Equipment, gear, and supplies used in the various types of sledding (sledging), sleighing, and tobogganing are featured in this part of our guide.
Sleds, referred to as sledges in some regions, along with sleighs, toboggans, backcountry sleds, dog sleds, disks, tubes, and other apparatus, have served as both a means of transportation historically and as a form of winter recreation.
Early sleds were often carved from wood, featuring runners designed to glide smoothly over snow. Over time, these techniques merged with local traditions, giving rise to sleighs used by European nobility and to toboggans favored for their simplicity and speed.
Traditional sleds, sometimes known as sledges in the United Kingdom, are among the simplest yet most enduring designs. Built of wood, with low-friction runners and sometimes reinforced with metal edges, these devices have been used for both recreational fun and practical transportation in winter. Their minimalist, functional design underscores the principle that simplicity often yields the most reliable performance. Even today, enthusiasts and traditionalists continue to craft and use these sleds on local hillsides, maintaining a connection with the past while celebrating straightforward engineering.
Often associated with a sense of seasonal magic and luxurious travel, sleighs traditionally have more elaborate designs, are much larger, and are often pulled by horses, or even reindeer. Pulling a sleigh could serve a functional purpose in historical contexts, as they were used to transport people over snow-covered landscapes. Today, sleigh rides evoke nostalgia and are often part of winter festivals and sightseeing tours.
Characterized by their long, narrow, and usually curved designs, toboggans have a rich history as both playthings and practical sleds. Traditionally made of wood, their design promotes stability and directional control while allowing riders to gain speed with minimal interference from friction. In modern times, toboggans have evolved to incorporate lightweight materials and ergonomic curves that enhance comfort and performance. The simplicity and functionality of their design make them personal favorites among families and thrill-seekers alike.
For those who seek adventure beyond the groomed trails, backcountry sleds are designed to handle the unpredictable nature of wild, uncharted snow trails. These sleds incorporate rugged construction, reinforced structures, and innovative tread designs that enable them to perform well on uneven terrains and through deep powder. Used in winter sports and recreational outings alike, backcountry sleds cater to an audience that values challenge and off-trail exploration.
Dog sleds, a marvel of engineering and animal teamwork, have a storied place in arctic history and competitive racing. Designed to harness the energy of multiple dogs, these sleds require meticulous balance, an aerodynamic design, and optimal weight distribution. Beyond their historical use for transportation, modern dog sled races, such as those inspired by the legendary Iditarod, blend tradition with high-end competition, illustrating the bond between human mushers and their canine partners.
Disks and tubes represent a modern twist to sliding on snow. Inflatable snow tubes and specially designed disks offer a mixture of convenience, portability, and safety. Their surfaces are engineered to provide a smooth, fast ride, appealing to families and casual recreational users who prioritize fun and ease of use over the historical aesthetics of the older options.
Beyond the vehicles themselves, sledding gear might include helmets, padded suits, gloves, and specialized footwear. Accessories such as braking devices, steering mechanisms, and integrated lighting systems enhance both the performance and visual appeal of sleds. Moreover, innovations in materials push the boundaries of what sledding equipment can achieve.
Manufacturers and retailers specializing in sledding equipment and gear are appropriate resources for this category, along with product comparison sites and review sites.
Recommended Resources
With a seasonal storefront in St. Paul, Minnesota, the company's products are available through its website. The address, directions, and opening days and hours are posted, along with an online catalog, centered around the winter activity of kicksledding. Its catalog is organized into sections for its kicksleds, clothing, and accessories, as well as another area for guides and practical information. Kicksleds are used for gliding on hard, slippery surfaces like ice or hard-packed snow.
https://bravethesnow.com/
Karyon is a Canadian company known for its innovative, rugged, and versatile utility and cargo sleds, most notably its Karyon Xtreme series. These snowmobile toboggans are designed to withstand extreme conditions and deliver high performance in various roles, from hauling heavy loads in remote or adverse weather environments to supporting military operations. Its key features and design are highlighted on its website, along with specifications and a quote request form.
https://www.karyon.ca/
Located in Richlandtown, Pennsylvania, the restoration company has been reviving antique horse-drawn vehicles since 1991. Its workshop has gained a reputation for artisanal craftsmanship in restoring, refinishing, and hand-crafting carriages, wagons, and sleighs. They work with durable hardwoods, such as poplar, hickory, maple, walnut, and oak, reconstructing original designs and applying hand-painted finishes, pinstriping, and upholstery using heavy fabrics. Testimonials are posted.
http://www.kratzcarriagesleighworks.com/
Based in Minnesota, the Northern Toboggan Company is a family-owned business with deep roots in traditional winter craftsmanship. Originating in the mid-1990s, the company has earned a reputation for handcrafting authentic wooden toboggans, sleds, and snowshoes, each carefully constructed using hand-selected, high-quality wood, often red oak, and traditional techniques. The company's history is provided. Toboggans, sleds, snowshoes, furniture, and sledding gear are available.
https://northerntoboggan.com/
Paricon Sleds are more than winter playthings. They represent a longstanding tradition of craftsmanship and innovation in sled design that goes back to the mid-19th century. Under the iconic Flexible Flyer brand, the story began when Henry F. Morton started producing handcrafted sleds in his kitchen in 1861. This evolved into Paris Manufacturing, located in Paris, Maine. Today, the Paricon lineup ranges from classic wooden toboggans to modern steel-runner sleds and other options.
https://www.pariconsleds.com/
The Pillow Sled is a snow sled featuring a distinctive, ergonomic round front design that promises smooth gliding over various snowy terrains, suitable for both solo rides and shared adventures. The sleds are made from high-tech polyvinyl for durability, open-cell foam to absorb bumps, and reinforced handles for easy towing. Designed in Alaska, the product is made in the United States. A profile of the company, a gallery of photographs, contact information, and a product catalog are provided.
https://pillowsled.com/
SkiPulk is a well-respected brand of pulks and gear sleds designed for winter travel. A pulk is a small, shallow-bottomed sled intended to haul supplies and gear in snowy or icy conditions. The design focuses on ease of towing, featuring a sled track that holds the sled closely behind the user, allowing for one-handed travel while keeping the user's back free. SkiPulk's products are crafted with rugged, high-performance materials, often using high-density polyethylene and fiberglass poles.
https://skipulk.com/
The family business produces and sells its own line of snow sleds, utilizing a proprietary plastic formula that achieves the perfect balance of firmness and flexibility, along with its IceVex cold-resistant treatment, which prevents cold cracking. A profile of the company is provided, along with its winter and summer catalogs. Purchases can be made online, and the company's website offers a form for applying to become a dealer of Slippery Race products. Contacts are included.
https://www.slipperyracer.com/
In business since 2013, the online sledding retailer offers a broad range of winter outdoor products, from classic wooden toboggans to modern plastic snow sleds, inflatable tubes, and specialized products like saucers and disc sleds. Its inventory caters to both children and adults, featuring a product lineup that includes various models, such as the Slippery Racer Downhill Pro Snow Saucer and the Downhill Xtreme Toboggan, among others. Office hours and contacts are posted.
https://www.snowsledsdirect.com/
Founded in 2008, the retailer is based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from which it sells its winter products in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Italy. In 2019, the company began serving United States customers via its e-commerce site from its warehouse in the Netherlands. Its locations, contacts, and catalog are featured. Besides wooden sleds from Germany, several other winter products are available, including Stiga snow racers, snowboards, foam boards, snow mattresses, and ice skates.
https://snowsledsonline.com/
Based in Devon, in South West England, the retailer sells a wide range of sledges, sleds, and traditional toboggans. Its range of snow sledges includes models to suit every age and level of exhilaration required, whether it's a leisurely slide on the snow or a super-fast descent. Its product catalog is featured online, including detailed information on each product, allowing shoppers to compare products. New products are highlighted, along with a blog and contact information.
http://www.toboggans.co.uk/
