TOBOGGAN GEAR
Sam McGee Tarps
My tarp is a long and narrow dual purpose tarp for wrapping your base load on the toboggan and for multiple uses in camp. Material is Sunforger treated canvas and has 1/4″ grommets around the perimeter for attachment points.
The unique dimensions are designed for wrapping long, narrow loads on a toboggan which, in the case of Sam McGee, was himself. The “Cremation of Sam McGee” by Robert Service is a must read for winter walkers.
Canvas Tanks
The canvas tank is is my preferred option for wrapping my base load. The tank is a rectangular canvas box that is lightly secured to your running line using attached p-cord. I prefer using the tank on my toboggans because it becomes much nicer to load and secure your gear, especially when out alone. The fixed ends allow you to compress your soft personal duffels in between other duffels and squeeze more into your load. The tank has two 13″ top flaps that run the length of the tank for draping over the load before lashing. You still need a lashing system of some kind to securely anchor your base load.
I cover my entire 9′ toboggan with my large tank and pack my wood stove in the back after wrapping it in wool blanket duffel. My stove stays protected and secured while the wool blanket duffel protects my tank from sharp edges. The blanket duffel then gets used to stack my firewood on while in the tent.
- Canvas Tank - Small $195
77"L x 11"W x 10"H; covers entire 7' SnowWalker. When used with 9' SnowWalker, it leaves 24" open on rear of toboggan for cooler or wood stove.
- Canvas Tank - Large $225
101"L x 11"W x 10"H; covers entire 9' SnowWalker. When used with 11' SnowWalker, it leaves 24" open on rear of toboggan for cooler or wood stove.
Conover Top Bags are made with black, coated 1000-Denier Cordura Plus Nylon. A coil zipper with four zipper pulls allow for easy access along the length of bag. Grab loops on each end assist with lifting and moving.
The Conover Top Bags are meant to be a top bag that fairly quickly buckles over the base load of your toboggan. We carry ice fishing rods and tip-ups in protective tubes in ours along with Thermarest sleeping pads, stove mats, etc. Thermos and a heavy parka can be quickly accessed during a lunch stop.
Note: The short Conover Top Bag has been discontinued.
This has turned out to be the best size over the years and the most versatile size for tents and personal gear. Toboggan duffels are now made with black, coated 500-Denier Cordura Nylon for pliability and durability. A coil zipper with two zipper pulls allow for easy access. Grab loops on each end assist with lifting and moving. Most duffels increase in all dimensions the larger you get. These duffels were designed for this purpose with a consistent narrowness to accommodate the common toboggan widths.
I use this duffel to carry my Snowtrekker 10′ x 13′ tent and poles along with a ground tarp, clothesline, and bag of ice screws.
Each member of our family uses this for a personal duffel that accommodates a compressed double sleeping bag system, extra felt liners in Tingleys or NEOS, and spare clothing.
This aluminum back-country shovel is made in Canada and comes with an extendable T-handle. The SOS shovel is small enough to pack but large enough and durable enough for heavy use in camp. We bring two of these winter camping for moving snow. I also bring shovel in my pack or snowmobile in the backcountry. A bomber shovel but very packable.
Black River Sleds, LLC 2022
