NILAS Sled

Nilas is made from a specially-formulated polyethylene giving extreme-cold tolerance, high impact resistance and superior glide. Polyethylene also boasts what the Inuit knew a century ago, sleds need flexibility, not rigidity - it's why they jointed their dog sledges with hide thonging instead of screws or dowels. Watch Nilas as it warps and deforms through an ice constriction, only to pop out the other end in its original shape. No cracks, no crimps, no scrapes. Just smooth, slippery plastic.

Nilas is a full expedition-size sled with volume enough for a major unsupported expedition. It's wider than traditional sleds which gives it not only more packing space but extra stability in rubble and when kiting at speed. Sled capsizes are frustrating, time-consuming and hard on your sled cover and contents. Don't tolerate them, eliminate them. Nilas' deck-cover extends to over 42cm in usable height, providing space for more than 100 days food and fuel.

Nilas is strengthened in critical areas to combat the high impacts typical of Arctic Ocean sled-hauling. The bow and hull are bolstered during the rotomolding process giving you peace of mind when the going gets tough, and tougher. Nilas might seem a little heavier than some other sleds but the marginal weight gain is easily offset by the strength and superior glide of polyethylene, and your decreased anxiety.

High-profile runners are to sleds what worn bearings are to a bike. They slow you down, particularly in anything other than bare ice. Low-profile runners minimise the surface area, and the friction, and maximise flotation in deeper snow, keeping your sled high and dry. Together with the bull-nose bow, low profile runners allow the sled to find it's own way through heavy rubble, reducing the stress on your sled, body and mind.

Our sleds feature a removable bulkhead. Located just rear of the nose, the bulkhead prevents contents in the bow from slipping back, maximising the space in your sled. Skis or other long items can slide under and it's malleable shape means it will conform to the most space-saving shape.

Nilas is designed to withstand the abuse of multiple expeditions. But the cover never fares so well - they can become torn, abraded and mouldy. Traditional sled covers are riveted on, ours slip on to a coaming, much like a kayak, and cinch down for a watertight seal. Adding sponsor branding to your sled cover couldn't be easier, simply remove the cover to sew on badges and banners. High quality fittings keep the cover in place but make it releasable in seconds. It's a high-colume cover made of high-grade poly, tape-sealed and the 6-way #10 zipper with long extensions gives you instant and easy access.

With its heritage in plastic kayaks, noticeable in its profile, Nilas floats on water. You can even paddle it unloaded. Amphibiousness is a non-negotiable feature for any sled used on the Arctic Ocean, after all it's...an ocean! Raft them together by cross-linking the four compression straps and you have a stable ferry for getting you and your team to the other side.

Icetrek sleds are equipped with premium fittings. High-quality cover with YKK zipper, Spectra-cord tow loops, double-braid rope handles, compressions straps with cold-resistant nylon buckles. The cover bulkhead, handles and tow loops are removable and replaceable in the field - no tools required - making running repairs and adaptations a breeze. The molded features in our sleds increase tensile strength and the inset tow loop keeps a smooth profile that won't snag on ice blocks. Icetrek sleds are the result of decades of polar expeditioning - we know what works and what doesn't.

Our optional sled travel bags are made from heavy-duty canvas to protect your sled from the rigours of airline travel.