By the way the plastic sled I got was similar to the link in the previous post, not the little kids downhill sled. I will be modifying my sled to have a handle system mounted on it, as well I do have a special canvas cover that goes on, purchased it at an Army surplus. The handle system will be folded over when not in use along the rim of the sled, then when going downhill, it is a quick flip up, and voilà.. you have control.
I am looking for another pair of TeleMark skis. Will then fix them up with snowshoe like harness instead of the slip in toe grips. The TeleMark skis are much wider and can hold your weight + pack + pull toboggan if you need to. I do own a pair of hybrid snowshoes. The snowshoes are good for forest and open areas, sure miss my military snowshoes, plus all my gear, sigh.
Another think you might look into are those cramp ons or at the least the ice treads. Even in the Prairies, sometimes the snow freezes over and it is slippery and slick ice on top.
Gaters, can not say enough about Gaters, get some! I have used them all 4 seasons, even in the summer they come in handy by keeping the dew off or in the rain.
ps. let us know what you do ok..
hi WR -what are gaters?
Gaters are the modern day Putties,
put them on over part of the boot, and they cover your legs up to the knee. Which makes them perfect for keeping your non water proof, or even your water resistant pants and boots shed water as you walk through the bush or grasses.
They carry them at Sail, MEC (Mountain Equipment Coop) and other outdoor sports shops, shop Canadian! Mine are made in Canada as well, mid of the line, have a small pocket that I put my Vehicle keys.
ahh Gaiters-had trouble finding them. They look like a good idea to keep everything dryer and warmer!
I agree with much of what has been said here. Snow shoes work great, BUT I use a waxless cross country ski, and it works great in all types of snow. It will not give the speed of a waxed ski, but I have never had to worry about changing snow conditions. I tend to do more back country skiing, and for me they are a great fit.
Rob
Here is the calf sled in action to give you an idea...
http://i877.photobucket dot com/albums/ab334/Dangphool/Hunting%20Season%202012/moosesled.jpg
This is with the simple rope handles it comes with. We'd like to replace them with what ranger was talking about above.
Canadian Tire's flyer this week has wooden toboggans (in the recreation section) and a Pelican SnowTrek 60 which is 59" long and 2' wide and 11 1/2 high. This isn't a kiddie sled and is in the hunting section. Best of all price tag $34.99
"It's better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret"
Our biggest cdn tire has that on for $70 still. The cover is $30.
I've heard that Edmonton is cheaper than Calgary for a lot of shopping.
Dangphool....I have the paper copy of the flyer from Edmonton and I have compared the online versions from Calgary and Edmonton, and you may want to grab a copy of the actual flyer because the sled isn't shown on-line but is in the hard copy Edmonton version. Maybe a glitch in their system that the on-lines are actually a different regions' flyer and they are on sale here, who knows? Worth a try if you are interested in the sled.
"It's better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret"
Just picked up our flyers in the mail and the Cdn Tire here has the same sled on sale.
will have to check it out today. Went hunting yesterday (don't wan't to talk about that though 😳 )
hmmm Dang might have to go snag one of those before we head to Suffield for the Elk hunt tomorrow.
FYI, Marks has snowshoes and ski pole package deal for $130, Ladies and mens sizes. Didnt see too many left... maybe 6 of each on display. Could be more in back of course. Nearly all I have seen around town for men are around $200+ so I figured I would cave and buy some.
No matter how good or bad your life is, wake up each day thankful because someone somewhere else right now is fighting for theirs
FYI, Home Hardware had some snowshoes on sale for $80 or $90. Aluminum frame with webbing that looked similar to ABS. The snowshoes come in a nylon case with a shoulder strap.
Than= I’d rather be rich than poor.
Then= I first became hungry then I ate.
There = She is there now.
Their = They have their things.
They're = They're going to the mall.
To = They came to the house.
Too = That's too bad.
I'd stay away from a wooden toboggan if I were you. My experience is that they add a lot of initial weight, loads are more difficult to pack, allow snow to be pushed in the sides and are susceptible to changing snow conditions (like X-country skis) There are a large variety of good plastic ones out there that pull along like nothing. Depending on your needs you can do it fairly cheaply as well. I once got a 4 - 5' kids sleigh with 4" walls on it. and made a metal tongue for it and pulled it with my snowmachine. With metal strapping folded through "D" rings riveted to the top of the sides I used Bungee cords to hold the gear in place. It outlasted the machine and I also pulled it by hand with my gear on it. Worked well in everything from powder snow to slush to the sand on the road while crossing. Even though they seem flimsy, they have good solid construction and are very wear resistant. Here's an example from Canadian Tire... Pelican Snow Trek 60 - Product #78-8265-8 all for about $70.00 but could be done for under $20 I think if you wanted something lighter