Interview with Naturkompaniet

It started with a personal need, which is often the case when the Jämtland-based tent and sled company Hilleberg develops new products. "I have always preferred to carry my pack in a sled when skiing. In the past, I often put my backpack in a slightly too narrow children's sled, but transporting a sled by train, bus or plane is difficult," says company founder Bo Hilleberg. He came up with the idea of a sled adapted for backpacks back in the 1970s, but it wasn't until a few years ago, when he met some ladies on a ski trip between Abisko and Abiskojaure, that he realized it was time to make the idea a reality. "Everyone in the group pulled their packs in a children's pulka. According to the leader, they wouldn't have been able to complete the trip if they had to carry their packs on their backs."

The Jemtlander Pullpac has a chassis designed for normal-width touring backpacks, weighs 700 grams and can easily be thrown on your back if skiing is not possible or if the terrain becomes difficult. "It's easier to handle than a children's pulka. And as far as I know, we are the first with this type of transportation." The sled is sold with three pack straps, a tow belt and a tow line with carabiners and built-in suspension. "The drawstring is not attached to the sled but to the backpack and runs through a hole in the front of the chassis, a technique from when I moved tree trunks in forestry."

Bo Hilleberg has also taken inspiration from the rope brakes that were used when horses pulled timber in the past. "With the rope brake, you can slow down with the sled in front of you if you snap the backpack's carrying strap over the drawstring and ride behind it. This is very helpful on steep descents."

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