CRAFTED FOR EXTREMES, TRUSTED IN THE POLAR WORLD
Engineering Endurance for the World’s Harshest Frontiers with Ratcliffe Ellis
Where decades of polar craftsmanship meet modern precision for dependable expedition gear. Built for real-world use in Antarctica, Svalbard and every cold-weather challenge in between.Trusted by explorers who need equipment that simply works when the conditions don’t.
Our Products – Nansen Sled
The wooden Nansen sled is of traditional design and well proven during decades of polar travel. It is an outstanding, cost-effective load transporter for towing behind vehicles in both Antarctica and the high Arctic. The design payload for the longest, 4m (13ft) is around 1100 lbs (500 Kgs).
Strong ash and beech wood construction.
Components are lashed together, allowing real flexibility.
Runner soles are 6 mm ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.
All wood parts are liberally treated with linseed oil.
Component replacement is simple, low cost and field maintainable.
Features
Time-tested Norwegian design meets modern materials. These sleds have hauled expeditions across Antarctica for over a century.
Strong ash and beech wood construction.
Components are lashed together, allowing real flexibility.
Runner soles are 6 mm ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.
All wood parts are liberally treated with linseed oil.
Component replacement is simple, low cost and field maintainable.
Optional Extras and spares
Tailor your setup for the journey ahead. From handlebars to custom tow configurations, we’ll build it to your specifications.
Handlebars
Foot brake
A-frame for towing (when rope is not being used)
Tow rope (to customer requirements)
Specifications
| Number of Bridges | NT3 | NT4 | NT5 |
| Overall length | 9 ft 6 ins (2.9 m) | 11 ft 6 ins (3.41 m) | 13 ft (4 m) |
| Overall width | 2 ft (600 mm) | 2 ft (600 mm) | 2 ft (600 mm) |
| Maximum height | 1 ft 2 ins (350 mm) | 1 ft 2 ins (350 mm) | 1 ft 2 ins (350 mm) |
| Average unladen height | 70 lbs (32 Kg) | 84 lbs (38 Kg) | 100 lbs (45 Kg) |
| Maximum design loading | 880 lbs (400 Kg) | 990 lbs (450 Kg) | 1100 lbs (500 Kg) |
Our Products – Scott Pyramid Tents
The Snowsled Scott Polar Pyramid is an extremely stable tent. It is a highly specified double skin tent of traditional design, renowned for its outstanding ability to withstand the worst of polar weather. It is easy to pitch, even in high winds, and comfortable for extended living when travel is not possible. These tents are usually transported in the field situation on a Nansen sled and can be freighted in small aircraft such as the Twin Otter.
We have 15+ years of experience building this class of extreme-weather pyramid tent.
Extremely stable, featuring a double-skin, traditional design that is easy to pitch, even in high winds.
Features
Outer tent – tough, proofed, fire resistant polyester fabric.
Inner (frost lining) – gives wide separation and insulation between the outer tent.
Inner and outer sleeve entrance.
Two ventilation cowls (more if requested)
Double sewn reinforced lap seams.
Snow valance and lower wall protection in heavy proofed Nylon
Separate heavy duty Nylon fabric/butyl rubber sandwich groundsheet
Snow valance and lower wall protection in heavy proofed Nylon
Storage pockets along three walls
Hanging lines under apex, hanging loop at apex
8 guys (2 each side) + 8 guy loops around outer edge of the snow valance
Supplied in heavy duty compression bag with 16 tubular snow stakes in their own bag
The 4 poles are each in a single length, and normally supplied 30 cms (12″) overlength for burying in snow—cut to length otherwise
Specifications
| PP23 | PP28 | |
| Internal floor size | 2.3 m² (7 ft 7 ins) | 2.8 m² (9ft 2 ins) |
| External overall valence | 3.4 m² (11 ft 2 ins) | 3.9 m² (12 ft 10 ins) |
| Internal height apex | 2.2 m (7 ft 2 ins) | 2.2 m (7 ft 2 ins) |
| Weight complete in bag | 30 Kg (66 lbs) | 34.5 Kg (73.7 lbs) |
| Standard packed length | 2.0 m (9 ft 10 ins) | 3.4 m (11 ft 2 ins) |
Our Services
Bespoke Polar Sled Manufacturing
Crafted with precision, our bespoke polar sleds are built for extreme conditions. Designed for durability and performance, each sled meets your expedition’s exact needs.
Custom Pulks & Hauling Systems
Our custom pulks and hauling systems are built for smooth transport in polar conditions, designed for efficiency, durability, and reliable performance on every expedition.
Polar Tents & Field Shelter Fabrication
Our polar tents and shelters are custom-built to withstand extreme cold, wind, and snow, providing secure, reliable protection for your expedition in any polar environment.
Polar Expedition Gear Repair & Restoration
We repair and restore polar expedition gear to peak condition, extending the life of your essential equipment and ensuring reliable performance in extreme environments.
Consultation for Cold-Weather Expeditions
Expert guidance for your cold-weather expeditions. We provide tailored advice on gear, logistics, and survival strategies to ensure safe and successful journeys.
Small-Batch Production
We offer small-batch manufacturing for specialist polar expeditions, crafting tailored equipment with precision, durability, and expedition-ready performance.
RATCLIFFE ELLIS – Polar EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER
specailist manufacturer of Polar Equipment. Based near Crickhowell in South Wales
Contact us
Discuss Your Project
No mass production. No shortcuts.
Just equipment that survives where failure isn’t an option.