Re: First time snowshoeing and backpacking

I pop-riveted two lengths of triangular aluminum stock to the bottom of my sled to prevent side slip. Makes the sled stiffer while going over little ditches and gullies too. I ran the (8mm) rope all the way around the sled, through holes I drilled, using an in and out pattern. I thought this might take the strain off of just 2 points at the front, and, it gives unlimited tie down options. I also added brass grommets where I drilled the holes, thinking that it might add some strength to the holes. Not a proven method yet, but I'll see once we get some real snow here in PA. Biners on the hip belt IS the way to go here too.

If you use your sled a lot, there are companies that sell 1/16" -1/8" thick polyethelene(sp?) sheeting. You can attach that to the bottom for extra wear resistance and toughness. We use it on the bottom of our basket stretcher for wilderness evacuations. Actually, you could make a roll-up type sled out of the stuff alone. OK, I'm done....