View Full Version : Snowsled Pulk
I decided that with the good winter conditions we've had for the last couple of years to treat myself to a Pulk shell from Snowsled (http://www.snowsled.com/ice-blue-plastic-pulks/).
http://www.snowsled.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Ice-Blue-top-viewDSC02070.jpg
http://www.snowsled.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Ice-Blue-side-view-DSC02068.jpg
It will allow me to transport a bit more kit out into the wilds and may even be useful or the Arctic courses (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68592) next March if I can work out the flight logistics.
http://www.ravenlore.co.uk/assets/images/Pulk.jpg
I haven’t decided yet whether to take a pulk over with me or make one over there from a cheap sledge. The latter option seems wasteful to me but ironically it may be significantly cheaper to do that, and leave it over there, than to fly one out from the UK.
Never the less, I decided to build one for use over here at least and my starting point was a Snowsled Ice Blue pulk shell.
To secure the load I added a series of loops around the edge with cargo duty parachute cord sheathed in PVC tubing from an irrigation system. The loops are big enough to grab with mittened hands and the baggage is then wrapped, burrito style, with a plastic tarp and tied down with waterproof shockcords.
The tarp incidentally has a reflective coating on the other side and will be useful as a back sheet when building lean to shelters.
The hauling ropes are connected to aluminium brackets via loops of bungee cord that act as shock absorbers and this will attach to a tump / shoulder strap rather than a harness for convenience.
Here you can see it loaded with my Crusader, Side pouches and Mountain pack with room for more if I need it.
All in all, a simple but efficient system.
mrcairney
29-10-2011, 12:44
Excellent stuff. I've often wondered how you managed your cross-Peninne trip. Did you have something similar or did you just have it all in your pack? From the photos on your site of that bimble, the conditions looked as if you could have done with one of these.
I have to admit I packed it on that trip and that is why I know how useful this is going to be.
mrcairney
29-10-2011, 12:49
I'd love to do the cross Pennine in winter. You'll have to give me some tips!
I regards to Arctic trip and getting it over there I wonder if you could pack everything sitting in it then place everything in one of those massive flight bags (I have one for a very large rucksack).
Nice buy!
It looks to swallow all your gear very well and sits low. The sheathed cording is a genius touch and will be 'borrowed' on my build.
I can't help thinking you could improve it with a comfy chair and kettle/stove/coffee setup for downhills :)
Wayland, do you reckon we'll be walking far with all of our kit then? If so I'd have hoped a pulk would've been on the pack list! You've got me worried now!!
mrcairney
29-10-2011, 13:05
I can see it now "Wayland... can I rent a bit of your pulk?"
Wayland, do you reckon we'll be walking far with all of our kit then? If so I'd have hoped a pulk would've been on the pack list! You've got me worried now!!
I asked the question - How much hiking is likely to be involved?
Ans: About 2-3KM max per day, but this could be in deep/powder snow - We will move at the pace of the slowest person. No one will be left behind, everything will be a team effort. After day 1 and 2 most movement will be in and around the camp area.
So I don't expect a lot of hiking but my kit is already squeezing into a bergan and a daypack and that's without buying food locally. Taking the weight off my back will make the snowshoes more effective and around camp a pulk can be used for shifting firewood and even snow for building.
I reckon we can do without but I can see definite advantages to taking one though.
Nice buy!
It looks to swallow all your gear very well and sits low. The sheathed cording is a genius touch and will be 'borrowed' on my build.
I can't help thinking you could improve it with a comfy chair and kettle/stove/coffee setup for downhills :)
It looks tough enough, I reckon riding it down hills is a definite possibility http://www.wayland.me.uk/assets/images/sled.gif
I've just worked out that it will be about £38 extra to fly the pulk out as Ski equipment.
I could pack it up to the limit of 12kg which means it could replace my second bag.
I'm guessing that buying a sledge out there would be at least £20 and then I've got to adapt it on the fly while out there...
On the other hand for about £20 extra I've got the purpose made job all ready to go.
I reckon that sounds worth doing. http://www.wayland.me.uk/assets/images/541.gif
Looks like it will work well. I use something similar. You might consider a single loop in the front. It would go behind the head and uder the arms. I use poles to space myself from the sled, and a strap is more comfy than a rope imo. This is my ice fishing rig.
http://faculty.gvsu.edu/triert/images18/icefishingsled2c.jpg
That looks like a well thought out rig. http://www.wayland.me.uk/assets/images/ice-fishing-1.gif
Martti Kujansuu
30-10-2011, 17:05
I'm thinking of buying a surplus Finnish Defence Forces ahkio made by Sinex Oy (http://www.sinex.fi/index.php?p=ahkiot). The smaller 160 cm long costs 20€ and the larger 200 cm one 34€ which are about 1/10 of the retail prices. The shorter one weights c. 10 kg and the longer one 12 kg.
They look good and the price is low but they sound really heavy.
My shell weighs just over 2kg and comes in at 1.45m.
Martti Kujansuu
30-10-2011, 17:31
They look good and the price is low but they sound really heavy.
I can see from the link you provided, that your's is rated for just 40 kg. Sinex's models are rated for 200 and 250 kg respectively.
Fair enough but I don't think I could pull 200kg very far without a Skidoo.
My total kit for a week or two with camera equipment is 40kg.
I guess I might exceed that hauling firewood for short distances but 200kg is two full grown men.
Looking good mate
I hope my ebay sledge turns out that well :)
Aristotle
30-10-2011, 19:26
This is my ice fishing rig.
http://faculty.gvsu.edu/triert/images18/icefishingsled2c.jpg
bay,
Somebody I know of uses quite an old car (a Chevrolet?) with a hole cut in the floor for his ice fishing trips. He's not too far from Green Bay, so maybe things are different that side of the Lake?
Looking good mate
I hope my ebay sledge turns out that well :)
I look forward to seeing it.
forestwalker
01-11-2011, 04:32
Nice setup. Be aware of one thing with your tarpulin. I the cold it will tur into stiff, LOUD crinkly stuff. It will still work (even if a bit more fragile), but might be irritating. Personally I would make a tarp in polycotton or light canvas to replace it.
As to the weight specs of it and the ahkio: the higher rating means that ypu have a larger margin when it is full and thumos into a tree, if one has to transport something heavy (e.g. an unjured person). Also a longer pulk will be easier to pull under almost all conditions compared to a shorter one.
My pulk is an old Segebaden military pulk; 170 cm long and made from wood. It uses "the other" type of cover, with two poles that are rolled around each other to close the cover.
mrcharly
02-11-2011, 15:20
Forestwalker, could you put up some photos of your pulk please?
forestwalker
03-11-2011, 03:47
Forestwalker, could you put up some photos of your pulk please?
I'll try to remember this weekend. Remnd me if I forget...
I just made my pulk, thread here (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=79223&page=4)
http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab77/turnerminator/IMAG0378.jpg
Looks like a good job.
It'll be interesting to see how you get on with the pole pull rather than the ropes.
drewdunnrespect
06-11-2011, 22:39
hiya gary
just a quick q would these be any good as a base for a cart with wheels then in winter you could revert them back to a sled
drew
Martti Kujansuu
08-11-2011, 09:24
I would like to a small and maybe insignificant notation when it comes to the difference between words pulk/pulkka and ahkio in Finnish language. Pulkka is used to haul people, while ahkio is used to haul equipment. Also in Northern Sami word bulki refers to a pulkka driven by a reindeer.
So were actually dragging Ahkio's behind us Martin? :)
I'd assumed the word Pulk was correct as so many Scandinavians use the word too, in this context. Wikipaedia says on this(not that Its always right);
"A pulk (from Finnish pulkka)[1] is a Scandinavian short, low-slung small toboggan used in sport or for transport, pulled by a dog or a skier. The name of the sport is pulka. The sled can be used to carry supplies such as a tent or food, or transport a child or other person. In Norway, pulks are often used by families with small children on skiing trips (small children being pulled by the parents). More commonly, it is used to transport children when walking, or by the children for tobogganing downhill; this mode of transport requires a snow cover. Pulks are nowadays made of plastic, which makes them cheap to buy.
A larger pulk, designed for transporting larger amounts of goods, is called ahkio [ahkio] in Finnish. This word is also used by the US Army for a human-drawn snow sled." [Quote from Wikipaedia]
My thoughts are that the word 'Pulk' has been so widely adopted round the world as a man drawn load carrier with small runners for a person/equipment that its now been adopted into our vocabulary forever.
Martti Kujansuu
08-11-2011, 14:27
My thoughts are that the word 'Pulk' has been so widely adopted round the world as a man drawn load carrier with small runners for a person/equipment that its now been adopted into our vocabulary forever.
While it is true that in 21st century Finnish the word pulkka is used to refer to a thing used by the children during the wintertime, it had a whole another meaning earlier. Compared to ahkio, Sámi's bulki has higher sides & back, and is shaped like a boat.
Bulki (http://suomenmuseotonline.fi/en/kohde/Suomen+kansallismuseo/SU6011%3A-?)
http://suomenmuseotonline.fi/fi/kuva/Suomen+kansallismuseo/sa010182.jpg
Ahkio or veturi ("locomotive") (suomenmuseotonline.fi/en/kohde/Suomen+kansallismuseo/SU5115%3a1ab?)
http://suomenmuseotonline.fi/fi/kuva/Suomen+kansallismuseo/su5115a.jpg
Thanks for those pics Martin :)
The Bulki looks more like what I know as a Pulk and the Veturi looks closer to a toboggan with its low sides.
I was thinking earlier that calling these 'Gear or kit slides' would make sense, 'Locomotive' is equally descriptive.
http://www.ravenlore.co.uk/assets/images/Pulk.jpg
The hauling ropes are connected to aluminium brackets via loops of bungee cord that act as shock absorbers and this will attach to a tump / shoulder strap rather than a harness for convenience.
Quick question Gary
I've read on Snowsled that the Ice Blue comes with pre drilled hauling holes, did you think it needed stronger brackets or was it just to make the pole come away easier?
My ebay sledge arrived today so I'm just looking at ways I can make it stronger where the load is being pulled
forestwalker
13-11-2011, 19:20
I'll try to remember this weekend. Remnd me if I forget...
Only took med two weekends to remember:
http://www.hunter-gatherer.org/pix/army-pulk.jpg
Two rattan poles that go the whole lenght, you roll them together and tie a rope around. Not a bad system, it is less mess than a pure rope system, but can catch in bushy terrain
Quick question Gary
I've read on Snowsled that the Ice Blue comes with pre drilled hauling holes, did you think it needed stronger brackets or was it just to make the pole come away easier?
My ebay sledge arrived today so I'm just looking at ways I can make it stronger where the load is being pulled
Just a bit of basic physics really.
I wanted the transfer of force to be in a straight line to distribute the stress better.
I asked them not to drill the normal holes and I measured it all up when it arrived and made the brackets myself.
It seemed like the best approach to me but time will tell I guess.
Why cant you load your kit in a heavy duty survial bag one of these orenge things and pull that between camping locations?
I guess the pulk-a-awalla will protect your gear better,,,just a thougt:)
Twodogs
I think with a pulk you can steer it better and with minimal rails they track straighter, if you tried to tow a bothy bag across a slope you'd end up with it below you and pulling you off balance.
A plastic sled protects from rocks and tree roots better than a placcy bag too
Well, the weather has given me my first chance to try out my pulk.
http://www.ravenlore.co.uk/assets/images/Pulk-1.jpg
Loaded with about 30kg of mixed baggage in a couple of dry bags I took it up onto Crompton Moor for a try out.
It drew well with a simple strap and rope rig. I used a route offering varied conditions from level tracks to fairly steep rough ground.
The rope tends to slack on the down grades causing the sled to self arrest rather than slam into the back of my legs which is as I hoped.
She does ship some snow running through the fresh but not too badly.
http://www.ravenlore.co.uk/assets/images/Pulk-2.jpg
All in all a very successful little yomp. Warm work on the climbs and comfortable on level and decent.
It's pointed towards a couple of useful kit ideas and changes for the big trip.
forestwalker
18-12-2011, 17:44
Have you considered a "tub" of fabric (or a rectangular tarp, which is multi-use but more of a bother) to contain the gear? Keeps the snow off the kit, and makes it harder to lose stuff on the trail. A 2.5x1.5 m piece of fabric is ideal as roof over a trench type shelter.
sorry.. but is it just a strong sled?
Have you considered a "tub" of fabric (or a rectangular tarp, which is multi-use but more of a bother) to contain the gear? Keeps the snow off the kit, and makes it harder to lose stuff on the trail. A 2.5x1.5 m piece of fabric is ideal as roof over a trench type shelter.
I'm torn between the tarp wrapping and just using dry bags... Or maybe both...
sorry.. but is it just a strong sled?
Yes, a very strong sled made from material that does not become brittle at very low temperatures.
forestwalker
19-12-2011, 03:36
I'm torn between the tarp wrapping and just using dry bags... Or maybe both...
Dry bags are great if you encounter water (e.g. overflow on a creek, or going through the ice). But they will be annoying to deal with in -25 C. I use a light weight one for my sleeping bag...
Hmmm... Hadn't thought about the material stiffening.
Time to chuck a couple in the freezer to see what they do.
Looks like a great bit of kit Wayland! I used one with ski-touring skis in Norway many moons ago with bars to the pulk not rope. Hard work too it was :)
So far I can't see what difference the bars would really make for my purposes and they make packing it on a flight much more of a problem.
As the rope slackens it tends to fall under the pulk and cause it to self arrest which stops it from running into the back of my legs.
Perhaps if I was skiing it would be different but the ropes seem fine to me.
Martti Kujansuu
04-01-2012, 11:39
Here is a description of Finnish ahkio (not "akja" as described on the text) used by Finnish Defence Forces during the War. The text is from German winter manual translated into English in 1943.
The light akja (figs. 78(3) and 79) is a flat sled made of plywood and shaped like a boat. In the side walls there are four holes for lashing the load and four for fastening the tarpaulin. It is used to transport small loads similar to those specified for the boat akja. The light akja is also towed by one to three skiers. Two trained dogs may also be used. The leading do must be on a lead. To stop and to steer the akja on steep inclines, a braking rope with a loop is attached to the rings in the rear.
c. Construction of Light Akja
To make a light akja, plywood consisting of three layers about 1½ inches thick is cut out as illustrated in figure 78 and put together with rivets. At the front a piece of board of plywood (five or more layers glued together) is riveted on. Two holes for the towropes are provided. These holes should be drilled as low as possible for greater ease in pulling the akja out of snow. The rear end is held together by a board and reinforced with a thin metal band. Two hooks are riveted to the top for the braking rope. Two hooks are riveted to the top for the braking rope. A strong plywood board or a plank on which the sled will slide is riveted to the bottom of the akja. To strengthen the akja, an iron band is riveted underneath on each side and three sheetmetal ribs are riveted to the inside. Four holes must be drilled on both sides to receive the lashing ropes. Before being bent, the wood should be soaked in water.
http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/6465/ahkio.jpg
http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/3779/ahkio2.jpg
http://www.hunter-gatherer.org/pix/army-pulk.jpg
Two rattan poles that go the whole lenght, you roll them together and tie a rope around. Not a bad system, it is less mess than a pure rope system, but can catch in bushy terrain
I've got one of these, British RM issue, I have the original label which states it's a 'Turistpulka NR 1' Nato stock No. A3/3920-99-130-2694
It's due for a service, I just oil the wood, and it looks like I need to make another harness as I seem to have lost mine, I will probably convert an old climbing harness.
It's also outpaced all other sledges at the local slope :)
forestwalker
05-01-2012, 04:49
I've got one of these, British RM issue, I have the original label which states it's a 'Turistpulka NR 1' Nato stock No. A3/3920-99-130-2694
Yes, these were a Segebaden model adapted for army use (heavier to be soldier proof)
It's due for a service, I just oil the wood, and it looks like I need to make another harness as I seem to have lost mine, I will probably convert an old climbing harness.
It's also outpaced all other sledges at the local slope :)
I just use a belt, but I have been thinking about adding the straps to make it a harness, probably remeovably (seat belt webbing, delrin buckles).
You want to tar it rather than oil it (ok, oil on the inside if you care to, but tar on the outside). Do it in summer, leave it out in the sun for a few days and you get a good surface.
As to the poles, it should be possible to make breakdown poles for ease of transport. On a steep downhill they will make a difference, but not for gentle terrain. Add an attachment point for a snub-line in the rear?
Thanks Forest Walker,
I will have a think about the tar in the summer.
Yep, the poles do make a difference on the steep down hills, take-down ones would be handy.
scottishpinz
13-01-2012, 14:45
Saw these while shopping the other day. Might make a good cheap pulk for the few times we get to play with such things in UK
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogI d_10151_productId_803861_langI d_-1_categoryId_233652
Saw these while shopping the other day. Might make a good cheap pulk for the few times we get to play with such things in UK
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogI d_10151_productId_803861_langI d_-1_categoryId_233652
Oh well spotted, they look very similar to the Paris sled which is popular for pulks in the US
Gailainne
13-01-2012, 16:56
Nice idea Gary, we used old style, (wood, canvas) pulks on the winter WEISS course I did a few years back, very similar to forestwalkers, and they had poles rather than rope see pic http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t213/Gailainne/winterweiss/CIMG0005.jpg it certainly helped control them on the paths thru the forest. BTW on the tarp, I had a large cordura flight bag that everything went into, on Woodys first BCUK arctic course, the one Cat was on, and the upvc pockets disintegrated in the -40 deg C temps.
forestwalker
14-01-2012, 06:01
Nice idea Gary, we used old style, (wood, canvas) pulks on the winter WEISS course I did a few years back, very similar to forestwalkers, and they had poles rather than rope see pic
That is the same pulk. Old army surplus. Built heavier than the civilian models (soldier proof).
Oh well spotted, they look very similar to the Paris sled which is popular for pulks in the US
The label on them says they are made in the US
Saw one in our local Halfords at £10, it was the "techno camo" colour, if anyone wanted it delivery to Rough Close next week would be possible ...