thanks for the input guys,

I'll make it this week and see how it goes, I can start pulling it on level ground before hitting the hills,

I'm looking for a train to pull my sled too; let me know if you find anything.

Archm wrote: the hip sled at the gym ? can you explain, thanks

Here is an example, might also be referred to as a leg press, exercise in the seated position.

A hip sled is more of a hack squat style machine that work the front of the quads and the abductors more than a leg press. You can replicate the muscles worked by doing front squats (on a smith machine preferred).

I just do the normal squat, i find with the leg press i can lift way more than the normal squat, so I 'm guessing its way easier.. anyone tried the bear? the deadlift, squat thrust, squat, sholder press combo ? .. makes me want to puke every time

Yeah, the leg press brings a lot of different muscles into play so the weights do rise. I stick with the fronts and leg extensions for pulling a sled. Side lunges, in front at a 45* angle also work the abductors if you really push off the back foot. Lateral step-ups also help worh them as well as the glutes.

Having just hauled a sled non-stop for 75 miles at the Tuscobia Winter Ultra last weekend, I suggest a combination of weighted backpack, tires, ankle weights, and trekking poles. This works all the muscles that you need.

Also, rig your sled like the American Alpine Institute suggests:
http://alpineinstitute.blogspot.com/200 ... gging.html

Or best deal yet...insteading of "train to pull" just pull the train.