Pulk Bag

My husband was heading out on a winter cross country skiing adventure and was trying to figure out a way to cover his supplies while keeping them water resistant and accessible.

I have only sewn something from a pattern a hand full of times, making something from a drawing I came up with based on a few measurements was a little out of my comfort zone.

He purchased the sled from Canadian Tire for $60 and I made the measurements from that to build a custom bag to fit the sled.

Step 1: Make a Plan

We were looking for a material that would repel water and keep the contents of the bag dry. We opted for a vinyl coated canvas in black. I purchased approximately 3m of the material. I purchased 500y of extra strength thread. The one roll was just enough to complete two of these bags.

I first measured the sled width, length and depth. Then I cut the material with an extra allowance for seams. I began sewing the pieces together to form the sides, and bottom of the bag. When connecting the sides I inserted half circle tabs to be used as tie down anchors for securing the bag to the sled.

Step 2: Assembly

When sewing the top panel together, I chose to sew in a double ended zipper (a zipper that can be opened from either end). I couldn't find a zipper long enough so I centered the zipper and created panels to close off the ends of the panel. With the top panel complete I joined it to the two sides and bottom.

I had decided to add a pocket to the front of the bag for quick access storage for clothing or snacks and electronics. I cut the pocket too short (it only rose about half way up the height of the bag), so I added an elastic band to draw the sides in and protect the contents. The top cover for this pocket became more of a flap that I then added buckles too so it could be secured.

An square panel was sewn in on the end and between the small front pocket and the rest of the bag as well, creating a long rectangular bag with a front pocket.

Step 3: Secure and Load Up

My husband's supplies fit snugly in the bag, and with the bag secured to the sled he was confident his gear would be accounted for at the end of the trip. He even had a few roll overs, and a dip in a frozen creek with no issues or wet gear.

Running the rope in a zigzag pattern from the sled to bag also created some options for sliding blankets or jackets along the side. He even had some snow shoes that fit securely between the lines.