I’ve been hauling ice fishing gear by hand for over a decade, and the day I started using a proper sled changed everything. Augers, rods, tip-ups, bait buckets, the portable shelter, and that five-gallon pail of accessories all add up to a serious load that no human wants to carry across a frozen lake. If you’re searching for the best ice fishing sleds for hauling gear, you’re already on the right path to saving your back, your gear, and your trip.
After testing six different polyethylene and HDPE sleds side by side through two full ice seasons, our team put together this guide. We pulled them on foot, hooked them up behind ATVs, and dragged them across both hard-packed snow and slushy ice. Below, you’ll find the top picks for 2026, plus a buying guide that breaks down what actually matters when you’re choosing an ice fishing sled.
If you’re also shopping for related outdoor gear this season, check out our 10 Best Snow Sleds Tested and Compared roundup for more options aimed at general winter play, and the 8 Best Fishing Kayaks Honest Review for summer trips when the ice melts.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks: Best Ice Fishing Sleds For Hauling Gear (October 2026)
Pelican Trek Sport 82
- 700 lb capacity
- 430L volume
- RAM-X construction
- Shock absorbing tow hitch
Pelican Trek 45 Utility Sled
- 130 lb capacity
- 71L volume
- RAM-X heavy duty
- HDPE runners included
Best Ice Fishing Sleds for Hauling Gear in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Pelican Trek Sport 82 |
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| Pelican Trek 45 Utility |
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| Beavertail Sport Sled |
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 Pelican Trek Utility 60 |
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Check Latest Price |
 Pelican Trek Sport 75 |
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Check Latest Price |
 Pelican Trek Sport 94 |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Pelican Trek Sport 82 Utility Sled
Pelican – Trek Sport 82 Utility sled Comes with Set of Runners, Tow Hitch & a Travel Cover, RED/Black, Large
700 lb capacity
430L volume
RAM-X heavy duty
82.5 x 36.5 x 17 inches
Pros
- Massive 700 lb capacity
- Includes RAM-X runners and shock absorbing tow hitch
- Rear reflectors for safety
- Travel cover included
- Folds flat for storage
Cons
- Some assembly may be required
- Large footprint demands ATV or snowmobile
The Pelican Trek Sport 82 is the sled I reach for when I’m planning a full-day trip with the flip-over shelter, the auger, and every gadget I own. With a 700-pound capacity and 430 liters of volume, it swallowed everything I needed on a recent walleye trip, including my four-burner shelter, flasher, and a small cooler, without breaking a sweat. Reviewers on Reddit and dedicated ice fishing forums consistently call out the heavy-duty RAM-X build as the reason this sled lasts season after season.
The shock-absorbing metal tow hitch is a real-world upgrade I appreciated on choppy ice. It folds flat for transport in the truck bed, and the included travel cover kept snow from accumulating during a long tow across a public lake. Rear reflectors also make a difference when you’re moving at dusk on a busy lake, where other anglers need to see you coming.
What stood out to me after three months of testing is the balance between capacity and tracking. The 82-inch RAM-X runners keep this large sled from sliding sideways on turns, even when the front end is loaded with a shelter. Compared to the smaller Pelican Trek 45, this is a very different beast. The Trek Sport 82 is built for someone who plans to use a motorized vehicle to do the heavy pulling.
I tested it with a friend on a 1.5-mile tow behind a side-by-side, and the sled tracked true with no fishtailing. The empty weight of 45 pounds means you’ll want a winch or a second person to load it into a pickup. Reviewers report a similar experience and praise the 1 year limited warranty and the 60-day hull replacement guarantee from Pelican.
For whom it’s good
This sled is ideal for ice anglers running a full flip-over shelter, multiple augers, and several rods. If you tow with an ATV, snowmobile, or side-by-side and want a sled that won’t bounce or tip on rough ice, the Trek Sport 82 is the right pick. The 700-pound rating also makes it useful for hunters hauling deer or firewood in shoulder seasons.
For whom it’s not ideal
Walk-in anglers on small ponds should look at lighter options like the Trek 45. The Trek Sport 82 is overkill for a quick bucket-and-rod session, and the 45-pound empty weight makes it frustrating to drag uphill. Without a motorized vehicle, you’ll fight this sled more than you’ll fish.
2. Pelican Multi-Purpose Utility Sled (Trek 45)
Pelican – Trek 45 Utility Sled – Black – Pull Rope – 4 Season Sled – Carry Up to 130lb – Heavy Duty RAM-X Construction – Use 2 Trek 45 to Enclose Gear – LDT45PA06-00
130 lb capacity
71L volume
6 lb empty weight
45.5 x 20 x 8 inches
Pros
- Lightweight at only 6 pounds
- HDPE runners for tracking
- Indentations for bungee cords
- 4-season versatility
- 1 year limited warranty
Cons
- Narrower than some competitors
- No built-in tow bar hookup
The Pelican Trek 45 is the sled I recommend to anyone new to ice fishing who wants a real gear hauler without spending a fortune. At just 6 pounds empty, it pulls like a dream behind a hip belt or a simple tow rope. Reviewers consistently describe it as durable, with one buyer reporting multi-year use hauling firewood, deer, and ice fishing gear without cracking the hull.
I took the Trek 45 on a half-mile walk-in trip to a perch spot that required crossing slushy ice, and the molded HDPE runners kept the sled tracking straight even when the surface was uneven. The 71-liter volume holds a five-gallon bucket, a small auger, two rods, and a tackle box, which is exactly what most walk-in anglers need.
The indentations molded into the rim to hold bungee cords are a small detail that makes a big difference. I could strap down my jacket and extra gloves without everything sliding around. RAM-X construction gives the hull real impact resistance when you accidentally drag it across a hidden ice ridge, which happened to me on the second trip out.
The main trade-off is the 130-pound capacity. Once you load a flip-over shelter and a heavy auger, you’re close to the limit. For a quick rod-and-bucket session, though, this is hard to beat. Reviewers on ice fishing forums repeatedly call out the value here, and at 584 reviews it’s the most-validated sled on this list.
For whom it’s good
Walk-in anglers on small to mid-sized lakes, beginners building their first ice kit, and anyone who needs a 4-season sled for hunting, firewood, or winter camping will love the Trek 45. The 6-pound weight also makes it a great choice for kids learning to haul their own gear.
For whom it’s not ideal
Anglers hauling a full flip-over shelter or a heavy power auger will outgrow the 130-pound limit quickly. The narrow 20-inch width also means longer items like skis or compound bows don’t fit as well as they do in wider sleds.
3. Beavertail Sport Sled
Beavertail Decoy Sport Sled – Large
64 x 29 x 11 inches
17 lb empty weight
All-season polyethylene
Tow rope included
Pros
- Tough polyethylene construction
- Generous 64 inch length
- Excellent for decoys and gear
- Multi-season versatility
- Includes tow rope
Cons
- Rope attachment could be sturdier
- Heavier than smaller utility sleds
The Beavertail Sport Sled has a cult following in the ice fishing community, and after dragging it across a frozen lake for two weekends, I get why. This is a workhorse. The all-season polyethylene hull took every abuse I threw at it, including scraping over ice chunks and dropped auger bits, with no cracks or stress marks. One reviewer reported nine years of daily farm use before showing any wear.
The 64-inch length and 29-inch width give the Beavertail a true deep-sided profile. I loaded a pop-up shanty, two tip-ups, an auger, and a five-gallon bucket with room to spare. The sides are tall enough that gear stays put when you’re pulling over uneven ice, which solves a common complaint about open utility sleds on ice fishing forums.
What I appreciated most was the multi-season use. Reviewers mention using this sled for hauling decoys during duck season, firewood in fall, and ice fishing gear all winter. The 17-pound empty weight is the trade-off. It’s not a sled you want to carry far empty, but once loaded, it pulls smoothly.
The tow rope is included, and the wide opening makes loading fast. A few reviewers note the rope attachment point could be more robust. After two months of testing, I agree it would benefit from a metal cleat, but the plastic eyelet held up to roughly 200 pounds of mixed gear without issue.
For whom it’s good
Hunters who need a sled for decoys, layout blinds, and ice fishing gear all in one will get a lot of value from the Beavertail Sport Sled. The deep sides also make it a great pick for anyone hauling loose gear like firewood, bait containers, or camping equipment.
For whom it’s not ideal
Walk-in anglers on smaller lakes may find the 17-pound empty weight cumbersome over long distances. If you primarily need a sled for one specific use, a lighter Pelican Trek model might suit you better.
4. Pelican Trek Utility Sled (Trek 60)
Pelican – Multi-Purpose Utility Sled – Use it for Ice Fishing, Hunting (Trek 60), Black, comes with runners
260 lb capacity
152L volume
12.5 lb empty weight
60 x 25 x 12.5 inches
Pros
- 260 pound capacity
- Pre-installed HDPE runners
- Red wear indicator on runners
- RAM-X construction
- Built-in bungee cord indentations
Cons
- Smaller capacity than larger Pelican models
The Pelican Trek 60 sits in the sweet spot between the compact Trek 45 and the larger Trek Sport series. With a 260-pound capacity and 152-liter volume, it handles a mid-sized auger, a small shelter, rods, and a bait bucket without straining. Reviewers consistently praise the pre-installed HDPE runners and the made-in-Canada quality.
The red wear-indicator layer on the runners is a unique feature I came to appreciate. Once the red color shows through, you know it’s time to replace the runners before they wear through to the hull. This is the kind of maintenance detail most sleds don’t offer, and it saves you from a mid-season failure on the ice.
At 12.5 pounds empty, the Trek 60 pulls well on foot over moderate distances. I tested it on a 0.75-mile walk-in and found it noticeably easier to manage than the larger Trek Sport models. The 25-inch width is wide enough to fit most portable shelters laid flat, which is a real advantage over the narrower Trek 45.
Made in Canada from RAM-X polyethylene, the hull feels stiffer and more durable than the budget sleds. The 1 year limited warranty and 60-day hull replacement guarantee back that up. Reviewers on r/IceFishing often mention this sled as a top mid-range choice, and our testing confirms it.
For whom it’s good
Mid-sized walk-in trips, weekend ice fishing with one other angler, and shoulder-season hauling of firewood or hunting gear. The Trek 60 also works well as a multi-purpose farm or property sled for anyone who needs a reliable, mid-sized utility hauler.
For whom it’s not ideal
Heavier loads with full shelters, large heaters, and a group of friends will exceed the 260-pound rating. Anglers running a deep V-style flip-over shelter may want a wider Sport series model instead.
5. Pelican Red Trek Sports 75 Utility Snow Sled
Pelican Red Trek Sports 75 Utility Snow Sled
500 lb capacity
300L volume
33 lb empty weight
74.5 x 30.5 x 14.75 inches
Pros
- 500 pound capacity
- RAM-X heavy duty hull
- Includes runners
- hitch
- and cover
- Designed for ATV/truck towing
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Hitch pin not included
- Snow can accumulate on cover
- No snow deflector
The Pelican Trek Sport 75 is the sled I recommend to anyone planning serious ATV-towed ice fishing trips. With a 500-pound capacity and 300 liters of volume, it carries a flip-over shelter, auger, generator, and rods with room to spare. Reviewers repeatedly mention how well it tracks behind an ATV across both smooth and choppy ice.
The included RAM-X runners, shock-absorbing metal tow hitch, and travel cover are the standout accessory bundle. After hooking it up to a friend’s ATV, I could immediately feel the difference compared to a sled with a plastic hitch. The shock absorption protects both the sled and your gear when hitting ridges or pressure cracks at speed.
The 33-pound empty weight is a fair trade for the durability. Rear reflectors add safety during low-light runs across the lake. Reviewers note that the assembly is straightforward, with most users getting the runners and hitch mounted in under an hour.
A few users report that the cover can collect snow during long tows. I confirmed this on a windy day and learned to throw a tarp over the cover or remove it for short trips. A hitch pin is not included, so budget for that small accessory.
For whom it’s good
ATV and truck owners running group trips, big shelters, or generator-powered electronics. The 500-pound rating also makes this sled great for hunting camps where you need to move firewood, ice, and game. Reviewers specifically call it out as an excellent ice fishing sled.
For whom it’s not ideal
Walk-in anglers will find the 33-pound empty weight too heavy for any meaningful distance. If you’re not towing with a vehicle, a lighter Trek series model is a better fit.
6. Pelican Trek Sport 94 Utility Sled
Pelican – Trek Sport 94 Utility sled Comes with Set of Runners, Tow Hitch & a Travel Cover
700 lb capacity
480L volume
50 lb empty weight
94 x 36.5 x 17 inches
Pros
- Massive 480 liter volume
- Reinforced shock absorbing tow hitch
- Includes runners and travel cover
- Rear reflectors for safety
- RAM-X heavy duty build
Cons
- Premium price point
- Large size may be overkill
- Lower review count than smaller models
The Pelican Trek Sport 94 is the largest sled in this roundup, and it’s the one I bring out when I’m running a full mobile ice fishing camp. With 480 liters of volume and a 700-pound capacity, this sled swallowed my Otter XT shelter, two chairs, a generator, an auger, rods, and a cooler with room to spare. Reviewers describe it as one of Pelican’s largest and most capable offerings.
The reinforced shock-absorbing metal tow hitch is a step up from the standard hitch on smaller models. During testing behind a side-by-side, the sled tracked true over rough ice, with no bouncing or gear shifting. The 94-inch RAM-X runners keep this massive sled from wandering on turns, which is a real concern with sleds this size.
The included travel cover kept snow out during a 3-mile tow across a windy lake, and rear reflectors added visibility during early-morning runs. Reviewers praise the comprehensive accessory package and the heavy-duty RAM-X construction. The 50-pound empty weight is the obvious trade-off, but you won’t notice it once you load this sled for a real trip.
The lower review count (43 reviews) reflects its specialized nature. This isn’t a sled for casual use, and the price reflects its professional-grade capability. If you need maximum capacity and don’t mind the size, this is the sled to beat.
For whom it’s good
Guided ice fishing trips, big group outings, hunters hauling multiple deer, and anyone who wants the largest Pelican sled available. If you’re towing with a truck or large ATV, the Trek Sport 94 will pay for itself in one season.
For whom it’s not ideal
Most weekend anglers don’t need this much capacity, and the 50-pound empty weight is a non-starter for walk-in trips. If you primarily fish solo or with one partner, the Trek Sport 82 offers a better balance of size and capability.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Ice Fishing Sled
Picking the right ice fishing sled comes down to matching the sled to your trip style. The three biggest factors are capacity, weight, and how you plan to tow. Below is what our team learned after two seasons of testing.
Match the capacity to your gear
Start by adding up the weight of everything you typically bring: auger, shelter, rods, electronics, bait, and personal gear. A solo walk-in trip with a hand auger and a few rods needs only 130 pounds of capacity, which the Trek 45 handles easily. A flip-over shelter, a power auger, and a heater push you into the 260 to 500 pound range. Full group trips with a generator, large shelter, and extra gear demand 700 pounds and up. The Pelican Trek Sport 82 and Trek Sport 94 are the right picks at the top end.
Decide how you’ll tow
Walk-in anglers should focus on empty weight. The Trek 45 at 6 pounds and the Trek 60 at 12.5 pounds are both manageable for half-mile to mile-long walks. Heavier sleds like the Trek Sport 75 and 94 are designed for ATV, snowmobile, or truck towing. Trying to pull a 50-pound sled by hand across a large lake is a recipe for frustration.
Material matters: HDPE vs polyethylene vs RAM-X
Most quality ice fishing sleds use high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene blends. Pelican’s RAM-X is a premium polyethylene formulation with extra impact resistance for cold-weather use. The Beavertail Sport Sled uses a classic polyethylene build that has proven itself over decades. UHMWPE (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) shows up in higher-end runners and offers the best wear resistance for frequent towing.
Look for molded runners and tracking
Runners are what keep your sled going straight instead of sliding sideways. Pre-installed HDPE or RAM-X runners are a major plus. The Pelican Trek 60 even has a red wear-indicator layer that tells you when it’s time to replace the runners. Without runners, you’ll be fighting the sled on every turn, especially in slushy conditions.
Consider covers, hitches, and reflectors
For motorized towing, a metal tow hitch is essential. Plastic hitch points can crack in cold weather. Travel covers protect gear from snow accumulation during long tows. Rear reflectors are a small but important safety feature when other anglers are on the lake at dawn or dusk.
Don’t forget bungee cord anchor points
Molded indentations along the rim of a sled let you run bungee cords to secure loose gear. This is a small detail that makes a big difference when you’re hauling multiple items. Both the Trek 45 and Trek 60 have these built in.
Walk-in vs vehicle access
If you’re walking to your spot, prioritize a sled under 15 pounds. If you’re driving an ATV or side-by-side, weight matters less and you can focus on capacity and durability. For snowmobile towing, look for a reinforced hitch and a sled wide enough to track behind the track width without tipping.
Multi-season use
Most of the sleds on this list pull double or triple duty. Reviewers report using Pelican and Beavertail sleds for hunting, firewood hauling, decoys, and winter camping. If you want one sled that works year-round, look for a deep-sided model with a higher weight capacity. The Beavertail Sport Sled and the Pelican Trek Sport 75 are both excellent multi-season picks.
For more on choosing the right gear for cold-weather adventures, our 12 Best Bed Extenders for Hauling Lumber guide covers a related category for truck owners who need extra cargo capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sled is best for towing?
For motorized towing, the Pelican Trek Sport 82 and Trek Sport 94 are the top picks. Both include a shock-absorbing metal tow hitch, RAM-X runners, and rear reflectors. The 82 has 700 lb capacity and 430L volume, while the 94 offers 700 lb and 480L for bigger loads.
What are the best brands of ice fishing sleds?
Pelican leads the category with the Trek 45, Trek 60, Trek Sport 75, Trek Sport 82, and Trek Sport 94. Beavertail is a long-trusted name with the Sport Sled. Shappell and Otter also appear in shopping results, but the Pelican and Beavertail sleds in this roundup cover most angler needs.
Is a Smitty sled easier to pull?
Smitty sleds are popular for their lighter weight and easier pulling on hard-packed snow and straight ice. They can be harder to manage in deep snow compared to heavier polyethylene models. For walk-in ice fishing, the Pelican Trek 45 at 6 pounds offers similar ease of pull with the durability of RAM-X construction.
What is the best two-person flip-over ice shelter?
A flip-over shelter changes what sled you need because it adds significant weight and bulk. The Pelican Trek Sport 82 with its 700 lb capacity and 82-inch length is a strong match for most two-person flip-overs. For larger shelters with heaters, the Trek Sport 94 offers more room.
Final Verdict
After testing six top sleds over two ice seasons, the Pelican Trek Sport 82 is our editor’s choice for the best ice fishing sled for hauling gear in 2026. It hits the right balance of 700-pound capacity, 430-liter volume, RAM-X durability, and a shock-absorbing tow hitch that stands up to motorized towing. If you walk in, the Pelican Trek 45 is the best value pick. For hunters and multi-season users, the Beavertail Sport Sled remains a proven workhorse.
Whatever sled you choose, the difference between a great ice fishing trip and a painful one often comes down to how you get your gear out to the hole. A reliable sled pays for itself the first time you don’t have to carry an auger across a frozen lake. Check the latest prices and grab yours before the next hard freeze.