Are you an avid winter camper looking for the best pulk sled to help you haul your gear and supplies? Well, I have you covered. Pulk sleds are a great way to make winter camping easier, and we’ve compiled a list of the top Pulk sleds on the market.
Whether you’re looking for something lightweight or extra durable, there’s sure to be something that fits your needs. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of pulk sleds and review some of our favorite models so that you can find the perfect pulk sled for your next winter camping trip.
What Is A Pulk Sled?
First, let’s take a look at pulk sleds and how they can help you. A pulk sled is essentially a small, shallow-bottomed sled that you can use to haul gear and supplies over snow or ice. They have been popular in everything from cultural practices to expeditions in Arctic and antarctic regions.
Nowadays, pulk sleds are commonly used for winter camping, polar expeditions, and backcountry mountaineering trips. The pulk sled is pulled behind the user on a rope or tow line, allowing them to transport their gear with ease. Not only does it free up your hands for movement and balance, but pulk sleds can help you move quickly in deep snow as the weight is resting on the sled rather than on your back (with a backpack).
However, because pulk sleds are pretty specialized, they are kind of difficult to find. Most of the time, it requires ordering directly through small brands/manufacturers.
What Are The Best Pulk Sleds For Winter Camping?
Here are the best pulk sleds for winter camping.
1. EraPro Paris 960 Expedition™ Sled
Best Pulk Sled Overall
The EraPro Paris 960 Expedition™ pulk sled is the overall best pulk sled for winter camping. It’s vacuum molded from 1/8″ high-density polyethylene so it will be a mixture of lightweight, yet durable and inexpensive. Moreover, its bright orange hue makes it incredibly simple to locate in even the most extreme white-out conditions – a feature that sets this pulk sled apart from other models.
After a heavy snowfall, it stands out amongst all that white and makes for an easy find.
Its extended rims promote exceptional torsional rigidity, enabling you to easily navigate through deep powder. This pulk sled is super durable and long-lasting too, surviving rigorous trips while still being lighter than many other pulk sleds available on the market.
In fact, this sled is often used on polar expeditions to both the Arctic for North Pole expeditions and the Antarctic.
Having been tested in a variety of situations, this is the go-to option for all kinds of adventures including the two polar expedition trainings and a dogsledding course that I went on. It’s clear to see why it remains an extremely popular choice- it gets the job done well!
This pulk sled is perfect for hauling your gear over snow or ice during those winter camping trips, and it is also what I just got done using on a 2-week solo trip in the Boundary Waters Wilderness where temperatures got down to -19 degrees Fahrenheit.
Key Features:
- Dimensions are 60 x 21 x 6 inches
- Vacuum molded from 1/8″ high-density polyethylene
- Bright orange hue for visibility in white-out conditions
- Extended rims provide torsional rigidity and stability
- Lightweight yet durable and long-lasting
- A popular choice for Arctic and Antarctic expeditions
- Perfect for hauling gear over snow or ice during winter camping trips
- Can connect multiple sleds to carry more storage
- Affordable
Cons:
- One sled can be a bit small for a longer expedition
2. Shappell Jet Sled
Best Sled For Hunting Or Hauling Day Trips
The Shappell Jet Sled is the best generic pulk sled for winter hunting. Crafted of heavy-duty polyethylene and featuring molded runners for extra fortitude, this sled is robust enough to weather the elements yet light enough to be pulled by hand.
The contoured hull allows easy pulling and it includes a towrope for convenience. It’s designed specifically for hauling decoys, firewood, deer, traps, feed, and more.
The Jet Sled also has a variety of other uses such as ice fishing. In winter conditions where snow and ice accumulate quickly, it is useful to have a pulk sled that can be easily pulled or pushed through the terrain with ease.
This sled isn’t anything fancy, and the price depicts this. However, if you just need something for generic front-country use, then these are great and well-rated.
Key Features:
- Variety of uses such as ice fishing
- Affordable price point
- Made in USA
- Includes towrope
- The contoured hull allows easy pulling by hand
- Camo Design
Cons:
- Not designed for heavy backcountry use
3. SkiPulk Expedition Pulk
Best Sled For Expedition Loads
The SkiPulk Expedition pulk sled is the perfect choice for those looking to carry large loads during their winter camping trips- or even group trips. The fiberglass hull of this pulk sled pulls and glides effortlessly, while UHMW poly runners (same as dogsled runner materials) are added to provide a longer lifespan and improved tracking.
This sled also comes with a riveted, water-resistant cover and an expansive #10 YKK zipper, providing you full access to store your gear inside without any fuss. Additionally, the large zipper pulls make it easier for you to grab the bag quickly when needed!
Best of all – no DIY projects are required as everything is set up right away upon purchase; unlike other models that require additional assembly. It makes organizing a big trip much easier.
The biggest drawback however is the price. This pulk is hundreds of dollars more than the other pulk sleds, but when you consider all the features – and what it can hold- it really can be worth it.
The Expedition Pulk sled also comes with the Expedition Harness. The harness is fully adjustable, making it one size fits all. Just another added bonus!
Key Features:
- Larger space than most other pulk sleds
- The fiberglass hull pulls and glides smoothly
- UHMW Poly runners for increased durability and improved tracking
- Comes with a water-resistant cover with a full-length zipper
- Expedition Harness is fully adjustable and one size fits all
Cons:
- More expensive than other pulk sleds
4. Northern Sled Works Racing Pulk
Best Sled For Ultralight Trips
The Northern Sled Works Racing Pulk is designed specifically for ultralight winter trips. Constructed from the Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW) material, this pulk is both resilient and enduring—capable of surviving a great degree of abrasion.
Its sleek design allows for easy maneuverability when being pulled through the snow, and its lightweight nature at merely 3.5 lbs makes transportation pretty easy.
Perfect for short, ultralight outings – this sled is your go-to option.
Key Features:
- Ultralight pulk sled
- Made of tough, flexible 1/16” white UHMW plastic
- Loads narrow for easier pulling and transporting
- 3.5Ibs.
Cons:
- Designed specifically for ultralight trips – not suitable for heavier loads.
Pulk Sled FAQ:
How Large Of A Pulk Sled Do I Need?
It depends on how much gear you plan to take with you. Generally, pulk sleds come in two sizes – standard use and expedition pulk sleds. If you plan on taking a large amount of equipment, then it’s best to invest in an expedition pulk. Otherwise, a standard pulk should suffice.
Can I Make My Own Pulk Sled?
Yes! You can make your own pulk sled with the help of some basic tools and materials. Many polar explorers actually do just this. In fact, my mentor Eric Larsen (Polar explorer) takes the Paris Pulk sled and modifies it to create an expedition-worthy pulk sled for the North and South poles.
However, if you’re looking for a reliable pulk sled with a larger carrying capacity that will last through years of winter camping trips, it’s best to invest in a pulk sled that will be expedition ready.
Summary
Whether you’re looking for a pulk sled to carry heavy expedition loads during winter camping trips, or just something lightweight and durable enough for general outings – there is an option out there that fits your needs. With the help of this article, I hope you were able to find one that best suits your requirements!
Before making any purchases, do make sure to read up on pulk sled FAQs so that you can get the most out of your pulk purchase! Thanks for reading and happy winter camping!
I hope this article helps you make an informed decision when choosing between the best hot tents of 2023.
Pulk Sled Resources
Suggested Reading:
Out On The Land: Bushcraft Skills from the Northern Forest by Ray Mears and Lars Falt
This is a comprehensive guide to living in the Boreal forest of the North. It examines all aspects of living in the wilderness in both winter and summer, from clothing, kit, and skills to cooking, survival techniques, and more.
It includes case studies of early explorers, as well as modern-day adventurers who found themselves stranded in the forest and examines traditional and cultural practices related to bushcraft.
If you’re looking to explore the grandeur of nature, Out On The Land is an indispensable resource. Filled with vivid pictures and descriptions of the Northern beauty, along with practical tips on taking advantage of wilderness skills, this book will help you unlock the secrets and wonders that await outdoors.
With this book, you’ll be inspired to get your new hot tent out and bring it to the Great White North.
Thanks for checking out my guide to the best pulk sleds or winter camping!
Here are a few more related articles:
- What is Bushcraft? An Introduction To The Art Of Wilderness Survival
- The Best Bushcraft Books: Learn The Skills Of Our Ancestors
- What Is The Best Bushcraft Knife Of 2023?
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. If you have any questions about the companies or my status as an affiliate, please don’t hesitate to e-mail me.
Hey there! My name is Tanner and I specialize in outdoor survival, bushcraft, expeditions and adventure travel.
