Different Types of Sleds

In a land of snow and ice, rugged terrain, high winds, and freezing temperatures, sleds are necessary for transportation. In a race that pits man and dog against the elements, winding through steep frozen mountains, and pacing along icy rivers and lakes, a swift, sturdy sled is required to win the prize.

All sleds were made to carry supplies and cart people from place to place. These vehicles have been around for thousands of years, and they have served their purpose well.

Sleds from the past were made from wood, bone, sinew, and rawhide. As technology advanced, so did sled making. Today sleds are made with plastic and aluminum, and held together with nuts and bolts. There are even nylon canvases to protect against the elements, and provide comfort on the trail.

There are 4 main types of sleds: basket sleds, toboggan sleds, raised toboggan sleds, and tail-dragger sleds. They all have several common characteristics, as well as some individual differences.

Sled Basic Essentials

1. Runners: skis on either side of the sled that carry it through the snow, supporting people and cargo

2. Cargo bed: the place where equipment is stored and the load is carried

3. Sled bags: a backpack addition to the cargo bed on most sleds

4. Brushbow: rounded bar that is the first thing to hit trees and brush in the wild

5. Handle bar: for the musher to hang on during the trip

6. Footboards: non-skid surfaces that the musher stands on

7. Brake: two metal claws that dig into the snow to stop the sled

8. Anchor: keeps the sled in place, and the team from taking off

9. Track or drag: a mat between the runners to help with braking

10. Snubline: to help secure the sled to a tree or other immovable object

Types of Sleds

1. Basket sled: This is a basic sled. It has the runners on either side, with a raised wooden bed for carrying things. It moves readily across the snow without dragging or piling snow up on the skis. The raised bed keeps extra weight off the snow, allowing the skis to glide across the trail.

2. Toboggan sled: There is no raised bed on this sled. The design uses a plastic sheet that glides across the snow. The center of gravity is closer to the ground with this sled, allowing for a swift, easy ride.

3. Raised Toboggan sled: This sled combined the practicality of the Basket sled with the aerodynamics of the Toboggan sled. The cargo bed is made of plastic, but it has been raised to create air lifting underneath.

4. Tail-dragger sled: This is the sled of the modern era. It is designed with its very own padded seat. Racers have been known to fall asleep while sitting down on the job. Of course there are the basic essentials on this sled. Making turns and maneuvering along the trail still happen with the driver standing up, and holding onto the handlebars. It's just the idea of comfort on a course like the Iditarod that seems so appealing.

Sleds can be customized to fit their driver and team. There are many materials available to make the fastest, strongest sled. While their mechanics are the same, each style of sled offers different advantages to help teams achieve their goals.

The best sled to race in the Iditarod is the one that works for the team. If the dogs pull an old fashioned sled faster than one where the driver is sitting down drinking coffee, then a Basket sled is the way to go. If the musher can sit and drink coffee, and still win the Iditarod, then more power to him!