Yahoo News 8 best sledges and toboggans
Toboggans hark back to the early 1800s, where in northern Canada the simple sled was used to carry people and goods. Initially, they were little more than a couple of boards with a bend at the front – something we still see today. Then in the late 1800s, they realised there was fun to be had from their sleds, and tobogganing down slopes became as we know it today.
The traditional toboggan is still made of wood, complete with runners, seat and a thin rope for stability and rudimentary steering. Modern versions are made from plastic or aluminium, and range from just a few pounds right through to hundreds.
95cm Horned Fabric Toboggan: £79.99, Sledges
A design classic, akin to something you might see in a Christmas movie, this is guaranteed fun for everyone. Handcrafted from beech wood using traditional methods, it’s great for kids as well as adults, plus it’s equipped with metal runners so you’ll be getting some good speed up, too. In the off season, hang on your garage wall with pride – this is also a great-looking toboggan.
EDA Plastiques Luges Pelles: £9.99, Cotswold Outdoor
One step removed from sliding down the slope on your bum, this has to be the simplest of all sledges. Not only that, but it’s super-cheap, lightweight, compact, has no weight limit and will bring hours of fun all in the knowledge that there’s no mechanical parts to go wrong should you take a tumble. Probably best suited to kids, it’ll also double up for those adults who haven’t quite grown up yet, too.
Wed’ze MRZ 100 2-person Sledge With Brake: £29.99, Decathlon
Capable of carrying two, this will surely provide more than double the amount of fun as you speed down the slope in tandem. With reinforced brakes and steering levers, and a rope with handle on the front to pull passengers along too, this easy-sliding sled is solidly built to last (carrying up to 100kg), yet is light and easily stowed.
Boyz Toyz Snow Scooter: £13.99, Go Outdoors
You’re getting a lot for your buck here, and this snow scooter is a very playful option for kids who want to be a bit crazier and expressive on the slopes. One foot can rest on the grippy rear section of the skate, or can hover off the side in the snow for braking and stability. The upright handle section folds flat which makes it handy to carry and stow away.
The ‘Davos’ Toboggan: £258, Manufactum
The ultimate sledge design classic. If you like the ultimate gear and have slightly deeper pockets, this investment is second to none and will no doubt become a much-cherished family heirloom. Traditional techniques bend the ash wood to give the trademark swoop at the front, and with metal runners it’ll fly, too. It’s just over a metre long and can take a weight of 200kg – room enough for the whole family.
Stiga Kids’ Foldable Snow Kick Scooter: £29.99, Decathlon
The micro-scooter of the toboggan world, this standing option with two runners – the front of which is steerable with the handlebars – is one of the few options which will allow you to really express yourself on the slope. The upright handle is height adjustable and also folds flat, so it’s easily packed or stowed. Affordable and a lot of fun, you can be sure the kids will love this.
Mad Dash Sword Fish Sledge: £6.49, Go Outdoors
The most affordable on this list, you really can’t go wrong with this. A simple plastic moulded design, it has a seat area at the back and place to rest your feet in front – then hang onto the rope to keep your balance and you’ll be slipping and sliding down the slope with a big grin.
David Blue Baby Bobee Bob Snow Sledge: £19.99, Decathlon
Designed for under three-year-olds, if you want to give your toddler a taste of sledging on gentler slopes, this is a great option. Fitted with a safety harness, they’re strapped securely in and with a leash (stowable in a compartment) you can safely control direction and speed of descent.
The Verdict: Best sledges and toboggans
If money is no object, and you want to invest in the best gear which will become a treasured family heirloom, the “Davos Toboggan is, without doubt, the best choice.
If you’re looking for an affordable option for slightly older kids who like doing tricks, the Stiga Kick Scooter is perfect, and the Wed’ze MRZ 100 is a great and affordable option for two people.
However, all-round Horned Fabric Toboggan is a joy – classic and timeless in design, made of natural and sustainable materials, built to last and providing mountains of smiles, this is our top pick.
