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How to Sew a Pulk Bag (sled bag)

How to Sew a Pulk Bag (sled bag)
A pulk is a Scandinavian apparatus resembling a sled used to haul gear over long distances with ample snow cover. Pulks can be pulled by a hiker, skier, or a dog and are used to carry various survival supplies such as a tent, or food. Many winter camping enthusiasts swear by pulks as apposed to other methods of schlepping gear. Several manufacturers sell pulk rigs, however these rigs can be pretty expensive so being the crafty person you are . . . why not just make your own!?!?

This instructable will guide you through the steps of designing and sewing your own pulk bag. Because everyone will have different requirements for their own bag, these steps describe the design processes and techniques needed to make a pulk bag.

*** These steps can also be applied to other sewing projects of similar difficulty and complexity such as sewing a regular duffel bag, or a backpack. Even if you are not interested in making a pulk, I made a list of the main things that I learned during this project and included that at the end.

 
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Step 1Get a Sled

Get a Sled
Obtaining a sled that fits your needs is the first and foremost priority. Depending on what type of activity you plan on using your pulk for, you may choose a different style or size of sled. Generally speaking, you can find a variety of quality sleds at most hardware or outdoor stores.

Some sleds come with holes pre-drilled into the side walls. If your sled doesn't have any holes pre-drilled, you can drill some yourself pretty easily. It's helpful to string some rope through these holes for spots to tie down your gear to. You can also fasten some hooks into the holes as shown in the picture.

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3 comments
Apr 25, 2010. 8:53 PMtjk888 says:
As a fellow Minnesotan this looks like a project that I am going to have to try!  I had a makeshift pulk sled last year winter camping and it was not very rugged nor was it organized.  Nice instructable...Go Wild!!
Mar 10, 2010. 12:34 PMseamster says:
Good work! Designing, sewing, and using your own gear is extremely rewarding. Kudos for taking on this type of project.

If you're looking for a good sewing machine for this type of work and don't want to spend much, I highly recommend almost anything from the 50s or earlier. That's very general, but the older machines had all metal parts and I've found them to be perfect for the occasional heavy-duty project like this. Plus, you can find them for either free or cheap if you keep your eyes open.
Mar 5, 2010. 3:50 AMSWV1787 says:
nice Idea especially for the next Klondike derby (a Boy Scout sponsored sled race). I suppose my only thoughts would be for a quick design you could reuse a US military duffel bag that would be available at any PX (military surplus) store and sew some extra webbing and grommets onto it. plus since that would be canvas you could oil it to keep it waterproof. but I really like your double zipper design.

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I like to try my hand at a little bit of everything and think there's nothing cooler than learning a new skill.