Edited by Rachel Duncan 4th Edition ISBN 0-907649-91-2 London ...

Morale
Manoeuvrability
Transport and Travel 53
Plastic sledges Pulk Nansen
If not roped, group
can separate
Much better,
although may slip
more on traverse
Group can separate.
Group encouragement
difficult
Better sledge Worse
Group keeps together
but can get
resentment over who
pulls hardest
Unladen weight Less than a 1kg
From approx. 3kgs to
15kgs
From approx. 12kgs
to 20kgs
Cost Very low £15 Medium £200 – 1000 High £500+
5.6.4 Repair kit
You will need adequate tools and sledge parts for repairs or replacements during the
expedition. Seek spares from the sledge supplier.
5.6.5 Sails
A ‘DIY’ sail arrangement can often be a great help, usually on a Nansen sledge, but has
also been used with some success on a pulk. Traction kites are the best method of utilising
wind power with pulks.
5.6.6 Safety and rescue
i) Crevassed areas
If there is a likelihood of crevassed areas, a roping system should be used. Manhaul
harnesses are available which combine the necessary hauling and safety features.
Otherwise, a separate safety harness will be needed. Planning and practice for
emergencies is strongly recommended.
Whatever the system, the hauler must ensure that in the event of a fall, it is possible
to be detached from the pulk whilst still being attached to the safety rope. The system must
ensure that the pulk, in the event of a fall, is capable of being belayed from above,. The
safety rope should not be part of a pulk hauling system.
Approach crevasses at right angles. Probe ahead on skis detached from the sledge
and protected by a rope if at all unsure of the ground ahead.
If several people are hauling a Nansen, they should be attached to the sledge on
different lengths of hauling rope. In the event of a fall, overturning the sledge can be an
effective first belay technique. The hauling rope will probably also act as the safety rope
when a fall occurs. An additional rope for rescue might then be more effectively employed.
ii) Split parties
A party of people hauling individual pulks could become widely separated over a period
of time. Whilst it may be a personal preference to be on your own from time to time, the
party must keep in touch for safety reasons (and must be together in bad weather). It can,
however, be very frustrating and tiring not to be able to travel at your most comfortable