I need to build a Gear Sled - Any tips?

“I'm going to go to walmart and by a sled and turn it into a gear sled. I just need some info on how to construct one. Any info is mucho appriated! Thanks”

“theres a thread somewhere here with lots of info.

hang on.”

“theres a thread somewhere here with lots of info.

hang on.

http://www.thebackpacker.com/trailtalk/thread/18681,-1.php

the first post has some links that are prolly helpful.

I plan on doing one too - after you do yours give me a report back.

lol”

“none of those links are current.”

“oh - well that sucks!

i think birch built one last year.”

“Geez, didn't you like the "blueprints" I sent ya? ;o)
Seriously, remind me to bring my sleds when I see you, and I'll walk you through it.”

“a longer sled is better as your gear sits lower and is less tippy.

A set of rigid traces versus rope will prevent the sled from passing you on downhills.

I used heavy duty plumbing PVC (1/2" diameter) to construct mine. I also ran heavy nylon cord through the entire trace so that the strain was equally applied to the whole setup. I connected the traces to the sledge with 2hole straps meant for 3/4" electrical conduit.

The traces look like a square capitol "A" the top of the A is squared with 90 degree corners, this is where the sledge is connected, you stand between the "feet" of the A.

The 3/4" straps are on this side
---------
I I
I I
I-------I
I I
I I
I I

The line in the middle is a cross member connected with "T" fittings. Overall length of traces is 5 ft, with the width being equal to the sled.All joints are glued with cold weather rated PVC cement, all hardware is stainless steel. The nylon cord runs ina continuous piece through the PVC frame (not the cross member in the middle) and has 2 carabiners on the ends. The cord hangs out of the PVC about 12-18" allowing freedom of movement. This design is a bit cumbersome in very tight terrain but is VERY stable and with my sled is acapable of large payloads. with even weight distribution.”

“http://xray.bmc.uu.se/markh/skiing/pulka_english.html

thats also available in sweedish it says.”

“Will this help?

http://www.skipulk.com/”

“Okay, my pic didnt work. Just imagine a capitol A that was square, the top or flat part is attached to the sled. The open part is where you stand.

I wish I had a digi cam as I could jsut show you. I could email you drawings if you'd like.”

“You can also check this thread:
http://www.thebackpacker.com/trailtalk/thread/17373,-1.php

Did you see the pics of my sleds on the link I sent you?”

“cool. I have to try and meet up with you before FYAO. Looks like that will be the Catskills. It doesn't look to hard. Biner and I are going share a sled. So I need to find a decent size sled at walmart.”

“Pennsy, your pics helped a great deal.”

“Some of the URL's are still good... just cut and paste --- the links gopt wrecked in the updating of the board.

See for example:

http://xray.bmc.uu.se/markh/skiing/pulka_english.html
last edited: 1/09/05 7:36:41 PM”

“I have a 4' sled (from Walmart I think) with pvc traces, and a 66" sled with metal traces. Both have faired very well, but you can get a lot more stuff in my bigger sled and it's more stable. I'll see you soon, so maybe you can hold off buying anything until then.”

“OH well... Pennsy got it to ya already.”

“zoom zoom. Me be fast! ;o)”

“thanks everyone for the info”

“Thanks Master grasshopper Pennsy. I'll be asking you a lot of questions come the Catskills trip.”

“its the lack of wind resistence, Pennsy!


;)”

“nyuk nyuk. Verrrry funny Roamy! But there is always wind resistance (aka wooly hat) this time of year to keep my noggin warm.”

“"I plan on doing one too - after you do yours give me a report back.

lol”
Roam Around
7:14:46 PM
1/09/05

Whut, like ya got snow out there?”

“lol, just playin wit ya Pennsy.”

““its the lack of wind resistence, Pennsy!"

Breakin' wind??”

“I looked at some of the links for commercial sleds. They are so expensive! It's weird considering that it is realatively easy to make one that works.”

“but they have so much utility, 90% or more of the world would pay for it rather than use their own noodle to make one.”

“This site wasn't quite as helpful:

http://www.johanlundstrom.net/pulka/”

“ENS check and see if you have an Agway store near you, it is a farm supply store I am sure there is one close to you. They carry a work sled that is heavier duty than the kids sleds. Also Walmart in the hunting section has a sled for dragging dead animals out of the woods.”

“We just might have to drag some dead animals this time.”