POLYNYA Sled

Polynya 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 Polynya as it glides through a sastrugi field, flexing and warping to the shape of the obstacles . No cracks, no crimps, no scrapes. Just smooth, slippery plastic.

Polynya 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 sastrugi 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. Polynya' deck-cover extends to over 42cm in usable height, providing space for more than 100 days food and fuel.

Polynya is a cut-down version of our Nilas model. Because icecaps are generally kinder to sleds than the Arctic Ocean we have kept Polynya's weight to a minimum by removing the deck and coaming and doubling the tow loops as handles. This makes Polynya less rigid up top but don't be alarmed by its flexibility; you don't need cockpit stiffness if you're not climbing all over your sled like you might on the Arctic Ocean. Hull thickness remains the same as Nilas so you can be assured of supreme robustness in extreme cold and on hard ice.

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 sastrugi, reducing the stress on your sled, body and mind.

Icetrek sleds are 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 however Polynya's cover is hand stitched onto the sled rim with durable Spectra cord. Adding sponsor branding to your sled cover couldn't be easier, simply remove the cover to sew on badges and banners. The cover is made of high-grade poly, tape-sealed and the 6-way #10 zipper with long extensions gives you instant and easy access.

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, handles and loops are removable and replaceable in the field - no tools required - making running repairs and adaptations a breeze. The tow loops double up as handles to reduce weight. Icetrek sleds are the result of decades of polar expeditioning - we know what works and what doesn't.

For optimized transportation and storage, Polynya is nestable and stackable.

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