Pulk (Gear Sled)

A Pulk is a Norwegian word for a small gear sled.  It is so much easier to pull a pulk than it is to haul gear on your back.  The weight doesn't push you deeper into the snow and your balance, legs and back all do better with pulk.  The only downside is that it is easy to pack way more gear than you really need. 

• Great alternative to large winter backpack

• If you are getting a pack just for the winter, consider instead making an equipment sled (Pulk)

• See our Pulk - Gear Sled Page

Sleep System

You should NOT skimp on sleeping gear.  The proper sleeping gear will keep you warm and alive at night.  Insufficient sleeping gear will make for one miserable night and potentially place you at risk of hypothermia. 

At a minimum, you will need:

• 0° EN Rated bag or equivalent system (20° EN Rated bag with extra blanket)

• Sleeping Pad

• Tarp

See our Winter Sleep System Page for more information on this gear

Stove and Cook System

Cooking in the winter is a little more challenging than in the summer.  Everything is colder, to include your ingredients which may be solid, your hands and even your fuel.  At subfreezing temperatures, certain stoves and fuels just won't work. 

• A Stove is vital in the winter for cooking, providing emergency heat and for melting snow to drink

• There are many types of stoves to consider and this is discussion for a different page

• See our Winter Cooking Gear Page and Winter Stove Fuel Page for more information on Winter Cooking and Stove Selection 

Specialty Troop Snow Gear

• Flat Steel Shovel

  • Makes quick work of snow shelter construction and demolition

  • Too heavy for ultralight, long distance expeditions, but is sure nice to havev

  • See our Snow Shelter Gear Page 

• Cave Saw

  • Double handled saw

  • Makes quick work of making snow caves and crude blocks

• Equipment Pulk

  • Makes it easy to haul extra troop gear and wood

  • See our Pulk - Gear Sled Page

• Axe

  • Emergency use tool - so many uses

    • Process fuel for fire

    • Build an emergency shelter

    • Cut into ice for water

    • Clear a trail

• Pop Up Firestand

  • Makes fire making on snow so much easier

  • See our Winter Campfires Page

• Emergency Tipi

  • Used as med shed or warm up tent

  • Requires snow anchor and center pole

  • can be used as sheltered kitchen

• Folding Saw

  • Great for cutting up limbs for fire or to clear paths or open up snow shelters

• Poop Bucket

  • Optional, but nice to have if Scouts are not used to squat pooping in snow

  • Easier and safer way to store larger volumes of waste

• Large Tarp

  • So many uses

    • Shelter - overhead, windbreak, cave door

    • Emergency insulation or blanket

    • Ground cloth

    • Melting snow

    • Hypothermia wrap

    • Water proofing gear

    • Makeshift sled

• Contractor Grade Trash Bags

  • So many uses

    • Picking up trash

    • Waterproofing gear 

    • Haul away human waste 

    • Melting snow (don't do this after using bag for human waste!)