Outdoors Winter Sports We Researched the Best Sleds—Here Are Our Favorites for Kids and Adults Slide into winter snow play with these top picks By Jordi Lippe-McGraw Jordi Lippe-McGraw Instagram Boston University Jordi is a freelance contributor to TripSavvy. Her personal passions gravitate toward wellness and adventure, leading her to frequently plan trips that blend zen relaxation with urban and rugged exploration. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 10/20/21 Share Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Sledding is a classic winter activity that’s fun for just about everyone. So, if you’re going to be in a snowy destination this season, you’ll want to make sure you’re armed with a good one. Luckily, there are plenty to choose from, ranging from classic toboggans to discs and tubes that will suit everyone from toddlers to adults. Which is the best for your chilly thrills? We’ve done all the research to find the top options for your winter rides. The 50 Best Cyber Monday Deals on Travel Products Here are the best sleds. The Rundown Best Overall: L.L.Bean Sonic Snow Tube at L.L.Bean Jump to Review Best Budget: Best Choice Products Kid's Toboggan Snow Sled at Amazon Jump to Review Best Inflatable: GoFloats Winter Snow Tube at Amazon Jump to Review Best Saucer: L.L. Bean Sonic Snow Saucer DLX at L.L.Bean Jump to Review Best Toboggan: L.L.Bean Toboggan and Cushion Set at L.L.Bean Jump to Review Best Plastic: Slippery Racer Downhill Xtreme Toboggan at Amazon Jump to Review Best Wooden: Flexible Flyer Metal Runner Sled at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Kids: Gizmo Riders Stratos Snow Bobsled at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Toddlers: L.L.Bean Kids' Pull Sled at L.L.Bean Jump to Review Best for Adults: Yukon Hammerhead Pro HD Steerable Snow Sled at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall: L.L.Bean Sonic Snow Tube Courtesy of L.L.Bean View On L.L.Bean What We Like Durability Fast ride Protects against ice What We Don't Like Not easy to store This snow tube produces fast rides, slides far, and has a smooth feel. Sturdy handles on the sides give riders a good grip, which is important when they catch air going down bumpy slopes. The colorful, puncture-proof outer shell keeps the tube from snagging and popping in transit or when riders encounter debris while zipping down hills. A hard-shell, polyethylene base is made to coast on snow, so it sails far and fast. That base also protects the rider from hard rides on icy hills. The tube is available in two sizes: The regular size is recommended for smaller children riding on their own; for older riders, opt for the extra-large size. Weight Capacity: Doesn’t stipulate, but suggests the regular for children 5+ and the XL for adults | Material: Polyester, heavy-duty butyl rubber, semi-rigid polyethylene, and nylon webbing | Dimensions: 34-40-inch outside diameter Best Budget: Best Choice Products Plastic Toboggan Snow Sled with Pull Rope Courtesy of Best Choice Products View On Amazon View On Bestchoiceproducts.com What We Like Price point Easy to pull Allows tandem sledding What We Don't Like Not very durable This simple, spacious sled offers a traditional design at an affordable price. The long shell bed permits teenagers or multiple younger children to hop aboard. Curved sidewalls keep kids onboard as they slide. At the end of the day, this is a standard, plastic toboggan. But sometimes, simple is best—especially on a budget. Weight Capacity: 275 pounds | Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 48 x 18 x 5.5 inches Best Inflatable: GoFloats Winter Snow Tube Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart What We Like Fun design Easy to inflate and deflate Extra-high center seat What We Don't Like Complaints about tearing This mega-sized, 45-inch-diameter snow tube can hold up to 500 pounds, making it perfect for family adventures. And with fast inflation and deflation in this model, riders will be on and off the sledding hill quickly. A double-locking valve keeps the seal airtight throughout a day of riding. The tube is made of thick, impact-resistant PVC, so it can handle bumps and abrasions on the slopes. The included carrying bag makes this snow tube a top choice for road trips. Weight Capacity: Up to 500 pounds | Material: Raft-grade vinyl | Dimensions: 45-inch diameter Best Saucer: L.L. Bean Sonic Snow Saucer DLX Courtesy of L.L.Bean View On L.L.Bean What We Like Lightweight Crackproof Color options What We Don't Like Not the easiest to handle This saucer-style runner offers a light and fast option at only 3 pounds 8 ounces. It’s made with the same durable polyethylene base as L.L. Bean’s Sonic Snow Tube, which delivers a crack-proof disk that’s made to last. The saucer style tends to spin more than other sleds or tubes, so be sure to hold on tight to the built-in grips. It’s available in five different color combinations, with a solid exterior shell and interior patterned foam. Weight Capacity: Not stipulated, but states it’s good for ages 4 and up | Material: Fast polyethylene base and nonslip foam interior | Dimensions: 34 x 28 inches The 9 Best Winter Hats of 2022 Best Toboggan: L.L.Bean Toboggan and Cushion Set Courtesy of LL Bean View On L.L.Bean What We Like Classic design Sturdy What We Don't Like Heavy Requires maintenance With a hint of nostalgia, this wooden toboggan is a classic. Strong, steam-bent northern hardwood lends this toboggan a sturdy feel on the sledding hill, and a non-slip polyester cushion adds a little comfort to the ride. The toboggan is also aesthetically beautiful. It shows off the craftsmanship of Bauman Sawmill, from which L.L. Bean commissions its wooden sleds. This is an heirloom piece as much as a piece of winter snow sports equipment. Also available in an extra-long version. Weight Capacity: Not stipulated, but states it’s good for ages 4 and up | Material: Steambent northern hardwood; Cushion: nonslip woven polyester shell filled with 1.5 inches insulating polyurethane foam | Dimensions: 72 x 15.75 inches Best Plastic: Slippery Racer Downhill Xtreme Toboggan Snow Sled Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Super fast Pull rope Can hold two people What We Don't Like Prone to cracks This sled’s durable, slick-coated plastic is built for speed. The toboggan-style shell is coated with an IceVex cold-resistant treatment, so this sled delivers adrenaline-inducing rides even in the coldest temperatures. It’s built big enough to accommodate two children or a parent and child. Side handles keep riders steady as they zip along, and a pull rope makes it easy to tote this sled back up for another ride. Weight Capacity: Not stipulated but adults 180 pounds used it with no problem | Material: Heavy-duty, slick-coated plastic | Dimensions: 48 x 18 x 5.5 inches The 11 Best Cold-Weather Boots of 2022 Best Wooden: Flexible Flyer Metal Runner Sled Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon What We Like Speedy Vintage design Maximum control What We Don't Like A bit bulky for transport With its old-fashioned wood and steel construction, this runner sled is straight out of a holiday movie. The hearty slider measures 48 x 20 inches and carries up to 250 pounds, so it’s fitting for multiple smaller children or a parent and child. Its durable, powder-coated steel runners (in Christmas red) are fast without weighing riders down. Weighing in at only 12 pounds, it’s still light enough that children can tow it back up a hill. A steering bar at the front adds to the sled’s maneuverability, and it can be ridden laying down or sitting up. Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Material: Birch wood with powder-coated steel runners | Dimensions: 48 x 20 x 6. 5 inches Best for Kids: Gizmo Riders Stratos Snow Bobsled Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart What We Like Retractable rope Racing-style steering What We Don't Like Instructions not great Kids (and parents) will love this snow bobsled. It was created for youngsters to have superior handling thanks to the easy-to-use steering wheel, so kids can still zip down the hill while the adults watching them can have peace of mind knowing it’s easily controlled. For added safety, there’s a spring-loaded brake that can be activated by just pulling the brake handle. Bonus: it comes with a retractable tow rope to easily pull the sled up the hill and an anti-slip plastic seat to keep riders in place. Weight Capacity: 260 pounds | Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 39 x 22 x 10 inches The 8 Best Mittens of 2022 Best for Toddlers: L.L.Bean Kids' Pull Sled and Cushion Set Courtesy of LL Bean View On L.L.Bean What We Like Safety walls Heirloom quality Perfect size for little ones What We Don't Like Kids will grow out of it This luxury wood toddler sled is durable enough to become a hand-me-down to future kids—or even the next generation. Metal bars under the wooden runners offer an easy glide on the slopes, while the wagon-like construction keeps toddlers from tipping out. A tow rope for parents to use allows toddlers to have all the wintery delights big kids do, but at a pace more appropriate for their age. Weight Capacity: Not stipulated | Material: Wood and water-repellent nylon | Dimensions: 31 x 14.5 x 13 inches or 39.25 x 17.5 x 13 inches Best for Adults: Yukon Hammerhead Pro HD Steerable Snow Sled Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Dick's What We Like Smooth ride Easy to carry Supreme maneuverability What We Don't Like Price point Adults are kids at heart. Whether they live in the snowiest major cities in the world or are off on a winter getaway, sometimes the mood strikes for sledding. The Yukon Hammerhead Pro is the sports car of sleds—sleek, fast, and a thrill to drive. Patented “g-steering” provides top-of-the-line maneuverability and accurate control as they speed downhill. The sled’s mesh body absorbs shocks and bumps, which not only creates a smoother ride but also protects adults from feeling sore after a day of snow play. Weight Capacity: 230 pounds | Material: Carbon and aluminum | Dimensions: 51 x 22.5 inches Final Verdict If you’re looking for something fast, the Yukon Hammerhead Pro HD (view at Amazon) is perfect for those snowy thrill rides, but it will come with a high price tag. Is nostalgia something you’re going for? Then opt for the L.L Bean Toboggan and Cushion Set (view at L.L. Bean). The L.L. Bean Sonic Snow Tube (view at L.L. Bean) is the way to go for a reliably comfortable seat. What to Look for in a Sled Weight Capacity Who will be riding the sled? If this is strictly for child play, then pretty much all sleds will be able to handle the weight. But if you want to go in tandem with a little one or on your own, a sled with a weight capacity of at least 200 pounds is likely your best bet. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s stipulations if you think it will get some heavy use. Material Sleds range from rubber tubes to plastic planks and wooden toboggans. Plastic is prone to breaking and cracking after a lot of use or a rough ride but will be lightweight. Wooden sleds will hold up in terms of durability but might be heavier to pull back up the hill. Rubber or plastic tubes could also tear, but will also be light and provide a smooth ride. So, think about what type of conditions in which you’ll be sliding. Price range Inexpensive sleds are easy to come by, but they might not even last you a season depending on the quality of construction. If longevity isn’t a concern, then certainly save the money. But if you’re looking for a classic wooden sled to pass down from generation to generation, expect to pay a pretty penny. Of course, there are plenty of sleds that sit between the two extremes. Those might be the way to go if you want something more durable, but not a family heirloom. Why Trust TripSavvy Author Jordi Lippe-McGraw has researched and written about travel and lifestyle products for nearly a decade. When making this list, she researched dozens of products, looking at key specs like material and dimensions and the number of positive and negative reviews. The 10 Best Winter Jackets of 2022 Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 10 below. Continue to 9 of 10 below.