I should probably put this in the selling section of the message board, but I thought I might find more winter campers in this section. I've been reading some winter camping blogs and message boards that describe how to make a winter sled out of high density plastic materials. I know I could do it, but I don't have the time. Any chance anyone has one they want to sell or any chance someone wants to make one to sell? Looking for a 10'x16" or so model.

i bought an eight(?) foot sled for my last winter solo trip. cost about 25 dollars. i used 6'+ pvc poles and some springs and rope. the whole thing cost about $40 dollars and worked and well as i could hope. to assemble the whole thing took about 2 hours, and it worked just as i had imagined.
i like to keep things simple. my outfit allowed me to adjust things in many ways.
prior to my plastic sled i used a good old fashioned toboggan, i worked but was prone to gloming onto the sluch.
the point is you don't need to spend a bunch of money here, imagination and good old fashioned make due engineering is part of the fun.

I know a guy who maybe able to get you a sled. I sent an email to you with his email address.

Can we get some photos rolling on these home made or purchased sleds?! Here's my rig from last Feb.

Here's another sled (jet sled) from our crew.

looks like the same sled i used. i attached my sled to a very light pack to keep the pvc poles from stabbing into me on down hills.

Yep, same one! I need to buy another for pulling two in tandem or for my kids. 3 of them ski now so I might as well get them pulling. I've been clipping mine onto a hammer holder that I attach to my belt and wool pants. Works pretty slick for the most part. I sweat a lot with too many tops or a pack. How do you adjust for that?

black river sleds has new ones for sale. 9ft is 225$, 11ft 260$ if I am not mistaken. If you want a kit I think they are around 155$. Good luck on your search!

If you can afford it, I highly recommend black river sleds. I've done everything from the hardware store 2 sled tied together setup (works well for the cost) to the jet sled (not recommended). The jet sled acts more like a plow than a sled.

The advantage to the black river sled is it is very narrow and long (disperses weight very well with minimal plowing). Jet sleds tend to have gear stacked high and are very wide (great for plowing snow and having your sled tipping over frequently not so great for hauling gear).

If cost is a concern go to the hardware store and pick up a couple toboggans. There are lots of plans on the Internet for various setups.

Good luck!

quote Sobi: "Can we get some photos rolling on these home made or purchased sleds?! Here's my rig from last Feb. "

Hey that looks like my sled. Works great,I have about two 5 foot aluminum poles and a ski belt used for dogs pulling you on skiis.

What are you guys using for shelters then?

I just use a good three season tent and cold camp.

I have a hot tent but I always sleep outside. Hot tents are awesome, especially during the day and first thing in the morning. Great for cooking, hanging out and drying clothes. That being said, nothing beats sleeping outside in the winter.

I do not recommend using a 3 or 4 season tent. One needs to ask, why do I need a tent this time of year? To protect from wind? (building snow walls or digging out a ditch will do much better and insulate you way better). Protect me from snow falling? Use a tarp (see why below....tarps have ventilation...tents not nearly enough).


If you are going up into the mountains with a lot of rock,,,,you need a tent. But...

Tents tend to build up condensation (especially in the winter) and you'll end up with "Camp frozen breath". Nothing worse than waking up and all your gear is soaked from last nights breathing.

So save yourself the extra weight (and wet gear). Sleep under the stars. Make sure you try it right out on the lake sometime. I did it for the first time when I was 14 and woke up to a Moose about 100 yards from me. That's what got me hooked on winter camping!

What kind of temps have you managed out under the stars? Seems the way to go until -15 or so. I know what you mean about the condensation. Even having a tarp too close can be a problem. Last year we had driving snow so I pulled an emergeny blanket out to cover my head area to keep the snow from flying into my face. Well that worked to keep the snow out but the condensation that built up soaked the first 2 feet of the top of my bag. I like the tomb idea with possibly something over the head area if she starts to snow. Maybe plexiglass so you can still see the stars! Here's another sleep option for those that really want to test the gear they wear.

I usually go winter camping in January. It is frequently -0 to -20 at night during our trips. I have slept outside under the stars when it was -37.

Here is my theory (works for me others may have a better method for themselves):

My theory states a tent is not going to warm you up much. A tent may increase the air temp by 5-15 degree's (depending on the tent, number of people, if u use a fly, etc). But this is usually negated by the moisture it traps. As you know, cold dry air feels warmer than cold wet air.

If it gets really cold, I just make a shelter (shelter type depends on conditions, like amount of snow available):

1.) Dig a simple rectangular ditch in the snow (My Favorite and most used). Add tarp if it will snow.
2.) Build a rectangular walls with logs, big boulder, under big tree, etc. if snow is scarce.
3.) Build a snow cave or igloo
4.) Etc.

Snow walls (or snow ditch) will protect you from the wind, trap some of your body heat (insulate you way better than a tent anyways) and keep you incredibly warm. If done right, it will be way warmer than a cold tent pitched right next to it.

As you point out in your photo (you are nuts by the way:-P proper clothing is also important.

Clothing is part of your overall sleep system.

Clothes:
I only wear under long underwear pants and top, some wool socks and a hat to bed (This is especially true if it is -20). It sucks for about 20 seconds (And when you need to get out of your bag to use the restroom).

Many people make the mistake of putting on as many layers as possible when they go to bed. This does not work. You want to create as much OPEN AIR SPACE as possible between you and the sleeping bag. This air gets warmed by your body heat and trapped in the bag. If you dont have much air space, you'll feeze. It's the same concept as when people put on two pair of socks in their boots to get warm...only to find their feet completely frozen.

Pad:
I use an Exped 9 pad. Expensive but I can put it directly on the lake ice and it will still warm right up.

Sleeping Bag:
I used to have two old sleeping bags. I'd crawl into one and use the other as a quilt. It worked very well.

Now I have a western mountaineering sleeping bag thats a TRUE -20 bag. I add a silk liner (which gives it another 8-10 degree's warmth) and on the nights it gets below -20 I throw my fleece clothes and down jacket ON TOP of the bag (ADDS LOFT AND HELPS TRAP AIR)

Anyway's, some people use their tents, and I may be missing something (I have been known to be 100% convinced I am right about many things, only to be proven wrong later). But I think tents in the BWCA, during winter, are like bringing ice picks in July. Bring a tarp instead.

quote George: "I usually go winter camping in January. It is frequently -0 to -20 at night during our trips. I have slept outside under the stars when it was -37.

Here is my theory (works for me others may have a better method for themselves):

My theory states a tent is not going to warm you up much. A tent may increase the air temp by 5-15 degree's (depending on the tent, number of people, if u use a fly, etc). But this is usually negated by the moisture it traps. As you know, cold dry air feels warmer than cold wet air.

If it gets really cold, I just make a shelter (shelter type depends on conditions, like amount of snow available):

1.) Dig a simple rectangular ditch in the snow (My Favorite and most used). Add tarp if it will snow.
2.) Build a rectangular walls with logs, big boulder, under big tree, etc. if snow is scarce.
3.) Build a snow cave or igloo
4.) Etc.


Snow walls (or snow ditch) will protect you from the wind, trap some of your body heat (insulate you way better than a tent anyways) and keep you incredibly warm. If done right, it will be way warmer than a cold tent pitched right next to it.


As you point out in your photo (you are nuts by the way:-P proper clothing is also important.

Clothing is part of your overall sleep system.


Clothes:
I only wear under long underwear pants and top, some wool socks and a hat to bed (This is especially true if it is -20). It sucks for about 20 seconds (And when you need to get out of your bag to use the restroom).


Many people make the mistake of putting on as many layers as possible when they go to bed. This does not work. You want to create as much OPEN AIR SPACE as possible between you and the sleeping bag. This air gets warmed by your body heat and trapped in the bag. If you dont have much air space, you'll feeze. It's the same concept as when people put on two pair of socks in their boots to get warm...only to find their feet completely frozen.


Pad:
I use an Exped 9 pad. Expensive but I can put it directly on the lake ice and it will still warm right up.


Sleeping Bag:
I used to have two old sleeping bags. I'd crawl into one and use the other as a quilt. It worked very well.


Now I have a western mountaineering sleeping bag thats a TRUE -20 bag. I add a silk liner (which gives it another 8-10 degree's warmth) and on the nights it gets below -20 I throw my fleece clothes and down jacket ON TOP of the bag (ADDS LOFT AND HELPS TRAP AIR)


Anyway's, some people use their tents, and I may be missing something (I have been known to be 100% convinced I am right about many things, only to be proven wrong later). But I think tents in the BWCA, during winter, are like bringing ice picks in July. Bring a tarp instead.
"

Even though I use a hot tent in the winter, this is very sound advice for any winter camper. +1

Will be trying that tomb approach this year if the snow cooperates. That last photo was actually a buddy who thought brandy was beer. We watched him closely for a spell and then made sure he made it into his winter style hammock properly.

We have for years built the quinsy to take on those wicked temps past -30, -40, -50 (no lie) and were very thankful for the snows insulation. Lately however we have been camping in late Feb where there really isn't a need.

Here's a shot of some of my latest gear for winter camping. Love the winter camo that is water proof and sooooo comfy.

Nice! Where did u get that jacket?

Its Redhead gear through Basspro I believe. I bought the bibs too. I will ski with that and little silk long underwear. Like wear big warm pj's! The whole set was 150 clams so she doesn't break the bank either.

www.skipulk.com

for advice in putting the pulk together.
It worked for my precious cargo. Here is something else to consider, ib built the wooden toboggan out of birch. Northhouse folk school in Grand Marais has a class on making traditional wooden toboggans (I think)

That's a beauty. Did u post a pic of it b4? I am starting to get into building my own gear and may see if that class is still offered. Thanks for posting!