PolyCore Sled Duffel Takes On Denali for Round Two

For 16 days, the PolyCore sled duffel made its way up Denali with the RMI Expeditions team, carrying the bulky gear that doesn't fit in a climber’s backpack. Loaded into a sled, it gets dragged up the mountain before becoming the gear garage at camp. It sits outside through storm days, holds everything that doesn't fit in the tent, and eventually gets left at 14,000 feet while the team makes its summit push.

“We had a lot of warm, wet snowstorms this year, so it was super nice to have a duffel made of waterproof fabric. Otherwise, all my things would be a frozen brick. The Eco-Shield material held up even better than I expected.”

— Leif B., RMI Guide

Why We Test in the Field

Lab testing is essential, but it only tells part of the story. The real test comes after years of hard use, in the places guides and athletes rely on their gear to perform.

In partnership with our field testers, our coatings get put through some of the harshest conditions on Earth: blizzards, freezing temps, relentless UV, weeks of heavy use. Few places validate durability like the Alaska Range.

After two seasons on the mountain, the duffel is still going strong.

“The bag is still holding up great after year two on Denali. It's super nice that it packs down so small for stashing away, and then expands enough to fit all our extra gear.”

— Nikki, RMI Guide

Long story short: Eco-Shield keeps the gear dry, and the duffel keeps coming back for more.

Here's to round three.