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This is a step-by-step guide to assembling your own one from scratch.

Last winter, Carey Kish and his Nordic ski partner Willow Sherwood dragged their skis through Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Photo courtesy of Carey Kish

At the beginning of last winter, the adventurer decided to adopt a new ski system due to plans to hike to Katadine Forest and Waters National Monument and Baxter State Park. My old equipment has been in use for about 15 years, but it is built around a small and narrow children’s torpedo sled, and when it is piled high, it tends to tip over. The more stable setting has expired.

Taking apart my old sled, I saved all the parts, threw the pink torpedo aside, and continued to buy new and better sleds. I have seen many different sled costumes over the years and it is easy to choose the bright orange Paris Company Pro Expedition Sled. At the time, I couldn't find it locally, so I ordered one at REI for about $60. The sled is made of lightweight but strong polyethylene and measures 60 x 20 inches with a depth of 6 1/4 inches.

Because I can use most of the things on the old sled, I can minimize the interference with the rigging. You can also build your own. But since you will start from the beginning, I will also describe your needs for practical products. There are countless designs for building skis, some of which are quite sophisticated, but I like this simple, efficient and cheap route every time. In addition to the sled, you will also spend approximately $80-100 to purchase various components. Assembly takes an hour, maybe two hours.

Happy Willow Sherwood stopped for a while with her snowboard on the way to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Carey Kish's Photos

You need to order an adventure backpack belt. There are many online (check Osprey), but be sure to buy one without a hip bag.

Go to the hardware store and purchase two 10-foot-long PVC electrical (non-piping) conduits (3/4 inch inner diameter) for the "trace" connecting you to the sled; sandpaper; two adjustable clevis pins (1 /4 x 2 inches, 2 1/2 inches, or 3 inches; the exact size depends on the width of the belt), with hook clips for attaching the belt to the cable; six 1/4 x 1 inch mudguard washers, and Use with clevis pins/belt rigging; a loop of 3/8-inch polypropylene braided rope runs through the cable, plus two 1/2-inch flat washers; eight 1/4 x 2-inch eye bolts and Nut, can be used with 16 other 1/4 x 1 inch fender washers; four to six 24 inch bungee cords; one 8 x 10 foot polyethylene tarp. When you are out, pick up a good quality duffel bag or two.

For tools, you need tape measure, hacksaw, drill and 1/4 inch drill, utility knife, lighter, leather punch, adjustable wrench and pliers.

Okay, let's start cracking.

Cut the tube into 6 feet long. Sand the cut edges. Drill holes for the clevis pins 1 inch from one end of the two conduits. Measure and cut 15-16 feet of rope. Melt the end of the rope to avoid fraying. Pass the rope through a tube, down through a large grommet at the front of the sled, under the front lip of the sled, through another grommet, and then through another duct. Slide the flat washer onto the end of the rope on each pipe, pull the rope tight and tie each end with a good knot.

Punch a hole in the inner center of both sides of the waistband. Place a fender washer on each inner hole, push the clevis pin through, and then add a fender washer on the outside of the belt. Place the belt between the ends of the pipe, push the end of the clevis pin through the hole in the pipe, add a fender gasket to each hole, and then secure it with a connecting pin.

Using the upper and lower fender washers, pass the eye bolts through the four pre-drilled holes on both sides of the lip of the ski and fasten them with nuts. These provide a good connection point for your bungee cord.

Pack your goods in a large duffel bag or several smaller duffel bags (but don't overpack!), and then wrap everything up with tarp, just in case, you can set off. Before heading to remote areas, be sure to test your ski equipment on the spot. Some spare parts are also good choices.

For a free self-guided guide to building a ski pulk (many great ideas) and the complete pulk system and pulk components you can purchase, as well as more useful information, please visit skipulk.com.

Carey Kish of Desert Mountain Island is the author of the AMC Maine Coast's Best Day Hike and the editor of the AMC Maine Mountain Guide. Follow more of Carey's adventures on Facebook @CareyKish

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