Tug Line Toggles

A high-tech version of the traditional approach of hooking tug lines to harnesses, toggles (sometimes called "Eskimo Hooks") provide an alternative to brass snaps. Based on traditional Inuit design, the toggles are made from high quality, weather-resistant plastic.

Our new toggles are shown on the left.  The image on the right shows them attached to tug lines.


To use, fid the toggle into your tug line with the tug line on the concave side on the toggle. The toggle then simply slides into the harness tail loop.   Hold the tug line parallel to the toggle. Pass the toggle and line entirely through the harness loop, then pull back so the toggle is perpendicular to the loop. The harness tail loop wraps around the tug line and over the toggle and is held in place by the toggle as shown in the video. Iditarod Veteran Karen Ramstead has successfully used this style of toggle for several years.

We recommend a short "harness extender" -- about a 12"-16" (30 - 40 cm) tug segment with simple loops on each end, attached to your harness (and then shorten your tugs by the
corresponding amount). You make the loop on the harness or harness extender small enough just to accommodate the toggle, about 1 1/2" to 2" (40mm - 50mm) inside diameter.  With the harness extender you don't need to modify your harness loops to make them smaller. Using the extender also reduces the chance of getting excrement on the toggle.

Toggle Benefits
  • Won't jam with sand, dirt, mud or excrement
  • Won't freeze
  • Easy to work with gloved hands
  • Light weight, strong and reliable
  • Will not splinter, rot or delaminate
  • Will not absorb moisture
  • Rounded edges and corners to minimize wear on tugs
  • Tough and durable
Specifications*

   Physical Characteristics

  • Designed for 1/4" or 8mm hollow core braided poly tug lines
  • It will be a tight fit to get the tug line through the hole
  • Length: 4" (100 mm)
  • Width: 3/4" (19 mm)
  • Thickness: 3/8" (9.5 mm)
  • Hole Diameter: 9/32" (7.25 mm)
  • Weight: 0.5 oz (14 g)

   Material

  • UV-Stabilized, Marine-grade black HDPE
  • Textured matte surface
  • US FDA and USDA food contact safe plastic
  • RoHS complaint -- no hazardous materials
  • Should not be ingested

* All sizes are approximate -- each toggle is hand made and there are small variances between individual toggles.

Pricing, Shipping and Payment

Currently out of stock.  Please contact Alpine Outfitters to order.

A Bit of History

In Inuktitut, there are different words for the toggles if they are attached to the harness or the tug line.

  • ᓴᓐᓂᕈᔭᖅ -- represented using English as "sanniruujaq" translates as "slanted button on dog", "cross bar" or "harness clasp."
  • ᓴᓐᓂᕈᐊᖅ -- represented using English as "sanniruaq" translates as "slanted button on sled", "cross bar" or "harness clasp."
Traditional toggles are made from caribou antler or ivory tusk which is stronger.

Related terms include:
  • ᐊᓄ -- represented using English as "anu" translates as "dog harness."
  • ᖃᒧᑏᑦ -- represented using English as "qamutiik" translates as "sled."
  • ᐃᐱᐅᑕᖁᑦ -- represented in English as "ipiutaqut" translated as "dog harness rope" or "trace" i.e., gangline.  Lines are typically configured into a fan hitch.
2017-10-10