Gear Sleds

“http://xray.bmc.uu.se/markh/skiing/pulka_english.html" target="_blank”> modify a cheap plastic sled with this plan
http://www.fantasytoyland.com/parexsled.html" target="_blank"> buy a cheap sled made for expeditions and consider more minor modifications

I've also got this (unrealistic?) notion: With a slightly oversized sled (room for me and my gear), such as the Paris, I might even be able to sled down some selected (i.e. safe) downhills using my hiking poles, and or snowshoed feet if needed for steering and stopping.”

“...and what's even better is if you have a cabana boy to pull you. Why, there's room aplenty for me, my doggie, and my gear! moohahahaaaaa”

“LOL! Hey you need to be pulling Dare.

BTW: I mis-cut and pasted. There should have been two links:

I’m thinking of two main gear sled options when I “hike Maine.” make or buy. What do y’all think?

http://xray.bmc.uu.se/markh/skiing/pulka_english.html" target="_blank”> modify a cheap plastic sled with this plan
http://www.fantasytoyland.com/parexsled.html" target="_blank"> buy a cheap sled made for expeditions and consider more minor modifications

I was also wondering: With a slightly oversized sled (room for me and my gear), such as the one I might purchase, I might even be able to sled down some selected (i.e. safe) downhills using my hiking poles, and or snowshoed feet if needed for steering and stopping.”

“Take a look at my thread "98% done" and it'll give you some details on the construction of my sled. Also I just posted a thread to highlight my sled's photos. See "Dave's gear sled photos".”

“well, of course you could use it as a sled downhill..it is a sled, afterall. ;p

The pre-made ones are verrry expensive, from what I have seen. Definitely make yourself one though...it is so much nicer than being weighed down and trudging through the snow.”

“LOL Amy...

I saw your pics Dave... nice illustrations. I saw you used the Shappell as your base... interesting choice, much sturdier, but much heavier than the ones most people are adapting.

This is the link for one that's partially modified.

http://www.fantasytoyland.com/parexsled.html" target="_blank"> buy a cheap sled made for expeditions and consider more minor modifications”

“Here's another make-your-own sled link.

Here's a pic of 3 expensive already-build sleds and writeups for comparison purposes.”

“Thanks Buddur... if I was going to buy something marketed for pulling gear, it would be something more like the Paris Expedition (for 30 bucks) - although those grand sleds for 400+ look pretty kewl.”

“Anyone see the Chang Tang story in the April 2003 National Geographic?

Talk about gear sleds with wheels. These guys packed more than 200 pounds per person for 200+ miles over 30 days. Pretty impressive. Here's a link to the story online.

http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0304/feature6/index.html”

“wow, that's a pretty cool story! The are hauling everything in what look to be wheelbarrows! All for the precious Tibetan Antelope. awwww

I wonder how the sled wheels handled on that rugged terrain?

Tanx IJ.
:o)”

“Yeah - cool carts. I saw that when we got our issue. The float wheels were extra cool.

You still can't use a cart like that in a wilderness area though - even if they are less impact than stock/horses.”

“I saw that. Pretty cool. I was thinking of posting it on the "Question" thread. What do you think, do those guys qualify as hardcore bacpackers? They didn't use backpacks after all.”

“Do you think ”