This is the best idea to attach traces I've seen. It's repairable in the field without tools, lightweight, and simple. I couldn't find a Paris Expedition sled so I bought an Emsco Orange Beast. I have my traces and am going to use your attachment method to make my pulk. Not sure what I'm going to use for a hip belt yet. I might just cannibalize one of my packs. Anyway, THANK YOU for posting this! It's an awesome idea and exactly what I was looking for!
My dude. I found this sled at my parents house and “borrowed” it. Around $10 later (+ free padded hip belt from outdoors store I work at) and I have a pulk. Thanks again for the ingenious design!!! -Dirty Dan
Towed a Penultimate Pulk sled around Crater Lake last April through some pretty hairy snow conditions. It worked great! I replaced frayed belt attachment cords on the 3rd day caused by the center attachment configuration. Instead of passing the cords through the 2 grommets in opposite directions, I now pass both cords in the left and out the right center grommet, using just one quick link. Fraying problem solved, PLUS it tracks much better this way.
I started with 4-foot poles thinking they would give better control, but discovered that the steeper angle from the belt to the sled made it hard to keep the belt in the right position. Plus, the local store sells fiberglass fence posts in 5 foot lengths.
@hjaadd A spring system would reduce the control of the sled. There's some spring in the belt and rope attachments, and the belt pad cushions pretty well. You also get used to walking more smoothly. I haven't had any problems in that area.
@hjaadd The fiberglass poles themselves are very strong and flexible, so something else would probably break before they did. On Mt. Hood, the sled slid around to the side on a very steep downhill and the crossed poles flipped it over upside down UPHILL and stopped. Then, switching to center attached poles kept the sled behind me on downhills. I do carry pre-cut rope loops for the ends of the poles, but haven't had to use them. I also carry enough rope to hang myself (or tow the sled).
@hjaadd Thanks. Be sure to take a look my blog link under the video. The rear runners and both poles in the center of the back kept the sled behind me pretty well on some pretty steep downhills on Mt. Hood. It was steep enough that I had to dig the MSR snowshoes in sideways to keep from slipping, and the center poles let you turn without turning the sled. If you have really long skis, you should get 6' poles (see blog), but 5 foot works for most skis.
@machbaby You can't use the plain grommets you get in a package because they're too short for the sled, and not strong enough for the belt. You need to use "spur" grommets. Check out the blog link in the description, which tells where I got the grommets and installation tool, and the rest of the stuff. Another option for installing grommets is to go to an awning shop and have them do it.
Kiss..go with nowax skis, skins and stick with ropes only. More flexibility, less mechanisms, better access to your sled to drop off or access gear, and better steerage around obstacles. On gentle hills, the sled will not overtake you and as the rope goes slack it creates it's own brake, when the sled runs over it. On big hills, we can flip down a rope brake, on lengthy sidehills we install an instant front to back rope. Infinitely adjustable, backpackable if necessary. simple and effective
Loved the video. I was wondering what the difference between cross polls or parallel poles were. Thanks to your video, I now know which way to go with mine.
a great sled but the "Happy Camper" has a great idea for just this adding cross poles to this and simple eyebolts needed and a simple harness and this seems to work perfectly.
hello I used skies for the bottem and 1/4 plywood inside and drilled holes and joined them together with anhor bolts and hooked ropes threw the ends of the skies works wonders in very cold temps thanks for your video
My poles are only 5' and work fine. I tried 4' poles since I use snowshoes and not skis. They worked, but the angle down to the sled pulled the belt down too much, so it wasn't comfortable. All the skiers I've had use my sleds have no problem with 5' poles either. If you use really long skis, or have a long stride, the ski might run into the front of the sled. But I think 5'6" should be plenty.
They sell 5 foot fiberglass fence posts for electric fences locally for me. Do you have a store that sells supplies for horses nearby? Check the blog mentioned in the info above. There's a link to a place to order the poles.I think shipping rates go up with a package over 5 feet, so it might be best to settle for that size. They should work for all but the tallest skier with the longest skis. / Also, I'm now using the Jet Sled Jr. It's far superior, and you can find places to buy it.
Sorry, Bill, but penultimate never means "practically perfect in every way". It just means "next to last". However, I love your design, no matter what you call it.
Well done...it's often the seemingly simple, efficient ways of doing things elude me. How were the grommets installed? Did you use a special hand tool or the little punch and anvil that comes in the package? Thanks.
How long are your pole's? We are building our own and was told to use 6'-0" poles we can found a local place that has 5'-6" poles and are trying to decide if they will work, Thanks
Can't find 6' fiberglass poles any where near me 4' tractor supply is the best I can do think they will be to short. Any ideas ordering shipping would be high.
... Where exposed rocks and roots are a problem ... I used a pair of pieces of angle aluminum and solid wheels w/ tires and mount them to flip over when needed .... similar to a wheel system for moving and launching a small row boat when it's carried in the back of a pickup and not using a trailer .... works great when some areas are deep snow but some trails have none or have been cleared .... there are commercial wheel kits available on internet ....
+triumphmanful They're 1/2 inch thick and 5 feet long fiberglass electric fence posts. I'm not sure Tractor Supply has 1/2 inch. Any smaller diameter and they bend too much. I'm using the Jet Sled Jr. now. It works much better.
Nice video, I'm going to try to build one like yours. Do you know how they work with cross country skis. Do you know if there some alterations that could be useful for cross country skis? Cheers! Birgir Hrafn
It works great with cross-country skis. If you're really tall, and have really long skis, it's possible that the back of the skis might hit the sled. Nobody has had that problem that I know of, but longer poles would help. I highly recommend using the Jet Sled, JR with a single 3/4" aluminum angle about 8 inches long. It works much better. Check out this video of the Jet Sled JR: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nUaG6UQxNH8.html
Awesome video. I go deep into the woods to cut firewood for customers. When there is to much snow for my tractor this pulk will come in handy. Also I am trying to get 1000 subscribers for my channel so I am looking for more subscribers. You have an awesome channel by the way. You are a great teacher.
You might want to use an alternative K.I.S.S. meaning. Keep It Short and Simple. It is more accurate and you are not calling everyone stupid(although your way of using it may apply to some)
Ummmm. Is it just me or was it completely unnecessary to be wearing snow shoes in this video? The snow was so hard packed that a pair of runners would have worked!
