Living off-grid in the winter brings a whole new level of challenge — especially when it comes to hauling supplies.

We don’t know what we would do without our snowmobiles and our Pelican 75 sled. When the snow gets deep and the road ends 4 km before the cabin, this sled becomes one of the most important tools we own.

Over the years, we’ve used it for:

• Hauling lumber
• Transporting groceries
• Carrying tools and building supplies
• Gathering firewood
• Ice fishing trips
• Emergency winter gear

If you live off-grid in a snowy climate, a heavy-duty utility sled is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.

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Hauling lumber to the cabin

Hauling Lumber to the Off-Grid Cabin

One winter trip to the cabin required hauling lumber for a small building project.

We can drive most of the way, but the final 4 km must be done by snowmobile. Our setup looked like this:

• Pelican 75 sled loaded in the truck bed
• Snowmobile on a trailer
• Lumber stacked and secured

Once we reached the snow line, everything was transferred to the sled and snowmobile for the final stretch into the property.

Without a large-capacity sled, that trip would have required multiple runs.

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Gathering Firewood in Deep Snow

While Scott worked on the building project, I headed out on the snowmobile to gather firewood that had been cut earlier in the season.

The Pelican 75 made hauling heavy loads through deep snow simple. I could:

• Load large piles of split firewood
• Drive around the acreage
• Transport it back to the cabin in one trip

At the end of the day, everything was packed neatly inside the sled:

• Extra coats
• Food cooler
• Boots
• Tools
• Blankets

The included travel cover kept everything dry and protected from blowing snow.

We use this sled every single time we go to the cabin in winter.

Taking the 45 km Trail by Snowmobile

Sometimes we leave the truck at home and take the full 45 km trail by snowmachine.

When we do, the sled always comes with us — packed with:

• Food
• Warm clothing
• Blankets
• Emergency supplies

In true off-grid living, you prepare for the unexpected. The sled allows us to carry what we need safely and efficiently.

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Heading Back Home

Our sled is the Pelican 75 sled and as you can see it is very handy for our off grid place.  During the winter it is used to haul everything food, clothing, blankets, firewood, lumber and tools.  When not working out at the cabin it is used for carrying our food, fishing rods and gear when out ice fishing.

This is by far one of the best items I have purchased to help us on our off grid journey.

If you are interested in getting one of these sleds here is a link.  The pelican 75 comes with the hitch and cover.

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Pelican 75 Sled Review

We use the Pelican Trek Sport 75 Utility Sled, and it has proven to be one of the best purchases we’ve made for winter off-grid living.

Specifications:

• 300 L capacity
• 500 lb load capacity
• Heavy-duty RAM-X construction
• Reinforced metal tow hitch
• Rear safety reflectors
• Molded divider slots
• Travel cover included

This sled is built tough. The RAM-X runners help with tracking and extend the life of the sled — which matters when you’re hauling heavy loads regularly.

For acreage owners, hunters, ice fishers, and off-grid families, it’s an incredibly versatile piece of equipment.

You can check current pricing and availability for the Pelican Trek Sport 75 here:

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Smaller Sled for Daily Firewood Runs

In addition to the 75, we also use a smaller utility sled for hauling firewood from the woodshed to the house.

At one point, I was using a wheelbarrow — until we got 4 feet of snow. Shoveling a path just to move firewood wasn’t practical.

My temporary solution was dragging a large plastic storage container filled with wood. That worked… but required far too many trips.

So I ordered the Pelican Trek 45 Multi-Purpose Utility Sled — and it has worked beautifully.

It’s lightweight, affordable, and perfect for shorter runs around the property.

The Pelican Trek 45 Utility Sled is lightweight, affordable, and perfect for hauling firewood short distances — you can see it here: Pelican – Multi-Purpose Utility Sled – Use it for Ice Fishing, Hunting (Trek 45)

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Why a Utility Sled Is Essential for Off-Grid Winters

If you live in snow country, a heavy-duty sled becomes part of your winter survival system.

It allows you to:

• Haul supplies safely
• Move building materials
• Transport firewood
• Carry emergency gear
• Ice fish efficiently
• Maintain independence

This is by far one of the most useful items we’ve purchased for our off-grid journey.

With two snow machines, I’m seriously considering ordering another Pelican 75 this winter.

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Final Thoughts

Winter off-grid living requires the right tools.

Snowmobiles get you there.

A utility sled lets you bring what you need.

For us, the Pelican sled has proven reliable, durable, and worth every penny.

Preparing properly means fewer trips, less strain, and more time enjoying the cabin — even in deep winter.

Disclosure: This article is for informational purposes only and reflects personal experience and research related to emergency preparedness. Product recommendations, if included, are intended to help readers make informed decisions.

Updated March 2026

© 2020 – 2026, Teresa. All rights reserved.