BOS - Bug Out Sled

B

Bowie Mike

Joined
Sep 30, 2006
Messages
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I just finished upgrading my ice fishing sled to haul larger, heavier stuff like fire wood a little easier. My sled is identical, though not the same as, what you can find at Cabelas (look up Shappell Jet Sled).

I drilled holes every 6" around the perimeter and threaded a 5/16" rope in and out of the holes to provide multiple attachment points for tying down a load. I replaced the existing tow rope with a heavier 1/2" rope and added sections of 3/4" PVC pipe as pulling handles. Pulling a heavy sled with just a bare rope in your hands starts to cut off the circulation pretty fast.

We just had about 2 to 3 feet of snow here in about a day and a half and I couldn't help but think how difficult it would be to leave the area with any supplies, or just haul supplies (food, water, fire wood, etc.) back home. Most of the roads were clogged with snow. As a test, I walked about 1/4 mile on flat ground when the snow was only about 1-foot deep, and was breathing hard and starting to sweat. I recommend that you try this some time to see how it affects you directly. Carrying a heavy pack would have been very difficult at best.

I am totally in favor of Bugging IN. However, what if you needed to get out, or needed to re-supply? A heavy duty sled can haul a lot of weight much easier than on your back. I added multiple handles to the sled to allow more than one person pull it along.

Just thought I would pass on my thinking to see what develops.
 
Not really for bugout, but I designed and built this Pulk some years back and all ego aside it is the best sled I have ever used. I can't seem to tip it over as hard as I try. Built it for camping and actually sold a couple but the market for such a sled is narrow.
It's 5' long and tapers foreward and back to reduce drag, 18" wide, 6" deep and has a cover glued and riveted on. Fits nicly in snowshoe tracks. Three compession straps and a line all the way around the perimitter to grab on and lift, lash to, or clip a lead onto during a traverse.
The fact that it is 5' long and 15cu. ft. it can be used as a bivy, not the most comfy, but I can get in and zip it shut. Also, the zippers close to the ends so that access to one end or the other is achived without opening the whole darn thing.

.....but a modified fishing or kids sled will work.:o cheaper too.

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I've been thinking of doing similiar mods to my own sled. That just gives me more incentive to try it.
Mewolf, that is impressive.
 
Any Cal. said:
I've been thinking of doing similiar mods to my own sled. That just gives me more incentive to try it.
Mewolf, that is impressive.
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Thanks. The one mod that'll make your sled track like it is on rails is to rivet skegs on. Anybody wants to know more I'm here and willing to answer.

I can drag it out of the shed and do better pics ifn y'all want.
 
I'd love to see some more pics. I am trying to find or build a sled for the same uses you mention. What I have



It is fairly thick, like something you pull behind a snowmachine, but it is work to pull 45lbs on it in fresh powder. I would like to have something that just glides over the snow. This is better, but it is still work.
 
Man, that looks like a serious sled. I would love to see some pics and any info on the skegs would be great.
 
Pieces of alum. angle riveted on. Can be replaced as needed

sledtail.jpg


Rear end eye for letting the sled down hill or skijoring
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rear end support
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side taper
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flat bottom
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zipper pulls (leave your mittens on!)
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cover with line all the way around and compression straps
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Can be pulled with rope or rigid stays and a belt
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mewolf1 said:
The fact that it is 5' long and 15cu. ft. it can be used as a bivy, not the most comfy, but I can get in and zip it shut. Also, the zippers close to the ends so that access to one end or the other is achived without opening the whole darn thing.
Click to expand...

mewolf, that is excellent, just excellent. I don't do much in the way of overnight trekking in the winter, and when I do, I use a 6 foot toboggan- pork and beans, your pulk - prime rib.

Actually, you have given me a great idea. If I start doing more winter overnighters, I'm going to be building one of those, but I'm 6'2, so I would build one longer - that bivy idea is excellent for those special moments. :rolleyes:

Doc
 
So do I need a fiberglass bottom for something that glides on the snow, or are there ways to play with design, etc. for ease of use?
 
Any Cal. said:
So do I need a fiberglass bottom for something that glides on the snow, or are there ways to play with design, etc. for ease of use?
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I can see the bow section of a forked up canoe working, or even a cheaper poly sled. Canoes that have been bent double are pretty cheap.
 
This is so far out of my league it's funny. It would be like me posting about a BOSB. A Bug Out Surfboard. And I don't even surf. And...Charlie don't surf!
 
Bowie Mike said:
Cool pics, thanks - where can I get the large rivets.
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Not sure where he got his but you can get them at an auto body supply. Theres probably a FinishMaster or Keystone store near by.

If not, post your ZIP code and I can point you to a local AB supply.
 
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