo Pankook: "I have rented the expensive fiberglass and canvas pulks from Piragis and was not impressed. Terrible on a side-hill."



Not saying they aren't.....

But, are you speaking of getting across a trail running in an east/west direction while the hill actually runs in a north/south direction? If so, what have you found (sled/toboggan wise)that actually does work in a convenient manner that doesn't adversely affect the straight forward pull? Or, am I misinterpreting side-hill????"


I'm sure those fiberglass shell ones would be a little better if you installed runners of some sort on them. Yes it would pull a little harder but it's quite dangerous to traverse a sidehill when the sled wants to slide sideways. The plastic sleds we use have grooves that act as runners on them and toboggans like to track straight anyway because of their long skinny shape.
Arlo Pankook
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12/26/2012 06:54PM  
quote mnpat: "
quote tonyyarusso: "Those of you with poles - how do you fit them in the car? Are they one piece, or do they break down somehow?"



They are only 6' long so no problems fitting them in any vehicle. I have seen 2 piece poles and have made a set just don't see the need."


Yeah, mine were longer but I cut them down to the same length as the sled. I can ski and my skis never touch the sled, even when the sled is chasing me down a hill. That and with shorter poles you have more control over the sled on hills and terrain. Shorter poles are probably less likely to break too.

I don't have a current pic, these were the longer pvc (white) poles before we broke one. Nothing a little duct tape and 5 min. couldn't fix though.



I'm sure there are much better setups but this is what has worked for us.
12/26/2012 07:09PM  
Yeh I hate it when the sled tries to run you over going down hill. Than it tires to pass you with the hookup around your waist. Often than the sled will tip over. Usually on downhills I will on strap and hold on to the sled arms to help it down.
Arlo Pankook
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12/26/2012 07:13PM  
These would be the ultimate pole I suppose.

skipulk poles
TuscaroraBorealis
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12/26/2012 07:17PM  
We have also just walked behind our toboggans on downhills.
Matt-esota
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12/26/2012 09:20PM  
Hey there, what type of rope and harness set-up do you use around your body when pulling the sled? i think I am gonna go this route until I learn a few more ins and outs with the winter excursions.
Matt-esota
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12/26/2012 09:21PM  
quote Minnesotian: "
We use a cheap, Menards sled that has been modified a bit. It does the job for now, but we are planning on making a true toboggan someday.
"

Hey there, what type of rope and harness set-up do you use around your body when pulling the sled? i think I am gonna go this route until I learn a few more ins and outs with the winter excursions.
catfish72
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12/26/2012 10:08PM  
quote Arlo Pankook: "These would be the ultimate pole I suppose.


skipulk poles "


I just bought the belt and poles a month or so ago. I checked them out at the winter expo. I used them on my last trip into Bog lake and I could not be happier with there performance, (both going up hill and down). It is far easier to control the sled! Prior to this I was using a hard pole set up that I rigged my self witch worked pretty well. In reality there is no comparison though. to me they are well worth the money if you spend a lot of time on trails and portages. If you mostly travel lakes I do not see any real benefit in the hard pole set up.
mnpat
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12/26/2012 11:55PM  
If you mostly travel lakes I do not see any real benefit in the hard pole set up. "



Actually when skiing on a hard pack trail on the lake (usually on the way home) is where the poles shine. When you glide the sled glides with you and eliminates the jerky motions caused by the sled going faster than you briefly. Your sled actually pushes you along slightly then when you make your next stride. A rope causes no load briefly then right in the middle or the end of your stride your sled is now going much slower than you causing a very abrupt loading of the rope and no glide.

I forgot my poles on a trip to u.s. point last year we went through moose. What a mistake never again will I forget them.

If you snowshoe across lakes it may not be a big deal. If you ski and ski with some speed you absolutely want rigid poles.

motdur
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12/27/2012 02:26PM  
quote Arlo Pankook: "These would be the ultimate pole I suppose.

skipulk poles "


Have any of you built your own pole system using Ed's design?

Pulk book
12/27/2012 05:05PM  
quote motdur: "
quote Arlo Pankook: "These would be the ultimate pole I suppose.


skipulk poles "



Have any of you built your own pole system using Ed's design?


Pulk book "




Pretty darn close.
TuscaroraBorealis
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12/28/2012 08:17PM  
quote motdur: "
quote Arlo Pankook: "These would be the ultimate pole I suppose.


skipulk poles "



Have any of you built your own pole system using Ed's design?


Pulk book "


Thanks for the great link!
DanCooke
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12/28/2012 09:23PM  
I have used Ed's poles on toboggans in Yellowstone and the BWCA. Never a problem. I also have a pulk with aluminum telescoping poles that has served me well for over a decade. Rope pulling can have it's advantages and it's problems, like going off trail and catching a tree on a downhill run, and immediately putting you on your back.
12/28/2012 09:59PM  
quote DanCooke: "I have used Ed's poles on toboggans in Yellowstone and the BWCA. Never a problem. I also have a pulk with aluminum telescoping poles that has served me well for over a decade. Rope pulling can have it's advantages and it's problems, like going off trail and catching a tree on a downhill run, and immediately putting you on your back."


Use to use the rope method,the problem is your getting slack in the rope than you tighten as you go along,the constant back and forth with slack created a constant jerking,I thought I was going to destroy my back with all the jerking. I hated it.
 
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