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Author	Message Text
Gadfly	01/20/2020 02:06PM   On some shorter trips I will tow a second sled holding a fishing shelter. I only do this on trips where I know the portages are easy and we aren't going in too far.
Lailoken	01/19/2020 10:54PM   I just got a snowtrekker tent and the smallest Knico stove after doing two solo winter trips last year with small mesh tent. I also have an expedition pulk from skipulk which worked for these trips last year. I am at a serious shortage of room now and wondering about getting second pulk? Longer Toboggan, or am I just talking too much. Since solo, I do have redundancy on sleeping bags, small cook stove, and clothing. What do you all use?
Lailoken	01/20/2020 05:57PM   Thanks, and how do you strap it down?
Lailoken	01/20/2020 09:11AM   Thaks. I can cut firewood, so fine there, but good to know can double tow.
Lailoken	01/21/2020 03:18PM   You don’t need a a big bag of extra clothes, extra fuel for a stove you don’t need, two sleeping bags etc..... What about if you are solo for safety? I never take two bags in summer or fall, but it was -27 F last year when out. Thought if fall in water, 3 days out? That is thought behind redundancy.
Minnesotian	01/21/2020 04:07PM   I agree that you have too much stuff as well. Looking at your photo, I would cut out the tarp for sure. Do you have two sleeping bags because you use one inside the other to boost the cold weather rating? If not, I would stick with just one sleeping bag. Along with your sled, do you also wear a backpack? What I do on my solo trips is is spread my clothing between a backpack that I wear and the sled. That way if either get wet, I still have a set of dry clothing. However, my backpack is a 75L Sealline so the chances of anything in there getting wet is minimal. I use a UHMW toboggan that I made. 7.5' long. I found the 7.5' forced me to really decide what I needed to bring on a solo trip. However, I still feel I overpack sometimes.
Lailoken	01/21/2020 04:33PM   Thanks so much for help. One of the issues on solo travel is you do all the work, the other, is no one to learn from in the field. I really do appreciate all of this: I agree that you have too much stuff as well. Looking at your photo, I would cut out the tarp for sure. GOOD TO KNOW Do you have two sleeping bags because you use one inside the other to boost the cold weather rating? If not, I would stick with just one sleeping bag. NOPE, FULLY REDUNDANT, BUT I CAN DROP. NOT MUCH WEIGHT, BUT A LOT OF SPACE. Along with your sled, do you also wear a backpack? What I do on my solo trips is is spread my clothing between a backpack that I wear and the sled. That way if either get wet, I still have a set of dry clothing. However, my backpack is a 75L Sealline so the chances of anything in there getting wet is minimal. I HAVE NOT USED BACKPACK IN PAST, WILL TRY. I use a UHMW toboggan that I made. 7.5' long. I found the 7.5' forced me to really decide what I needed to bring on a solo trip. However, I still feel I overpack sometimes. THANKS
Lailoken	01/21/2020 10:36AM   Thanks so much! This is really helpful. I like the pulk's handling. Does the toboggan tend to get off kilter when hauling?
bobbernumber3	01/21/2020 06:01AM   Mnpat: " I run rope between the predrilled holes and hook bungees to that. " +1 My trailer follows about 6 feet behind the toboggan attached with a carbiner for quick on/off as needed.
Jaywalker	01/21/2020 09:39AM   My recommendation is to find a way to bring whatever gear you want to have with you. I also solo so know the pains of hauling ALL of the community gear. Both a trailer or a longer HDPE or UMHWPE will work, but the HDPE/UMHWPE will generally pull a heavier load easier, at least across flat terrain. Having both, I'm convinced the coefficient of friction is just lower on the UMHWPE. When I first got my snowtrekker I realized I could not fit it, the stove, and personal gear on my Paris Expedition pulk, so I got a smaller kiddie sled and modified it. It worked better than I thought it would, but still it convinced me to make my own toboggan. Now my toboggan is the only thing I use, thought I have thought about dragging the Paris along for day trips or ice fishing far from camp. I made my own gear bags for the top of the toboggan and have modified them several times to suit my needs, and just last week turned my lashing system into more of a cargo net that just wraps up over the gear and snaps shut for very fast loading/unloading. Will be trying out in the snow for the first time this weekend. Double Sled video
Mnpat	01/21/2020 10:56AM   Two sleds is a big no from me. Every route I take has a portage or two and plenty of hills and the dual sleds suck for that. And yes you are way overpacked. I try and stick to 65 lb total weight. All clothes and sleeping bag go into dry compression bags to save space. My tent gets compression bag. You don’t need a a big bag of extra clothes, extra fuel for a stove you don’t need, two sleeping bags etc.....
Mnpat	01/20/2020 09:37PM   I run rope between the predrilled holes and hook bungees to that.
bobbernumber3	01/20/2020 07:29AM   I use a 9 foot toboggan and an Expedition sled attached as a trailer. The sled is a load of firewood.
Mnpat	01/21/2020 03:40PM   I put a lighter, sleeping bag and one extra pair of clothes including boots and jacket in dry compression bags. If I go through I’ll have enough stuff to keep me warm. If you bring enough stuff to be “totally safe” you will never make it far enough from the car to worry. I solo often and usually fish/basecamp 8 or more miles from the car. If I am only traveling a couple miles no big deal bring it all. But on long trips less is more. Traveling solo with a snowtrekker will be tough due to weight and size. Will have to really cut back on other gear. My tent with center pole is under 5lbs and the tent packed is about as big as two softballs. Good luck on your travels.
Mnpat	01/20/2020 05:38PM   I use the emsco beast pictured. Has withstood the test of time. Bigger than a Paris expedition sled. I can fit a hot tent, camping and fishing gear on a solo trip. I use a hockey bag for my gear.