How do I attach SkiPulk.com pole sets to other sleds?

Our pole sets work very well on several sleds. In many cases they will work without alterations, and in other cases you may need to create your own backing plate. Below we have some photos of our poles attached to sleds from other pulk manufacturers, and on sleds that may be easier to find than the EraPro Paris Expedition sled. 

Jet Jr Sled

Two configurations possible. The first uses our backing plate with the channels in the front. The second uses a custom backing plate from 3/4″ wide aluminum with the channels on top.

Wilderness Engineering sled

using our backing plate and channel set to attach our poles.

Older Siglin pulk from Northern Sled Works

using a custom backing plate and our channel set.

Beast Tobaggan from Emsco

using a custom backing plate and our channel set.

Child’s wooden sled

using longer wood screws with our channel set.

Paris 48″ toboggan

using our backing plate and channel set.

EraPro Paris 960 Expedition Sled

Watch a video on how to install the Channel Kit on the Paris Expedition sled.

What’s the difference between the Harness Bottom and the Hip Belt?

We offer three styles of harnesses for Paris and Snowclipper pulks:  the Hip Belt, Harness Bottom and Full Harness.  Most of the components (foam/ cover/ pole attachment system) are the same. The biggest difference between the Hip Belt and Harness Bottom is in the buckles that are added. The Hip Belt with Day Pack Attachments is our simplest hip belt.  Use it if you always pull your pulk with some kind of backpack or if your system will be used by many different people like a rental operation. This harness has straps that allow you to attach the harness to any backpack or hydration system.

These straps also help prevent the hip belt from sliding down your butt and give your shoulders the chance to help with the pull a little.

The Harness Bottom is the most versatile choice.  It comes standard with detachable leg loops which are popular with those who prefer to help keep the belt from riding up off their hips onto their waist (especially women).  On this harness we have replaced the day pack attachment straps with four buckles that can be used to attach our shoulder straps (or to make your own).  These top buckles also make it quite easy to create your own custom strap to go from the harness to your day pack.

Do poles come assembled?

All pole sets come completely assembled. If your order does not include the sled, you will have to install the hardware that comes with the pole set onto your sled. All systems that include a sled are assembled and ready to go!

How long are the poles? Do I need longer poles?

Our poles are about 5 feet 11 inches or 6 feet long.  We’ve found this length works best for most people.  Typically, the shorter you can keep your poles, the better control you’ll have.  The poles need to be long enough to prevent your skies from hitting the front of your sled.  The best length is measured from your waist to the back of your rear ski during a stride, plus 4-8 inches.  Those who will snowshoe instead of ski can get by with even shorter poles.

Can I attach your poles to my pack waist belt?

If your pack has some heavier gear loops, they may work as an attachment point. You will want an attachment point where you can create a snug fit with the least amount of slop. This will give you maximum control of the sled (and because it gets old when your pulk is jerking at your hips all day with a loose attachment). Our harnesses have loops on them that the eye bolt of the pole fits over and then a carabineer is slid through to make a good, secure attachment point – you’d want to mimic something like that. Another option is to sew webbing onto your pack belt to make loops like we have on our harnesses.

What size harness should I order?

Measure in inches at your waist where the belt will sit (note that pant sizes can vary so it’s best to measure):

Small: 27″ – 35″ (26 inches of foam padding)
Medium: 32″ – 39″ (30 inches of foam padding)
Large: 36″ – 45″ (35 inches of foam padding)

A note on women’s sizing:

Our belts are unisex but because women wear the belt closer to their hips, be sure to measure there – where you are most comfortable wearing the belt and use the sizes above.

Most women prefer the Harness Bottom because they use the leg loops to keep the harness from riding up off their hips entirely onto the waist.

*Important: Belts can go larger but they will lose padding at the hip points. The belt cannot go smaller than the amount of foam padding listed plus about 2″ for the buckles. If you can fit either of two sizes, the larger belt will give you the most padding and comfort.

Good control is essential for backcountry pulk routes. You will not have good control by clipping your poles onto extra pack loops or D-rings. A good hip belt must secure the end of the poles close to your hip point with minimum slack for classic or alpine skiing and snowshoeing. For running and skate skiing, some people prefer pole attachments at their mid back. The most important issue for good control is reduction of slack or slop in your pole to harness connection.